Early last year the Swiss brand NOW 3D printed by SLS a set of generatively designed bindings that were put through a simulated testing environment (and passed). A new collaboration between Stratasys and Slicelab + Fequalsf (Aaron Porterfield), just produced a new set of 3D printed snowboard bindings that were produced using the Stratasys Origin One high-speed photopolymerization 3D printer using the Loctite 3172 material. The printed bindings were functionally tested with a weekend of boarding at Breckenridge, Colorado and performed perfectly.
To be able to withstand the extreme loading conditions experienced during snowboarding, FEA tools were used to create the topology optimized solution that generated varying thickness of the interior lattice while conforming to the boot. Strategic variations in the geometry of the mountain range on the back surface provided additional support where needed. Besides bringing a new look and function to the sport, the bindings demonstrated the type of high functional part performance achievable on the Origin One system.
Manufacturing on Demand
The Loctite 3172 materials for the Stratasys Origin One system is produced by Henkel to be a durable, tough and impact-resistant material, targeting functional applications that need to perform under stress and high load conditions.
It is used to produce functional parts that require high stiffness with a good surface finish and high impact resistance. Its attributes are similar to polypropylene (PP). This impact-resistant materials is also considered ideal for tooling applications, manufacturing aids, brackets, jigs and fixtures, housings and consumer applications, such as insoles.
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Author: Davide Sher
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