Comparative tribological and drainage performance of additively manufactured outsoles tread designs

This study investigates the effect of various tread designs to enhance grip on both dry and wet friction, aiming to reduce slip and fall accidents, especially in slip-prone workplaces and among the elderly. The research involves analyzing frictional performance and deformation characteristics through dry and wet friction testing. Computer-aided design (CAD) software was used to create digital models of various tread patterns, and two different additive manufacturing (AM) techniques, fused filament fabrication (FFF) and stereolithography (SLA) printing, were used for three-dimensional (3D) print block samples with tread patterns, and the materials used were thermoplastic rubber (TPR) filament and photocurable elastomeric resin. A specialized friction testing machine was used to measure the friction force of the treads on a glass surface under dry and wet conditions. A high-speed camera recorded the treads’ deformation and water drainage during testing. The results revealed the influence of tread pattern designs with two different rubber-like materials on friction and deformation, as well as performance on various contact surfaces.