Univ of Tsukuba, Japan customizes equipment using 3D Printer

MINNEAPOLIS, USA and REHOVOT, ISRAEL: Stratasys Ltd; manufacturer of 3D printers and production systems for prototyping and manufacturing, has announced that the University of Tsukuba, Japan is using an Objet350 Connex multi-material 3D Printer as part of its advanced R&D program for sports, science and Olympic training.

A research team led by Professor Norihisa Fujii at the university's Faculty of Gymnastics developed equipment used by Japan's fencing team which won the Silver medal in the 2012 London Olympics.

Before 3D printing, there was only one type of fencing hilt in the world, and each competitor had to personally file the hilt to customize the fit and achieve a non-slip surface.

For the 2012 Olympics the researchers at the University of Tsukuba scanned the actual equipment used by the fencers in 3D, and the resulting polygon data was then incorporated into 3D CAD. The 16-micron accuracy of the PolyJet based Objet350 Connex 3D Printer enabled the researchers to produce iterative prototypes of each sword with minute variations according to the athlete's feedback.

Osamu Takeda, a researcher who managed the modeling of the prototypes at the University of Tsukuba, Sports R&D Core commented, "Players are not engineers. They talk about their requirements instinctively. So, bearing this in mind, we develop various patterns based on different assumptions. With the Objet Connex multi-material 3D Printer, we can do this easily. We can respond flexibly and promptly because the machine is so accurate."

The customized, completed hilts were manufactured in April 2012, three months before the London Olympics.

"Whatever the sport may be, it's all about designing customized equipment to enable the athlete to maximize his or her personal best," said Jon Cobb, Executive VP, Marketing, Stratasys. "Stratasys 3D printers have a long history with the sports world. The accuracy of our technology and the durability and flexibility of our materials enable sports equipment designers to develop truly breakthrough concepts. Also, the fast turnaround time of 3D printing means that the athlete can try several design iterations until the equipment exactly matches personal preferences."

The University of Tsukuba is now exploring other 3D printing sports applications such as protective equipment for gymnasts, shoes for javelin throwers, triathlon wear, sailing masts, a footwork assessment system for badminton, and more.