additive manufacturing
Additive manufacturing or 3D printing[1] is a process of making a three-dimensional solid object of virtually any shape from a digital model. 3D printing is achieved using an additive process, where successive layers of material are laid down in different shapes.[2] 3D printing is also considered distinct from traditional machining techniques, which mostly rely on the removal of material by methods such as cutting or drilling (subtractive processes).
London and Paris fashion weeks are months away but that hasn’t stopped a catwalk of a different kind hitting both capitals, with clothing exclusively made on 3D printers.
Hats, headpieces, dresses, shoes and even accompanying bling are being paraded at the 3D Printshow, which began last weekend in London and resumes in Paris on Friday.
The printers work by building tiny layers of materials such as plastic or metal, and in some cases even yarn, on top of each other.
German designer Pia Hinze is part of this new generation of designers and used 3D printing for her graduate collection inspired by the baroque era.
‘I decided to work with this innovative technology and one of the looks I created was a fully 3D printed dress,’ she says. ‘3D printing gave me the possibility to create exactly what I wanted, a sculptural piece of art.
‘It gives you an idea of the future, of the endless possibilities. I am sure it will become cheaper and we will print whole pieces for prêt-à-porter fashion. We already have knitted fabrics coming from a 3D printer, so you could sew a whole outfit with it.’
Fearless Forms makes jewellery and accessories using 3D printers – how do you like these glasses? (Picture: supplied)
Natasha Fagg is an Australian designer for Alexander McQueen in London. Her Arthropoda collection was influenced by the appearance of insects under a microscope.
‘3D printing allows me to digitally form design to the body,’ she says. ‘My graduate collection was a chance to explore the facility of this technology
London and Paris fashion weeks are months away but that hasn’t stopped a catwalk of a different kind hitting both capitals, with clothing exclusively made on 3D printers.
Hats, headpieces, dresses, shoes and even accompanying bling are being paraded at the 3D Printshow, which began last weekend in London and resumes in Paris on Friday.
The printers work by building tiny layers of materials such as plastic or metal, and in some cases even yarn, on top of each other.
German designer Pia Hinze is part of this new generation of designers and used 3D printing for her graduate collection inspired by the baroque era.
‘I decided to work with this innovative technology and one of the looks I created was a fully 3D printed dress,’ she says. ‘3D printing gave me the possibility to create exactly what I wanted, a sculptural piece of art.
‘It gives you an idea of the future, of the endless possibilities. I am sure it will become cheaper and we will print whole pieces for prêt-à-porter fashion. We already have knitted fabrics coming from a 3D printer, so you could sew a whole outfit with it.’
Fearless Forms makes jewellery and accessories using 3D printers – how do you like these glasses? (Picture: supplied)
Natasha Fagg is an Australian designer for Alexander McQueen in London. Her Arthropoda collection was influenced by the appearance of insects under a microscope.
‘3D printing allows me to digitally form design to the body,’ she says. ‘My graduate collection was a chance to explore the facility of this technology