Abstract:
A printing system includes a printing assembly and a gas delivery system includes a gas nozzle assembly. The print assembly and gas nozzle assembly may include a first portion and a second portion that may translate with respect to each other. When the first portion is subjected to sufficient force the first portion may translate with respect to the second portion.
Abstract:
A method of forming (3D) a traced element is disclosed. The method may include printing layers of a traced element and incorporating a textile strand (322) in overlapping polymer layers of the traced element. In some embodiments, the traced element may be formed on a base layer (1502). The traced element may be incorporated into an upper (1750, 390) for an article of footwear (1700).
Abstract:
A method of making an article of footwear having printed structures disposed on the article by a three-dimensional printer is disclosed. The printed structures include extended portions and fastener receiving portions. The extended portions are at least partially embedded in the upper. The fastener receiving portions are at least partially spaced apart from an exterior surface of the upper.
Abstract:
A method and apparatus are disclosed. A method of printing onto a base (144) includes providing a yarn (151) from a material source (142) disposed in a printing system. The yarn is an elongated continuous piece including a tagging segment (202) and a reel segment (206). The reel segment (206) is disposed proximate the material source (142). The tagging segment (202) extends from a nozzle (118) of the printing system. The method further includes attaching the tagging segment (202) to the base (144) and moving the nozzle (118) away from the tagging segment (202) after the attaching the tagging segment (202) to the base (144). The nozzle (118) is moved by an actuating system (114) of the printing system. The moving of the nozzle (118) along the base increases a tension between the tagging segment (202) and the material source (142). The tension in the yarn (151) pulls the reel segment (206) from the material source (142).
Abstract:
A method and apparatus for printing onto a curved surface of an article (200) are disclosed. An embodiment of a method may include receiving the article and extruding a composite yarn (202) from a nozzle (118). A method may include attaching the composite yarn to the curved surface by moving the nozzle in a direction aligned with a first axis and a direction aligned with second axis along the curved surface. The first axis may be approximately normal to the print surface and the second axis may be approximately normal to the first direction. The article may be repositioned during printing to accommodate nozzle movement.
Abstract:
A method and system are disclosed. A method of printing onto a base (144) having an upper surface (148) spaced from a lower surface (150) by a base thickness (204) includes dispensing a yarn (151) from a nozzle (118) of a printing system and selectively attaching the yarn to a first attachment region (152). The step of dispensing the yarn includes dispensing a heat-moldable material (156) and a melt- resistant material (158). The step of selectively attaching the yarn to the first attachment region includes moving the nozzle into the first attachment region. The step of moving the nozzle into the first attachment region reduces the base thickness by a prodding distance (206). The heat-moldable material bonds to the first attachment region.
Abstract:
A system and method for forming 3D printed structures on a base component (610) includes extruding material through a nozzle (116) while moving the nozzle vertically. Extruded material flows from the nozzle and spreads outwardly upon contact with an underlying portion of material. The outward spread of material is controlled to form a desired geometry for the 3D printed structure. An optical sensing device (416) may provide feedback for controlling the outward spread of material. Using a rnoldin g component, structures with anchored portions (1200) extending through openings in the base component can be formed.
Abstract:
An article of footwear includes an upper and a sole structure. The upper includes elongated members extending from a lower peripheral portion that mechanically connect the upper to a sole structure. The sole structure includes several recesses for engaging the elongated members. The upper and/or the elongated members can be printed using a three-dimensional printer.
Abstract:
Ball striking devices, such as golf club heads (including putter heads), include devices within and/or otherwise engaged with the ball striking head that allow users to selectively change the sound and/or other aspects of the “feel” associated with using the ball striking device to strike a ball. In this manner, a user, a club fitter, or the like can freely customize and adjust the sound and/or other aspects of the ball striking device’s feel to correspond to a particular user’s preferences.