| abstract |
A method of making a foamed article (1), for example a foamed component for an article (1, 2) or footwear, comprises forming a structure of interconnected, unfoamed, thermoplastic polymeric members (30) spaced to define openings (12, 22, 32) between the thermoplastic polymeric members (30). The structure may be made by printing a thermoplastic polymeric material with a three- dimensional printer. The thermoplastic polymeric members (30) are heated to a first temperature to soften the thermoplastic polymeric members (30) and the softened thermoplastic polymeric members (30) are infused with at least one inert gas at a first pressure greater than atmospheric pressure. The first pressure is sufficient to cause the at least one inert gas to permeate into the softened thermoplastic polymeric members (30). After being infused with the inert gas, the pressure is reduced to at least partially foam the thermoplastic polymeric members (30). |