Additive Manufacturing Proves Its Worth in Elite Sports

Additive Manufacturing: A Game-Changer in Elite Sports and Beyond \\[8pt] The recently concluded 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow highlighted the critical role of additive manufacturing (AM) in high-performance sports. Many of the performance-critical components used by athletes were produced using AM, including handlebars, swimming equipment, and specialized gear for para-athletes. This trend is not just a fleeting novelty; it represents a significant shift in how we approach manufacturing, with profound implications for industries across the ASEAN region. \\[8pt] One standout example is 76 Additive, a UK-based 3D printing service provider. The company has been instrumental in producing competition-grade components for British athletes at both the Olympics and Paralympics. For instance, they created a custom grip and computer mount for para-triathlete Claire Cashmore, which she used during the Tokyo 2020 Games. Additionally, 76 Additive manufactured lattice-structured aero bars for Drag2Zero, an aerodynamic cycling and triathlon products manufacturer, which were used by the British triathlon mixed relay team that won Olympic gold. \\[8pt] Joshua Dugdale, Head of Additive Manufacturing UK (AMUK), emphasized the broader significance of AM in elite sports. He noted that when fractions of a second can make the difference between victory and defeat, engineers need to produce lighter parts, iterate designs more quickly, and create geometries that traditional manufacturing methods cannot easily achieve. These same capabilities are now being leveraged to strengthen production, supply chains, and innovation across various industries. \\[8pt] In the context of ASEAN, the benefits of AM are particularly relevant. Factories in Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, and Malaysia can adopt these technologies to enhance their competitiveness. For example, in the automotive industry, AM can be used to produce lightweight, high-strength components, reducing vehicle weight and improving fuel efficiency. In electronics, AM can enable the rapid prototyping and customization of complex circuit boards, accelerating product development cycles. In the mold and die industry, AM can reduce the time and cost associated with tooling, making it easier to produce small batches of customized parts. \\[8pt] The flexibility and customization offered by AM are also crucial for meeting the diverse needs of different markets. For instance, 76 Additive's EZ Gains Hydroglide, a swimming training aid, combines two different printing technologies in a single product. The rigid structural sections are made from nylon using HP’s Multi Jet Fusion (MJF) process, while the flexible portions are elastomer lattice parts produced through Carbon DLS. This combination allows for the creation of highly functional and durable devices that can be tailored to specific user requirements. \\[8pt] Another example is the work done by Markforged, a 3D printing technology company, which produced a custom crankarm for British para-triathlete Joe Townsend. The use of continuous carbon fiber 3D printing technology allowed for the creation of a part that was both strong and lightweight, perfectly suited to the athlete's needs. Similarly, Hyundai has been producing customized 3D printed bow grips for the Korean archery team since Rio 2016, with each grip tailored to the individual athlete's hand shape and material preference. The team's success at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, winning gold in multiple categories, underscores the effectiveness of this approach. \\[8pt] For factory buyers in the ASEAN region, the key takeaway is that AM is no longer just a niche technology. It offers real, tangible benefits in terms of design flexibility, production speed, and cost savings. By embracing AM, factories can stay ahead of the curve, meet the demands of rapidly changing markets, and deliver high-quality, customized products. Whether it's in the automotive, electronics, or mold and die industries, the potential applications of AM are vast and varied. The future of manufacturing is here, and it's time for ASEAN factories to take advantage of it.