Saturday, 6 June 2015

3D printing T-Shirts

In recent years there has been a massive advancement in 3D printing technology. Electroloom, a brand new start up company have created a 3D printer that allows the user to print fabric. It can create garments in any size. 

How it works: 
  • A dye is added to a solution
  • The solution is put into the machine to be released through nozzles
  • The nozzles spray a minuscule amount of the solution an a time for the fibre extraction to work
  • it sprays it onto the mould which then can be pealed off after 8-14 hours
  • There is a high electric force which turns the solution into fibres
  • The process it uses is called electro spinning which is also used for bio tech 

This invention could have a huge positive impact since development of this product could lead to faster production which could lead to the printer being sent to poorer countries to provide clothing. It can make clothes out of silk, acrylic, cotton, and polyester. The problem currently is that it is very expensive which would mean that less developed countries might not be able to afford it and it takes a very long time so it would be better to just sew one. This could link into digital divide since these less developed countries lack the modern technology that is 3D printing which would help less developed countries with a lot of factors in their daily life. This certain 3D printer links into people and machines due to the fact that the 3D printer is creating an object the people can use.

The stakeholder in this case are:
  • Engineers
  • Clothing Businesses
  • Charity companies 

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