3D Printer & Shoe Sole Moulds

Knowledge about 3d printer

3D printers are based on additive manufacturing. This means material is added layer by layer to get the desired shape. In our traditional manufacturing style of CNC machining which is subtractive manufacturing, the material is removed to get the desired shape. All photos on this blog are 3d printed sole models.

There are many types of 3d printer available depending upon the technology they use and the material they can print. The most popular are FDM, SLA, DLP, SLS, DMLS, SLM, EBM, Material Jetting, DOD, and Binder Jetting.

Selection of the right 3d printer for Sole Moulds

The Printer is used to print Shoe sole Models which are in turn used to do the casting of moulds. Requirements for Sole mould models.

1. Surface finish should be high
2. Textures such as diamond and leather can be printed
3. Quality at sharp corners should be high
4. Features should be sharp
5. Logo and branding should be neat
6. The Resin should be hard so that it does not bend in casting process
7. Cost should be low

Considering all the points and extensive research for over 2 years, Valor Engineering (www.solemould.com ) picked a SLA (Stereolithography) printer. All the photos in this blog are of SLA Printed Shoe Models

About SLA 3D Printers

Stereolithography is an additive manufacturing process that works by focusing an ultraviolet (UV) laser on to a vat of photopolymer resin. With the help of computer aided manufacturing or computer-aided design (CAM/CAD) software, the UV laser is used to draw a pre-programmed design or shape on to the surface of the photopolymer vat. Photopolymers are sensitive to ultraviolet light, so the resin is photochemically solidified and forms a single layer of the desired 3D object. Then, the build platform lowers one layer and a blade recoats the top of the tank with resin. This process is repeated for each layer of the design until the 3D object is complete. Completed parts must be washed with a solvent to clean wet resin off their surface

Advantage of using 3d Printer in Shoe Sole Moulds compared to CNC

1. Printer can make all types of textures while CNC cannot
2. Printing model is cheaper than making a CNC model
3. Printing Model takes Less Time than CNC machining
4. Printed Model Quality is better than CNC machined model
5. Printing a size set(Series) model is much cheaper and consumes much less time than CNC
6. Printing Model is Dust free while CNC machining produces dust.
7. Printer does not need any tools while for cnc you have to buy tools and also make customized tools

 

Disadvantages  Of Printer

1. Manual correction of model not possible in Printed models while it can be done in CNC models
2. Accuracy of CAD should be perfect else chances of rejection of model
3. Existing designers need to learn Texture making and wrapping on Model in CAD
4. New Softwares like Magic which are used in slicing of CAD model need to be learnt.
5. Printer laser has lifetime.

 

Weighing the Advantages and Disadvantages

3d printing is a Sunrise Industry. More technical advancement are likely to come in coming years. The quality will increase, the timings will be better for printing while the cost is sure to fall.  Investing 3d Printing now is the right way forward. Initially there will be some challenges but once those are overcome then this technology will surely change how the mould making industry looks. The most important point is shoe sole moulds is one of the first commercially feasible product of 3D printing.

If you have any query please mail me at valorindia@gmail.com or contact me on WhatsApp +919627774488.

 

Photos Credit : Kings 3d Printer China, Manufacturer of SLA Printer.