Aug 15, 2017 | By Benedict

aRks 3d, a Sicily-based design studio run by architects Samuel and Rosanna, has unveiled a collection of 3D printed bikinis. Described as “ergonomic, ecological, unique, and tailored,” the “Coral” swimwear collection is printed in PLA with cotton inserts.

Bikinis might sound like the last thing you’d attempt to make with a 3D printer, but we’ve somehow come across two 3D printed bikini stories in a matter of days.

Following SexyCyborg’s valiant effort to create a 3D printed bikini last week, we can now report that Italian design studio aRks 3d is attempting a similarly improbable feat with a plastic swimwear range called “Coral.”

Just like SexyCyborg’s creation, we imagine the Coral 3D printed bikini collection will get more clicks and shares than actual wearers, but that doesn’t necessarily make the swimwear any less impressive.

And if its makers are to be believed, the bikini isn’t quite as uncomfortable as it looks, being equipped with both soft and rigid materials. It’s certainly eye-catching, if nothing else.

“Coral is the first 3D printed bikini collection made by aRks 3d,” the Italian studio explains. “The innovation of the concept, of the design, and of the work process [makes these pieces unique], giving an unrivaled experience to the wearer.”

Printed in PLA and flexible PLA on an FDM 3D printer, the Coral bikinis are fitted with cotton inserts for added (and presumably much-needed) comfort. Thankfully, the bikini bottoms contain less PLA than the tops, being made primarily from lycra and fitted with 3D printed embroidery.

The collection is inspired by marine corals, and is designed to be worn in conjunction with aRks 3d accessories, including 3D printed bracelets and necklaces.

“Coral is ergonomic, ecological, unique, and tailored,” Samuel and Rosanna claim.

While we cannot vouch for the ergonomics or fit of the swimwear, the product’s ecological aspect is certainly quite interesting. Being made primarily from PLA, the bikinis can purportedly be melted down and remade into a new design.

“Alternatively, you can compost it,” aRks 3d says. “That means that the bikini won't biodegrade on your body, or in the water.”

This is a little concerning, because—unless I’m interpreting this wrong—it suggests that the swimwear could actually biodegrade while you’re out for a swim unless you compost it at the right moment. Tell me I’ve interpreted it wrong, aRks 3d, and we’ll all sleep a little more soundly tonight.

Reassuringly, the Silicy-based studio does say that the 3D printed bikinis are equipped to retain their shape and level of comfort underwater (but for how long?), while they can also be used as standard underwear.

Check out aRks 3d’s 3D printed bikini collection and other fun projects here.

 

 

Posted in 3D Printing Application

 

 

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J Miller wrote at 8/15/2017 10:55:21 PM:

PLA will not biodegrade at ambient temperatures in normal environments. It has to be composted...brought to an elevated temperature with microbial action to begin biodegrading. What they are trying to say is it can biodegrade but not while anyone is using it. I would wonder about UV degradation and the PLA becoming brittle. Most fibers breakdown and fade in UV.

Edward Simpson wrote at 8/15/2017 6:05:20 PM:

PLA doesn't compost unless you throw it in an industrial compost pile to my understanding. Tinkerine has done a set of experiments with PLA and various bacteria eating PLA, this is probably the most relevant video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Aq_Wq--Oej0 I'd personally be more worried about the bikini melting or warping the wrong way during a suntanning session than anything else :)



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