Brooks\u2019 overall process \u201cwas a bit of a nightmare,\u201d said Krotzer. \u201cLots of waiting, missed deadlines, things piling up.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Design validation is a huge component of the business, according to Krotzer. Product fit and functionality come first, but design is a close second. \u201cThere\u2019s a lot of give and take in shoe design and the ability to quickly change a concept is key.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Brooks\u2019 designers create seasonal models, which are sent to Asia for conversion to CAD files. The designs are reviewed back in the United States, prior to 3D printing an outsole and midsole prototype. The footwear company originally outsourced its 3D printing needs but bringing a system in-house enabled even faster speeds. After purchasing a Connex3 3D Printer for internal use, Krotzer admits that daytime running breaks aren\u2019t the only thing keeping employees happy at the footwear company.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe aim to build the best performance product on the market and now we have a new tool to help us get there. Our 3D printer has revolutionized our entire design validation process,\u201d said Krotzer. In addition to saving time during the design iteration process, the company also saves $500 to $800 per shoe design. The large print bed on the Connex3 enables Brooks to print four to five outsole, midsole combination prototypes at a time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For now, Krotzer says their 3D printer saves Brooks \u201cuntold time and headaches\u201d during the design validation process. \u201cThere\u2019s such freedom with having it, the ability to set up a redesign to print overnight and it\u2019s ready in the morning. And as for color, we\u2019ve only scratched the surface. Our Connex3 has the capacity to print dozens of colors and while we only need black, white and gray right now for our outsoles and midsoles, that could change someday.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Krotzer is hopeful fully-functional prototypes could be a part of Brooks\u2019 3D printing future. The avid runner and footwear developer doesn\u2019t hesitate to look forward to a time \u201cwhen that\u2019s where we will have to go to stay relevant. Pushing innovation. We look to Stratasys for that and I can\u2019t wait for a material that could mimic the materials we need for the entire shoe. That\u2019d be awesome. Just think, we could print fully-function prototypes, then head out to the trails and take them for a spin. We\u2019re already a pretty happy place, but just imagine that!\u201d Krotzer said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"Brooks](\"https:\/\/fathommfg.com\/app\/uploads\/2017\/08\/brooks-running-story-940x-1.jpg\")
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