Fashion Forward: From Fused Flexible Filaments to Fashionable Fabrics

One fashion designer's innovative approach to 3D printing her clothing designs has led to a revolution within the fashion industry. The key element that led to success was partnering with Craftbot as special, flexible materials can be used to 3D print clothes.

Craftbot knows the meaning of the term ‘fashion forward', as they have expanded the reaches of what is possible with 3D printing by working with educational and medical organizations to solve global issues. Now, the award-winning 3D printer company has set its sights on completely changing the fashion industry by working with a fashion industry trendsetter to incorporate 3D technology and use sustainable materials to create truly real-time trends.

Based in Tel Aviv, Israel, Danit Peleg is a pioneer in 3D printed fashion. Her designs have been featured on a global scale; she was the first designer in the world to create an entire fashion collection using simple desktop 3D home printers for her graduate project at Shenkar College of Engineering and Design. She was also invited by the Paralympic Games to design a 3D-printed dress for Amy Purdy, a double-leg amputee dancer, who performed at the Opening Ceremony.

Danit is no stranger to attention, having been featured in world-renowned publications such as Vogue, The New York Times, and Women's Wear Daily, recognized as one of Europe's Top Women in Tech by Forbes, and named by the BBC as one of the 100 most inspiring and influential women in the world.

Following her unique graduate project, Danit used her passion to invest more time in 3D printing and ways to change the industry. They didn't want to accept the norm; instead challenging the traditional system to develop with sustainable materials, real-time printing techniques that cut out lengthy supply chains, and new software breakthroughs.

Danit spent months experimenting with different renewable filaments such as PLA, however she found the material was not as flexible as needed. Her breakthrough came when she ultimately came across FilaFlex, which is a unique filament that is both durable and flexible. Using FilaFlex and a 3D printer, Danit was finally able to print her unique red jacket design concept.

But like the industry that she pioneered, Danit didn't stop there – she wanted to see how she could create more elaborate patterns and designs to expand her collection. They started experimenting by combining Mesostructured Cellular Materials with other flexible materials to create lace-like textiles that can be worn as clothing.

To bring her full collection to life, her team worked closely with material researchers and printing companies to find the right 3D printer that will be able to print with the materials and produce the pieces effectively.

They conducted a series battery tests with a variety of 3D printers to experiment for speed and efficiency. After putting the top 3D printers to the test, Danit ultimately chose Craftbot and the Craftbot Flow IDEX model, as they were the only printer able to meet the high demands of the fashion collection.

The Craftbot 3D printers met all of their requirements in terms of ability to print with a variety of materials, rapid production with their exclusive dual extruders and high build capacity.

Danit also shared her personal experience with the new Craftbot Flow IDEX. "The reasons why I really love the Craftbot Flow IDEX 3D printer are the followings:

• SPEED – It prints up to 40mm per sec for the flexible filaments (3-4 faster)
• PRINTING SIZE - Huge Build volume (Up to 425 x 250 x 250 mm - 16.7 x 9.8 x 9.8 in.)
• DUAL EXTRUDER - Allowing to print 2 objects in mirror or parallel mode
• WEB INTERFACE: IOT - Allowing to communicate to the printer from my computer
• BUILT-IN CAMERA - Recording Time Lapse of the prints and save it as a video
• FLEXIBLE MATERIALS - Working like magic with Flexible filaments
• DUAL DRIVE - Ensures better filament flow
• AUTOMATIC LEVELING - The mesh bed leveling simplifies the calibration process
• SUPPORT - Amazing customer support and 2 years of warranty
• DESIGN - Great looking 3D printer and super quiet"

In fact, Craftbot models are one of the few 3D printers on the market that can print with flexible filaments.

With her revolutionary collection, Danit's 3D-printed fashion collections continue to be highly coveted and have been used for fashion events and museums displays around the world. Beyond her collection, Danit further launched a groundbreaking platform that allows her customers to order and personalize their own 3D printed garments based on her designs.

Recently, Danit went a step further by offering digital files of 3D printed garments that can be downloaded and then printed at the customer’s nearest 3D printer. She also teaches a virtual fashion workshop that introduces beginners how to 3D print clothing. This live virtual course is another first for this fashion pioneer, and Danit believes that the exchange of ideas helps to drives positive change and growth.

But they don't want to stop there, Danit and her team are eager to continue pushing the boundaries of 3D printed fashion by continuing to work with like-minded pioneers such as Craftbot.

"I'm very pleased to collaborate with Craftbot to enhance 3D printing technology in fashion. Our goal is to create a better, smoother experience with 3D printers when crafting garments and with the Craftbot Flow IDEX, it's definitely possible." – added Danit.

Craftbot's goal is also to recognize the growing demand for printing flexible materials and to develop the new Craftbot Flow generation printers to print soft materials as efficiently as possible. After all, innovation is always in fashion.