CRP USA, a leader in 3D printing services, is partnering with eight-time Paralympics Gold Medallist Tatyana McFadden to create innovative wheelchair racing gloves. Utilizing Windform XT 2.0 composite material and Selective Laser Sintering, these gloves are significantly lighter, more durable, and offer superior comfort compared to traditional options. Weighing just 100 grams, they effectively withstand high friction and diverse weather conditions, boosting Tatyana's performance as she prepares for the Paris Paralympics 2024. This collaboration highlights the transformative impact of advanced 3D printing on elite sports equipment.

Finding wheelchair racing gloves that can withstand high friction, intense stress, and varying weather conditions while providing superior comfort and durability has been a persistent challenge for Paralympics athlete Tatyana McFadden.

Before teaming up with CRP USA, McFadden used standard mold kits that were inadequate for the intense demands of wheelchair racing. "My first gloves were heavy and lacked durability. They would crack and deteriorate quickly, taking away from my focus on training and competing," Tatyana recalls.
To overcome these limitations, CRP USA utilized Laser Sintering technology and Windform XT 2.0, a carbon fiber-reinforced thermoplastic composite developed by their Italy-based partner, CRP Technology. This material was chosen for its exceptional mechanical properties, including high tensile strength, heat resistance, and lightweight nature. Windform XT 2.0's smoothness also helps prevent cuts during extended use.

The result of this innovative approach has been remarkable. The 3D-printed gloves weigh approximately 100 grams, achieving a 50% weight reduction compared to traditional gloves, thanks to an internal hollowed-out structure instead of a solid one. The gloves demonstrate enhanced durability, withstanding constant high-friction environments without deterioration. The flexibility and shock-absorbing properties of Windform XT 2.0 ensure maximum comfort for the athlete.
Additionally, the gloves show excellent resistance to various weather conditions, addressing a crucial need in outdoor competitions.

Nathan "Nate" Baker, Senior Project Coordinator at CRP USA, explains, "Tatyana needed gloves that could match her high standards. Windform XT 2.0 provided the durability and comfort required, allowing her to focus solely on her performance."

As Tatyana trains for the Paris Paralympics 2024, she emphasizes, "CRP USA keeps finding ways to make the gloves even better. Together, we continuously strive to improve my performance."

This partnership showcases the transformative potential of advanced 3D printing technologies in sports equipment, providing unparalleled customization, durability, and performance. CRP USA and Tatyana McFadden's innovative approach serves as a testament to the future of athletic gear design.