Method for customizing pet shoes through 3D printing and pet shoes

Abstract

The invention discloses a method for customizing pet shoes through 3D printing. The method comprises the following steps that three-dimensional data of pet feet are obtained, and a first three-dimensional data model is constructed; based on the model, a shell structure is formed through outward hollowing, a top cover is removed, a plurality of sewing holes and ventilation holes are formed, and a second three-dimensional data model is obtained; performing Boolean difference set processing on the first three-dimensional data model and the second three-dimensional data model to form a third three-dimensional data model; a shoe tree model and a combined model corresponding to the first three-dimensional data model and the third three-dimensional data model respectively are printed in a 3D mode; performing multi-stage mold turning on the shoe tree model and the combined model to obtain a corresponding male mold and a female mold; the male mold and the female mold are assembled, and the pet shoes are manufactured through an injection molding process. According to the method, a mold is quickly customized through 3D printing and a multi-stage mold turning process, non-adhesive and integrated injection molding production of the pet shoes is achieved, the limitation that a traditional steel mold is high in cost and long in period is broken through, key comfort structures such as an arch support and air holes are reserved, and personalized appearance customization can be achieved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of footwear technology, and mainly to a method for 3D printing customized pet shoes and the pet shoes themselves. Background Technology

[0002] With the rapid penetration of 3D printing technology into consumer goods, medical, and industrial sectors, the demand for personalized, small-batch, and complex structure manufacturing is replacing the traditional large-scale, standardized production model. Against the backdrop of a continuously booming pet economy, the pet wearable products market is expanding rapidly, with increasing demands for functionality and comfort in pet footwear. Traditional footwear manufacturing technologies can no longer meet the emerging demands for "customized individual shoes, rapid iteration, and non-toxic and environmentally friendly products." Introducing 3D printing into the pet shoe manufacturing process has become a key breakthrough for upgrading the industry chain.

[0003] Currently, the mainstream manufacturing processes for pet shoes still rely on two traditional routes: cold bonding and injection molding. Cold bonding relies on benzene-containing adhesives, which have high VOC emissions and experience a sharp drop in bonding strength at low temperatures, posing a risk of detachment. Injection molding, on the other hand, is limited by the cost of steel molds, with a single mold costing approximately $8,000 and only suitable for a single size. Any minor adjustments to size or curvature require re-CNC machining, taking 120-150 hours. Furthermore, traditional molds often sacrifice complex structures such as arch support and ventilation holes to facilitate demolding, resulting in insufficient comfort in the finished product.

[0004] In conclusion, developing a novel 3D printing-based process that enables low-cost, rapid customization of pet shoe molds and completely eliminates the use of toxic adhesives is of paramount practical significance for overcoming the technological bottlenecks in existing pet shoe manufacturing. This not only eliminates the environmental and health risks associated with traditional processes, improving the comfort and safety of pets' shoes, but also provides the pet supplies industry with an efficient and green production paradigm. Furthermore, it promotes the deep integration and continuous innovation of 3D printing technology in vertical consumer goods scenarios, further fostering the high-quality development of the pet economy's industrial chain. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In view of the technical problems of existing cold bonding processes containing benzene (toxic) and high cost and long cycle of injection mold customization, this application proposes a method for 3D printing customized pet shoes and pet shoes.

[0006] According to one aspect of the present invention, a method for 3D printing customized pet shoes is provided, comprising the following steps:

[0007] S1. Obtain the three-dimensional data of the pet's feet and construct the first three-dimensional data model;

[0008] S2. Based on the first three-dimensional data model, a shell structure is formed by outward hollowing operation, the top cover of the shell structure is removed and multiple stitching holes and ventilation holes are set on the shell structure to obtain a second three-dimensional data model.

[0009] S3. Perform Boolean difference processing on the first three-dimensional data model and the second three-dimensional data model to form a third three-dimensional data model;

[0010] S4. Using 3D printing technology, a shoe last model corresponding to the first three-dimensional data model and a combined model corresponding to the third three-dimensional data model are respectively produced.

[0011] S5. The shoe last model is molded to obtain a positive mold, and the combined model is molded to obtain a negative mold;

[0012] S6. Assemble the male mold and the female mold to form an injection cavity, inject thermoplastic polymer material into the injection cavity, and demold after curing to obtain pet shoes.

[0013] This method is based on the three-dimensional data of a pet's real foot shape. The shell structure is generated by precise outward expansion and hollowing, so that the curved surface of the sole fits closely with the arch of the foot, the toe gaps and other fine anatomical features. The ventilation holes and glue-free seam holes realize heat dissipation, sweat wicking and fabric fixation, completely eliminating the chemical irritation and low-temperature delamination risk of cold bonding process.

[0014] Preferably, the top edge of the second 3D data model is lower than the top of the first 3D data model. This design allows a smooth parting line to naturally form between the second 3D data model (shell structure) and the first 3D data model (shoe last), serving as a precise positioning surface for the subsequent metal mold.

[0015] Preferably, step S2 further includes adding a decorative pattern to the outer surface of the shell structure. This design allows the pattern to be integrally molded with the shoe body during the 3D data stage.

[0016] Preferably, the specific steps of S4 are as follows: import the first three-dimensional data model and the third three-dimensional data model into slicing software for layer-by-layer slicing to form a slice file; then import the slice file into an LCD 3D printer for layer-by-layer curing to obtain the shoe last model and the combined model.

[0017] More preferably, the thickness of the layer is 0.05-0.1 mm.

[0018] This solution utilizes the micron-level precision of LCD printing technology and the rapid curing characteristics of photosensitive resin to reduce the mold prototype production time to about 6 hours, solving the pain points of high cost and long CNC machining cycle of traditional metal mold direct printing. At the same time, high-resolution lamination molding ensures the accurate reproduction of the arch surface of the shoe last and the micro-structures such as seam holes / ventilation holes, providing a bubble-free and deformation-free reference master mold for subsequent mold making processes, ensuring the complete realization of the functional structure and personalized design of the final pet shoe from the source.

[0019] Preferably, the multi-stage molding includes at least three stages, with the heat resistance temperature of the molding materials increasing sequentially in each stage. This design ensures that each stage of molding material only bears the temperature load of its corresponding process, preventing early low-heat-resistant materials from deforming or burning at high temperatures and avoiding the waste of performance of later high-heat-resistant materials at low temperatures. This ensures that the dimensional accuracy is transferred step by step and reduces internal stress and dimensional deviations.

[0020] Preferably, the specific steps of S5 are as follows: Silicone molding is performed on the shoe last model to obtain a silicone shoe last female mold; casting wax is injected into the silicone shoe last female mold to obtain a wax shoe last male mold; plaster molding is performed on the wax shoe last male mold to obtain a plaster shoe last female mold; metal material is injected into the plaster shoe last female mold to obtain a metal shoe last male mold; segmented silicone molding is performed on the combined model to obtain silicone female mold one and silicone female mold two; silicone female mold one and silicone female mold two are combined to form a complete combined model female mold; plaster is filled into silicone male mold one and silicone male mold two to obtain plaster male mold one and plaster male mold two; metal is poured into plaster male mold one and plaster male mold two to obtain metal female mold one and metal female mold two.

[0021] This solution uses a multi-stage molding process to perfectly replicate the high-fidelity details of the 3D-printed prototype into the metal mold, ensuring precise dimensions of the arch curvature, seam holes, and ventilation holes. Segmenting the composite model into mold sections provides an openable assembly channel for the metal shoe last male mold, avoiding the risk of the overall female mold being unable to fit due to interference from the shoe last male mold structure, or being damaged by forced insertion. Simultaneously, this design significantly improves demolding efficiency and prevents the product from being scratched or torn during demolding.

[0022] More preferably, the first metal mold and the second metal mold are provided with one or more sets of corresponding first positioning bolts and first positioning holes.

[0023] Preferably, the metal shoe last male mold is provided with a second positioning bolt, and the combined female mold is provided with a second positioning hole that matches the second positioning bolt.

[0024] According to a second aspect of the invention, a pet shoe is provided, which is manufactured using the method of customizing pet shoes by 3D printing.

[0025] Compared with the prior art, this application has the following beneficial effects:

[0026] (1) The method of 3D printing customized pet shoes in this application starts with digital scanning and LCD photopolymerization 3D printing, combined with multi-level mold making process, which simplifies the traditional multi-process and long process of mold making into a continuous and fast digital closed loop, realizing the rapid transformation from data to finished product.

[0027] (2) The method of 3D printing customized pet shoes in this application molds the sole and upper in one step by injection molding without any adhesive process, thus eliminating benzene solvents at the source; the pre-reserved sewing holes in the shoe body can be used for subsequent mechanical sewing of the fabric without introducing additional chemical binders, achieving zero VOC emissions throughout the process, and maintaining reliable performance even in low-temperature environments.

[0028] (3) The method of 3D printing customized pet shoes in this application uses Boolean difference set and one-time injection molding to simultaneously retain complex geometric features such as arch support, ventilation holes and seam holes, avoiding the structural simplification caused by demolding constraints in traditional molds, and significantly improving wearing comfort and biomechanical adaptability.

[0029] (4) The method of 3D printing customized pet shoes of this application can model the decorative pattern and the shoe body in a conformal manner during the three-dimensional data stage. The entire process of printing-molding-injection molding has no additional post-processing, realizing the personalized appearance of "one pet, one mold". The pattern and the base are homogeneous and integrated, wear-resistant, washable and colorfast. Attached Figure Description

[0030] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the embodiments and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate embodiments and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of this application. Other embodiments and many anticipated advantages of these embodiments will be readily recognized as they become better understood through reference to the following detailed description. Elements in the drawings are not necessarily to scale. The same reference numerals refer to corresponding similar parts.

[0031] Figure 1 A schematic flowchart of a method for 3D printing custom pet shoes according to an embodiment of this application is shown;

[0032] Figure 2 A structural diagram of a shoe last model according to a specific embodiment of this application is shown;

[0033] Figure 3 A structural diagram of a combined model according to a specific embodiment of this application is shown;

[0034] Figure 4 A structural diagram of a metal female mold according to a specific embodiment of this application is shown;

[0035] Figure 5 A structural diagram of a metal female mold according to a specific embodiment of this application is shown;

[0036] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the assembly of a male mold and a female mold according to a specific embodiment of this application is shown;

[0037] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of a finished pet shoe according to a specific embodiment of this application is shown.

[0038] The attached figures are labeled as follows:

[0039] 1-Shoe last model, 2-Combined model, 3-Shell structure, 4-Sewing hole, 5-Ventilation hole, 6-Metal female mold one, 7-Metal female mold two, 8-First positioning hole, 9-Two-stage stepped structure. Detailed Implementation

[0040] The present application will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the invention. Furthermore, it should be noted that, for ease of description, only the parts relevant to the invention are shown in the accompanying drawings.

[0041] Where there is no conflict, the embodiments and features described in this application can be combined with each other. This application will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0042] Figure 1 A schematic flowchart of a method for 3D printing customized pet shoes according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 2 For the shoe last model made according to this method, Figure 3 For the combined model created based on this method, Figure 4 and Figure 5 These are metal female mold one and metal female mold two, respectively, made according to this method.

[0043] refer to Figure 1 A method for 3D printing customized pet shoes, the specific steps are as follows:

[0044] S1. Obtain the three-dimensional data of the pet's feet and construct the first three-dimensional data model;

[0045] S2. Based on the first three-dimensional data model, a shell structure 3 is formed by outward hollowing operation. The top cover of the shell structure is removed and multiple stitching holes 4 and ventilation holes 5 are set on the shell structure. Decorative patterns or textures are added to the shell structure 3 as needed to obtain the second three-dimensional data model.

[0046] S3. Perform Boolean difference processing on the first and second three-dimensional data models to form a third three-dimensional data model;

[0047] S4. Import the first and third 3D data models into slicing software for layer-by-layer slicing, with a layer thickness of 0.05-0.1mm, to form a slice file; then import the slice file into an LCD 3D printer for layer-by-layer curing to obtain shoe last model 1 (e.g. Figure 2 (as shown) and combined model 2 (as shown) Figure 3 (as shown);

[0048] S5. The shoe last model is used to create a positive mold, and the combined model is used to create a negative mold.

[0049] After applying a release agent, the shoe last model is fixed in a container with a pre-reserved sprue. Prepared silicone is poured in, and after vacuum defoaming, the silicone is allowed to solidify, resulting in a silicone shoe last female mold with a cavity. The outer solidified silicone is cut in a "W" shape, and the inner shoe last model is removed. The silicone shoe last female mold is then sealed tightly, and casting wax is injected through the pre-reserved sprue. After the wax cools, it is removed, resulting in a wax shoe last male mold. The wax shoe last male mold is fixed in a container with a dewaxing port and a sprue. Plaster is poured into the container, and after defoaming, it is transferred to a baking furnace to allow the wax to flow out, resulting in a plaster shoe last female mold. Finally, metal material is injected into the plaster sprue to obtain a metal shoe last male mold.

[0050] After applying a release agent to the assembled model, use clay to fix half of the side in a container, smooth the clay, place support pins around the assembled model, pour in the prepared silicone, vacuum defoam, and wait for the silicone to solidify to obtain half of the silicone mold, i.e., silicone negative mold one. Use the same method to obtain silicone negative mold two. Fill silicone negative mold one and two into plaster, defoam, and smooth to obtain two halves of plaster positive mold one and plaster positive mold two. Pour gold metal negative mold one 6 (e.g.) into plaster positive mold one and plaster positive mold two. Figure 4 (as shown) and metal female mold 2 7 (as shown) Figure 5 (As shown).

[0051] S6, Reference Figure 6 Assemble the male and female molds to form an injection cavity, inject thermoplastic polymer material into the cavity, and demold after curing to obtain pet shoes (such as...). Figure 7 (As shown).

[0052] This method utilizes Boolean difference sets to generate a combined model in one step. Combined with LCD 3D printing technology, a prototype can be produced in just about 6 hours. Patterns can be added, modified, or dimensions fine-tuned at any time, enabling low-cost, personalized, and rapid iteration with a "one pet, one mold" approach. Simultaneously, the high-precision male and female molds obtained through multiple molding processes can be quickly assembled using positioning pins / holes to form a reusable injection cavity. Pet shoes produced using this method balance strength and flexibility, overcoming the bottlenecks of traditional steel molds—single size, long lead times, and high costs—providing a new, efficient, green, and sustainable solution for small-batch flexible manufacturing of pet shoes.

[0053] Specifically, metal female mold 6 and metal female mold 7 are provided with one or more sets of corresponding first positioning bolts (not shown in the figure) and first positioning holes 8. By engaging the first positioning bolts with the first positioning holes 8, the two half female molds can be automatically aligned when they are closed.

[0054] In a specific embodiment, the first positioning bolt and the first positioning hole 8 can be designed as a threaded structure, which can lock the metal female mold 1 6 and the metal female mold 2 7 while providing precise positioning. This ensures the integrity and consistency of the injection cavity and avoids misalignment and flash caused by high-pressure injection.

[0055] Specifically, the male mold of the metal shoe last is provided with a second positioning bolt, and the combined female mold is provided with a second positioning hole that matches the second positioning bolt. The addition of the second positioning bolt and the second positioning hole can increase the tightness between the male mold and the female mold, improve the positioning effect, resist injection pressure, prevent the male mold from rotating or floating in the closed mold cavity, and ensure uniform injection thickness and accurate hole positioning.

[0056] Specifically, in step S2, after removing the top cover from the shell structure 3, a second three-dimensional data model is obtained. The upper edge of the second three-dimensional data model is lower than the top of the first three-dimensional data model, thus forming a two-stage stepped structure 9 at the contact surface between the female mold and the male mold. This design enables automatic guidance and precise positioning during mold closing, and together with the second positioning bolt and the second positioning hole, it provides double protection. During the high-pressure injection stage, the secondary platform can jointly withstand the lateral shear force, preventing mold misalignment, ensuring the correct position and structural integrity of the seam hole and vent hole, and also preventing injection flash, reducing material waste, and improving product quality.

[0057] In a specific embodiment, decorative patterns can be directly added to the outer surface of the shell structure 3, achieving true "one pet, one mold" personalized customization while eliminating the need for secondary screen printing or labeling processes. This solves the problems of complex processes, high costs, and easy pattern detachment caused by the reliance on post-processing in traditional pet shoe personalization. The final pattern is permanently embedded in the shoe surface in the form of embossing or texture, making it wear-resistant, washable, and resistant to fading and peeling over long-term use, thus combining aesthetics and durability.

[0058] In a specific embodiment, after the combined model 2 is segmented and molded, two metal female molds, namely the first metal mold 6 and the second metal female mold 7, can be obtained.

[0059] In other embodiments, the combined model can be segmented and molded to obtain two metal female molds, or other segmented forms that facilitate the assembly of male and female molds.

[0060] In a specific embodiment, the sewing hole 4 can be customized in shape and size to meet the sewing needs of different fabrics, while the ventilation hole 5 can be changed in position, size and shape on the shell structure according to needs to meet personalized needs and heat dissipation effect.

[0061] In specific embodiments, the pet shoe can be made of rubber, TPU, TPE, or TPR. All selected materials are non-toxic thermoplastic elastomers, possessing flexibility, wear resistance, recyclability, and ease of injection molding. This allows the shoe body to fully replicate complex details such as the arch support, ventilation holes, and seam openings in a single injection molding process, ensuring both comfort and safety for pets while adhering to green manufacturing principles, achieving a balance between safety, comfort, environmental protection, and efficient production.

[0062] The specific embodiments of this application have been described above, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

[0063] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the terms "upper," "lower," "inner," "outer," etc., indicating orientation or positional relationships based on the orientation or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, are used only for the convenience of describing this application and for simplification, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this application. The word "comprising" does not exclude the presence of elements or steps not listed in the claims. The word "a" or "an" preceding an element does not exclude the presence of a plurality of such elements. The simple fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that combinations of these measures cannot be used for improvement. Any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope.

Claims

1. A method for 3D printing customized pet shoes, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: S1. Obtain the three-dimensional data of the pet's feet and construct the first three-dimensional data model; S2. Based on the first three-dimensional data model, a shell structure is formed by outward hollowing operation, the top cover of the shell structure is removed and multiple stitching holes and ventilation holes are set on the shell structure to obtain a second three-dimensional data model. S3. Perform Boolean difference processing on the first three-dimensional data model and the second three-dimensional data model to form a third three-dimensional data model; S4. Using 3D printing technology, a shoe last model corresponding to the first three-dimensional data model and a combined model corresponding to the third three-dimensional data model are respectively produced. S5. Perform multi-stage molding on the shoe last model to obtain a positive mold, and perform multi-stage molding on the combined model to obtain a negative mold; S6. Assemble the male mold and the female mold to form an injection cavity, inject thermoplastic polymer material into the injection cavity, and demold after curing to obtain pet shoes.

2. The method for 3D printing customized pet shoes according to claim 1, characterized in that, The top edge of the second three-dimensional data model is lower than the top of the first three-dimensional data model.

3. The method for 3D printing customized pet shoes according to claim 1, characterized in that, The S2 further includes adding a decorative pattern to the outer surface of the shell structure.

4. The method for 3D printing customized pet shoes according to claim 1, characterized in that, The specific steps of S4 are as follows: import the first three-dimensional data model and the third three-dimensional data model into slicing software for layer-by-layer slicing to form a slice file; then import the slice file into an LCD 3D printer for layer-by-layer curing to obtain the shoe last model and the combined model.

5. The method for 3D printing customized pet shoes according to claim 4, characterized in that, The thickness of the layer is 0.05-0.1 mm.

6. The method for 3D printing customized pet shoes according to claim 1, characterized in that, The multi-stage molding process includes at least three stages, and the heat resistance temperature of the molding material increases sequentially in each stage.

7. The method for 3D printing customized pet shoes according to claim 6, characterized in that, The specific steps of S5 are as follows: Silicone molding is performed on the shoe last model to obtain a silicone shoe last female mold; casting wax is injected into the silicone shoe last female mold to obtain a wax shoe last male mold; plaster molding is performed on the wax shoe last male mold to obtain a plaster shoe last female mold; metal material is injected into the plaster shoe last female mold to obtain a metal shoe last male mold; segmented silicone molding is performed on the combined model to obtain silicone female mold one and silicone female mold two; silicone female mold one and silicone female mold two are combined to form a complete combined model female mold; plaster is filled into silicone male mold one and silicone male mold two to obtain plaster male mold one and plaster male mold two; metal is poured into plaster male mold one and plaster male mold two to obtain metal female mold one and metal female mold two.

8. The method for 3D printing customized pet shoes according to claim 7, characterized in that, The first metal female mold and the second metal female mold are provided with one or more sets of corresponding first positioning bolts and first positioning holes.

9. The method for 3D printing customized pet shoes according to claim 1, characterized in that, The metal shoe last male mold is provided with a second positioning bolt, and the combined female mold is provided with a second positioning hole that matches the second positioning bolt.

10. A pet shoe, characterized in that, Custom pet shoes are made using the method of 3D printing as described in any one of claims 1-9.

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