Advanced 3D technology will enable deployment of unique, high-value decorative and functional applications for leading global brands
Kornit Digital Ltd., an expert in digital textile production technologies, announced today the acquisition of all associated assets of Somerville, Massachusetts-based Voxel8.
This acquisition reminds the ongoing efforts made by companies that specialize in the textile industry, to transform and enhance 3D clothing production by AM. So far, a wide range of examples have been highlighted regarding the types of applications that can be made possible using AM technologies.
However, very few words are given to the technologies themselves…how they can and should be optimised for this specific sector. One of the reasons that may explain that, could be the fact that the textile industry is not part of the vertical industries that will exponentially drive the growth of AM technologies…Anyway not now..unless companies like Kornit Digital that specialize in the field, take matters into their hands.
“By integrating Voxel8’s technology into Kornit’s product roadmap, we will be able to transform numerous market segments and verticals, accelerating our collective visions and technology advancements,” said Kobi Mann, Kornit Digital Chief Technology Officer. “Voxel8 offers direct 3D print-on-part capabilities, advanced design software that can be easily integrated with any production floor software workflow, and versatile chemistry enabling on-the-fly formulation of high-performance elastomers to change the material properties of the resulting printed structures by multiple orders of magnitude. This means reflective, high-density, silicone and metallics, as well as compression elements for sports and therapeutics, protection elements like cushioning and impact resistance, and functionality applications like anti-slip, waterproofing, and other qualities combining form and function that are key to Kornit’s vision of digitizing production in every conceivable manner.”
Voxel8’s advanced additive manufacturing technology for textiles allows for digital fabrication of functional features with zonal control of material properties, in addition to utilizing high-performance elastomers adhering to inkjet technology. The capabilities of this company’s technology have already been highlighted in an exclusive feature dedicated to “3D printed electronics”.
“Voxel8’s innovative technologies and talent will help us accelerate the execution of our 4.0 strategy to digitize sustainable, on-demand textile production,” said Ronen Samuel, Kornit Digital Chief Executive Officer. “With this advanced and proven 3D technology, we will disrupt the business of fashion, empowering completely new creative decorative concepts and never-before-seen functional textile applications, while exploring new lucrative opportunities in the functional apparel and footwear markets.”
“Voxel8’s innovative and sustainable technology—tested by some of the world’s leading global fashion and footwear brands, such as Hush Puppies, which is part of Wolverine Worldwide, enables the digital creation of unique decorative and functional applications, while eliminating time and waste from the manufacturing process,” said Fred von Gottberg, Voxel8’s President and Chief Executive Officer. “Voxel8 shares Kornit’s vision of transforming the textile industry and couldn’t be more excited to be part of the journey to build the operating system of sustainable fashion on demand. We look forward to working together to embed Voxel8’s technology into Kornit’s customer offerings, which will collectively provide endless possibilities of enhanced applications and solutions.”
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