An ex-soldier who lost his legs in an IED blast is hoping to qualify for the 2022 Winter Paralymics after being presented with the world's first 3D-printed snowboard bindings.
Darren Swift was involved in an explosion while on his third tour of Northern Ireland with the British Army in 1991 and is a double-above-the-knee (DAK) amputee; he took up snowboarding after his recovery.
He hopes the new bindings, which were made by The Centre for Modelling & Simulation (CFMS), will revolutionise para-snowboarding by enabling other DAK amputees to compete against each other, rather than more able-bodied para-athletes.
He also wants to encourage the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) to create a new category for DAK competitors.
He said: “For five years I’ve been competing on heavy bindings put together in a friend’s kitchen. They gave me permanent back pain and meant I was too slow to qualify for the 2018 Winter Paralympic Games.
“I wanted to create something that could open doors for me and other DAKs competitors. With CFMS’s help, we’ve developed something revolutionary, and now we’re calling on the IPC to help DAKs compete equally.”
Following the successful first test of the bindings, Darren will now embark on the qualification process for the 2022 Winter Paralympic Games in China.
World first
CFMS, which is based at Bristol and Bath Science Park, has developed and tested the bespoke bindings using a series of 3D modelling, additive manufacturing and complex high-value design techniques.
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They are the first bindings to be able to absorb shock and adjust to different users’ positions.
More than 500 digital engineering hours have been dedicated to the development of the prototype bindings, which have been 3D-printed using a super-strong material made from nylon and fibreglass.
Davide Bianchi, head of advanced simulation at CFMS, added: “When Darren first approached us with the idea for the bindings, we jumped at the chance to get involved.
“As experienced aerospace engineers, we knew we had the skills to design exactly what he needed.
“We’ve really pushed the limits of engineering to create the world’s first 3D-printed snowboard bindings so we’re really proud to see Darren on the slopes using this revolutionary new technology!”
CFMS has provided support for the project on a pro-bono basis and worked alongside Airbus to 3D-print the bindings.