Single Shoe Printed in Just 25 Minutes — TPM3D Unveils End-to-End SLS Footwear Manufacturing at Chain Expo

On July 17, 2025, at the China International Supply Chain Expo (Chain Expo), TPM3D officially unveiled its SLS-based fully digital footwear manufacturing solution. By compressing the traditional 20+ step shoemaking process into just three steps — scanning, design, and printing, the new system reduces the printing time of a single shoe to just 25 minutes, offering a flexible, digitized alternative for the footwear industry.

Traditional sports shoe manufacturing involves three major phases: upper, insole, and outsole fabrication, followed by bonding, drying, shaping, and final cold or vulcanized gluing. This complex process includes cutting, stitching, and injection molding across more than 20 steps, with high equipment costs and weeks-long production cycles.

TPM3D’s integrated solution is powered by Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) and covers the entire shoemaking workflow — from design and materials to printing equipment and post-processing — all developed in-house.

1. Digital Design

Using specialized software, designers can generate shoe models optimized for lightweighting, breathability, and mechanical performance — without traditional mold constraints or the need for support structures typical in FDM, SLA, or DLP printing. Complex lattice zoning is easily achievable.

2. High-Efficiency Printing

The INPLUS P550DL, a large-format dual-laser SLS printer, operates at 0.15 mm layer thickness and scanning speeds of up to 22 m/s, using the Precimid series polymer powders. In a 38-hour print cycle, a single build can yield 90 finished shoes, achieving true batch production from digital file to physical product.

3. Performance Breakthroughs

Compared to resin-based 3D printed shoes, INPLUS’s SLS shoes are significantly lighter and more comfortable. Compared to FDM-printed shoes, the SLS shoes offer superior Z-axis strength and wear resistance. The proprietary high-performance polymer materials deliver a balance of resilience and cushioning, enhancing the overall comfort experience.

4. Sustainable and Recyclable

The solution utilizes semi-crystalline thermoplastic polymers, which boast high material utilization, minimal waste, and full compliance with China’s national guideline GB/T 30102-2024 on plastic waste recycling and reuse. The entire production process is non-toxic and environmentally friendly.

The INPLUS all-in-one printed shoe — a fusion of sandal breathability and sneaker support — drew attention at the expo with its 360-degree ventilation, futuristic design, and featherlight feel, exemplifying the power of advanced manufacturing.

Also launched at the event was INPLUS’s AI-powered digital solution for medical rehabilitation aids, which addresses the bottlenecks of traditional orthotic manufacturing. Historically reliant on expert craftsmanship and cumbersome tools, orthotic production has faced hurdles in standardization and scalability.

The new system redefines the workflow:
Digital Scan → AI-Driven Design → 3D Printing → Post-Processing

Three Key Innovations in Orthotic Manufacturing

1. Accessible 3D Scanning

Professional equipment is no longer required — a smartphone with the INPLUS scanning app can capture detailed 3D data of feet, limbs, and torsos. This lowers barriers while maintaining clinical-grade precision.

2. AI-Powered Custom Design

Leveraging a vast clinical database and case library, the AI generates customized, biomechanically optimized models for orthotics and insoles. This marks a shift from experience-based design to data-driven standardization, reducing reliance on senior orthotists and enhancing precision and consistency.

3. Seamless 3D Printing + Post-Processing

Front-end data flows directly into SLS printing systems using Precimid polymer powders, enabling rapid manufacturing of orthotic devices. Post-processing ensures smooth finishes and comfortable wear, dramatically improving throughput from scan to final product.

With mature SLS technology capable of printing PA11, PA12, TPU, and PEEK, INPLUS’s solution addresses diverse medical needs. By integrating digital scanning, expert design software, polymer materials, SLS printing, and finishing into a unified system, the company has built a full-stack capability for intelligent orthotic manufacturing.

Looking ahead, INPLUS plans to deepen collaboration with hospitals and research institutes, driving the evolution of digitized healthcare and extending the benefits of this end-to-end solution to more patients in need of rehabilitation.

TPM3D believes that innovation is not just about the product, but also about ecosystem synergy. Going forward, the company invites global footwear brands, healthcare providers, research institutions, and innovators to join in shaping the future of SLS manufacturing. Together, they aim to transform the industry toward intelligent, sustainable, and personalized production, turning the vision of “Technology Empowering Better Living” into reality.