As we wrote in our latest roundup of 3D printing innovations: “we can’t quite wrap our heads around the idea that anyone needs 3D printed disposable underwear, but the thought of being able to print other items of clothing down the line is pretty cool.”
So yes, the English company Tamicare has come up with the technology to 3D print textiles, among them disposable underwear. Weird? Sure, but we got past it quick, ’cause the way they’re produced might revolutionize manufacturing as we know it. The 3D fabric printing system called Cosyflex (which is shown in this terribly blurry, yet incredibly interesting video) is a completely automated process that instantly creates fully finished textiles from raw materials with no cutting necessary and producing zero waste. It’s equipped for mass production—right now it’s able to produce 10 million biodegradable panties a year—and it’s also suited for on-demand production, a lot like the mind-blowing 3D printing concept the Clothing Printer. As we mentioned in our prior post, the panties only take three seconds to print. So yeah, this is pretty cool.
And we’re not the only ones who think so: it has been reported that national and international sports and fashion brands, including Victoria’s Secret (a company that’s no stranger to 3D printing), are in talks with Tamicare to collaborate on one level or another. Soon, your favorite clothing chains might be selling custom 3D printed panties, which takes the idea of “personal shopping” way beyond the next level.
Don’t worry though, the lush and lacy shelves of Victoria’s Secret won’t be totally replaced with this nude, high-waisted panty that leaves much to be desired in terms of looks and design. Cosyflex can seamlessly print everything from patterns to perforations and embossing to make each textile totally unique. The fabric itself is super stretchy, which makes it easy to work with, and so versatile that one sheet can be printed into multiple materials, patterns, and colors on one continuous sheet. So underwear is really a jumping off point—this manufacturing innovation has unlimited potential that should excite just about everyone, including us.
What’s peaking your interest in the 3D printing world? Any cool advancements we should know about? Tell us in the comments below!
It can be intimidating to step out on your own and build a business from the ground up. As part of our collaboration with Office Depot, we're talking with Selfmade alum and solopreneur Colette Lawrence, the faith-based motivator and relationship builder behind The M.E.E. Movement, about ways in which women in business can find success.
B + C: How did you know M.E.E. Movement was your business to start?
The M.E.E Movement represents motivation, empowerment, and encouragement for women. It is what represents me. I did not know at first that it was my business to start, but then the thought of monetizing what I loved came to me. It scared me, however. I registered the business in July 2020 and have been slowly building my wings since.
B + C: What's one strategy that's helped you start your business?
Thinking through and researching what the requirements are to start my business, and then asking questions of people who are in the business. Not all advice worked; however, it helped me to figure out what I needed to do and not to do.
B + C: Did you always know life coaching would be your entrepreneurial path?
(Smiles) No, I did not. I 'stumbled" on it. I knew that people were always coming to me for advice and I found that I loved having conversations with them, especially with women, young and old.
B + C: What was your most valuable takeaway from Selfmade?
My most valuable takeaway was the first day of training: Get out of your own way. There were a lot of great moments and important takeaways from every presenter. However, getting out of my own way, pushing past doubts, was for me my most valuable takeaway. Doing something that I had never done before took courage. If I do not focus on what is happening with me mentally then I cannot deliver to my clients successfully.
B + C: What's one piece of advice you would give to female entrepreneurs on the brink of starting?
Get out of your head. You have something to offer. You have what you need to succeed so go ahead and do it.
B + C: How do you stay motivated?
I stay motivated by listening to music and listening to motivational speakers, and sometimes someone will just reach out and talk about the impact that I made in their life. That adds the extra juice or sauce I need to pummel through the day.
B + C: What's your best organizational tip?
Keep a diary and journal. It's the best way for me to keep organized and it also provides a source motivation as I record not only my "losses" but my wins as well.
B + C: Who inspires you in the entrepreneurial space?
Shirley Toliver – She motivates and empowers and makes me always want to show up.
B + C: What has receiving the Office Depot scholarship to Selfmade done to help you start or grow your business?
The scholarship was a blessing in that all the areas that were covered offered valuable information that I needed, from social media to HR. As a new business owner, I needed to know this to increase my own personal awareness in what it takes to run a successful business. The candidness of the presenters made it easy to see myself in their shoes and helped me to realize that I can also get there.
Thanks Colette! You can follow The M.E.E. Movement on Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
Want to feel motivated to take the next step for your business? Let Office Depot OfficeMax give you the confidence you need with a suite of business services & solutions to help you put your best foot forward. Make a good first impression with business cards & build the business pitch of your dreams with custom presentations. With Office Depot OfficeMax you'll find the tools to reach new customers with confidence.
Head to Office Depot's Selfmade page to check out even more amazing business resources (and discounts!) to help you accomplish more on your entrepreneurial journey. These offers are available for a limited time only, so be sure to take advantage of all this goodness while supplies last. Want to join the next Selfmade cohort this summer? Check out all of the scholarship details right here.