Method and device for curing

Abstract

Method for treating an article (43) which has been produced at least partially by an additive manufacturing process, wherein the article (43) comprises a sole element (43) for footwear (41), wherein the method comprises: (a) Providing a form comprising a contact section configured to contact the object (43), the contact section comprising at least a first surface (11) and a second surface (12); (b) Setting a length of the contact section and / or setting a height of the first surface (11) relative to the second surface (12); (c) Arranging the object (43) on the form (10) to contact the contact section, further comprising arranging the first surface (11) to contact a heel section of the sole element and arranging the second surface (12) to contact a midfoot section of the sole element; and (d) Hardening of the object (43).

Description

1. Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to an improved method and a device for treating an object that has been produced at least partially by an additive manufacturing process. 2. State of the art

[0002] Additive manufacturing processes offer numerous advantages over conventional manufacturing methods. For example, additive manufacturing enables the production of shapes that could not be manufactured using conventional methods. Furthermore, additive manufacturing allows for a level of customization that would be unattainable with conventional manufacturing methods.

[0003] However, many objects produced by additive manufacturing processes are not sufficiently strong immediately after the additive manufacturing process is complete and require further process steps such as curing to harden and solidify the object for its intended use.

[0004] Before hardening, the object may be quite soft, and therefore its shape can still change during the hardening process, either intentionally or unintentionally. The object must therefore be supported by a load-bearing structure such as a mold or fixture during the hardening process.

[0005] Often, an item can be produced in different sizes. For example, a shoe midsole can be manufactured for various shoe sizes. Currently, it is necessary to have a specific support structure for each item size. This increases inventory in a production facility as well as the complexity of the curing process.

[0006] DE 10 2016 124 387 A1 relates to a construction box for the additive manufacturing of a molded part and an arrangement comprising the construction box.

[0007] GB 1 425 312 A concerns an adaptable form.

[0008] US 2014 / 0109440A1 concerns a shoe with a replaceable sole section.

[0009] US Patent 5,851,563 A relates to a reconfigurable modular tool shape that can be adapted to the contour of a workpiece by adjusting the height of a system of pins.

[0010] BE 1 018 819 A3 relates to a device for forming molded parts made from one or more plastic parts.

[0011] WO 2017 / 180 958 A2 discloses systems and methods for supporting an object printed in an additive manufacturing process.

[0012] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a form that can be used to treat different sizes of an object that has been produced at least partially by an additive manufacturing process.

[0013] A further object of the present invention is to provide a method for improving the treatment methods for an object that has been produced at least partially by an additive manufacturing process. 3. Summary of the invention

[0014] These tasks are solved by a procedure and a form in accordance with the independent claims.In particular, the invention relates to a method for treating an article that has been produced at least partially by an additive manufacturing process, wherein the article comprises a sole element for footwear, the method comprising: (a) providing a mold comprising a contact section configured to contact the article, the contact section comprising at least a first surface and a second surface; (b) setting a length of the contact section and / or setting a height of the first surface relative to the second surface; (c) arranging the article on the mold to contact the contact section, further comprising arranging the first surface to contact a heel section of the sole element and arranging the second surface to contact a midfoot section of the sole element; and (d) curing the article.

[0015] The method according to the present invention therefore makes it possible to use a single mold for a range of different sizes of an object that has been produced at least partially by an additive manufacturing process. Therefore, it is not necessary to provide a mold for each size, which reduces the required inventory and improves the efficiency of the processing method.

[0016] The term "additive manufacturing" has its conventional meaning. That is, an additive manufacturing process is any technique that employs an additive forming principle, thereby creating physical 3D geometries through the successive addition of material. Additive manufacturing processes include 3D printing and techniques sometimes referred to as rapid prototyping. Specifically, additive manufacturing processes include techniques such as laser sintering, direct metal laser sintering, selective laser melting, FDM® (Fused Deposition Modeling), fused filament fabrication, and stereolithography.

[0017] A "contact section" of the mold is configured to contact the object. However, it should be understood that the object does not require continuous contact with the mold across the entire contact section. In particular, the length of the contact section can change without changing the length of the mold.

[0018] A "height" can be determined with respect to the direction of gravity. However, it is also possible for a height to be a distance between the first surface and the second surface in general. In this case, the object can be fixed, for example, by a clamping mechanism. If the first surface and the second surface are not parallel to each other, an average height is to be assumed as the height within the meaning of the present invention.

[0019] The hardening process can involve heating the object. Heating is a simple and effective method for hardening the object. Heating can be done in an oven.

[0020] The mold used in the process for treating an object may include a non-stick coating. A non-stick coating prevents the object from sticking to the mold and thus prevents damage to the object during the process. A non-stick coating may, for example, include polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), also known as Teflon®.

[0021] The object may have been manufactured, at least partially, by a stereolithography process. Stereolithography enables a resolution that cannot be achieved with other additive manufacturing processes. However, stereolithographically manufactured objects can be particularly soft and fragile immediately after completion of the stereolithographic production. These objects therefore particularly benefit from the process according to the present invention.

[0022] The article comprises a sole element for footwear. A sole element is crucial for the comfort of footwear. Footwear can be any type of shoe, such as a running shoe, football boot, hiking boot, golf shoe, tennis shoe, etc. The cushioning properties of a sole element are particularly important for athletic applications. Additive manufacturing processes enable new sole element designs and shapes that could not be achieved with conventional methods. However, a sole element is also subject to considerable wear and tear and must therefore be cured and hardened to be suitable for its intended use. Furthermore, a sole element must be manufactured in various sizes. Therefore, the present process is particularly advantageous for an article comprising a sole element.The sole element can, for example, include a midsole element that is crucial for the cushioning properties of the footwear.

[0023] The method can involve adjusting the length of the contact section, where the first and second surfaces can be movable relative to each other, or adjusting the length of the contact section can involve moving the first surface relative to the second surface. In this case, the length of the mold can remain unchanged. The overall surface area of ​​the mold therefore remains unchanged, allowing for space-saving storage.

[0024] The procedure can further include setting an initial angle between the first and second surfaces. This allows the height of the first surface relative to the second surface to be adjusted. Different sizes of some items require different initial angles. Therefore, this procedure provides optimal support in these cases.

[0025] The method further comprises arranging the first surface for contacting a heel section of the sole element and arranging the second surface for contacting a midfoot section of the sole element. Therefore, the method allows the angle between the heel section and the midfoot section of the sole element to be adjusted. The inventors have determined that for optimal wearing comfort, this angle should be varied for different sizes of the sole element. The angle between a toe section and a midfoot section of the sole element can be identical for different sizes of the sole element.

[0026] The contact section can further include a third surface, wherein the third surface is at a third angle to the second surface, and the method further includes adjusting this third angle. Therefore, the method allows for more specific adaptation to different sizes of the object. For example, the third surface can be configured to contact a toe section of a sole element. Thus, if the angle between a toe section and a midfoot section of the sole element is not identical for different sizes of the sole element, the method can be adapted accordingly.

[0027] The mold can include at least one first interchangeable element, which defines a first height. The inventors have found that this provides a simple and quick way to adjust the length of the contact section and / or the height of the first surface relative to the second surface. The mold can include any number of interchangeable elements, such as one, two, three, four, five, etc.

[0028] The mold can have an area density of at least one interchangeable element per square centimeter. In other embodiments, the mold can have an area density of at least 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, or 20 interchangeable elements per square centimeter. This allows for high resolution when adapting the mold to different object sizes.

[0029] Adjusting the length of the contact section and / or the height of the first surface relative to the second surface can involve replacing the first interchangeable element with a second interchangeable element, the second interchangeable element having a second height that differs from the first interchangeable element's height. This allows for a particularly simple and versatile adjustment of the contact section length and / or the height of the first surface relative to the second surface.

[0030] The first interchangeable element can be positioned at a first position on the mold, and adjusting the length of the contact section and / or the height of the first surface relative to the second surface can involve moving the first interchangeable element from the first position to a second position on the mold. This allows for particularly simple and versatile adjustment of the contact section length and / or the height of the first surface relative to the second surface. This can be done as an alternative or in addition to replacing the first interchangeable element with the second interchangeable element.

[0031] The first interchangeable element can be a first pin and / or the second interchangeable element can be a second pin, and the shape can include at least one recess configured to hold the first pin or the second pin. In this way, the first and / or second interchangeable element can be easily and repeatedly replaced multiple times.

[0032] The shape can include at least one vertically movable element in a vertical position, and adjusting the length of the contact section and / or the height of the first surface relative to the second surface can include adjusting the vertical position of the vertically movable element. This allows for particularly quick and easy adjustment of the length of the contact section and / or the height of the first surface relative to the second surface.

[0033] The shape can include any number of vertically movable elements, such as one, two, three, four, five, etc.

[0034] The mold can have an area density of vertically movable elements of at least one interchangeable element per square centimeter. In other embodiments, the mold can have an area density of at least 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, or 20 interchangeable elements per square centimeter. This allows for high resolution when adapting the mold to different object sizes.

[0035] The vertically movable element can be a first pin; the shape can include at least one recess configured to hold the first pin; and adjusting the vertical position of the vertically movable element can involve moving the first pin vertically within the recess. In this way, the vertically movable element can be easily and repeatedly moved vertically.

[0036] The invention further relates to a mold for treating an object that has been produced at least partially by an additive manufacturing process, wherein the object (43) comprises a sole element (43) for footwear (41), wherein the mold comprises: (a) a contact section configured to contact the object, comprising at least a first surface and a second surface, (b) wherein the first surface is arranged at a height relative to the second surface, and (c) wherein a length of the contact section is adjustable and / or wherein the height of the first surface relative to the second surface is adjustable, and (d) wherein the mold comprises a non-stick coating.

[0037] The terms “additive manufacturing process”, “contact section” and “height” are to be understood as they apply to the corresponding process.

[0038] The mold according to this invention can be used for a range of different sizes of an object that has been produced at least partially by an additive manufacturing process. Therefore, it is not necessary to provide a mold for each size, which reduces the required inventory and improves the efficiency of the processing method.

[0039] The mold also includes a non-stick coating. A non-stick coating prevents the object from sticking to the mold and thus prevents damage to the object during the process. A non-stick coating can, for example, include polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), also known as Teflon®.

[0040] The first and second surfaces can be movable relative to each other. In this case, the length of the mold can remain unchanged. The total surface area of ​​the mold therefore remains unchanged, allowing for space-saving storage.

[0041] The angle between the first and second surfaces can be adjusted. This allows the height of the first surface relative to the second surface to be adjusted as well. Different sizes of some items require different angles. Therefore, the shape provides optimal support in these cases.

[0042] The form may include a hinge connecting the first and second surfaces to adjust the first angle. A hinge is defined as any mechanism that allows the first surface to rotate relative to the second surface.

[0043] The contact section can further include a third surface, which is at a third angle to the second surface and where the third angle is adjustable. Therefore, the shape allows for more specific adaptation to different sizes of the object. For example, the third surface can be configured to contact a toe section of a sole element. Thus, if the angle between a toe section and a midfoot section of the sole element is not identical for different sizes of the sole element, the shape allows the process to be adapted accordingly.

[0044] The shape can further comprise at least one first interchangeable element, which includes a first height. The inventors have found that this provides a simple and quick way to adjust the length of the contact section and / or the height of the first surface relative to the second surface. The shape can include any number of interchangeable elements, such as one, two, three, four, five, etc.

[0045] The length of the contact section can be adjustable and / or the height of the first surface relative to the second surface can be adjusted by replacing the first interchangeable element with a second interchangeable element, the second interchangeable element having a second height that differs from the first interchangeable element's height. This allows for particularly simple and versatile adjustment of the contact section length and / or the height of the first surface relative to the second surface.

[0046] The mold can have an area density of at least one interchangeable element per square centimeter. In other embodiments, the mold can have an area density of at least 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, or 20 interchangeable elements per square centimeter. This allows for high resolution when adapting the mold to different object sizes.

[0047] The first interchangeable element can be positioned at a first position on the mold, and the length of the contact section and / or the height of the first surface relative to the second surface can be adjusted by moving the first interchangeable element from its first position to a second position on the mold. This allows for particularly simple and versatile adjustment of the contact section length and / or the height of the first surface relative to the second surface. This can be done as an alternative or in addition to replacing the first interchangeable element with the second interchangeable element.

[0048] The first interchangeable element can be a first pin and / or the second interchangeable element can be a second pin. The shape can include at least one recess configured to hold the first pin or the second pin. The shape can include at least one first and one second recess configured to hold the first pin or the second pin. The first recess can define the first position, while the second recess can define the second position. In this way, the first and / or second interchangeable element can be easily and repeatedly exchanged.

[0049] The shape can further include at least one vertically movable element in a vertical position for adjusting the length of the contact section and / or for adjusting the height of the first surface relative to the second surface. This allows for particularly quick and easy adjustment of the length of the contact section and / or the height of the first surface relative to the second surface.

[0050] The vertically movable element can be a first pin; the shape can further include at least one recess configured to hold the first pin, but allowing the first pin to be moved vertically within the recess. In this way, the vertically movable element can be easily and repeatedly moved vertically.

[0051] The shape can further include a clamping mechanism to fix the first pin in a desired vertical position within the recess. This prevents unintentional vertical displacement of the first / second pin under load. 4. Brief description of the characters

[0052] The present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to the following figures. These figures show: Fig. 1A-B: an exemplary form according to the present invention; Fig. 2: another exemplary form according to the present invention; Fig. 3A-C: another exemplary form according to the present invention, comprising a vertically displaceable element; Fig. 4A-C: another exemplary form according to the present invention, comprising a vertically displaceable element; Fig. 5A-C: another exemplary form according to the present invention, comprising a first interchangeable element; Fig. 6A-C: another exemplary form according to the present invention, comprising a first interchangeable element; Fig. 7A-B: another exemplary form according to the present invention, comprising a first interchangeable element; Fig. 8A-C: another exemplary form according to the present invention, comprising a first interchangeable element; and Fig. 9: exemplary footwear. 5. Detailed description of preferred embodiments

[0053] Only a few embodiments of the invention are described in detail below. It should be understood that these exemplary embodiments can be modified and combined in various ways whenever they are compatible, and that certain features can be omitted where they appear unnecessary.

[0054] The Fig. Figures 1A-B show an exemplary form 10 according to the present invention. Fig. 1A only shows form 10, while Fig. Figure 1B schematically depicts an object arranged on the form 10. The exemplary form 10 is used to handle an object that has been produced at least partially by an additive manufacturing process and comprises: (a) a contact section configured to contact the object, comprising at least a first surface 11 and a second surface 12, (b) wherein the first surface 11 is arranged at a height relative to the second surface 12, and (c) wherein a length of the contact section is adjustable. In this example, the height of the first surface 11 relative to the second surface 12 is not adjustable.

[0055] The second surface 12 is arranged on a movable section 15 which is movable relative to the first surface of the shape 10.

[0056] In this example, the object is a midsole element 43 for footwear and comprises a curved underside (not shown) in a toe section 50. The first surface 11 of the shape 10 is curved to optimally support the curved surface of the midsole element 43. The first surface 11 is configured to define a toe spring of the midsole element 43, similar to the one in Fig. 9 footwear shown. The second surface 12 is configured to provide a heel lift of the midsole element 43 similar to that for the in Fig. 9 footwear depicted to define. Although in the Fig. In the example shown in 1B, only a single midsole is depicted for illustrative purposes; however, two or more midsoles can be arranged on the mold 10.

[0057] The first surface 11 and the second surface 12 are movable relative to each other. In this case, the length of the shape 10 can remain unchanged. A lateral distance between the first surface 11 and the second surface 12 can be set by means of a length adjustment mechanism 13, which in this case includes a screw. A scale 14 serves to set a specific length of the contact section.

[0058] The Form 10 includes a non-stick coating that contains PTFE.

[0059] Fig. Figure 2 shows a further exemplary form 10 according to the present invention. The exemplary form 10 serves to treat an object that has been produced at least partially by an additive manufacturing process, comprising: (a) a contact section configured to contact the object, comprising at least a first surface 11 and a second surface 12, (b) wherein the first surface 11 is arranged at a height relative to the second surface 12, and (c) wherein the height of the first surface 11 relative to the second surface 12 is adjustable.

[0060] A first angle 22 between the first surface 11 and the second surface 12 is adjustable. The height of the first surface 11 relative to the second surface 12 can thus also be adjusted. The form 10 includes a hinge 21 that connects the first surface 11 and the second surface 12 to adjust the first angle 22. The first angle 22 can be fixed to a specific value by means of a screw that fixes the orientation of the hinge 21. In other embodiments, the contact section can further include a third surface, wherein the third surface is at a third angle to the second surface 12 and wherein the third angle is adjustable.

[0061] Fig. Figures 3A-C show a further exemplary form 10 according to the present invention, comprising a vertically displaceable element 33. The exemplary form 10 serves to treat an object that has been at least partially manufactured by an additive manufacturing process, comprising: (a) a contact section configured to contact the object, comprising at least a first surface 11 and a second surface 12, (b) wherein the first surface 11 is arranged at a height relative to the second surface 12, and (c) wherein the height of the first surface 11 relative to the second surface 12 is adjustable.

[0062] The form 10 further comprises a vertically movable element 33 at a vertical position for adjusting the height of the first surface 11 relative to the second surface 12. The vertical position is specified in the individual Fig. 3A-C differ. The vertically displaceable element 33 is a first pin; the shape 10 further includes a first recess 32 configured to hold the first pin, but allowing the first pin to move vertically within the first recess 32. Although the first pin in this example has a substantially circular cross-section, any cross-sectional shape, whether regular or irregular, is possible for each pin.

[0063] Form 10 further includes a clamping mechanism 31 for fixing the first pin in a desired vertical position within the first recess 32. In this example, the clamping mechanism includes a thread into which a screw is inserted. The screw is tightened against the first pin to fix it in a desired vertical position.

[0064] Fig. 3A shows the first pin in a first vertical position. In Fig. In 3B, the first pin is in a second vertical position, which is higher than the one in Fig. 3A shows the first vertical position. Fig. In 3C, the first pin is in a third vertical position, which is lower than the one in Fig. 3A shows the first vertical position.

[0065] Fig. Figures 4A-C show a further exemplary form 10 according to the present invention, comprising a plurality of vertically displaceable elements. The form 10 is used for treating an object that has been produced at least partially by an additive manufacturing process and comprises: (a) a contact section configured to contact the object, comprising at least a first surface 11 and a second surface 12, (b) wherein the first surface 11 is arranged at a height relative to the second surface 12, and (c) wherein a length of the contact section is adjustable and the height of the first surface 11 relative to the second surface 12 is adjustable.

[0066] Form 10 comprises a number of vertically movable elements, each arranged at a corresponding vertical position. Form 10 has an area density of one vertically movable element per square centimeter.

[0067] Some exemplary vertically movable elements are labelled 33a-c. Each vertically movable element 33a-c is a pin, and the shape 10 further includes a corresponding recess for each pin, which makes it possible to move each pin vertically in its corresponding recess.

[0068] The first configuration of Form 10, as in Fig. Figure 4A shows a first object produced by an additive manufacturing process. In this example, the first object is a midsole 35a for footwear. The midsole 35a is in contact with the pins 33b and 33c, which form the first surface 11 and the second surface 12, respectively. Specifically, the midsole is not in contact with the pin 33a located in the recess 32a.

[0069] The second configuration of Form 10, as in Fig. As shown in 4B, a larger midsole 35b supports footwear. The pin 33a was positioned opposite the one in Fig. Raised to the vertical position shown in 4A.

[0070] The midsole 35b remains in contact with the pins 33b and 33c, which form the first surface 11 and the second surface 12, respectively. Compared to the first configuration in Fig. In step 4A, pin 33a has been raised vertically. Thus, the midsole 35b is now in contact with pin 33a, which is located in the recess 32a. The first surface 11 of the shape 10 is now formed by pin 33a. Therefore, the length of the contact section is increased in the second configuration compared to the first configuration. Pin 33a in the second configuration is also in a higher vertical position than pin 33b in the first or second configuration. Therefore, the height of the first surface 11 relative to the second surface 12 is increased in the second configuration compared to the first configuration.

[0071] A third configuration of Form 10 is in Fig. 4C is shown. Compared to the second configuration in Fig. In 4B, the pin 33a was raised further vertically. Therefore, the height of the first surface 11 relative to the second surface 12 is increased in the third configuration relative to the second configuration. In this example, the first surface 11 is positioned to contact a heel portion of the midsole, and the second surface 12 is positioned to contact a midfoot portion of the sole element 35c. This allows the angle between the heel portion and midfoot portion, also known as heel lift, of the midsole to be adjusted.

[0072] The Fig. Figures 5B-C show a further exemplary form 10 according to the present invention, comprising a first replaceable element. The form 10 is used for treating an object that has been produced at least partially by an additive manufacturing process and comprises: (a) a contact section configured to contact the object, comprising at least a first surface 11 and a second surface 12, (b) wherein the first surface 11 is arranged at a height relative to the second surface 12, and (c) wherein the height of the first surface 11 relative to the second surface 12 is adjustable.

[0073] Fig. 5A shows a shape 10 with a multitude of recesses 32a-32p for holding a pen. Fig. Figure 5B shows a form 10 which further comprises a pin 34a with a first height. The pin 34a is fully inserted into the recess 32k. The upper surface of the pin 34a comprises the first surface 11. The pin 34a is replaceable and was described in Fig. 5C is replaced by pin 34b, which has a second height greater than the first height. The top of pin 34b now encompasses the first surface 11. Therefore, the height of the first surface 11 relative to the second surface 12 is Fig. 5C compared to Fig. 5B increased.

[0074] The Fig. Figures 6A-C show another exemplary form 10 according to the present invention, comprising a plurality of interchangeable elements. Fig. 6A-C are analogous to Fig. 4A-C, with the exception that the latter refer to a vertically movable element. In the in Fig. The examples shown in 6A-C are the ones in Fig. The pin 34a shown in 6A-C is interchangeable and is replaced by a taller pin, i.e., with a greater height 34d. Fig. 6B and by an even taller pen 34e in Fig. 6C, instead of the vertical position of the vertically movable pin 33a according to Fig. to set 4A-C. As for the one in Fig. The example shown in 4A-C enables the Fig. 6A-C shows exemplary form 10 for setting a length of the contact section of form 10 and the height of the first surface 11 relative to the second surface 12.

[0075] Fig. Figures 7A-B show a further exemplary form 10 according to the present invention, comprising a first interchangeable element. Fig. 7A-B are analogous to the Fig. 5A-B, with the exception that in the latter case the one in Fig. 5B shown pen 34a in Fig. 5C was replaced by pin 34b, which includes a second height greater than the first height of pin 34a. In the Fig. In the example shown in 7A-B, the replaceable 34k pin fits completely into the 32k recess. Fig. 7A used. In Fig. In step 7B, the replaceable pin 34k was moved into the recess 32j. Therefore, in Fig. 7B a length of the contact section of shape 10 opposite Fig. 7A enlarged.

[0076] The Fig. Figures 8A-C show a further exemplary form 10 according to the present invention, comprising a first interchangeable element. Fig. 8A-C are analogous to the Fig. 6A-C, with the exception that in the latter case the one in Fig. 6A shown pin 34a by a taller pin 34d in Fig. 6B and by an even taller pen 34e in Fig. 6C is replaced. Fig. 8A the pin 34b is fully inserted into the recess 32b.

[0077] In Fig. In step 8B, pin 34b was moved into recess 32a. Therefore, the length of the contact section of mold 10 is... Fig. 8B compared to Fig. 8A enlarged.

[0078] In Fig. In step 8C, the pin 34c was moved from recess 32c into recess 32a, as shown in Fig. 8A is shown. Therefore, the length of the contact section of shape 10 is in Fig. 8C compared to Fig. 8A increased. In addition, pin 34c now includes the first surface 11. Therefore, the height of the first surface 11 relative to the second surface 12 was increased. Fig. 8C compared to Fig. 8A increased.

[0079] Fig.Figure 9 shows an exemplary footwear 41. The exemplary footwear 41 is a running shoe 41. The running shoe 41 comprises an upper 42, a stereolithographically manufactured midsole 43, and an outsole 44 attached to the midsole. The midsole 43 comprises an upper surface 51 and a lower surface 52, the upper surface 51 being configured to be positioned near the upper 42; in this case, the upper surface 51 of the midsole 43 is attached to the upper 42. The lower surface 52 is configured to be positioned near the outsole 44; in this case, the lower surface 52 of the midsole 43 is attached to the outsole 44. An angle 46 formed between the heel section 48 and the midfoot section 49 is called the heel lift. An angle 47 formed between the toe section 50 and the midfoot section 49 is called a toe spring.In this example, the heel section 48 and the toe section 50 of the midsole 43 comprise a flat lower surface 52, so that the heel lift 46 and / or the toe spring 47 are each characterized by only one angle. However, it is also possible that the heel section 48 and / or the toe section 50 of the midsole 43 are curved.

[0080] It should be noted that the terms heel lift and toe spring generally refer to the angles described above, formed by a lower surface 52 of the midsole 43 instead of the lower surface 53 of the outsole 44. In this example, the outsole 44 has a substantially uniform thickness over its entire length, so that an angle formed by the outsole 44 with the ground 45 in a heel section 48 is essentially equivalent to the heel lift 46, and an angle formed by the outsole 44 with the ground 45 in a toe section 50 is essentially equivalent to the toe spring 47.

[0081] The midsole 43 was arranged on a form as described herein, placed in an oven, heated and thus hardened, and then attached to the outsole 44. Reference symbol: 10 Form 11 first surface 12 second surface 13 Length adjustment mechanism 14 scale 15 moving part 21 hinge 22 first angle 31 Clamping mechanism 32 recess 33 vertically movable elements 34 interchangeable elements 41 Footwear 42 shoe upper 43 Midsole 44 outsole 45 floor 46 Heel lift 47 toe feathers 48 Heel area 49 Midfoot area 50 toe section 51 Upper surface of the midsole 52 Lower surface of the midsole 53 Lower surface of the outsole

Claims

Method for treating an article (43) that has been produced at least partially by an additive manufacturing process, wherein the article (43) comprises a sole element (43) for footwear (41), the method comprising: (a) providing a mold comprising a contact section configured to contact the article (43), the contact section comprising at least a first surface (11) and a second surface (12); (b) setting a length of the contact section and / or setting a height of the first surface (11) relative to the second surface (12); (c) arranging the article (43) on the mold (10) to contact the contact section, further comprising arranging the first surface (11) to contact a heel section of the sole element and arranging the second surface (12) to contact a midfoot section of the sole element; and (d) curing the article (43). Method according to the preceding claim, wherein hardening of the object (43) comprises heating of the object (43). Method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the mold (10) comprises a non-stick coating. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the object (43) was produced at least partially by a stereolithography process. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the method comprises adjusting the length of the contact section and wherein the first surface (11) and the second surface (12) are movable relative to each other and wherein adjusting the length of the contact section comprises moving the first surface (11) relative to the second surface (12). Method according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising setting a first angle (22) between the first surface (11) and the second surface (12). Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the contact section further comprises a third surface, wherein the third surface is at a third angle to the second surface (12), wherein the method further comprises adjusting the third angle. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the shape (10) comprises at least one first interchangeable element (34) comprising a first height. Method according to the preceding claim, wherein adjusting the length of the contact section and / or adjusting the height of the first surface (11) relative to the second surface (12) comprises replacing the first replaceable element (34a) with a second replaceable element (34d, 34e), wherein the second replaceable element (34d, 34e) comprises a second height which is different from the first height of the first replaceable element (34a). Method according to one of claims 8 or 9, wherein the first replaceable element (34a) is arranged at a first position on the mold (10) and wherein adjusting the length of the contact section and / or adjusting the height of the first surface (11) relative to the second surface (12) comprises moving the first replaceable element (34a) from the first position to a second position on the mold. Method according to any one of claims 8-10, wherein the first replaceable element is a first pin and / or the second replaceable element is a second pin and wherein the shape (10) comprises at least one recess (32) configured to hold the first pin or the second pin. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the shape (10) comprises at least one vertically displaceable element (33) at a vertical position, and wherein adjusting the length of the contact section and / or adjusting the height of the first surface (11) relative to the second surface (12) comprises adjusting the vertical position of the vertically displaceable element (33). Method according to the preceding claim, wherein the vertically displaceable element (33) is a first pin, wherein the shape (10) comprises at least one recess (32) configured to hold the first pin, and wherein setting the vertical position of the vertically displaceable element (33) comprises moving the first pin vertically within the recess (32). A mold (10) for handling an object (43) that has been produced at least partially by an additive manufacturing process, wherein the object (43) comprises a sole element (43) for footwear (41), the mold comprising: (a) a contact section configured to contact the object (43), comprising at least a first surface (11) and a second surface (12), (b) wherein the first surface (11) is arranged at a height relative to the second surface (12), (c) wherein a length of the contact section is adjustable and / or wherein the height of the first surface (11) relative to the second surface (12) is adjustable, wherein a first angle (22) between the first surface (11) and the second surface (12) is adjustable, and wherein the mold comprises a hinge (21) connecting the first surface (11) and the second surface (12) for adjusting the first angle (22).and (d) wherein the form includes a non-stick coating. Form (10) according to claim 14, wherein the first surface (11) and the second surface (12) are movable relative to each other. Form (10) according to one of claims 14 - 15, wherein the contact section further comprises a third surface, wherein the third surface is at a third angle to the second surface (12) and wherein the third angle is adjustable. Form (10) according to one of claims 14 - 16 , further comprising at least one first interchangeable element (34) comprising a first height. Form (10) according to the preceding claim, wherein the length of the contact section is adjustable and / or wherein the height of the first surface (11) relative to the second surface (12) is adjustable by replacing a first replaceable element (34a) with a second replaceable element (34d, 34e), wherein the second replaceable element (34d, 34e) comprises a second height which differs from the first height of the first replaceable element (34a). Mold (10) according to one of claims 17 or 18, wherein the first replaceable element (34a) is arranged at a first position on the mold (10) and wherein the length of the contact section and / or the height of the first surface (11) relative to the second surface (12) is adjustable by moving the first replaceable element (34a) from the first position to a second position on the mold. Form (10) according to one of claims 17 - 19, wherein the first replaceable element (34a) is a first pin and / or the second replaceable element (34d, 34e) is a second pin and wherein the form (10) comprises at least one recess (32) configured to hold the first pin or the second pin. Form (10) according to one of claims 14 - 20, further comprising at least one vertically displaceable element (33) in a vertical position for adjusting the length of the contact section and / or adjusting the height of the first surface (11) relative to the second surface (12). Form (10) according to the preceding claim, wherein the vertically displaceable element (33) is a first pin, wherein the form (10) further comprises at least one first recess (32) configured to hold the first pin, but enabling the first pin to be moved vertically within the first recess (32). Form (10) according to the preceding claim, further comprising a clamping mechanism for fixing the first pin at a desired vertical position within the first recess (32).

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