b61bdaaf967af88c025e1924e0ada8c9.jpg

3D printed Setae Jacket by Julia Koerner embodies the butterfly Consumer Products

by Consumer

Julia Koerner, an ambitious designer that works with 3D printing technologies, has created many special moments in the intersecting worlds of fashion and tech. Most will know her for working with Ruth E. Carter to create 3D printed costume pieces for Marvel’s Black Panther (2018), but she has a vast portfolio, spanning many 3D printed wearables and sculptures. One of her most recent works is the SETAE Jacket, which was constructed in collaboration with 3D printing company Stratasys.

214cc8043214b57d52c1955db2ad02c0.jpg

The potential for mass customization with ceramic AM Additive Manufacturing

by Consumer

We are living through a time that is uniquely challenging. The COVID-19 pandemic brought much of the world to a standstill, and has forced us to question many things. In the manufacturing world, for instance, there is now an increased focus on localized, on-site production, as supply chain disruptions were the source of many problems when COVID-19 hit. Additive manufacturing has been touted as a potential solution, especially as it has proved so useful in the rapid production and deployment of essential products like PPE and nasal swabs. Still, the question of AM’s capacity for mass production persists: while we might be ready for it, is it ready for our mass production needs?

Anouk Wipprecht presents new 3D printed Proximity Dress for social distancing Consumer Products

Anouk Wipprecht presents new 3D printed Proximity Dress for social distancing Consumer Products

by Consumer

The concept of a mechanical, 3D printed smart dress, to safeguard one’s proximity and personal space, was first explored by Anouk Wipprecht several years ago with her Spider Dress. In times of social distancing, the Dutch designers is presenting an evolution of that early work, extending her research into proxemics and the body. The new Proximity Dress creates physical barriers when a person is detected in the immediate surroundings of the wearer.

1e5509c1f376fc9d77e26a3372631fef.jpg

Have 3D printed tabletop game miniatures finally come of age with HERO FORGE? Consumer Products

by Consumer

Coming out of a successful crowdfunding round at the beginning of 2020, HERO FORGE is a website for customizing and 3D printing tabletop miniatures and statuettes. Many have tried to build a business model around 3D printed figures before, but HERO FORGE may come at a time when the technology is finally ready to support adequately support it. I tested the website and it really does provide a seamless and fun, very much personalized, experience.

438634d1ebff669dde0f1b79643d2532.jpg

Quant-U donates custom 3D printed shoes to Dutch hospital workers AM Industry

by Consumer

Quant-U, a 3D footwear customization service launched by Danish shoes company ECCO in collaboration with Dow, has stepped up to play a small but meaningful role in the fight against COVID-19. According to the company, it has donated 100 pairs of customized shoes to frontline ICU medical staff at OLVG hospitals in Amsterdam. The company’s gesture will help provide some much needed comfort to the strained and undoubtedly tired medical staff and showcases that there are many ways people and companies can play a role in helping essential workers.

21ab27a1adb0ad4bd011518431f23fad.jpg

Australian companies 3D print life-sized Homer Simpson Consumer Products

by Consumer

Well if this doesn’t cheer you up after a weekend in isolation, I’m not sure what will. Australian signage company Coleman Group and local large-format 3D printing service Mammoth 3D teamed up to produce a three-dimensional, life-sized Homer Simpson—donut and all. It is unclear if the large-scale cartoon model was created for anything more than fun, but it has certainly succeeded on that front!