{"id":181731,"date":"2021-07-08T02:42:27","date_gmt":"2021-07-08T02:42:27","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/facfox.com\/news\/?p=181731"},"modified":"2021-07-08T02:42:27","modified_gmt":"2021-07-08T02:42:27","slug":"auto-fit-software-will-tailor-3d-printed-helmet-liners-to-hockey-players","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/facfox.com\/news\/auto-fit-software-will-tailor-3d-printed-helmet-liners-to-hockey-players\/","title":{"rendered":"Auto-Fit Software Will Tailor 3D Printed Helmet Liners to Hockey Players"},"content":{"rendered":"

Last fall, Canadian hockey equipment designer, manufacturer, and marketer CCM<\/a> introduced its \u2018SuperTacks X with Nest Tech\u2019 helmet, which features a 3D printed interior made with Carbon\u2019s DLS technology and was officially certified for professional use by the National Hockey League (NHL)<\/a>. Now, Montreal-based software startup Shapeshift 3D<\/a>, which develops scan-fit-print automation software<\/a> for customizing helmets<\/a>, has announced that it is teaming up with CCM in an exclusive partnership to automate the fit-customization of its 3D printed hockey helmet liners.<\/p>\n

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\u201cWe are proud to partner with a hallmark brand so deeply committed to improving the safety and performance of those who practice our national sport \u2013 [hockey],\u201d said Jonathan Borduas, the CEO of Shapeshift 3D. \u201cWe applaud the commitment to pushing the boundaries of what is possible \u2013 they dared to dream and now, through our partnership, we can make it a reality.\u201d<\/p>\n

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Inner helmet liner with lattice structure. Image courtesy of Carbon and CCM.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

CCM, which equips more professional hockey players than any other company and is the official outfitter of the American Hockey League, the Canadian Hockey League, and several NCAA and National teams, manufactured what it says is the first custom 3D printed hockey helmet liner in the world with its SuperTacks X. The geometrical design of helmets is focused on energy dampening in order to absorb the force of damaging impacts, and while most helmets feature a foam insert for protection, CCM\u2019s novel helmet insert is made up of an intricate lattice structure that\u2019s breathable, comfortable, and safe. The lattice itself is composed of more than 130,000 struts sized and placed for the best energy absorption and dissipation, while also making airflow and deformation possible.<\/p>\n

The SuperTacks X helmet with 3D printed liner is available in the standard Small, Medium, and Large sizes, but many elite athletes got custom-fitted helmets for the 2021 NHL season. To do this, the player\u2019s head is 3D scanned, and the helmet liner\u2019s padding is morphed in order to conform to that particular player\u2019s skull. Then, Carbon\u2019s AM process comes into play, which uses UV light to cure the liquid plastic in order to create the 3D printed helmet liner.<\/p>\n