Since modern times, rapid prototyping has been changing the way engineers and designers innovate. Interestingly, the textile industry is emerging as a rising force, catching up with Industry 4.0 in manufacturing new structural designs. For nearly five thousand years, the basics of architecture have not changed much, but rapid prototyping and 3D printing have brought about transformation. To adapt to changing preferences, the textile industry has always been at the forefront of revolution, indirectly driving industrialization and 3D printing technology.
With the booming development of manufacturing, "physical structure" is the key link connecting all these processes. All technologies are striving to overcome physical limitations and develop new structures faster and cheaper with less material. Even in 3D printing , some technologies have geometric limitations. Common FDM and SLA photopolymerization technologies require support structures. Fortunately, auxiliary materials such as PVA water-soluble supports can now be used as a convenient option.
SLS (Silicon Lamination Sintering) technology, by using powder stacking, can 3D print hollow structures without the need for support materials, making it suitable for prototyping new structures. Textiles typically emphasize durability, such as strength and elasticity; compared to FDM or SLA (Silicon Lamination Sintering ) technologies, SLS technology is more suitable for apparel development, particularly for fabrics with special structures or combinations of dissimilar materials.
Because it requires no supporting structure, SLS (Silicone Lamination) offers greater flexibility in its molding structure, allowing for the 3D printing of knitted and woven materials—a technology pioneered by designers. For example, hexagonal structures can bend and deform under pressure, and when combined with flexible materials, the fabric remains unconstrained, like armor. Today, textile companies are using 3D printers to produce new structural fibers, ranging from high-quality decorative fabrics to interior décor in the furniture and automotive industries, interior design, and even stage sets.
We previously shared the innovative costumes created using 3D printing for "Farewell My Concubine." These costumes had to conform to the artist's design and allow for free movement on the performers, as costumes are an indispensable part of storytelling. These costumes couldn't be made using ordinary fabrics (such as cotton and silk) because 3D printing can provide different physical textures to geometric shapes. " 3D printing is a medium that can integrate different elements, such as digital technology and traditional craftsmanship, combining traditional opera with modern performance, and Eastern and Western cultures," Lin Mingjing emphasized.
The Flexa Black used by Sinterit Lisa is soft and elastic enough to fit comfortably while maintaining a form that complements traditional clothing. The choice of Flexa Black in "Farewell My Concubine" perfectly matches the tone of the performance, but for costume designers, another material, Flexa Bright, might be more appealing, offering not only excellent strength but also dyeability. Other materials, such as Flexa Soft, have the lowest stiffness and are suitable for sensory fabrics and sportswear prototypes.
Beyond these examples, there are many more potential applications in the future. We look forward to the synergistic interaction between designers and engineers, which will lead to further innovation and development in 3D printing and emerging structures. If you also have 3D printing needs, we also offer high-quality printing services using original equipment manufacturer (OEM) machines.
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