CMU@CHI: CMU-Disney Researcher Invents 3D Printing Technique for Making Soft, Cuddly Stuff
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Soft and cuddly aren’t words used to describe the plastic or metal things typically produced by today’s 3D printers. But a new type of printer developed by Carnegie Mellon and Disney Research Pittsburgh can turn wool and wool blend yarns into fabric objects that people might actually enjoy touching.
The device looks something like a cross between a 3D printer and a sewing machine and produces 3D objects made from a form of loose felt. HCII Professor Scott Hudson, who developed the felting printer with Disney Research support, said the results are reminiscent of hand-knitted materials.
“I really see this material being used for things that are held close,” Hudson said. “We’re really extending the set of materials available for 3D printing and opening up new possibilities for what can be manufactured.”
That could include apparel, accessories such as scarves and hats and even Teddy Bears. It also might be used to produce parts for so-called “soft robots” — robots designed to touch or be near people. Hudson discussed the felting printer earlier this week at the CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems in Toronto.
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