Boston-based New Balance Athletics has launched a new 3D printing platform based around a new proprietary photopolymer resin, which reduces the need for injection moulded thermoplastic and speeds its development and production cycles. 

The new TripleCell platform has been created in collaboration with Formlabs, a Massachusetts-based specialist in 3D printing systems. 

Go deeper with GlobalData

Premium Insights

The gold standard of business intelligence.

Find out more

The pair have also developed a new proprietary photopolymer resin called Rebound Resin, designed to create springy, resilient lattice structures that are close to traditional performance cushioning but also have the durability, reliability, and longevity expected from an injection moulded thermoplastic.

New Balance is launching the TripleCell platform with its classic 990 Sport. TripleCell technology in the heel delivers the cushioning experience found in the classic style but is 10% lighter than the 990v5 and maintains the ‘Made in the USA’ designation, New Balance says. 

The company adds its Innovation Design Studio has also implemented TripleCell into the forefoot of the FuelCell Echo based on the growing focus of forefoot technology and the learnings taken from the recent launch of the FuelCell platform.

See Also:

The 990 Sport with TripleCell is made at the New Balance Lawrence factory, and the FuelCell Echo with TripleCell is assembled in the US.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

“3D printing is changing how companies approach manufacturing, and with this announcement New Balance is pioneering localised manufacturing,” says Dávid Lakatos, chief product officer of Formlabs.

“By eliminating the dependence on moulds and direct printing for both prototyping and production, their team shifts from months to hours in the development and production cycles. We’re moving towards a world where design cycles are closing in on the whim of the consumer and it’s exciting to be on the frontlines of this with New Balance.”

Formlabs took to Twitter to announce both TripleCell and Rebound Resin on Friday (28 June).

“TripleCell will deliver the industry’s pinnacle expression of data to design with seamless transitions between variable properties underfoot”, says Katherine Petrecca, New Balance general manager, Innovation Design Studio.

“This new, cutting edge, digitally manufactured technology is now scaling exclusively within New Balance factories in the US further establishing us as a leader in 3D printing and domestic manufacturing. We’re really going to be able to disrupt the industry not only in performance, but also in athlete customisation and speed to market.”

The two companies began their exclusive relationship to develop high-performance materials, hardware and a manufacturing process for athlete footwear back in 2017.