Wilson Sporting Goods Co. has made a groundbreaking announcement: the release of the Wilson Airless Gen1, the world’s first 3D printed basketball. This innovative product has the potential to reshape the sports equipment industry in the long run. Following the success of the Airless Prototype, which received an enthusiastic reception last year, the Wilson Airless Gen1 is now available exclusively at Wilson starting from February 16. Priced at $2,500, this basketball represents a significant leap forward in sports equipment technology.
The Wilson Airless Gen1 basketball is the result of extensive development and refinement by Wilson Labs, the innovation arm of Wilson. This commercial version builds upon the functionality of the prototype, offering enhanced performance that rivals that of a regulation basketball in terms of weight, size, and rebound.
With an upgraded lattice design, the Airless Gen1 ensures more consistent performance and bounce. The see-through lattice structure adorned with eight panel-like “lobes” is a distinctive feature that remains unchanged. To streamline the manufacturing process, the ball now has integrated holes within its channels, allowing for faster production without the need for inflation. Each ball comes with a built-in label that not only allows for personal customization, but also displays its limited production number. Additionally, the Airless Gen1 introduces new color variations, including brown and natural white, to broaden its aesthetic appeal.
Wilson Labs collaborated with several key partners to create the original prototype and limited series production model. This includes General Lattice for computational design services, DyeMansion for color and finishing solutions, EOS for technical oversight, and SNL Creative as the primary manufacturing partner.
The Wilson Airless Gen1 basketball is priced at $2,500 and is available exclusively on Wilson.com. Its launch coincides with an on-site activation at NBA Crossover in Indianapolis, providing fans with an opportunity to experience this unique basketball firsthand.
This pioneering project raises questions about the market demand for a basketball at such a high price point. However, it also highlights the potential of 3D printing in the sports industry, as it allows for flexible and tool-less manufacturing methods. As the technology advances and production costs decrease, it is possible that the price of 3D printed sports equipment will become more consumer-friendly. Furthermore, the Airless Gen1 basketball offers a sustainable alternative to traditional rubber and leather basketballs, which are often associated with ethical and ecological concerns.
Wilson’s introduction of the Airless Gen1 basketball marks a significant milestone in sports equipment innovation. By pushing the boundaries of 3D printing technology, Wilson has set a new standard for performance and customization in sports equipment.
Häufig gestellte Fragen (FAQs):
1. Was ist der Wilson Airless Gen1 Basketball?
Der Wilson Airless Gen1 Basketball ist der weltweit erste per 3D-Drucker hergestellte Basketball. Er bietet eine verbesserte Leistung und revolutioniert die Sportgeräteindustrie.
2. Wo kann ich den Wilson Airless Gen1 Basketball kaufen?
Den Wilson Airless Gen1 Basketball gibt es exklusiv auf Wilson.com.
3. Wie viel kostet der Wilson Airless Gen1 Basketball?
Der Wilson Airless Gen1 Basketball kostet 2.500 US-Dollar.
4. Was sind die Vorteile des Wilson Airless Gen1 Basketball?
Der Wilson Airless Gen1 Basketball bietet verbesserte Performance und Rebound-Eigenschaften. Durch das 3D-gedruckte Design erreicht er eine hohe Qualität und Haltbarkeit.
5. Welche Farbvarianten sind für den Wilson Airless Gen1 Basketball verfügbar?
Der Wilson Airless Gen1 Basketball ist in braun und natürlicher weißer Farbe erhältlich.
6. Mit wem hat Wilson für die Entwicklung des Airless Gen1 zusammengearbeitet?
Wilson hat mit verschiedenen Partnern wie General Lattice, DyeMansion, EOS und SNL Creative zusammengearbeitet, um den Airless Gen1 Basketball zu entwickeln.
7. Wieso ist der Wilson Airless Gen1 Basketball so teuer?
Der Preis des Wilson Airless Gen1 Basketball spiegelt die innovative 3D-Druck-Technologie sowie den begrenzten Produktionsumfang wider. Mit einer steigenden Nachfrage und sinkenden Produktionskosten könnten 3D-gedruckte Sportgeräte jedoch auch für den durchschnittlichen Verbraucher erschwinglicher werden.
8. Welche Vorteile bietet die 3D-Druck-Technologie im Sportbereich?
Die 3D-Druck-Technologie ermöglicht flexible und werkzeuglose Herstellungsmethoden. Dadurch können individuelle Anpassungen und verbesserte Leistung erreicht werden. Außerdem bietet sie eine nachhaltige Alternative zu traditionellen Gummibällen und Lederbällen, die mit ethischen und ökologischen Bedenken verbunden sind.
Weiterführende Links:
– Wilson.com: Webseite von Wilson Sporting Goods Co.
– NBA Crossover: Informationen zur NBA Crossover-Veranstaltung in Indianapolis.