Elastium, a Los Angeles-based 3D printing startup company, has signed an agreement with California-based shoe manufacturer LaLaLand Production & Design, which plans to introduce 3D-printed foam shoes.
Described as the world’s first, the partnership’s first product is “the Orca sneaker by ELSTM” which benefits from a hybrid manufacturing model. The No-MMOQ Hybrid Production Model combines 3D printing with traditional production.
Thanks to this partnership, footwear brands can benefit from a fast, scalable, and sustainable onshoring solution—no minimum or maximum order quantities, concept-to-market in several weeks, and initial investment costs reduced by up to 80%.
Elastium Founder Robert Karklinsh states “For years, there has been a belief that 3D printing and other advanced technologies would revolutionize footwear by replacing traditional manufacturing. As an engineer and designer, the 3D-printed shoes grown like potatoes in 3D printer farms fascinate me. But the market doesn’t move on to what engineers or designers think—it moves to consumer demand. Consumer demand far beyond fully 3D printed “potato shoes” is seen as another trend rather than a revolution. The actual revolution towards localized production can be only achieved by putting the consumer in the center of it and integrating all tech and craftsmanship into products that fascinate consumers rather than designers.”
The No-MMOQ (No Minimum or Maximum Order Quantity) hybrid production model implies that brands can create as few as one pair of shoes in 3D printing and then shift to mass production without compromising cost or quality.
The model is stunning in reducing around 80% of initial investment costs. Also, the development time will be reduced to allow products to move from conception to market within weeks.
Elastium’s proprietary 3D-printed foam technology offers 75% energy return, which is quite a jump compared to the conventional EVA foam utilized in various footwear. The new Orca sneaker features advanced material for maximum performance & comfort without any limitation imposed on the ancient molding techniques.
Author: Nagarjun M
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