ATHOS climbing shoes are the perfect fit thanks to HP Multi Jet Fusion technology

Posted By Lucie Gaget on Oct 3, 2022 | 0 comments

Among all the diverse applications of additive manufacturing, footwear, and more specifically, sports footwear, has significant advantages. The Spanish start-up ATHOS understood the potential of 3D printing and how HP Multi Jet Fusion 3D printing technology could help them solve new challenges.

HP continues to offer solutions to various challenges using its HP Multi Jet Fusion 3D printing technology.

Challenges of manufacturing climbing shoes

ATHOS identified a significant problem in climbing footwear: To find the proper support, you need to buy shoes two or three sizes smaller. 

That’s why they looked for an innovative solution to create a customized and sustainable high-performance climbing shoe. Feet come in all shapes and forms; ATHOS’ climbing shoes are made using a scan of the user’s feet, followed by 3D printing, post-processing, and assembly of parts to end up with the final result, a perfectly adapted and efficient climbing shoe.

Thanks to its philosophy of combining customization, innovation, and consumer health, ATHOS has reached the national finals for the prestigious James Dyson Award as the first 3D-printed custom climbing shoe.

HP is the perfect fit for Athos ambitious climbing shoes.

HP 3D technology has enabled ATHOS to combine technology and innovation to put the climber at the center of the entire design and production process.

“We are seeing how 3D printing technology is changing the sports footwear industry, including shortening production times, and developing innovative and sustainable ideas“, said Wayne Davey, Global Head of 3D Printing Solutions Go-to-Market, HP Personalization; 3D Printing, HP Inc. “ATHOS is a clear example of companies are adopting HP’s innovative 3D technology solutions to change an entire market and address consumer needs.”

Additive manufacturing, specifically HP Multi Jet Fusion technology, is the perfect manufacturing technique to create a shoe that fits the feet and needs of each climber. These game-changing shoes are printed using Ultrasint® TPU01, a durable, strong, and flexible 3D printing material.

“It was very important for us to implement additive manufacturing in an innovative way, which is why HP Multi Jet Fusion 3D printing technology is the perfect choice for creating more customizable and sustainable products. The benefits of customization and on-demand production help us to deploy a more environmentally responsible consumer and manufacturing model,” said Emili S. Taixés and Romina Milesi, Co-Founders and Managing Partners of ATHOS.

Sculpteo, part of HP’s Digital Manufacturing Network

Sculpteo is part of HP’s Digital Manufacturing Network, allowing ATHOS to create flexible, customizable, and sustainable end-products as a reliable HP partner equipped with HP’s Multi Jet Fusion technology.

Sculpteo has the largest fleet of HP Multi Jet Fusion machines in France (12 3D printers). Being part of this DMN certifies the quality of our 3D printed parts and services using HP’s technology, making it possible to produce high-performance parts, personalized products, and serialized 3D production. 

We offer different materials using HP’s Multi Jet Fusion Technology:

• PA12: A great versatile material and an effective alternative to plastic injection molding, PA 12 is perfect for product development, rapid prototyping, and end-use production. 
• PA11: A more sustainable option for your production, PA11 is based on 100% renewable biomass sources and offers high flexibility and impact strength. 
• PP: An industrial-grade polypropylene with good mechanical properties for the most demanding industries.
• Ultrasint® TPU01: Durable, strong, and flexible this TPU is ideally suited to your project if you need shock absorption, high elasticity, and energy return. 

Are you looking for a manufacturing technique to bring your company to the next level? 

Start using Sculpteo’s online 3D printing service to manufacture your next project.