A method of using an inflatable member to customize an article is described. An inflatable member includes at least one adjustable portion. The inflatable member may be inserted into an article. The position of the adjustable portion can be changed according to the size of the article. The inflatable member can also be filled with fluid according to the size of the article. The inflatable member may be used to adjust the size of an article. The inflatable member may be used to apply a graphic to an article.

Methods and systems are provided for color printing. For example, a method of printing is provided, including printing a three-dimensional object onto a substrate using a printing device. The method includes receiving color graphic design information at the printing device and receiving the substrate at the printing device. The color graphic design information represents a color graphic. The method further includes printing a lower color graphic layer of the three-dimensional object onto the substrate using the color graphic design information and printing a transparent structural layer of the three-dimensional object onto the lower color graphic layer. The method further includes printing an upper color graphic layer of the three-dimensional object onto the transparent structural layer using the color graphic design information. A combination of the upper color graphic layer and the lower color graphic layer visually matches the color graphic.

A method for printing a three-dimensional object includes printing a structural layer onto a three-dimensional object, printing a first color layer onto a first region of the structural layer, and printing a second color layer onto a second region of the structural layer. The first region includes a first structural thickness, and the second region includes a second structural thickness, which is different than the first structural thickness. The first color layer includes a first color and a first color thickness, and the first color thickness and the first structural thickness in combination form a target thickness. The second color layer includes a second color and a second color thickness, and the second color thickness and the second structural thickness in combination form the target thickness.

A method for printing a three-dimensional object includes printing a structural layer onto a three-dimensional object, printing a first color layer onto a first region of the structural layer, and printing a second color layer onto a second region of the structural layer. The first region includes a first structural thickness, and the second region includes a second structural thickness, which is different than the first structural thickness. The first color layer includes a first color and a first color thickness, and the first color thickness and the first structural thickness in combination form a target thickness. The second color layer includes a second color and a second color thickness, and the second color thickness and the second structural thickness in combination form the target thickness.

A method is described for coloring an article including a light diffuser. The article is dipped into a liquid colorant to a first predetermined depth for first short period less than the 100 percent single dip saturation time. The article then is removed from the liquid colorant and dried. The article may be dipped into a liquid colorant to a second predetermined depth for a second short period, then removed and dried. The dyeing and drying steps are repeated until the article is imbued with the selected color and saturation.

A method of customizing an article with graphics applied using a graphic transfer assembly is disclosed. The method includes a step of creating or selecting a customized graphic to be applied to an article. The article and the customized graphic are placed within the graphic transfer assembly. A deformable membrane may apply the customized graphic to curved portions of the article.

A method of customizing an article with graphics applied using a graphic transfer assembly is disclosed. The method includes a step of creating or selecting a customized graphic to be applied to an article. The article and the customized graphic are placed within the graphic transfer assembly. A deformable membrane may apply the customized graphic to curved portions of the article.

A method and apparatus for printing on an article are disclosed. An embodiment of a method may include the generation of a virtual mask that can designate areas for printing and/or designate areas to exclude from printing. A method may include utilization of the virtual mask during either 2D or 3D printing such that a print design is printed in areas designated for printing by the virtual mask.

A method of making an article of footwear comprises associating an upper of the article of footwear with a printer. The upper has a lower peripheral portion. The method comprises printing a first end portion of a mechanical connector so that the first end portion of the mechanical connector is coupled with the lower peripheral portion, and printing a second end portion of the mechanical connector. The second end portion extends away from the lower peripheral portion. The second end portion is configured to engage a sole structure and fasten the upper to the sole structure.

A method of printing a three-dimensional structure onto a base having irregularities on the surface is disclosed. A sensing device determines the depth of the irregularity on the surface. A computing system receives an image file including a predetermined thickness of a layer to be printed onto the base. The predetermined thickness is adjusted based on the depth of the irregularity. A printing device prints a layer onto the base having the adjusted predetermined thickness print on the irregularity to make the surface substantially smooth.