Prompt: Identify a 2-3 examples of products that make use of 3D printing in the process of creating the product. Look closely at the product and the specific production processes involved. Discuss the following in your post.
3D Printed Car Tire
- How is 3D printing used?
- 3d printing is for sure used to make the tread pattern, and this prototype, however, it is unclear whether that process would be used to manufacture the tire body during mass manufacturing.
- Would the product design be possible without 3D printing?
- Probably not. Due to the complex nature of the shape, it would be near impossible to cast this while maintaining the rigidity and strength that make it work as a tire.
- What makes the product unique?
- Unlike normal tires, this one is airless and puncture-proof meaning that would never go flat, which could ultimately help reduce rubber waste as a result of unrepairable tires. Additionally, the tire tread can be reprinted using 3d printing, substantially prolonging the lifecycle of the tire.
- What materials are used in the product?
- Unclear, the press release is intentionally vague but makes mention of an environmentally friendly composite that works with an additive process.
- If you were to replicate the design, what do you think the workflow looks like from design to prototype?
- Start with existing tire specs
- Parameterize the support pattern and begin testing for necessary characteristics in a CAD modelings software.
- Tweak until desired results are achieved
- Repeat process with tread pattern
- Print!
- Is the product parametric in any way? If not, could it be and how
- Not in its final state, however, I assume they some sort of parametric system to find the best blend of strength material and cost in the design process.
Adidas 3D printed shoe
- How is 3D printing used?
- 3d printing used is used to make the entire midsole.
- Would the product design be possible without 3D printing?
- Yes. Shoes do not rely on 3d printing. However, I think it would be near impossible to achieve the same properties and form factor as this shoe through existing manufacturing processes.
- What makes the product unique?
- I believe it is the first mass-produced 3d printed shoe in the world.
- What materials are used in the product?
- Sole is made of polymer liquid resin, the upper is a combination of natural and manufactured materials (cotton, polyester, nylon, etc.
- If you were to replicate the design, what do you think the workflow looks like from design to prototype?
- Analyze runners and athletes to understand foot patterns and do a market assessment existing shoes
- 3d Model a parametric lattice pattern, and begin testing iterations against criteria from user testing/interviews
- Once settled on, make a working prototype, and have athletes test them.
- Finalize design colorways, and finishes, and scale to mass process.
- Is the product parametric in any way? If not, could it be and how?
- The lattice pattern was probably designed parametrically allowing them to test numerous iterations in a CAD environment, before moving onto physical prototypes.
More info on the process here.
