CMU School of Drama


Thursday, July 06, 2017

Carnegie Mellon research project combines 3D printing with embedded textiles

3D Printer News & 3D Printing News: Researchers from Carnegie Mellon University and the Rochester Institute of Technology have developed a set of techniques for combining 3D printing with embedded textiles. The techniques can create “rigid objects with embedded flexibility” and “soft materials imbued with additional functionality.”

2 comments:

Gabe said...

Combining textiles and the standard plastics of 3D printing is something that had never occurred to me until I read this article. With the example of the lampshade that was mentioned in the article, it does make sense how incorporating a more flexible material into the plastic of a 3D printer could aid in the durability of an object printed. Traditionally, objects made with a 3D printer are fragile and rigid due to the nature of the plastic it is made from but by incorporating the fabric so objects are more forgiving. This article seemed to open a possible solution to a problem that the majority of the population probably hasn't thought about since the base technology of 3D printing is still so new. I also found it interesting that by introducing the textile you can print something that has a higher tolerance for heat, this is especially true for the lampshade example since the lightbulb embedded would naturally produce some amount of heat that might have a negative impact on just traditional plastic.

Sophie Nakai said...

In the video the 3D is printed on the fabric and allows the fabric to move in any way that the scientist wants it to. It can curl up or bend. I think it's really cool to incorporate technology into fabric and make smart fabrics. The applications of this research could be used on stage to help transform a costume, or in the hospital to help with casts or bandages. Traditionally, a lot of work goes into sewing a piece that can easily transform into something else in a split second. Being able to use this method to do that would allow for the actor to do as little work as possible during a quick change. I think that it was super interesting that you can even print onto the fabric. Like I knew that they could 3D print organs and use them as transplants for patients and that makeup can be printed as well, but I was completely unaware that 3D printing could make something more useful that is heat tolerant or stronger.