Nike Files 3D Printing Patent For Footwear

Nike has filed a patent for a new 3D printing process for footwear from the United States Patent and Trademark Office.

This innovative approach involves 3D printing digital designs directly onto fabric to form the shoe’s upper, with the sole printed onto this top section, bypassing traditional construction methods.

This method enhances material customization, allowing for improvements in strength, flexibility, and sustainability by reducing the use of heavy adhesives and excess materials. The patent, listed as US-12226973-B2, was originally filed in December 2023.

This approach is significant as it has the potential to reduce material waste and embraces Nike’s ongoing commitment to advancing additive manufacturing in footwear, following a decade of similar innovations.

The patent could be applied across various sports and casual footwear, and even extended to other apparel such as clothing and sports equipment.

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