Aspects relate to systems, methods, and apparatus for a manufacturing tool. The manufacturing tool is comprised of a vacuum tool and an ultrasonic welder as a unified manufacturing tool. The manufacturing tool may be used to pick and position a manufacturing part that is then welded with the associated ultrasonic welder.

An article of footwear having printed structures disposed on the article by a three-dimensional printer is disclosed. The printed structures include extended portions and fastener receiving portions. The extended portions are at least partially embedded in the upper. The fastener receiving portions are at least partially spaced apart from an exterior surface of the upper.

An article of footwear having printed structures disposed on the article by a three-dimensional printer is disclosed. The printed structures include extended portions and fastener receiving portions. The extended portions are at least partially embedded in the upper. The fastener receiving portions are at least partially spaced apart from an exterior surface of the upper.

A knitted component for an upper of an article of footwear, a method for making the knitted component, and a method of making the article of footwear is described. The knitted component includes a first portion formed by a first yarn having durable water repellent properties and a second portion formed by a second yarn different from the first yarn. The second yarn is disposed along an edge portion of the knitted component configured to be attached to a sole structure to form an article of footwear. The knitted component is formed of unitary knit construction.

A knitted component for an upper of an article of footwear, a method for making the knitted component, and a method of making the article of footwear is described. The knitted component includes a first portion formed by a first yarn having durable water repellent properties and a second portion formed by a second yarn different from the first yarn. The second yarn is disposed along an edge portion of the knitted component configured to be attached to a sole structure to form an article of footwear. The knitted component is formed of unitary knit construction.

Manufacturing and assembly of a shoe or a portion of a shoe is enhanced by automated placement and assembly of shoe parts. For example, a part-recognition system analyzes an image of a shoe part to identify the part and determine a location of the part. Once the part is identified and located, the part can be manipulated by an automated manufacturing tool.

Manufacturing and assembly of a shoe or a portion of a shoe is enhanced by automated placement and assembly of shoe parts. For example, a part-recognition system analyzes an image of a shoe part to identify the part and determine a location of the part. Once the part is identified and located, the part can be manipulated by an automated manufacturing tool.

A system and method for manufacturing an upper of the footwear by additively depositing material to form a fabric element having a plurality of threads, and incorporating the fabric element into the footwear. The plurality of threads of the fabric element may form at least one texture. Additionally or alternatively, the fabric element may be manufactured with a shape that conforms to a 3-D contoured surface.

A system and method for manufacturing an upper of the footwear by additively depositing material to form a fabric element having a plurality of threads, and incorporating the fabric element into the footwear. The plurality of threads of the fabric element may form at least one texture. Additionally or alternatively, the fabric element may be manufactured with a shape that conforms to a 3-D contoured surface.

A fiber bound engineered material is provided that imparts an intended characteristic at an intended relative location. A fiber layer is entangled with additional fibers in a manner to create a non-uniform engineered material. The lack of uniformity of a fiber bound engineered material may be accomplished through manipulation of the fibers and/or through fiber binding a scrim. The fiber layer binds with additional fibers through entanglement such that a mechanical connection between the entangled fibers is provided. This entanglement allows the fibers to bind without supplemental adhesives, interlacing, or connections. Variations in the fibers and/or inclusion of scrim materials prior to entanglement allows for an intended characteristic (e.g., a functional characteristic) at an intended relative location (e.g., a position determined by an article to be formed therefrom).