Just saw this post about a pair of 3D printed snowboard bindings that were successfully tested during a weekend of shredding at Breckenridge and it got me thinking. Is the future of plastic components in the ski world one where you download a file, set your printer and wake up to a freshly minted ski pole basket or ladder strap? Check out these prototype bindings printed on the Stratasys Origin One with Loctite 3172 in collaboration with Slicelab + Fequalsf. Pretty legit:
“These snowboard bindings were 3D printed on the Stratasys Origin One with Loctite 3172 in collaboration with Slicelab + Fequalsf. 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 provide additional support where needed. Besides bringing a new look and function to the sport, the bindings demonstrate the type of high functional part performance achievable on the Origin One.”
