Feb.7, 2014
A new campaign may take us one stitch closer to 3D printed clothing. The open innovation and crowdsourcing organization InnoCentive is looking for ideas that would weave more cotton fibers into 3D printing technology.
InnoCentive connects "Seekers" – like commercial enterprises, public sector agencies, and non-profits – with "Solvers" from all walks of life to come up with fast, creative solutions for all sorts of problems. They host prized-based competitions which often carry financial incentives. For this challenge $7,000, is being offered for the best solution to the current gap in 3D printing technology surrounding cotton fiber material.
They are looking for new ways to use cotton in 3D printing – either by incorporating cotton fibers or materials into existing technology or by developing new 3D printing technology especially for cotton, with the long-term goal of using cotton in 3D printing to make apparel or other products.
3D printing is an exciting new trend in technology that could have a huge impact on the future of manufacturing. Right now most attention in materials development is going to plastics or metal alloys. The idea behind the cotton fiber challenge is that using cotton in 3D printing will create materials with a larger range of properties. These material properties would open new doors in 3D printing applications – particularly in the area of wearable 3D prints.
So if you're a materials Solver – or just interested more details on the challenge – head over to the InnoCentive and to check it out.
Posted in 3D Printing Materials
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