On December 27, 2023, China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) released its 2023 Additive Manufacturing Typical Application Scenarios List. The initiative, part of the country’s 14th Five-Year Plan and 2035 long-term development goals, aims to accelerate new industrialization and expand the role of additive manufacturing in economic and social development.
Among the selected projects, TPM3D was recognized for its application of lightweight, customized equestrian helmets and saddles, showcasing the growing influence of selective laser sintering (SLS) in the sports sector.
With this achievement, TPM3D has become one of the few SLS equipment manufacturers and service providers to be named to the MIIT list for two consecutive years.
Innovation in Equestrian Helmets
For riders, the helmet is the single most critical piece of equipment. Yet many commercial helmets remain heavy, poorly ventilated, and uncomfortable for long-term wear. To address these issues, TPM3D partnered with industry experts to develop a customized SLS 3D-printed equestrian helmet.
Using a portable 3D scanner, the team first captured precise facial, head, and neck data from riders. Based on this, they designed a helmet featuring topology-optimized lattice structures that combine strength, impact absorption, and ventilation—something impossible to achieve with traditional manufacturing.
The helmet was printed in one piece using TPM3D’s Precimid1130 88A TPU material, known for its durability, impact resistance, and flexibility. Post-processing with chemical vapor smoothing enhanced surface density, waterproofing, and antibacterial performance.
Comfort, Safety, and Rider Feedback
During field tests, professional riders praised the helmet’s perfect fit, lightweight comfort, and reduced neck fatigue compared with conventional models. Impact tests revealed an “airbag-like” effect, with effective protection for the top, sides, and back of the head. Importantly, the design also preserved clear peripheral vision.
Based on rider feedback, TPM3D engineers further optimized the visor and strap mountings so that in the event of a collision, the visor would deform to absorb energy without detaching the helmet. A revised version was quickly produced and tested successfully in real riding scenarios.
Market Outlook and Future Development
As equestrian sports grow globally, the demand for high-performance helmets and saddles is expanding rapidly. In China alone, the equestrian helmet market was valued at RMB 2 billion in 2020 and is expected to reach RMB 4.1 billion by 2026.
Building on this success, TPM3D will continue advancing lightweight, customized equestrian helmets, saddles, and other sports equipment through SLS 3D printing, offering professional riders and sports enthusiasts safer, more comfortable, and tailor-made solutions.
