The next big thing to hit global fashion circles the world over could very well be 3D printed clothes. While there have been companies that have already created clothing via 3D printing, until now, the creation of woolen garments using affordable robot knitting machinery has proved challenging. The OpenKnit printer enables you to print your own clothes from digital files. Created by Gerard Rubio, the OpenKnit is able to print anything from a dress to a cardigan using open source software and hardware.
Retailing at under 550 Euros, the OpenKnit is a low-cost, open-source digital fabrication tool that enables users to create their own bespoke clothing through the use of digital files. Beginning with the raw material, to the yarn and its end use, a sweater, for instance can be produced in approximately one hour.
The OpenKnit printer is built from 3D printed parts, sensors, servomotor, stepper motor, stepper driver, aluminum extrusions and numerous knitting needles. Used in conjunction with Knitic software, this 3D printer enables you to design your customized clothes while communicating with the knitting machine. The software is based on Knitic, which is an open source knitting machine with controls a Brother electronic knitting machine via Arduino.
