With the Winter Olympics still going on, interest in skiing must surely be mounting. After watching some of the world best skiers tackle the slopes, you may feel inclined to finally take up skiing. If you happen to have yourself a 3D printer, you might even want to try your hand at making your own.
Stratasys updated their blog this week with a story of how their team used the Fortus 900mc Production System to produce a pair of skis. They used Fused Deposition Modeling technology to create the skis out of resin thanks in part to resin’s ability to withstand extreme temperatures.
Of course, an entire ski can’t be created in a 3D printer. Instead, the designer split it into two halves that could easily lock together with a metal binding insert. The skis were then outfitted with metal edges to keep everything together.
After all was said and done, Stratasys hit the slopes to test out what they believe are the first 3D printed skis ever created. Amazingly, the skis held up during the test and even attracted attention from the ski industry. Many now feel that 3D printing can help them create customized skis that fit the exact specifications of their customers.
If you want to make your own pair of 3D printed skis, you’re probably going to need a 3D printer that costs thousands of dollars. For the amateurs and hobbyists out there, you’re probably better off sticking with buying your skis from a shop.
Image via Stratasys/YouTube