A Game Changer: Crafting the Future of Hockey Gear with AM

Additive manufacturing (AM) popularity is growing rapidly within the consumer product and sporting goods application space. This series examines the AM innovations that are transforming industries, in this case, sporting goods. Safety, stamina, and grit are all enhanced by precise equipment designs that provide a perfect fit for professional and recreational athletes. AM is the only technology that can deliver custom designs at the fast pace that sporting goods suppliers require. 

In this episode, Host Fabian Alefeld is joined by Engineering Manager for Advanced Product Development at Bauer Hockey, Thierry Krick. Thierry and the team at Bauer use EOS technology to design and produce protective equipment and customized products for hockey players. Conn Smythe Trophy winner, Cale Makar recently won MVP while wearing a custom Bauer hockey helmet, made in part with industrial 3D printing. 

Comments about the show or wish to share your AM journey? Contact us at [email protected]. The Additive Snack Podcast is brought to you by EOS.

Key Takeaways:

[3:08] Why is AM suitable for designing high-tech sports equipment?

[4:01] Thierry explains how a small piece of foam sparked a complete manufacturing revolution at Bauer Hockey.

[10:45] Why Thierry chose powder technology to be the production path for the future at Bauer.

[15:43] From R&D to production, Thierry shares the many different assets involved in creating a viable sports helmet.

[20:29] Thierry reveals the hockey helmet and explains how each helmet is fitted to an athlete's head. 

[25:24] How athletes can get their own Perfect Fit Helmet from Bauer.