We can now add fabric to the many kinds of 3D printing “ink”, thanks to Disney Research and their partners from Cornell University and Carnegie Mellon University. They developed a printer-laser cutter hybrid that stacks layers of fabric to create an object.
Aside from the potential for customization, repairs and affordable small scale production, the printer makes it relatively easy to make soft, flexible and discreet electronics. The researchers used conductive fabric to print touch sensors and a phone case that lights up.
My only issue with the prototype are that it seems to waste a lot of fabric. Plus that rabbit reminds me of Parasyte. That anime is nasty. Head to Disney Research to read the full paper on the fabric printer.
[via 3D Print]
