Optical Prism March 2017 | Page 20

SAFILO EYEWEAR MAKING FRAMES FASTER FOR TOP FASHION BRANDS WITH STRATASYS 3D PRINTING

“ This is the start of a new age for designers .”
Safilo is using new state-of-the-art technology that allows the world ' s second-largest eyewear producer to create prototype frames for top fashion brands in record time .
The Stratasys J750 full-colour , multi-material 3D printer can produce photo-realistic frames 60 per cent faster than traditional prototyping methods . print job which helps to reduce our product development costs while stimulating more creative development ,” he says .
Safilo can use the technology to quickly produce prototypes for its brands Safilo , Carrera and Polaroid as well as design house brands like Dior , Hugo Boss , Max Mara and Jimmy Choo .
Daniel Tomasin , product sample co-ordinator at Safilo , says the machine cuts down on the time to design and prototype frames from 15 hours using a CNC machine and manual finishing to just three hours .
“ What ’ s more , using the 3D printer ’ s large build tray , we can produce several variations of the frames in the same
David Iarossi , Safilo creative designer associate director for eyewear brands like Carrera , Givenchy and Havaianas , says the ability to 3D-print prototypes with the same colour and texture as the finished product is instrumental in ensuring that the company responds quickly to market trends .
“ This is the start of a new age for designers ,” he says . “ Thanks to the Stratasys J750 ’ s ability to combine a near endless gamut of striking colours 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 .”
18 Optical Prism | March 2017