Last month I traveled to Las Vegas to attend Sourcing at MAGIC, a trade show and convention for fashion manufacturers, suppliers, and service providers in the apparel, textile, and fashion industry.
So why did I, as a 3D printing professional, attend a fashion trade show? Because Stratasys has invented 3DFashionTM, which is a 3D printing technology that allows direct-to-textile printing in full color, allowing designers to create one-of-a-kind designs and brilliant optical illusionary effects on clothing, footwear, and luxury accessories.
Stratasys has developed two different ways to 3D print on fabric. The first is with an upgrade to the J850 Prime printer with the FabriXTM Kit upgrade. The upgrade kit is perfect for fashion R&D teams and niche researchers who are already utilizing the J850 Prime. Whereas the new J850 TechStyleTM is designed for manufacturers who want to print on textile for production of high-end fashion articles, such as shoes, bags, and garments.
With Stratasys’s patented technology, the 3D printed material mechanically interlocks with textile fibers after the polymerization process to adhere to the fabric.
3DFashion can print on different fabrics including cotton, polyester, denim, and suede. It can’t yet print on leather and nylon since they are non-porous.
While at the Sourcing at MAGIC tradeshow we had the opportunity to show some 3D printed dresses, handbags, shoes, and a multitude of samples. Designers, manufacturers, and educators of some of the leading fashion schools all expressed interest in bringing 3D printing into their operations to allow for design freedom, personalization, and customization to show how designers can utilize cutting edge technology to elevate their brands.
One of my favorite pieces that I saw printed on fabric was a series of lenticular lenses. These are basically translucent domes that have a base layer of several colors. As the fabric below the printed lens moves, the light catches the lenses at different angles and picks up one of the base colors. And as the different lenses move independently, the colors and light created a color changing pattern reflecting light and it made the fabric and printed material look alive, organic, and constantly changing.
I was curious if the 3D printed fabric was washing machine and drying safe. (The answer is that they are.) Stratasys has done washability testing, proving the materials can be washed in water temperatures up to 140° F.
Beyond simply fashion apparel, we are seeing applications in 3D printing custom car interiors, electronics, fabric speaker covers, and even Braille information on clothing or other fabrics.
As 3D printing on fabric becomes more common, prepare to see 3D printed wedding dresses, custom footwear, watchbands, and even lingerie.
Stratasys continues to innovate and show us technology that can be used in space, operating rooms, and on the fashion runways of Paris, Milan and Italy. I can’t wait to see what comes next!
If you are interested in learning more about 3D Fashion with the J850 TechStyle or FabriX, give us a call at 949.474.9222 or email us at [email protected].
Meet Geoff Varga
As a Sales Engineer for both Purple Platypus and Purple Porcupine, Geoff helps our Arizona customers find the right additive solution for their needs. Geoff’s favorite thing about working at Purple is that he gets to learn something new every day and he is able to help our clients develop innovative products that change the world.
Out of the office, Geoff enjoys volunteering in the community and spending time with his family. If you haven’t had the chance to meet Geoff, be sure to connect with him on LinkedIn!
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