3D printing helps supplier respond to market trends

According to a statent from 3D printer manufacturer Stratsys, which supplied the technology, 3D printing has not only helped Safilo cut its production time for prototype frames from 15 hours down to three, but has also enabled the international eyewear supplier to produce frames the same colour and texture as the finished product.{{quote-A:R-W:450-I:2-Q: This is the start of a new age for designers, -WHO:Mr David Iarossi, Safilo’s creative designer}}Mr David Iarossi, Safilo’s creative designer and associate director for brands such as Carrera, Givenchy and Havianas, said this was instrumental in ensuring the company could quickly respond to market trends.“This is the start of a new age for designers,” Mr Iarossi said. “Thanks to [3D printing’s] ability to combine a near endless gamut of striking colors with varying levels of transparency, we can produce a number of completely different frames. This allows us to perfect multiple designs early, enabling us to launch the latest fashion eyewear on time and maintain our competitive edge.“[3D printing] is fantastic, as the frames surpass those produced manually, particularly as we no longer need to worry about the paint fading as the color is integrated into the 3D printed frame.”3D printing has also reportedly given Safilo the advantage of producing several variations of frames within the same print run, which, according to Safilo product sample coordinator Mr Daniel Tomasin, “helps to reduce our product development costs while stimulating more creative development”.