High-tech Hong Kong will get an infusion of color and creativity next week, as local designers have an opportunity to 3D print selected pieces of footwear on the world’s first multi-material, full-color 3D printer, the Stratasys J750. Organized by the Hong Kong Federation of Footwear Ltd. (FFHK) and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), the annual Footwear Design Competition aims to enhance and promote the creativity as a stepping stone to the international footwear market.

“These shoe models are excellent samples of what we believe 3D printing is capable of, breaking the barrier to create complex designs that has previously challenged the technicality of hand-crafted footwear designs. Some of the designs could hardly be produced due to the inorganic and complex shapes,” said Steven Au, Vice President of the Federation of Hong Kong Footwear Ltd. The Stratasys J750 features PolyJet 3D printing technology, up to 360,000 colors and a wide range of digital materials.

“Now, participants can be as imaginable as they want to with 3D printing. We look forward to cultivating the local footwear design environment and nurturing young designers through our future collaboration opportunities with Stratasys as they lead with 3D printing technology development,” added Au.

“We are excited to be part of the Footwear Design Competition with the FFHK. These designs are great examples of how 3D printing empowers designers and manufacturers to think out of the box for new design, prototyping or even production options,” said Fred Fischer, Channel Development and Field Operations Director, Stratasys Asia Pacific. “The possibilities with 3D printing are truly limitless, and we look forward to seeing and realizing more new ideas from the local market, hence revolutionizing how things are made.”

The 3D printed footwear models will be exhibited at the Hong Kong APM and Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center this month.