Adidas Crafts Unique 3D-Printed Ballon d'Or Gift for Messi with WASP

Adidas has once again showcased its innovative spirit in the world of sports fashion and technology.
On January 4, 2024, Xpiens knowed, the renowned sports brand marked Lionel Messi's eighth Ballon d'Or nomination in a unique way.
Collaborating with the Italian 3D printing company WASP, Adidas created a special and personalized gift that celebrates Messi's unparalleled achievements in football.

Adidas's Foray into 3D Printing with WASP

The collaboration between Adidas and WASP is not their first venture into the realm of 3D printing. Previously, Adidas successfully incorporated this technology in their smart factories for the production of high-efficiency running shoes.
This time around, they pushed the envelope further by using 3D printing to develop an exclusive product that honors Messi's illustrious career.

△The 3D printed sneaker storage box is specially used to store a pair of sneakers specially designed for Messi. It has a special twelve-sided structure.

Upon Messi receiving his 2023 Ballon d'Or nomination, Adidas initiated this exciting project by partnering with WASP.
Their goal was to find a company capable of bringing their creative vision to life – a limited edition shoe tailor-made for Messi.
Adidas envisioned a shoebox inspired by the aesthetics of a football, a task that WASP's engineers took up with great enthusiasm.

 

Designing the Unique Sneaker Box

The result was a dodecahedron-style sneaker box, meticulously designed and constructed using 3D printing technology. The box comprised four distinct parts: the top, bottom, lid, and a stand for the shoes, all produced using a 3D printer.
For this, WASP utilized its nylon carbon material and the 4070 ZX, a professional FDM 3D printer, to build each component meticulously. The process was intensive, taking over 200 hours of printing time, and featured the iconic Messi and Adidas logos.

△The inside of WASP’s 3D printed sneaker box for Messi

The 3D Printer – A Technological Marvel

WASP's printer itself is a marvel, equipped with a full-metal dual gear extruder. It provides twice the grip and three times the force compared to standard extruders, an essential feature for such a detailed and complex project.
The printer also employs Vacuum Active Control (VAC) to ensure precision and stability during the printing process and has a large enough build volume to handle most construction requirements.

Celebrating Messi's Legacy

This project is not just about the technological prowess of 3D printing; it's a tribute to one of football's greatest legends. Adidas earlier introduced new sneakers for Messi, featuring a golden base with “three golden stars,” representing Argentina's third World Cup victory.

△Messi’s new sneakers revealed in 2023

In conclusion, this project by Adidas and WASP is a brilliant display of innovation, merging the worlds of sportswear design and 3D printing technology.
It not only underscores Adidas's commitment to innovation but also celebrates Messi's extraordinary career with a genuinely unique and memorable gift.