The world first 3D-Printed Helmet

Paris, October 04, 2018 – Sculpteo, leader in online 3D printing and digital manufacturing, partners with Kupol, specialist in bike helmet safety, to launch the first entirely 3D-printed bike helmet. The Kupol cycling helmet renews the helmet design and structure by layering features to follow movements naturally and absorb impact in case of impact from any angle, and to ensure a comfortable fit as well as breathability. Versatile, it can convert from an MTB type of helmet to an aerodynamic road helmet. It is now available in preorder on Kickstarter.

In the 20+ years since bike helmets first hit the road, not much has changed in terms of safety and design: inflexible hard plastic shells, polystyrene foam interiors that overheat, standard protection features matching only head-on collisions with linear impact. The 3D-printed Kupol cycling helmet rethinks the traditional helmet by layering features to offer a better fit and more security. The technology is called the KOLLIDE SAFETY SYSTEM® and it is based on three soft, flexible and lightweight layers of materials, with an opened structure that creates a unique aeration network, ensuring a breathable protection.
 KINETIC BUMPERS®, under the shell, cushion the head in the event of a fall at low speeds
 An internal KORE® collapses on impact to take the brunt of the force at any angle
 Over 100 OKTOPUS® pods offer an ideal fit and protection against quick rotational movements, replacing the traditional polystyrene. These individual cushions adapt their geometry for an enhance comfort and eliminate any pressure points.

According to Gabriel Boutin, president of Kupol, “It’s been over 20 years since bike helmets have undergone any sort of real change. People are still wearing the same outdated foam protection that was on the market a generation ago. No doubt, switching from standard foam to 3D printing was quite a leap, but it was far from impossible: we did it. Sculpteo’s 3D printing technology enabled us to achieve the degree of accuracy needed to rapidly create complex structures at a low price. Together, we’ve completely revolutionized how helmets are made.”

Clément Moreau, CEO and co-founder of Sculpteo, adds, “3D printing applied to sports and day to day life gives us the chance to explore new materials and complex structures that could not be developed with traditional technologies”.

Technical Features
 Lightweight, flexible, breathable material
 Entirely 3D-printed structure using Sculpteo’s Multi Jet Fusion PA12
 OKTOPUS™ pods offer support and keep you cool
 KINETIC BUMPERS™ absorb impact
 3D KORE™ collapses to take the brunt of the force
 Converts from an MTB type of helmet to an aerodynamic road helmet

Availability
The Kupol bike helmet is available in preorder on Kickstarter for $155,00. It is available in 6 sizes and 7 colors.