CAD / DIGITAL DESIGN
Define the target shape, dimensions and key features as the development reference.
MATERIAL · PERFORMANCE · DESIGN
MATERIAL
INTELLIGENCE.
Efficient production, technical performance and sculptural design. Three approaches for different product priorities.
01 / TECHNOLOGIES & APPLICATIONS
From digital design to a foamed midsole.
Three stages explain the basic transformation: define the design, create the smaller GEB preform, then expand it through foaming.
GEB / PREFORM
Translate the design into a smaller preform. Its geometry is adjusted for the selected material and expected foaming behavior.
FOAMED MIDSOLE
Foaming expands the preform into a foam structure. Check the resulting shape and dimensions against the design target.
Concept illustration, not to scale. GEB development involves material-specific adjustments, not simply uniform CAD scaling. Actual expansion and any subsequent forming or finishing depend on the project; CM SCF includes secondary compression molding.
GEB / THE DESIGN CARRIER
The design is already in the GEB.
For Direct Forming and OneTime Forming, the GEB carries the complete design before foaming. The intended shape and details must be developed into the preform, with its geometry matched to the material’s foaming behavior.
More than a smaller shape.
Overall form and proportions
Sidewalls, openings and three-dimensional features
Surface patterns and intended design details
These features are developed into the GEB within the selected route’s capabilities. Foaming expands the preform; the GEB design and material behavior must work together to achieve the intended result.
Direct Forming
CAD → GEB → FOAMED FORM
Develop complex sidewalls, openings and sculptural features into the GEB. Tooling and foaming development focus on preserving the defining design intent.
OneTime Forming
CAD → GEB → FOAMED FORM
Develop production-friendly shapes into the GEB, using validated materials with predictable foaming behavior to support efficient volume production.
CM SCF
FOAMED PREFORM → COMPRESSION MOLD
A second compression-molding stage provides a further opportunity to refine dimensions, shape and surface details after foaming.
Direct Forming and OneTime Forming rely on the GEB to carry the design, without a secondary compression mold to correct it after foaming. Their design scope, material selection and development requirements remain different.
CM SCF / PROCESS INSIGHT
Refining the form through compression molding.
A foamed preform is refined in a second compression-molding stage to improve shape, dimensional control and surface definition, supporting a broader range of materials and properties.
Concept illustration; not an actual mold specification or process parameter map.
02 / MATERIAL PERFORMANCE
Four material families. Three performance dimensions.
Compare material ranges by rebound, hardness and density. KINETIC FOAM is now labeled CM SCF; other material-family names remain as supplied.
03 / APPLICATION COMPARISON
Match the approach to your requirements.
| Product requirement | OneTime Forming | CM SCF | Direct Forming |
|---|
Application ranges may overlap. Similar shapes can call for different approaches when materials, performance or finish requirements differ.
Start with the design. Define what matters.
01
Design & defining features
Share drawings, sidewall height, openings and essential 3D features.
02
Materials & product targets
Define performance, finish, dimensions, target unit cost and volume needs.
03
Samples & acceptance criteria
Evaluate the approach by project; develop and accept against agreed tests, samples and specifications.