The Elecroloom is the First 3D Printer to Make Clothing
Ady Floyd — May 25, 2015 — Art & Design
References: electroloom & kickstarter
Electroloom is a 3D fabric printer that was inspired by the vast variety of existing 3D printers, none of which create clothing materials. A Kickstarter campaign is being launched to introduce the first set of alpha testers. The goal is to distribute the testers, which are developed kits, and then to gain feedback and advice to improve and propel Eecroloom forward.
The fabric printer eliminates the need for threads, needles and sewing. Electroloom is a machine comprised of three main parts, a pump, a nozzle and a mold. Clothing is created through the electro-spinning process that transforms liquid into solid fabric fibers. The fibers are then deposited onto the 3D mold. The process is called FGF -- Field Guided Fabrication.
What appears to be magical is a very technical approach to creating clothing. Using custom polyester/cotton blend, the fabric printer has already created skirts, shirts and a hat.
The fabric printer eliminates the need for threads, needles and sewing. Electroloom is a machine comprised of three main parts, a pump, a nozzle and a mold. Clothing is created through the electro-spinning process that transforms liquid into solid fabric fibers. The fibers are then deposited onto the 3D mold. The process is called FGF -- Field Guided Fabrication.
What appears to be magical is a very technical approach to creating clothing. Using custom polyester/cotton blend, the fabric printer has already created skirts, shirts and a hat.
Trend Themes
1. 3D Fabric Printing - There is an opportunity for disruptive innovation in the textile industry by using 3D fabric printing technology to produce sustainable, customizable, and on-demand clothing and accessories.
2. FGF Technology - FGF (Field Guided Fabrication) technology, used in Electroloom, can pave the way for new applications in the medical and aerospace industries, where custom and complex structures are required.
3. Alpha Tester Programs - Alpha tester programs, like the one launched for Electroloom, can help drive product innovation and market fit by experimenting with new technologies and collecting valuable feedback from early adopters.
Industry Implications
1. Fashion and Textiles - The fashion and textiles industry can benefit from 3D fabric printing technology by creating sustainable clothing and accessories, reducing waste and inventory management issues, and offering customization options to customers.
2. Medical Devices - The medical device industry can use FGF technology to create custom prosthetics, implants, and other medical devices that are tailored to individual patients and offer better functionality and comfort.
3. Aerospace and Engineering - The aerospace and engineering industries can leverage FGF technology to produce lightweight and complex structures, such as aerospace components, with high precision and reliability, while reducing costs and lead times.
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