Product solutions company Jabil has been increasing its focus on additive manufacturing over the past few years, recently going so far as to introduce its cloud-based Jabil Additive Manufacturing Network. 3D printing is becoming a bigger part of the footwear industry, as everything from running shoes to ballet slippers are enhanced with the technology. 3D printed footwear really started with the production of 3D printed insoles, which Jabil had a hand – or a foot – in at an early stage. The company wants to take things a step or two further with the production of 3D printed shoes and even, as one representative suggested, a fully 3D printed ski boot. 3D scanning and 3D printing allow shoes to be made to order, perfectly fitting each customer’s unique foot size and shape. People in remote countries are often lacking in proper footwear, but 3D printing can produce shoes as-needed anywhere in the world. Jabil has a lot of competition in the 3D printed footwear market, as more and more traditional footwear brands begin to turn towards additive manufacturing and completely new companies dedicated to 3D printed footwear spring up.

Read the full article at 3DPrint.com | The Voice of 3D Printing / Additive Manufacturing