Delta WASP 3MT experiences the 3D printed tissue

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Shapemode is a design studio specialized in digital fabrication and innovative additive printing technologies, based in Milan. When Shapemode asked us to collaborate with them on the SIKKA project, a unique project based on the innovative combination of textiles and 3D printing technology, we eagerly accepted. 

Delta WASP 3MT prints large formats and has been strategic to achieve the final results and allow the team to go beyond experimentation, up to the final production.

The project is based on the innovative combination of rigid materials with flexible materials and thanks to an experimental process, a 3D printed tissue was created.

Realized by a team of architects and designers from the Polytechnic and the NUMEN Institute SIKKA opens a new era in the texile industry. The prototyping process involves 3D printing with FDM technology (3D pellet printing) on ​​elastic tissue. Once the tension has ceased, the tissue generates a selective deformation of the surface and extremely complex surface bendings. The composite tissue is folded, cut and / or laminated to obtain further aesthetic and functional effects. Although experimental this process translates into visually convincing surfaces with unique performance characteristics.

SIKKA breaks new ground in digital textile technology and will have the honor of representing Italian innovation during next year’s Expo event to be held in the UAE from October 2020 to April 2021 and, even before that, at other national events focusing on design. The Design Competition, at its seventh edition in 2019, focuses on the creation of innovative projects and prototypes given by the collaboration between local companies and designers under the age of 35.

Shapemode won the competition as the best of the 20 projects selected to be exhibited at Expo 2020.

The combination of elastic and plastic tissue had already been tested in small elements, but the SIKKA project brought this experience to a large object for the first time thanks to Delta WASP 3MT printers.