Three companies collaborate to produce first snowboard binding designed by AI

The first 3D-printed AI snowboard binding designed by artificial intelligence.

Snowboard brand Now, Nidecker Group, and Addit·ion have unveiled the first 3D-printed AI snowboard binding designed by artificial intelligence.

The companies built a load case that would emulate the stress that bindings undergo during aggressive carving and turning, then used a minimal mechanical representation of Now’s patented Skate Tech technology to generate the ultimate shape around it using Autodesk® generative design.

After hours of simulation and data analysis, the companies came up with the final design to be printed in PA12. The binding is 25% lighter than current bindings, according to Daniel Schmäh, Nidecker’s R&D director – snowboard bindings.

“With powder-based printing technologies, you don’t need any support material, and you can print almost any desired shape,” said Oriol Massanes, artificial intelligence expert at Addit·ion. “This gave the algorithm absolute freedom to think out the best outcome without any manufacturing constraints.”

3D printing also opened the door to redesign other parts of the binding and, most importantly, opens the possibility of complete customization.