Summer vacations may be over (for most of us), but I am still monitoring some of the interesting activities people might perform during this period…The latest one we wrote about was this 3D printed radio-controlled (RC) boat that could bring you some drinks and snacks; and on top of that plays your favourite song during your pool time. Let’s keep the “swimming pool” mode on, and imagine now that you wear a completely 3D printed swimwear during this relaxing time.
Continuum fashion actually created one: the N12 bikini. The bikinir esults from a collaboration between Continuum Fashion and 3D printing company Shapeways.
3D printed using SLS 3D printing and Nylon 12, a “white, strong, and flexible”, the product should have passed ISO skin sensitization testing and can be fully customizable thanks to the freedom of design AM enables. According to Shapeways, the material’s strength enables the bikini to bend without breaking when printed very thin.
“With a minimum wall thickness of .7 mm, it is possible to make working springs and almost thread-like connections. For a bikini, the nylon is beautifully functional because it is waterproof and remarkably comfortable when wet. The bikini’s design fundamentally reflects the beautiful intricacy possible with 3D printing, as well as the technical challenges of creating a flexible surface out of the solid nylon. Thousands of circular plates are connected by thin strings, creating a wholly new material that holds its form as well as being flexible. The layout of the circle pattern was achieved through custom written code that lays out the circles according to the curvature of the surface. In this way, the aesthetic design is completely derived from the structural design”, the team at Continuum fashion explains on its website.
Although I always stand behind most 3D printed creations, this one left me a little bit dubious. Bear with me, from a manufacturing standpoint, it’s a very interesting approach to use SLS 3D printing and Nylon 12 for clothes manufacturing, not to mention the design of freedom that would enable customization. However, from a user perspective, is it really comfortable to wear a bikini made up of laser-sintered nylon?
Make sure to follow us on our social networks and subscribe to our weekly newsletter : Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn & Instagram ! If you want to be featured in the next issue of our digital magazine or if you hear a story that needs to be heard, make sure you send it to contact@3dadept.com
THE 3D ADEPT WEEKLY NEWSLETTER
The industry moves fast. Stay ahead.
Every week, the latest additive manufacturing news, in-depth features and real-world applications, straight to your inbox. Plus, be the first to know when a new issue of 3D ADEPT Mag is out.
Free · One email a week · Unsubscribe anytime
Clicking loads our email provider’s sign-up form, including its analytics and Google’s anti-bot protection. You’re only subscribed if you complete the sign-up. Read our privacy policy.