For fashion designers, all aesthetic-related competitions are very important; especially in beauty pageants, contestants' attire indirectly affects the outcome of the competition. This is an example of how SLS 3D printing technology helped Ciska Barnard (swimwear designer for the Bambshell® clothing brand) create unique accessories that enabled Miss South Africa to advance successfully.
Bambshell® is an exclusive swimwear brand founded by Melinda Bam, who was also crowned Miss South Africa in 2011.
"The contestants fully showcased the beauty of Africa, displaying colorful cultures, festive African colors, and bold, strong contrasting prints; each print was custom-made for this theme, combining ethnic, tribal, and modern fashion styles, and complementing the smooth curves of the swimwear." – Melinda Bam said.
The 3D prints produced by the Sinterit Lisa 3D printer are very soft, comfortable, and suitable for wearing. As swimwear accessories, they must be as flexible and lightweight as a second skin. Thanks to technology, the characteristics of Flexa Black's TPU (elastic) material can achieve a smooth and comfortable surface effect.
【How Did This Start?】
Fashion always comes with technology, thus enabling external development and expansion. Humans started weaving 20,000 years ago, and until the 19th century, it was still very time-consuming and required manual processes; this is why women in the 18th century had only a few clothes in their wardrobes – perhaps no more than two dresses. The invention of the loom completely changed the future and greatly reduced manufacturing time. However, the structure of textiles remained unchanged for 150 years until after World War II when international trade conflicts between Asia and the United States caused a gap in raw material supply, leading to the popularity of innovative synthetic materials in the eighties; but we are now focusing on returning to nature and using sustainable materials.
Designers are loyal to using the best fabrics, but are sometimes limited by material properties; for example, some shapes cannot be formed through natural textures, and 3D printing is the best solution.
【From Custom Clothing to Ready-to-Wear】
Regarding the application of 3D printing in fashion, we still focus on many external demands, such as haute couture; but it is less common in ready-to-wear, why? For many years, technological limitations have hindered designers from more widely applying this technology. In FDM 3D printing, the most common and cheapest materials are very hard; even flexible elastic materials are not like fabric, which is why clothes made from them look a bit like armor. On the other hand, SLS technology, which can print flexible materials, is still too expensive even for trial prints; however, everything changed after the SLS patent expired in 2014, and the first desktop 3D printer emerged on the market. Thanks to devices like the Sinterit Lisa, it is now possible to print delicate objects attached to swimwear.
【Fashion Needs Flexibility】
"Most clients choose rigid materials like PA12, which has become a habit in many industries; but the fashion industry needs more flexible solutions," said Konrad Głowacki, one of Sinterit's co-founders. "However, finding a flexible, strong material is not easy; it must perfectly match fashion and be used in 3D printers. In the past few years, only a few people believed that SLS technology could become a desktop 3D printer for every company, and now we will launch a wider range of different materials. After several months of testing, we are pleased to offer two reliable products: Flexa Black and Flexa Gray." – Głowacki emphasized.
【A New Era is Coming】
The scope of work for fashion designers has not changed much since the era of Chanel, so new materials like 3D design are becoming increasingly popular. Top universities have also added new digital courses such as basic CAD/CAM or 3D design printing, which will be more widely developed in the future.
Twenty years ago, no one thought people would buy and download music files online, rather than buying CDs at a video store; and in the near future, the same transformation will sweep the fashion industry, if not entirely, at least covering accessories.
This project was made possible thanks to Build Volume, a company that integrates 3D printing into the general public; and undoubtedly, some important accessories related to South Africa.
"Due to the rapid development of 3D printing, 3D scanning, and modeling software, 3D printing has become increasingly exciting and affordable for individuals. With 3D printing, anything is possible." – said Don Vermeulen, CEO of Build Volume and the user who personally printed this series of printed accessories.
Custom 3D printed products provide stable growth for his company.
Now, thanks to the commercial-grade Sinterit Lisa, we can use advanced laser sintering technology at a reasonable price; through SLS, almost any shape of original can be printed, whether hard or flexible materials. The company has rich experience in other aspects and recently launched the Sinterit Lisa Pro and updated 3D printing equipment.
【About Sinterit】
The first manufacturer of desktop laser sintering 3D printers, dedicated to expanding innovative SLS technology in the global market; focusing on convenience and practicality to quickly keep up with the future. The company was founded in 2014 by former Google senior employees, providing reliable, precise 3D printers to global customers and having printed thousands of 3D printed products within three years.
We are happy to share all kinds of creations related to 3D printing, and this is undoubtedly a breakthrough project that Sinterit Lisa has successfully achieved in different fields; if you want to know more about related products, you can get more information on our website.
Original link: https://www.sinterit.com/pressroom/becoming-miss-south-africa-with-3d-printed-fashion/