Keen Footwear is planning to adopt a new manufacturing process for its shoes that requires no stitching, no lasting and no assembly, called 3D bonding. Using an injection machine, a 3D mold and a countermold, the process takes only a few seconds and can be applied to all kinds of shoes in any natural or synthetic materials. The 3D bonding system requires less labor and energy than conventional processes, and it doesn't require glues and other chemicals that can be a health hazard. It also uses less material. It allows countless customization opportunities and the production of small batches. It also eliminates friction points for the foot. Described as a new universal manufacturing method that can also be applied to handbags, apparel, furniture and other products, the 3D bonding technology has been developed by Simplicityworks, a Spanish company based in Elche, Spain. It is protected by 14 patents. The inventor and head of the company, Adrián Hernández, who is being aided by a business angel in the U.S. for this project, is discussing its application with some other important footwear brands. Simplicityworks has signed up a Portuguese firm, AMF, for its use in the manufacture of safety shoes for the European market. More in another publication of ours, Shoe Intelligence.

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