The Stratasys J850™ 3DFashion™ is causing a stir in the textile realm with its groundbreaking 3D printing capabilities. Introducing a new era where 3D algorithms merge seamlessly with fabric, this innovation crafts mesmerising visual illusions through a synergy of colour and light. Through a computer-generated design system, the Stratasys J850™ 3DFashion™ allows for the creation of parametric, computed, and aesthetic 3D designs that were once beyond manual possibility. Enter a realm of endless creativity and unparalleled adaptability, granting designers the power to channel their wildest imaginations into tangible creations. This interplay of vibrant hues is truly enchanting and visually spellbinding. With the Stratasys J850™ 3DFashion™, designers can achieve spectacular results that marry full-colour clarity with opaque illusions, setting a new standard in the industry.
TVC Media Team recently engaged in a conversation with Guy Shirazi, Head of Product Management, Stratasys.
He is a seasoned veteran in product marketing and development with over two decades of invaluable insight and experience. Shirazi’s impressive track record includes spearheading groundbreaking product launches and fostering strategic partnerships across various sectors, solidifying his reputation as a visionary leader at the intersection of technology and business. Holding a diverse skill set in electro-optics, imaging, machine learning, and smartphone technologies, Shirazi’s profound expertise and educational background in materials engineering and chemistry are key pillars of his success in navigating the complex landscape of consumer electronics. With a stellar educational background that includes an MBA from Santa Clara University in the U.S.A. and a B.Sc. in Materials Engineering from Technion in Israel, Guy Shirazi stands as a testament to innovation, strategic acumen, and unwavering dedication to driving impactful change in the industry.
- What are the key features and benefits of Stratasys’ 3DFashion™ Direct-to-Textile 3D printing technology?
3D printing, in general, unlocks huge potential for designers who wish to take their designs to the next level and create complex and intricate patterns. Stratasys, however, is unique in the sense that in conjunction with our 3DFashion™ technology, the J850 TechStyle™ 3D printer offers complete freedom of shape, material physicality and scale. With this technology, designers – and textile companies operating on their behalf – have the means to open unlimited possibilities and introduce entirely new attention-grabbing designs and fantastic optical illusionary effects on garments, footwear and luxury accessories.
In doing so, they are granted the power to create spectacular eye-catching pieces that could simply not have been created with traditional tailoring methods. With 3D printing offering efficiency benefits for low-volume production, 3DFashion technology opens doors for customizable designs, while also reducing time to market. In addition, the TechStyle 3D printer offers safe and responsible 3D printing with its patent-pending VeroEco™ Flex materials, which provide a soft touch, vibrant colours, robust adhesion to various fabrics for durability through machine washes, and compliance with the Industry Standard RSL for finished products.
- How does combining advanced materials and the J850 TechStyle™ 3D printer enable manufacturers to apply full-colour, translucent, rigid, and flexible materials directly to textiles and garments?
With the ability to print direct-to-textile, and even direct-to-garment, Stratasys’ 3D J850 TechStyle™ 3D printer opens new doors for customers who are looking to produce high-quality finishing results.
The J850 TechStyle is powered by the 3DFashion technology, a subset of one of Stratasys most trusted and easy-to-use technologies – 3D printing by PolyJet™. The technology is based on material jetting. The printer “ink” is delivered in liquid form that is being solidified (or polymerized) right after being directly jetted onto the media i.e. a garment, a shirt, or any other piece of clothing in a process very similar to digital 2D printing. Thanks to Stratasys unique technology, it is possible to print “digital materials” and control not only the colour but also the geometry, translucency, texture and even tactility by combining rigid and soft materials. The process is done digitally, without any pre or post-processing. Just design and print.
- How is the Stratasys J850™ TechStyle making waves in the textile industry with its revolutionary 3DFashion™ 3D printing technology?
The realm of haute couture was among the first to see extensive use of the technology, as high-end brands and designers eagerly ventured into innovative avenues. Equally, textile manufacturers working on behalf of brands and designers are granted the power to differentiate their service offerings with limitless creations and unparalleled flexibility.
We are now seeing a growing trend where various sectors such as automotive and interior design are embracing the advantages of 3D printed textiles. Indeed, there are already examples of companies like Peugeot and Italdesign leveraging the technology to achieve stunning interior automotive designs.
Our 3DFashion™ technology is also revolutionising sustainability in the textiles industry. Recent research commissioned by the Additive Manufacturer Green Trade Association (AMGTA) analysed the production of 8,000 pairs of shoes, demonstrating significant environmental benefits. With the Stratasys J850™ Fashion TechStyle™, CO2 emissions were cut by 24.8%, and energy consumption by over 64%, while saving 49.9% of stock material and over 300,000 litres of water compared to traditional manufacturing methods.
The compelling thing about 3DFashion is that the industry is still in its infancy – the potential for its future is immense and Stratasys is leading this development.
- Can you explain how 3D algorithms are used on fabric to create fascinating illusions with colour and light?
We have uniquely produced our systems and workflows that are integrated into all of our printers, including the J850 TechStyle. The benefit of this is that designers can use highly algorithmic language to personalise and create unique pieces. The design itself can be composed on 3D software, allowing the creation of more mathematical and geometric designs.
In the past, designers like Ada Hefetz have used this skill to build a series of wedding dresses embellished with the flower of life, a geometric design symbolising the circle of life. The 3D printer was then used to recreate this on the fabric, building up pearlescent transparent materials to create a shimmering effect. The beauty of the J850 TechStyle is that, in being able to produce colour that ranges from transparent, to full vibrancy, the effects that can be achieved are limited only to the user’s imagination.
- How does the computer-generated design flow enhance parametric design, computed 3D design, and aesthetic 3D creation in the textile industry?
Parametric design, in which designers use algorithmic processes to build the design, rather than direct manipulation, allows full creativity when designing patterns on computers. Bringing the benefits of highly accurate and precise designs, users can bring in computer-assisted techniques, such as mathematical formulas, which can enhance a designer’s human abilities, and perfect even the most complex design. This enables designers to experiment with textures, colours, and shapes in a virtual environment before production, resulting in more innovative and visually striking designs.
This kind of design naturally lends itself to 3D printing, as recreating this on the fabric would otherwise require either printing a 2D pattern, in which half of the design creativity is lost or adding 3D embellishments by hand, which may not be as accurate to the designed pattern. With 3D printing, you simply upload your finished design and press print.
- What are the limitations that 3DFashion™ overcomes, allowing designers to unleash their imagination and create limitless designs?
3DFashion™ technology can create impressive designs without the hindrance of human error. For example, creating designs using mathematical formulas. These formulas can then be used to print directly onto fabrics of the user’s choosing, ultimately creating a perfectly replicated pattern.
There are options to CNC and create casts to recreate the patterns, however, 3D printing is one of the most efficient manufacturing methods for creating personalised and one-off designs, that can be tailored to specific individuals. When the final quality results are factored in, the decision to use 3D printing in fashion becomes a no-brainer.
With this technology, designers – and textile companies operating on their behalf – have the means to open unlimited possibilities to introduce entirely new attention-grabbing designs and fantastic optical illusionary effects on garments, footwear and luxury accessories.
Fundamentally, this technology grants users the capability to create vibrant attention-grabbing designs that would be impossible to do via traditional means.
- How does the use of full-colour, clear print, and opaque illusions set 3DFashion™ apart from other techniques in the textile industry?
3D printing directly onto textiles and garments enables designers to build up different substrates, whether they be clear, full colour, or pearlescent resins. The alternative to our 3DFashion™ 3D printing technology would likely be to create the individual aspects of the design, and combine them, or glue them onto the pattern. The drawbacks of this method are that it would be extremely time-consuming, the adhesive would likely not be as durable and the placement of the pieces would be less accurate.
Our J850 TechStyle™ 3D printer eliminates these problems and provides designers with the power to print materials directly onto textiles. With the ability to add embellishments up to a height of 50mm, designers can also use the printer to produce intricate accents to compliment designs, such as buttons, embellished cuffs, and bag clips.
- Can you provide examples of spectacular designs that have been created using 3DFashion™?
As mentioned, 2023 saw our 3DFashion™ technology’s runway debut, with a collaborative collection from renowned designer Jayne Pierson alongside artist, architect and designer Travis Fitch. The ‘Ceridwen’ collection, showcased on the runways of London Fashion Week, featured a host of visionary 3D printed designs, using fabric produced from 100% recycled ocean plastics. This not only presented intriguing new eco-friendly designs but also demonstrated a commitment to sustainability in the fashion and textiles industry.
We’ve also seen a large uptake in 3DFashion in the automotive industry, with projects such as Peugeot’s Inception concept car using the J850™ TechStyle™ 3D printer to revolutionise interior design. Designer Matthias Hossann created a minimalist cockpit, aimed to redefine the driver experience, with immersive seats covered in 100% recycled polyester velvet. These seats, extending seamlessly to the floor, boast intricate 3D patterns crafted using Stratasys’ advanced printing technology.
