Cobbler Technologies

Cobbler Technologies is commercializing 3DAPD™, an advanced 3D-printer technology for production of mult-material shoe soles. 3DAPD™ or 3D atomized particle deposition merges all phases of product development with manufacturing. The most exciting part about 3DAPD™ are new design opportunities for advanced footwear products that are not feasible with existing manufacturing processes. Excerpt from a Portland Press Herald Article, written by Carol Coultas: Nate Herman, the vice president of international trade and a footwear expert for the American Apparel and Footwear Association, says Cobbler is unveiling its product just as 3D printers are moving from concept to integration in footwear manufacturing. They were a hot topic at national footwear conferences in March and April. “It is definitely disruptive technology,” said Herman. “The industry seems to be moving toward using 3D printers not to make a whole shoe, but parts of a shoe.” He said, for instance, New Balance just released information about testing a 3D printer on its production line to create a midsole for its athletic footwear. Other manufacturers have invested in R&D and have 3D printers in various stages of development. If Cobbler’s 3D printer is able to prove its capabilities “then I think there will be a lot of interest in it,” Herman said. Full Article: http://www.pressherald.com/2016/04/19/bangor-startup-brings-3d-technology-to-shoemaking/