Titanium Golf Club Line Leverages AM to Boost Clubhead Performance

Sporting enthusiasts are always looking for an edge to take their play to the next level. For golfers, that edge may now literally and figuratively come in the form of additive manufacturing (AM).

There are many little tricks and tips to improve a golfer’s game. But one of the best ways to immediately see an improvement is to get better (or the right) equipment. A particular golfer might need a longer putter, bigger driver or even lighter clubs.

Japanese lifestyle golf brand Designer was looking for its own creative edge when it began utilizing laser powder bed fusion, specifically Farsoon’s dual-laser FS200M metal 3D printing system, to create its Titanium Golf Club Line. According to the company, the

Use of metal 3D printing enables Designer to innovate, design and produce clubheads for players seeking improved performance in distance, accuracy and stability with greater forgiveness. Novel features of the club made possible through 3D printing in a strong, lightweight titanium alloy include a design with self-supported internal structures, and a high-speed impact surface engineered for ductility and strength for the perfect strike. Performing design, development and series production on the dual-laser system is said to result in design-through-manufacturing cost per clubhead savings of about 70% compared to the golf club maker’s conventional processes. A multilayer thickness parameter aids productivity in production.

One-Piece Production, Improved Precision

Assembly consolidation is part of this savings. A typical clubhead geometry includes toe, face, sole, crown, heel and hosel. With Farsoon’s metal 3D printing, the clubhead can be produced in one piece, with improved precision and performance compared to the conventional club. The integrated structure offers greater resistance to twisting, and increased stability and driving distance for the player.

Streamlining Geometries

The company says the 3D printed Designer clubheads include many aerodynamic features to enable wind to flow faster and smoother over the integrated geometry, thereby reducing drag and increasing both head stability and speed. A distinctive “sound window” design is said to offer a more pleasant sound on impact.