There are many ways 3D printing can be used in small business. It can be used to make prototypes, do small scale manufacturing and even industrial designing. And recently, a big show in New York City gave a glimpse of the full range of possibilities.
New York Fashion Week is a pretty well known event. But there was a new type of fashion show taking place in NYC recently, and it was a little unorthodox. 3D Printshow is an event that fuses fashion and other types of art with 3D printing.
3D Printshow originated in London in 2012 and has since expanded to five additional cities worldwide, including New York.
The NYC event launched with a fashion catwalk featuring 3D printed clothing from more than 20 designers. But the four-day event included more than just a fashion show. There were workshops and speakers to teach guests about 3D printing and how it can impact different types of businesses.
Creator Kerry Hogarth spoke with Popular Mechanics about the event:
“The show is designed not as a trade show. It’s designed as an experiential thing. The idea is that you show people where the technology is and where it’s going. The show is built to bring together the creative world and the manufacturing world and business and engineering, all in one platform, to talk about what’s possible and also [for people] to show their work.”
3D Printing has many potential business applications, particularly in creative fields. Movie studios can use it to create special effects and props. And thus video creators have similar options when creating creative content. Artists can use it to create sculptures or models. Designers can use it to create head-to-toe wearable art. The technology has already allowed for great advances in the medical field and a handful of other industries.
Last year UPS announced it would the add the printers to some of its stores so that businesses didn’t have to absorb the cost of purchasing one of these machines.
But even though it’s already been put into use by some businesses, it remains a new technology. Some businesses may still be trying to determine if and how this technology can benefit them.
The 3D Printshow and similar events can provide creative and more practical entrepreneurs with the inspiration to use the technology to benefit their businesses in new ways. It will be interesting to see what innovations in business use will arise as a result.
Image: 3D Printshow
Not gonna lie; that picture is a little terrifying.
Anita Campbell
LOL! Now that you mention it, Robert, it is.
Is it the spikes at the top that made it look a lil scary to you, Robert? 🙂
I didn’t think it was scary, just unusual. If anything, for some reason the guy on the guitar looks scarier to me with his white-painted face (or is it a white mask?)
Aira Bongco
But you should admit that it is quite intriguing in the artistic sense.
I think 3D art will become more prevalent in the coming years especially since people are now more dependent on technology and visually stimulating objects.
Martin Lindeskog
I say the same, it looks a bit spooky! Robert: Have you done a review post on 3D printers on the market?
Sean DeSilva
Incredible. I can only imagine what the future holds in terms of clothing, the ultimate expression of self. I have a feeling that the styles we wear today will look very generic and cookie-cutter by mid-21st century standards.
Hmm. Interesting. I’d like to see more 3D fashion to get more of a feel for it. I wonder how practical it is as a fashion item or whether it’s solely for the catwalk?
ed pierce
I have seen this technology in action first hand and every time I see it, it still amazes me beyond belief! I can’t wait to see what is next for the 3D printing industry.