Aug.2, 2012

One of the great things about the Olympic Games is the inspiration that drives people not only to compete but to improve. Will 3D printing make a difference in the world of sports? Read about how this amazing technology that are used by athletes and how companies, designers and artists have been working on Olympic-themed items demonstrating the speed and accuracy of 3D printing and the power of sport.

1. 3D printed scaled model of the 2012 Olympic stadium

Jon Fidler, a lecturer at Ravensbourne a London college and an artist creates a digital 3D model of the 2012 Olympic stadium and a 'printed' scaled model of the stadium using rapid prototyping technology in just 6 hours.

He uses satellite imagery and 3d modelling software to create 3D CAD data of the 2012 Olympic Stadium and then print out a physical model on a 3D printer. Watch the time-lapse video showing the various stages involved including design and build below.

 

Pranav Panchal's Olympic stadium

(Image credit: Gizmodo)

 

2. 3D printed shoes for Olympic athletes

Olympic athletes are constantly trying to better themselves. Creative engineer and designer Luc Fusaro is using 3D printing technology to create custom running shoe for Olympic athletes.

This prototype "Designed to Win" features spikes to improve traction, a flashy gold color, and weighs in at 96 grams. Fusaro first scans the athlete's foot and then uses that scan to 3D print the shoe using an additive manufacturing process called Selective Laser Sintering (SLS).

 

3. Clarks 3D printed model of Olympic Sailing Team Boot

 

4. 3D printed helmets for Team GB

For supporting UK Cycling Team, UK firm Crux Product Design has utilised innovative CAD methods, novel materials and new rapid manufacturing techniques to create bespoke track and road cycling helmets for them.

These helmets are said to offer new levels of comfort and safety. Crux first 3D laser scans of each individual athlete and then uses 3D printer to turn the 3D models into rapid prototypes and it is printed overnight. According to the company, the fit was flawless.

In terms of materials, Crux developed a unique shell design comprising of an inner shell that was designed to fit closely to the athlete's head, and an outer shell shaped for optimum performance. In the middle lies an energy absorbing safety material that is sandwiched between both shells.

 

5. 3D printed shoe sole

Objet 3D printed shoe sole in rigid transparent material with rubber-like over-molded treads, manufactured as a single part on the Objet Connex Multi-Material 3D printer.

 

6. 3D printed Olympic rings with stand

The 3D printed Olympic rings were printed out in coloured plastic and then linked together.

The base is printed in shiny Faberdahsery Robot Silver plastic. The model was designed in Autodesk Inventor and then 3D printed on my RepRapPro Huxley.

 

7. 3D printed London Olympics mascot

Artist Whatshisname created London Olympics 2012 mascot – riot edition, the figures are 3d printed, painted and glued.

Inspired by the London Riots of 2011, I decided to create my own version of London Olympics mascot. Figures portray riot police equipped with shields, helmets and batons as well as hooded hooligans with Molotov cocktails. One of the figures show police figure beating laying on the ground hooligan with baton. My intention is to draw attention to safety in and around London during the 2012 Olympics.

 

8. 3D printed Olympic souvenir by Alex Maund

Alex Maund's athlete-over-the-rings won the Olympics-Themed 3D Printing Challenge from Gizmodo.

"This is an Olympic Souvenir with a small person that executes a back flip on the top, this is controlled by a small lever which is user operated. The Souvenir is less than 10cm tall with a minimum wall thickness of 2mm and clearance between moving parts of 0.5mm. A portion of 1 side and the bottom is missing to allow the viewing of the inner workings and to allow the removal of any support material used in the process of the 3D Printing."

 

9. Adam Foster's render of Tower Bridge

Adam Foster’s render of Tower Bridge with working bascule sections, draped with the Olympic rings. An intricate model which definitely grabs the runners’ up prize.

(Credit: Gizmodo)

 

Posted in 3D Printing Applications

 

 

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Tim wrote at 8/5/2012 5:52:12 PM:

Very nice!



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