Does Mass Customization Has the Possibility to Kill Mass Production?

Engineering Blog, New Technologies, Mass Production,

Does Mass Customization Has the Possibility to Kill Mass Production?

There are several technologies existing today that makes the mass production very possible. One of which is the new HP’s MultiJet Fusion printers. These printers are primarily made to build and create custom insoles. Now in line with this launch, the superfeet has already announced its first shoe brand tie up and partnership together with Brooks. This can be a signal of a very valid and true beginning of mass customization for companies.

Together with Superfeet’s FitStation powered by power printer made by HP, the brand will release a performance running shoe to the market that is primarily based on an individuals foot scan in 3D.

“The ability to give an individual a personalized shoe based on his or her unique biomechanics is a game changer. It is a compelling offering for the runner who is interested in tip-of-the-spear technology and a totally tuned experience,” said Brooks CEO Jim Weber.

He said that his company has been pursuing this type of technology because the customization of shoes can offer a very advantageous edge in the shoe market.

The scanning system hardware and software can effectively combine the 3D foot scanning together with its very different and dynamic gait analysis and foot pressure measurements. This aim to identify the unique motion path of the runner’s individual body.

Additive Manufacturing or Injection Molding?

Does this mean that it has additive manufacturing? Or is it made from injection molding?

At least it is the DESMA polyurethane injection-molding machine for this brand,

To further illustrate, this type of system uses the 3D foot scans to identify the proper lasts which the shoes are being built around. This is to make sure that each shoe is being tailor fitted according to the specific shape of the runner’s foot. Then, by using a very good combination of the variable PU injection which ahs the direct attach capabilities – the foot pressure being measured together with the movement analysis of the athlete’s or individuals’ runner joints are being successfully combined with their personal preferences. This crates the perfect personalized midsole requirements that has multiple tuned zones.

Phupha Kangkhla