3D printers have become a staple for high-end manufacturers to produce industrial parts and, more recently, even full-scale product prototypes. But as the technology evolves and the price points come down, 3D printing is starting to be used in ways that are still hard to imagine.
The latest gee-whiz 3D print moment has to do with high fashion -- admittedly, probably not a major interest area for much of the Design News audience. Still, seeing how a boutique fashion designer can push the envelope with technology is pretty exciting, and it provides a window into what’s possible with 3D printing in the future, whether it’s fashion or industrial design.
The trendsetter is Continuum Fashion, which, in partnership with Shapeways, a 3D print service and marketplace aimed at do-it-yourselfers and entrepreneurs, just introduced the N12 Bikini, a high fashion, yet ready-to-wear bathing suit printed from Nylon 12 material (hence the name).
The N12 3D printed bikini, produced in partnership with Continuum Fashion and Shapeways.
The designers, Jenna Fizel and Mary Haung, are committed to pushing the boundaries of digital fabrication tools, with 3D printing their latest initiative. Since it’s solid plastic, Nylon 12’s strength allows it to be printed as thin as 0.7mm, but it can also make springs that bend and stretch, which can simulate fabric, making it an ideal choice for the swimsuit, according to the designers. The nylon is also waterproof -- apt, of course, for a bikini. The designers opted to experiment with 3D printing on a bikini design specifically because of the low amount of material required. Because the design fits exactly within the print area of the machine, the print models come out in a single piece, with no additional assembly required.
In addition to 3D printing, CAD played a role in the N12’s design. The Rhino 3D CAD software and a specially written algorithmic script were used to create the structure of the 3D printed fabric. According to Rhino, "the algorithm uses a complex 'circle packing' equation on a doubly curved surface (the bikini), and the size of the circles respond to curvature and edge conditions of the form, helping to create smooth edges and a responsive pattern." The circle patterning system is important, according to the designers, because it can be adapted to new surfaces and sizes, ensuring that future articles of clothing can be produced using the same algorithm.
Rhino 3D CAD and algorithmic scripts were used to create the structure of the 3D printed fabric.
Maybe a 3D printed bikini doesn’t blow your mind, but what about a full prototype of a 3D printed car? We wrote about Kor EcoLogic’s Urbee, a hybrid vehicle that is the first automobile prototype with a body produced solely with a 3D printer. There have been early experiments with 3D printers recreating human body parts, and recently even more talk of 3D printers being used to pump out food products like bagels, blintzes, and even gourmet fare.
Obviously, the medical uses and high-end prototyping of car bodies will require expensive and fairly sophisticated printers. But as companies like 3D Systems, MakerBot Industries, and ZCorp. come out with cheaper and more accessible models, it’s likely we’re going to see a whole lot more surprises in this area. I, for one, can’t wait.
I can't imagine that covering sensitive parts of one's body with hard plastic circles connected by springs would be particularly comfortable, although the website claims that it is "comfortably wearable." It also seems that the circle packing pattern, as mathematically interesting as it is, has the potential to be embarassingly revealing. (In one of the pictures, it's hard to tell, but it looks like the model might possibly be wearing something underneath the plastic, which would seem like a sensible thing to do).
I'm not exactly a fashionista; I buy most of my clothes on sale at Sears. However, there were some interesting things in the video. For one thing, it was interesting to see the circle packing algorithm at work. Also, Jenna Fizel (who developed the circle packing algorithm) made the point that modern computation actually developed out of textile production. This was something I didn't know much about, but Wikipedia was able to enlighten me: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jaccard_loom
The logical next step for this particular application would be to set up a retail site where the customers body is scanned, 3D model created and custom clothes made on the spot. Control or padding could be added in certian areas. Would seem like a fashion designers dream...
I could see this technology being used by the auto industry (if it isn't being used already) for mules and concept cars, especially in vehicle interiors.
I think you're on to something Alex. I just did an interview with Brian Matthews, head of Autodesk Labs, on their new technology release called Photofly, which essentially takes a series of 40 or so regular photos and via a cloud service, converts them into a 3D model (story will be posted shortly--stay tuned!). Any way, he talked a lot about that. The combination of technologies like Photofly with lower cost 3D printers and even CNC machines giving smaller manufacturers or even retail specialists an edge producing custom gear tailored for individuals--everything from hearing aids to high-fashion like the N12 bikini.
As you report, the lower price point of 3D printers is driving the technology into new consumer applications. I expect we'll see a flood of what, for want of a better phase, one could call "boutique" 3D prototyping/manufacturing. I could even imagine a small-scale retail entrepreneur setting up something like a novelty shop version of this stuff, where your 3D resin-based product is "printed" before your eyes.
Very interesting story, Beth. I have to wonder, though, no matter how thin this bikini is, I can't imagine you would you stay very cool in it. For $450-$500, any ideas on who this would appeal to? Do these designers see a fashion trend hitting the beaches anytime soon?
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