By Charles Goulding on August 24th, 2024 in news, Usage
Tags: innovation, olympics, sports, swimming, technology
Preeti Sulibhavi and Maya Gerber explore how 3D printing technology has been integral in advancing competitive swimming, focusing on innovations in equipment and broader access.
Every four years, the Olympic Games spur a surge in interest in competitive swimming. Predictably, the number of swimmers registered in the US sees a rise every Olympic year, spurred by the performances seen on the global stage. In 2022, the global market for swimming equipment reached US$12.4 billion, with expectations for further growth following the summer games in Paris. Although the industry has started embracing 3D printing, it holds further potential yet to be fully utilized.
Two renowned swimming equipment manufacturers, Speedo and FINIS Inc, have ventured into the realm of 3D printed products. Known for their innovative approaches, both brands are pioneering the integration of 3D printing technologies in their product development processes.
FINIS Inc, in particular, has employed filament 3D printing for rapid prototyping, mainly to design swimming goggles. This technology allows for the creation of goggles with adjustable straps for enhanced comfort,
permitting direct in-pool testing of various material designs within a day. Meanwhile, Speedo has initiated a project called Aqualab, a secretive research and development wing focused on advancing their swimming products through technologies like 3D printing.
Innovation facility that is dedicated to developing the newest technology in swimming gear. In an all-female led team, the Aqualab is a global R&D facility that is responsible for some of the most innovative swimming products in the world, with the help of 3D printing technology.
During the Paris 2024 Olympics, over half (50.3) of the medalists in swimming were sporting Speedo swimsuits, ones that were developed using 3D printing and Aqualab. This
includes 11 Olympic records, and the single world record broken in Paris was in a Speedo swimsuit. By utilizing 3D Printing, Speedo is changing the sport of swimming by introducing innovative products.
3D printing has also been able to help those who are physically disabled. An inspiring example of this is a sixteen-year-old boy from Spain, Pedro, who loved to swim but found it difficult after a stroke that left his hand immobile. The solution came from BCN3D a 3D printing company that produced the custom-fit hand paddle for Pedro. 3D printing the paddle enabled the design and development process to be more streamlined and efficient than traditional R&D procedures, and all the materials for the paddle were more cost-effective.
Outside of competitive swimming, 3D printing technology is being used creatively to help beginners learn swimming. A swim school located in the Netherlands now leverages this technology to craft engaging toys and puzzles, specially tailored to meet the differing needs of young learners.
3D printing’s usage extends beyond small-scale applications. It has reached a point where entire swimming pools are being constructed using large-scale 3D printers, leading to reduced costs by eliminating traditional labor expenses. Previously, we have discussed the application of 3D printing in creating structures with cement or concrete at Fabbaloo.
Moreover, 3D printing holds potential for enhancing R&D Tax Credits for companies. This includes accounting for a portion of the wages for technical staff who are involved in the design, testing, and refining of 3D printed prototypes.
Eligible periods invested in the R&D Tax Credit also count when involved in enhancing processes, with time allocated to integrating 3D printing technologies recognized as qualifying activities. Additionally, expenditures on materials like filaments during development phases for modeling and preproduction can be claimed.
Utilization of 3D printing, whether for developing and evaluating prototypes or actual production, signals activities that likely qualify for R&D Tax Credits. Firms incorporating such innovations should contemplate the benefits of these credits.
The merging of 3D printing with the swimming sector is generating a surge of innovation and prospects. Notable brands such as Speedo and FINIS are adopting rapid prototyping in their product evolution strategies, alongside pioneering initiatives aimed at improving accessibility for various users.
For swimmers with disabilities, the advent of 3D printing is transforming the development and production of swimming aids. This innovative technology is also applicable in the construction of pools and creating educational resources for novice swimmers.
The growth of the swimming equipment sector is fueled by 3D printing, paving the way for solutions that are more customized, efficient, and cost-effective. Additionally, the adoption of this technology might bring fiscal advantages like R&D tax credits, which could further promote innovation within the industry.
Looking into the future, combining 3D printing with swimming technology is likely to enhance athletic performance, expand accessibility, and promote more eco-friendly production methods.
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Charles Goulding is the Founder and President of R&D Tax Savers, a New York-based firm dedicated to providing clients with quality R&D tax credits available to them. 3D printing carries business implications for companies working in the industry, for which R&D tax credits may be applicable.