International fashion houses, including Dolce & Gabbana and Prada, came together with global footwear brands such as Reebok, Vans and Decathlon, last month to discuss the latest innovations in footwear technology, at a forum hosted by Delcam CRISPIN in Milan. In total, more than 80 attendees, representing organisations from across the globe, took part in the event.
Active discussions among the delegates were facilitated by organiser Delcam CRISPIN, focussed on the design aspects of shoemaking, materials developments and novel manufacturing methods.
The Energy Group, Norcam and 3D systems delivered engaging sessions on the benefits of 3D printing technologies, sparking energetic conversation on rapid prototyping.
Autodesk spoke about V-Red 3D rendering capabilities, citing the work the company has completed for car manufacturer, Volkswagen, and showing how the technology could be applied to footwear design using a shoe model created by Delcam CRISPIN.
Ortopaedi Skomageriet and Delcam CRISPIN gave an insight into the future of customised shoes; coupling footwear design technology with custom orthotic insoles to deliver a different definition to the shoe. The following Q&A session prompted discussion on whether customisation is indeed the future of the industry.
Lectra spoke insightfully about the impact challenges of the footwear market have on the production process and how technology can help overcome these barriers, while Crocs gave an overview of its development process and its own use of rapid prototyping.
Delegates also had the opportunity to network and to see a demonstration of Delcam CRISPIN’s ShoeMirror, a virtual reality shoe fitting system. Delcam also displayed its orthotic solutions which included the OrthoMODEL and iQube foot scanners. The iQube creates an accurate 3D scan of the foot; this data is then imported into OrthoMODEL for the orthotic insole to be designed ready for manufacture.
Delegates commented that the two day event was very positive. Ed Batchelor from Pentland said, "A great first event, it was well organised and enjoyable with very appropriate people and presenters.”
After the success of the first event, Delcam is delighted to announce it will be running the Footwear Technology Forum again in 2015.