Digital tools for design and manufacturing of footwear parts as heels

Abstract

Digital tools are implemented in various steps, such as production, merchandising, retailing, and customer service. Their implementation includes the fashion industry where product development such as garments, heels, jewelry, and accessories, is essential within all steps of production. Starting with the concept of creating 3D models, simulating, and direct digital manufacturing, including complex geometry, depicts the advantages of these technologies in the fashion industry. Reducing time, waste, and the advantages of creating, visualizing, and evaluating products at the early stages of product creation improves the process of product development. In this paper we present a methodology to implement these digital tools for design and manufacturing of shoe parts as heels. Due to the important role that heels play in shoe stability, an attempt to create heel shapes by inspirations taken from solid geometries is presented. To complete the whole design of these models the same shapes are used to create the upper part of the sandals. The methodology presents accurate and convenient manufacturing of footwear products based on product customization. Moreover, it shows a sustainable way of manufacturing footwear products.