Through the use of 3D printing technology, the multinational Spanish shoe company Camper is taking a shoe production route they never imagined. They have experienced many benefits of this advanced technology:
- Ability to create previously impossible designs
- Enjoy the flexibility in picking materials
- Ability to iterate on the spot
Camper’s team’s ideas are verified daily in 3D printing. They said that with the leap in 3D printing technology, their design capability has been enhanced and the creation process of future products has been also simplified.
Camper points out that their shoes have a geometric complexity that requires technology that can accurately manufacture men’s, women’s and children’s collections. Camper’s senior designer Job Willemsen said: “Using it with FDM 3D printers is very useful because if we have an idea and work with technicians, we can get results verification quickly and directly, which enhances our responsiveness.” 3D Sigma printers enable the Camper team to use flexible and extremely emulational materials. They can design products faster, eliminate the need for molds, and integrate complex design elements into new products.
Camper’s Product Engineer Jordi Guirado said: “With the dual extruder system, we can print water-soluble support. As a result, we can print more complex geometries and reduce the design period.” These days, the team gathered together to discuss the design with their technical department. They then created a 3D printed model and were ready to decide the production. Compared with the traditional method, the speed increases obviously. Decisions between teams are now faster, and design and forthcoming results have improved dramatically. Bavi3D CEO Xavier Martínez Faneca said: “With various 3D printers, Camper designers can now get new designs from the palm of their hands. This is a huge advantage for designers because they can now verify that digital models where the volume, size, and geometry cannot be seen. If the designer can 3D print the shoe model quickly, the design team can further realize its creative potential.
Camper, created by Lorenzo Fluxa, has been existing since 1975. His goal was to make unique shoes. His grandfather started making shoes in 1877, who brought the first sewing machine to Mallorca. Until now, camper shoes are still made in Majorca. The team makes about 500 models every season, and they are sold in stores in more than 40 countries!
From high heels to ballet shoes and sneakers, 3D printing has gradually influenced the fashion and footwear industry.