Nike set to print 3D shoes, receives patent

A major technological innovation in recent times is the 3D print technology. It is the process of making three dimensional solid objects from a digital file.  Many IT companies like Microsoft and Google have enabled their hardware to perform 3d scanning, for example, Microsoft’s Kinect. The technology has also revolutionised medical industry, automotive industry and many others.

Coming to industrial printing, Nike uses 3D printers to create multi-colored prototypes of shoes. Instead of waiting around for weeks on a prototype, now changes can be made instantly on the computer and the prototype reprinted on the same day.

Going a step further, Nike COO Eric Sprunk spoke about the possibility of making your own shoes at home at the GeekWire Summit, GeekWire reported.

“Yes, there could be a day where that happens,” said Sprunk with a laugh after being asked the question by GeekWire co-founder Todd Bishop. “Do I envision a future where we might still own the file from an IP perspective — you can’t just have anyone making a Nike product — and have it manufactured in your own home or we do it for you at our store?” Sprunk said. “Yeah, that’s not that far away.”

He described how Nike’s process of testing and making shoes has evolved, particularly in the past couple of years. He explained Nike’s Flyknit technology which uses innovative manufacturing and engineering methods to reduce waste during production and expedite the entire process. He added that the design innovation of Flyknit allows Nike to make shoes on a knit machine.

“This is a file we send on a computer,” he said of the Flyknit shoes. “It goes to the knit machine, and the operator puts the file into the machine and out comes a shoe.”

Sprunk added that it “won’t be many more years where all footwear is connected,” with each product having its own chip that will help Nike become closer to its customer.

“It’s not just footwear — it’s apparel as well,” he said. “It’s a fairly easy future to imagine.”

The Inverse reported that Nike has patented the 3D Shoe printing technology. It says that the patent application, that describes the process behind the mechanization and technology used to print an actual shoe, is assigned to Nike Inc. and was apparently filed in September of 2012.

Adidas last week unveiled its latest technology, Futurecraft 3D - a 3D-printed running-shoe midsole that can be customized to fit the cushioning needs of an individual’s foot. With this technology Adidas aims to take running shoes to the next level, offering individualized cushioning and support for every runner’s unique needs.