Three-dimensional (3D) printing is the latest significant innovation in textile design and manufacturing, with the world of high-end fashion showing significant interest in 3D printing directly onto base fabrics. The latest 3D printing technology is suitable for fabrics made from the world’s most technical natural fiber, Merino wool. Designers can combine the aesthetic freedom of 3D printing while maintaining the supreme comfort, beautiful drape, and natural performance of Merino wool and wool blend fabrics.
The advantages of 3D printing include:
1. Flexible design: 3D printing provides aesthetic freedom with microscopic accuracy
2. Minimize waste: 3D printing reduces waste as there is little to no off-cut waste in the garment construction processes
3. Infinite potential: 3D printing enables designers to achieve complex shapes, textures, intricate details, and delicate decorative features.
D-house, an urban laboratory by Dyloan, has researched and applied 3D printing technology on Merino wool fabric. To show the versatility of the possible applications, the company undertook a ‘Knitting the future – 3D printing meets Merino wool’ project in collaboration with The Woolmark Company and manufacturer of 3D printers, Stratasys. The project involved three international designers and four students from the Royal College of Art in London creating 3D printed designs on Merino wool knitwear produced at Dyloan’s production facility Bond Factory. The three international designers were Italian creative and experimental knitwear designer Vittorio Branchizio, Italian trans-media artist and designer Matteo Cibic and London-based knitwear designer Laura Theiss. The four students from the Royal College of Art were Katharina Dubbick, Amaranthe Frost, Oliver Hurdman, and Maria Fernanda Nava.
The project was supported by yarn suppliers; Manifattura Sesia, Tollegno 1900, Zegna Baruffa Lane Borgosesia, Südwolle Group, CoatYarn, Expotex and Fulgar and knitters; Alessandro Simoni, Artemaglia, Effebi, Mas, Miles and Ribknit.
