Shapeshift 3D Automates Custom Fit of 3D Printed Hockey Helmet Liner 

Shapeshift3D announces an exclusive partnership with CCM for the use of Shapeshift3D software for the fit-customization of CCM hockey equipment.

CCM manufactures a custom 3D printed hockey helmet liner—rather than a foam insert, it is composed of lattice structure that creates a quality helmet that is breathable, safe, and comfortable. The insert is intricate—with a lattice composed of over 130,000 struts placed and sized for optimal energy absorption and dissipation while allowing airflow and deformation.

“We are proud to partner with a hallmark brand so deeply committed to improving the safety and performance of those who practice our national sport—[hockey]. We applaud the commitment to pushing the boundaries of what is possible—they dared to dream and now, through our partnership, we can make it a reality,” says Jonathan Borduas, CEO, Shapeshift 3D.

While it is to be made available to the public in standard sizes (S, M, L), elite athletes have been able to get them custom fitted for the 2021 NHL season. This is accomplished through 3D scanning of the player's head, morphing of the padding to conform the player’s skull, and a 3D printing process involving the curing of a liquid plastic using UV-light to give the final product.

“CCM is proud to partner with such an innovative company, [Shapeshift3D], for the improved processing of the design of our Super Tacks X hockey helmet liner. We chose Shapeshift3D to allow us to bring the custom-fit process used at the elite level to the masses. We were looking for a partner to help with the strong demand and work on an optimized, automated process. We truly think that Shapeshift 3D will help us achieve our commercial vision to bring this revolutionary product to as many players as possible globally,” says Jeff Dalzell, chief product officer.

This requires considerable resources due to the intricacy of the custom lattices thus limiting its accessibility to the global market beyond Pro athletes while driving up costs. With the success of the Super Tacks X helmet so far, CCM wanted to provide the model to a larger pool of global consumers. To improve and automate its process, CCM chose to partner with Shapeshift 3D to answer the demand.

“This [partnership] is particularly exciting as it showcases the unique value-add of using our software – we allow CCM to customize at scale and low cost while respecting technologies already integrated, such as the NEST Tech,” says Jonathan Borduas, CEO, Shapeshift 3D.

Summary of the partnership:

• CCM SuperTacks hockey helmet includes customizable padding manufactured using additive manufacturing, (i.e., 3D printing);
• This partnership will enable CCM to offer its product to a greater number of players;
• No date has been announced regarding availability of this custom product.

Sources: Press materials received from the company and additional information gleaned from the company’s website.