Nov.11, 2013
3D printing technology could revolutionize the textile industry. The world's first 3D printed disposable panties, the brain-child of an Israeli couple, could soon come to market as early as next year.
Israeli inventor Tamar Giloh, founder of Tamicare has developed an automated 3D printing system that creates a stretchy, biodegradable fabric known as "Cosyflex." We have seen 3D printed clothing made of nylon mesh, but Tamicare is claimed to be able to create underwear which will feel just like woven fabric using Cosyflex's unique additive manufacturing method.
Cosyflex is an innovative process for 3D printing for fabrics which could instantly create finished products from raw materials with no cutting and no waste. By layering natural rubber-latex polymers and cotton fibers using a spray gun, Tamicare's technology can make a pair of disposable undies in under three seconds or up to 10 million per year.
Various types of liquid polymers such as natural latex, silicon, polyurethane and teflon, as well as variety of textile fibres such as cotton, viscose and polyamide can be used to make all types of clothing, as well as bandages and sportswear. And Cosyflex prints also unlimited fabric variations with any combination of features, patterns, embossing or perforations on the same sheet.
Giloh and her husband came up with the idea for the disposable panty more than a dacade ago, as a way to prevent leakage for women who suffer from menorrhagia, or excessively heavy periods. Giloh's Manchester, England-based firm has raised $10 million toward developing its 3D printer since it was founded in 2001. Its printers are sold to cosmetic and health-care companies for about $3 million each.
Tamicare revealed the technology at a conference last month, and it says it has received 30 inquiries from companies, including lingerie giant Victoria's Secret. Next year, Tamicare's 3D printed absorbent padded underwear that can be thrown away after a single use, is expected to hit shelves in a leading pharmacy chain in Israel.
"This is an unusual application and certainly a first in the world of 3-D printing," writes Terry Wohlers, president of the consulting firm Wohlers Associates.
Beyond protective hygiene, Cosyflex has applications for medical, veterinary and outdoor activities, such as a compression bandage formedical industry or a mask for the cosmetics market. "Anywhere a piece of fabric would need many levels of compression is ideal for this product," Giloh said.
Via Bloomberg
Posted in 3D Printers
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dear we are looking for dependable supplier and partner for long term business relationship we are located in kuwait we are a trading company establishing our new branch for reselling the disposable products for the following end users hotels , hospitals , spa, beauty salon , travelling , and self care please send me your product range to my email ziad_1231967@hotmail.com regards ziad
Ken Linder wrote at 1/24/2015 5:43:09 AM:
A graphine like substance has been made from hemp. it is far less expensive to make, and functions better than the artificial one. We need the same sorts of innovation in 3D printing. A completely new take on how to make items in 3D which does not use plastics at all. Until 3D printing can leave behind oil based polymers (and chemistry that just mimics them) they will just be more unfortunate pollution and rubbish to fill up the planet. Plastics are bad materials. They are endocrine disruptors, xenoestrogentic and cause cancer and many other illnesses. We need better basic materials for 3D printing, which are NOT crude oil based plastics (or similar) but are based off of far more natural substances. Even the people using 3D printers only to make rapidly made test-bed "proof of concept" electronics have figured that THIS is a necessity. There is already a huge mass of plastic that covers most of the pacific, and a new layer of strata at the bottom of the ocean.
Bellededios wrote at 8/19/2014 9:22:18 PM:
I hope this crazy idea is not happening! Pls do not fill oyur planet and oceans with dirty underwear!!! Thank you...
Zeiglestein wrote at 11/14/2013 9:59:13 AM:
They are not biodegradeable. What do you want to fill the oceans of the earth with dirty underwear?
Alicia wrote at 11/14/2013 9:20:30 AM:
What you see is only the final product in the assembly line. The fabric itself is 3D printed and can get any shape/form they decide in 3 dimensions so it is not a flat fabric. I was introduce to this company's technology a few months ago and can attest it is 3D printing technology.
yru wrote at 11/12/2013 10:00:49 PM:
and where exactly is 3D printing in here? all I see is an assembly line with mold/stencil and some posprocesing. impressive as this aproach is it seems to just abuse the term 3D printing for faster media response. everybody wants to be railroad company :)
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