How 3D printing to order is changing manufacturing

By Drew Turney

The 3D revolution has been in full swing for a while now, but to date a lot of the focus has been onthose little 3D printed desk toys and 3D printed body parts.

But another trend that’s only now taking off is the industry of one-off custom products tailor made for your specific needs.

So far most of the talk has been about products the economics of mass production and warehousing don’t suit – out-of-circulation spare parts for your ancient kitchen blender, for example.

That’s what two guys graduating from Philadelphia University thought when one of them had problems finding shoes that fit. Why not 3D print shoes, made to measure for individual feet?

A new Footprint

Footprint’s founders Matthew Flail and Tim Ganter knew they were onto something when professors at their school offered to invest. The major shoe brands have all investigated similar territory over the last year and Flail recalls being told that if they didn’t do it, someone else would.

So far the company has been busy working out 3D printed structures that both work and look good, but Flail says the ultimate aim is to streamline every aspect of shoe production, reduce the amount of steps and parts and be …read more

Source:: techradar.com – Computing Components