Chapter 1: How to Make the Upper with 4D Knit Technology

Question 1

How is the knit upper of a 3D printed shoe created?

Answer 1

Companies use 4D Knitting Technology, which involves using a KNITTING MACHINE to knit the upper.

Question 2

What are shoe reinforcements?

Answer 2

Shoe reinforcements are all of the parts of the shoe that you can’t see, but are very important to how the shoe will look and function.

Question 3

What are the 4 most common shoe reinforcements?

Answer 3

Some of the most common shoe reinforcements are the

1. Toe counter (or Puff)
2. Vamp reinforcement
3. Heel counter
4. Eyestay reinforcement

Question 4

What is the strobel board?

Answer 4

The strobel board is a flat piece of fabric that connects the upper to the sole, they’re usually held together by glue.

Question 5

Where can you often find 4D knitting technology?

Answer 5

4D knitting technology is popular on new models of basketball and running shoes made by Nike.

Question 6

Where is the CNC knitting technology popular?

Answer 6

The CNC knitting technology is widely adopted by CHINA.

Question 7

How are the 4D technology machines versatile?

Answer 7

4D Technology machines are very versatile because different DENSITIES, FIBERS, and COLORS, can be programmed on these machines.

Question 8

What are 4D Technology Knitting machines capable of producing?

Answer 8

4D Technology Knitting machines are capable of producing 1000’s of combinations of polyester, nylon, and spandex fibers.

Question 9

How do 4D Technology Knitting machines create several combinations of fibers?

Answer 9

4D Technology Knitting machines create 1000s of combinations of polyester, nylon, and spandex fibers using RACKING SYSTEMS and BIDIRECTIONAL STITCHES to create the MESH.

Question 10

Using 4D Technology Knitting machines, how much does it cost to create the upper?

Answer 10

The price to create the upper depends on ELASTICITY and THICKNESS of MATERIALS.

Question 11

Give me an example of a quote on a 4D Tech Knit Upper:

Answer 11

A design with:

1 COLOR
POLYESTER FIBER

Can be $2.00 per foot.

A design with

3 COLORS and a
COMBINATION of SPANDEX+POLYESTER

Can be $8.00 per foot.

But it all depends on the ORDER QUANTITY.

Question 12

What extra costs might be involved with creating a 4D knit upper?

Answer 12

Extra costs when creating a 4D Knit upper can come from UNDER LAYER LINING and REINFORCEMENTS.

Question 13

What can Nike and Adidas’ machines do to “dial in” their upper?

Answer 13

Nike and Adidas’ machines can SPECIFY the areas in the upper where they want EXTRA SUPPORT.