
The concept is the polar opposite of mass personalisation. With Futurecraft 4D Adidas is not seeking to personalise the look with the result of having lots of products that are different from each other. We are therefore quite far removed from the conceptual logic of a project like mi adidas, which also saw the German brand play a pioneering role in this type of initiative. It should be pointed out that Adidas Futurecraft 4D is actually born from different premises that are not strictly connected with the aesthetic personalisation of the product. A real trump card for manufacturing companies who will finally be able to realise the dream of mass customisation, a pipe dream for the last 30 years. One of the most interesting potential abilities of 3D printing is without doubt the possibility of being able to produce personalised products in variable quantities according to the on-demand requirements of consumers. The aim of the Adidas Speedfactory is to create a sole in just 20 minutes, a goal it expects to achieve by the end of 2017. The Carbon production process for the Adidas Futurecraft 4D production line is currently being fine-tuned. It is therefore a material that is able to fully guarantee the requisites of an industrial product. According to the news coming out of Adidas, in tests the proprietary resin used in the DLS (Digital Light Synthesis) process guaranteed exceptional durability as well as perfect elastomeric characteristics. An aspect that sets it apart from many similar technologies, able to guarantee high levels of quality with a much slower process, perfect for prototyping but at the same time unsuitable for mass production.ģ – Characteristics of the materials, compatible with production because of their mechanical resistance and the colour alternatives available. The revolutionary CLIP (Continuous Liquid Interface Production) technology of Carbon’s 3D printers has three key qualities:ġ – Print definition, resulting from the high resolution and precision of the photolithography process (DLP) of the proprietary liquid resin, which requires just a few quick actions to eliminate imperfections from parts using Carbon Smart Part Washer technology.Ģ – Print speed, a factor that makes Carbon technology more ready than any other for the production of large volumes of products. What makes it so interesting to well-off investors? “CRAFTED WITH LIGHT AND OXYGEN”: THE CARBON TECHNOLOGYĪdidas Futurecraft 4D’s eye-catching claim is based on the innovative technology of Carbon 3D, a start-up launched just two years ago that has already secured over $100 million in funding thanks to the contributions of ventures of the calibre of Google and General Electric. Today Speedfactory is one of the most inspired examples of Industry 4.0 in product manufacturing.
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To develop the Futurecraft 4D project, Adidas opened the Adidas Speedfactory, an experimental production centre in Germany equipped with a series of 3D printers produced by US company Carbon.
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As well as being geniuses of communication, Adidas also know how to make quality footwear. Today we are faced with the third evolution of the species, made possible by the introduction of 3D printing throughout the entire product development and production cycle.

A project that Adidas developed in parallel with its traditional performance ranges and whose first commercial result was an extremely limited edition runner.įor the branding of the new line Adidas has focused on both the innovative concept and easy-to-grasp green marketing details such as the use of recycled ocean plastic. An approach that has guaranteed it extensive media attention, making Futurecraft extremely popular. Launched in 2014, the Futurecraft 4D project immediately adopted a very precise identity, aimed at establishing new concepts of sports footwear design through the use of 3D printing technology. ADIDAS FUTURECRAFT 4D: A FUTURE OF INGENUITY In the light of such an ambitious goal those in the industry are asking themselves if 3D printing is really ready for all of this? What really lies behind this extraordinary marketing operation? Let’s find out. The numbers put paid to any doubts: Adidas is talking about producing 100,000 pairs of sneakers by the end of 2018.

Adidas Futurecraft 4D will be the first mass production 3D printing project. We had been waiting for this news for some time.
