Few people think of combining T -shirts and 3D prints, but few people still try to turn it into a business. But James Novak is not your typical consumer.
departure
James Novak started studying 3D prints in 2009 for a while. His first claim about his fame is The first single part 3D printed bicycle frame 2014. His work was ultimately one of the dream projects we wanted.
In this case, he was asked to explore the combination of 3D prints and wool for wool marks. He created many prototypes in his era and finally proceeded. However, the idea of mixing and printing with textiles did not leave his heart. All recent consideration of customization, consumer fashion, and access to new machines is based on his latest ventures. Combine a T -shirt, which is a universal expression, with custom text: 3d I print my shirt.
Mixing apparel and 3D printing
We covered 3D printing on the fabric in front. However, in order to incorporate a larger print than a machine bed, it usually includes printing and sewing in multiple fabric samples. The goal of 3D prints in my shirt was to find a repeated way to add a strange shape like a truck driver’s hat, without hand -sewing.
James experimented with a wide range of techniques, including various materials and adhesives, settled on a durable thermal -based process, giving him the results he was looking for.
I do not use fever or adhesive, but the specific process takes a perfect time, so it is a little trade secret now! I burned a lot of shirts on the way, so it might be a peaceful rest.
Released on Kickstarter
He pointed out that other manufacturers have created a video that covers how to print them in fabric, but have not been able to find someone who optimizes for reproducibility. So James launched A Limited edition kick starter Explore the scale -up of the process. Setting a small goal is a great way to test new products and systems before making a major investment.
Large -scale customization is one of the biggest promises of 3D printing. The text is a flexible expression format, but of course there was a unique task. As James says:
The use of a font to make 3D comes with a new choice related to aesthetics and manufacturing designs (in this case, 3D printing). It was necessary to design a font with a reasonable surface area on the base to bind to the cloth, but emphasized the color change of the filament used.
Early interest and feedback
The early reply to his campaign was positive. In response to questions about durability and sustainability, he tested the printed cycle in 20 cleaning cycles. And he showed that if you tried to tear the decoration, the shirt had fallen apart before lifting from the print.
So far, my test shirts have been cleaning dozens, but there is no problem. Basically, it is necessary to tear cotton fibers and ruin the shirts to remove them.
He has also offered to accept used shirts and give customers a discount for the next order, with the goal of recycling old filaments to new products.
If you want to show a small 3D printed design Print directly on the shirt。 Or, if you want to incorporate electronics into fabric and 3D print, see this. From the light -up tote bag from make: Volume 87。
Remember that crowdfunding is a little gambling and some projects may not be provided.
Photo by James Novak