Informed flexible matter
3D printing on textile is a new way to create shapes and esthetic thanks to the propriety of elastic material. You can design and predict the shape of the piece using algorithms (in this case made with Grasshopper software).
WASP, in collaboration with Co-de-It and digifabTURINg, has taken a workshop focused on exploring new techniques behyond the prototyping. In this case the 3D printing on fabric could be a real new manufacturing process to create new products. This method of fabrication become a part of the design procedure.
How to make 3D printed fabric
The process is quite easy: the fabric is fixed on the printing bed with clips. The important thing is to mantain tension on the fabric, as it needs to be planar. Then with the printer, create different lines directly on the textile. Once the print is finished, releasing the clips a new shape will comes out, following the structure made by the curves.
With only one layer of printing, the possible shapes are infinite. The pattern includes information about the structure, encoded as stifness and elasticity. Tension and curves on the fabric become the structural part of the piece.
3D printed geometries on textile fabric
The impact of this new technology is interesting also for the opportunity to scale the process in big dimensions. Surely we’ll hear other advancements soon!
3D printer for fabric
Delta WASP 2040 PRO is the printer used for create these original pieces.
It’s the perfect printer for hobbyst and beginner to experiment thanks to its high quality standard with a cheap cost.
In the previous examples, a circular platform was used to better fix the textile: it is easy to create and if you are interested in using it, write to us at info@3dwasp.com!