Technology is constantly advancing, and as technology advances, established industries give birth to unfamiliar developments. At this time, where 3D and other digital technologies are increasingly influencing, many different sectors are shifting to digital design and production methods. Textiles is one of these sectors and 3D printed fabrics are produced by some 3D initiatives. One of these initiatives, the Electroloom unfortunately announced that it was saying goodbye to the industry. Financial problems and strategic errors were the reasons for the closure of the company.
3D and digital technologies are growing day by day and gaining momentum in the market. This rapid development leads to fluctuations in the marketplace as a result of many innovations and changes. 3D technology, which has been used effectively for the past 10 years, is relatively young and has a high ups and downs. As competition in this market increases, even new and even more established companies close their doors. On August 10, 2016, the company announced the addition of Electroloom’s shutdown to these on its blog.
In 2014, the company was successfully launched to the market through the entrepreneurial platform Kickstarter, and gathered a lot of interest with its 3D fabric printer. The development plans for this innovation, which is expected to initiate a new era in the textile sector, have been unfortunately suspended for the time being. It is not known if the company will return to the market in the future, but it has now ended its R&D and sales activities. Funds gained from Electroloom Kickstarter campaign and National Science Foundation (NSF), which have been declining in product development due to the financial strains they experienced in 2014 and 2015, were not enough.
The company officials, who addressed the customers with a message on their blogs, said: “We have come to this point with financial troubles and some mistakes. There were several factors that prevented us from growing; such as heavy technical development, scientific risks, and inadequate facilities in the market. “
How is 3D Fabric Printing Provided with Electroloom?
The Electroloom printer is able to print fabrics in 3D with the electroshooting method; which has brought a whole new technology to the 3D and textile world. This technology includes CAD files; T-shirt, socks, etc. they can turn them into fabrics. The Mini version of this printer; which reached a successful funding figure through the Kickstarter campaign; was launched into the market at the beginning of 2016. It was stated that the Mini, which produced in smaller sizes; produced a polyester garment in the size of a baby sock in 20 minutes.
Despite the unsuccessfulness of the market, Electroloom founders were pleased with this experience of introducing themselves to the market. Electroloom and the textile and fabric industries have expressed their need for new technologies; officials said that the new production methods will start an innovative trend in textiles. Electroloom officials in this context expressed their happiness to be part of this movement.
Electroloom is not only representative of 3D in this area; which offers new possibilities both in design and production in the textile sector as it is in every sector. Although the firm’s presence in the market is over, Kniterate and Unmade continue to work with 3D fabric printers. These companies’ market conditions and new initiatives will determine the future of the 3D textiles segment.