Stratasys Targets Sustainabile Fashion With New D2G 3D Printing Technology

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Stratasys Targets Sustainabile Fashion With New D2G 3D Printing Technology

3D printer manufacturer Stratasys has announced the launch of the new Direct-to-Garment (D2G) feature for its J850 TechStyle fashion 3D printer.

This new offering adds to the company’s range of 3DFashion direct-to-textile technology, and allows clothing manufacturers to 3D print multi-material designs directly onto existing garments such as jeans and jackets.

Compatible with denim, cotton, polyester, and linen fabrics, D2G allows fashion brands to personalise individual clothing products to meet customer preferences and styles. According to Stratasys, this new offering allows designers to minimize material waste by converting existing clothing items into new, bespoke fashion products.

“Many brands are limited in how much they can mass produce denim clothing while maintaining a level of personalisation that has meaning to the wearer,” explained Stratasys’ Senior Vice President Commercial Solutions, Zehavit Reisin.

The company has partnered with leading designers Karim Rashid, Travis Fitch, and Zlatko Yanakiev to showcase D2G technology through the Urban Tattoo denim collection.

3D printing sustainable fashion

Launched in 2022, Stratasys’ J850 TechStyle is optimised for the customisation of high-end clothing, bags, accessories, and footwear. Boasting a build volume of 460 x 360 x 50mm (on fabrics up to 2m²), the fashion 3D printer can be used with a comprehensive range of Stratasys resins.

These materials include the company’s Agilus30 for full-colour flexible designs and Vero resin. The latter enables the production of transparent designs that feature a soft, silk-like feel. Additionally, Stratasys VeroVivid resin can be used to achieve over 600,000 unique color gradients and a range of hardness levels.

Stratasys’ newest addition to its 3DFashion portfolio comes in the form of D2G tray kits, which are available in two sizes. This technology allows users to calibrate their J850 3D printer to meet a range of garment sizes, and 3D print full-color designs directly onto existing items of clothing.

D2G seeks to increase the sustainability of the fashion industry, allowing clothing manufacturers to save material by upcycling old garments with unique 3D printed designs.

This aligns with Stratasys’ goal of achieving Mindful Manufacturing by promoting more sustainable and environmentally friendly practices. The company points to a recent study by the Additive Manufacturer Green Trade Association (AMGTA) as highlighting the environmental benefits of its fashion 3D printing technology.

According to the report, the Stratasys J850 TechStyle enabled a 24.8% reduction in CO2 emissions and a 48% reduction in stock material when producing a 3D logo for luxury footwear. What’s more, additive manufacturing requires 64% less electricity than the conventional injection moulding and thermal bonding manufacturing process.

J850 TechStyle fashion 3D printer adds to Stratasys' range of 3DFashion direct-to-textile technology, and allows clothing manufacturers to 3D print multi-material designs directly onto existing garments such as jeans and jackets.

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