Fabric Printer Creates Interactive Cuddlies

Apr-24-15 Disney researchers have created a prototype 3D printer able to build soft fabric interactive objects.

The printer, which uses rolls of fabric with heat-activated adhesive on one side, uses a vacuum to hold the cloth while a laser cutter cuts a rectangle of the cloth into a single section of the object. The piece is then dropped into place on top of previously cut pieces and then bonded with heat. Once all the pieces have been cut, the user can peel away the excess fabric to reveal the cuddly result. The printer can use different materials as well, which allows conductive fabrics to be added to the print and create interactive electrical objects.

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[DIGITALTRENDS.COM]
[DISNEYRESEARCH.COM]

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