# Digitally Printed Skate Decks Sam Abbott Creates the World's First 3D-printed Skateboard By Michael Hines | Published 2013-08-27 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/3dprinted-skateboard References: [technabob](http://technabob.com/blog/2013/08/26/3d-printed-skateboard-print-to-kickflip/) & [samabbott](http://www.samabbott.com/) Dutch designer Sam Abbott has created the world's first twin-tipped 3D-printed skateboard. The skateboard was created using the 3D printer of 3DprintUK and is made out of white plastic. The skateboard is artfully designed, although not very durable. One reason why the 3D-printed skateboard isn't very strong is because it was printed in three sections and joined with connectors. (The 3D printer of 3DprintUK wasn't big enough to print the deck is one go). Despite its lack of durability, the board is still an impressive work of art and can be ridden. The trucks, wheels and bearings weren't 3D printed, so those who want to split hairs about the deck only being partially printed would technically be right. Still, Abbott's creation is a sight to see and will hopefully inspire other skaters to experiment with 3D printing. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.1/10 - Popularity: 67% | Activity: 47% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 70% men, 30% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle) > [Sports](https://www.trendhunter.com/sports) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **3D Printing in Skateboard Design:** The world's first 3D-printed skateboard demonstrates the potential for using 3D printing technology to create unique and customizable skateboard designs. - **Hybrid Manufacturing Techniques:** The combination of 3D printing and traditional skateboard components highlights the opportunity for hybrid manufacturing techniques in the skateboarding industry. - **Artistic Expression in Skateboard Design:** The visually stunning 3D-printed skateboard showcases the potential for incorporating artistic elements and creativity into skateboard design. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Skateboarding:** The emergence of 3D-printed skateboards opens up new avenues for innovation and customization in the skateboarding industry. - **3D Printing:** The application of 3D printing technology in skateboard design presents new opportunities for growth and expansion in the 3D printing industry. - **Art and Design:** The intersection of art and skateboarding demonstrated by the 3D-printed skateboard highlights the potential for collaboration and creativity in the art and design industry. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [3d-Printed Mountain Bikes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rodeo-bike.md) - [Skateable Cardboard Shoes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cardboard-chaos.md) - [Eco-Friendly 3D-Printed Surfboards](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/paradoxal-surfboards.md) - [Recycled Material Skateboards](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lander-skateboard.md) - [Consumer-Grade 3D Wood Printers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/shop-system-forust-edition.md) - [Accessible First-Time Skateboards](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/redo-skateboards.md) - [Iconic Pop Art Skateboards](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/skateroom-x-andy-warhol-foundation.md) - [3d-Printed Collab Flip Flops](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/3dprinted-flipflops.md) - [Skateboard Design Museum Exhibitions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/skateboard-exhibition.md)