PADICS Kiteboarding Uses 3D Printing to Produce Customized Bindings

If you’re into running, buy running shoes in the right size, if you’re into skiing, adjust the binding to the right length for your ski boots and if you’re into kitesurfing … you’ll have to deal with unisex and one-size-fits-all bindings. This means that not only comfort and performance, but also fun, fall by the wayside. But it shouldn’t, according to the enthusiastic kiters at PADICS Kiteboarding, who have developed kite bindings that are individually adapted to the rider. To make this possible, the startup’s team also relies on additive manufacturing and works together with Forward AM.

The PADICS team came up with the idea of customized and personalized bindings after a strenuous training session, which revealed a fundamental problem with the status quo bindings at the time due to cramps in the knees and feet. The standard bindings do not suit the uniqueness of each body and cannot make everyone equally happy, the PADICS team concluded. In order to bring more fun and a better riding experience to the board, the PADICS founders worked on a solution.

PADICS Kiteboarding develops the 3D-printed customized bindings for more comfort and fun.

The mix of mechanical engineering and the external expertise of a master orthopedic technician then led to the first prototypes, which took into account both an individual’s feet and technically relevant points for kiting. To realize the idea of the perfect binding, 3D printing and advanced materials finally came into play. Forward AM brought its expertise in both areas to the project.