By 3D printing directly onto materials like suede, there is a much greater capability to play with colors and textures for interior automotive applications. Picture credit Italdesign

New materials that meet RSL standards plus previews of upcoming technologies mean new creative possibilities for the industry

For the first time, Stratasys is showing its advanced 3DFashion™ direct-to-textile 3D printing technology at ITMA 2023 in Milan, Italy, 8-14 June. The solution combines advanced materials with the J850 TechStyle™ 3D printer and enables textile and garment manufacturers to reimagine what’s possible by adhering full-color, translucent, rigid, and flexible materials directly onto textile and garments.

The technology is designed to open up a range of new fashion applications and drive profitable growth. As a result, textile manufacturers working on behalf of high-end fashion designers and brands in key sectors like automotive and haute couture are granted the power to differentiate their service offering with limitless creations and unparalleled flexibility.

The 3D printed materials also now include Stratasys’ VeroEco™ Flex resins, which meet stringent industry RSL standards.

Stratasys will also provide a preview of two technologies under development. The company’s conceptual direct-to-garment tool is designed to inject new creativity into existing garments to extend their longevity. This additional feature of the J850 TechStyle is set to enable 3D printing of a specific design directly to existing garments mounted on a dedicated tool, including trousers/pants, shirts, and jackets, to offer a ‘second life’ or new personalized style.

In addition, Stratasys will provide an early look at a 2D to 3D software tool that will enable J850 TechStyle printer users to easily adjust the height, colors, and textures of 2D images and transform them into 3D printed elements. Visitors will be able to submit a 2D logo that Stratasys will convert into a 3D printable image on textile samples during the show.

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ITMA will also see Ofer Libo, Senior Product Manager at Stratasys, deliver an informative presentation as part of the event’s official educational conference programme. Entitled, “Innovating Textile and Garments Manufacturing with Stratasys 3DFashion Direct-To-Textile 3D Printing Technology”, this insightful session will take place on Monday 12th June at 15.35h in Hall #3.

“Textile printers are having to work harder than ever to push the boundaries of creativity and achieve true product differentiation, but we believe that 3D printing holds the key for such users to directly meet both of these needs,” says Enrico Toson, Marketing Manager, Stratasys.

“As our showcase at ITMA will demonstrate, Stratasys is ushering in a new era of textile printing that puts 3D printing technology directly in the hands of this community, opening up unlimited possibilities for them to introduce entirely new attention-grabbing added-value applications within their offering and drive new revenue streams,” concludes Toson.

Examples of the various 3D printed textile projects accessible to manufacturers will be on display on Stratasys’ stand. These will include stunning dresses and handbags from leading designers, as well as vibrant footwear.