3d printing with wax filament

This project produces batik, a traditional pattern making technique, with 3d printing, a modern manufacturing technique. The elaborate patterns of the machine and the colors from the organic materials are unique to each piece of work, which create a calm and mysterious atmosphere in the space where the product is installed.

Research approach

Batik is realized using 3d printing (from hand-drawing random pattern creation to sophisticated manufacturing technology capable of mechanical control).
A method for obtaining colors from nature and keeping them in fabric, with scouring and making dyeing water, are researched.

Key experiments and the insights

*The pre-dyeing stage 'Scouring' : Dyeing is maintained well when dust and colors on the fabric are washed and removed with vinegar. Cloths that have not gone through this process do not retain their color well after washed.

*Making dyeing water : If I boil the fabric covered with wax directly, the wax would melt away, so make the dyewater, cool it, and soak the fabric in the water. Drying the ingredients into powder to make a dyed water and then dyeing it can produce a result of almost constant tone each time.

*3d printing : Making model of the pattern and printing it using wax filaments. If the printed outcome is too thin, it is difficult to remove it from the fabric after dyeing, so a thickness of 0.5 mm is appropriate.

Self formulated design criteria

*Does my design give people comfort?

*Are the techniques and results of production unique?

*Has the project process developed enough?

*Does it make users interested in production techniques?

Relevance of practice-based research

*I can draw with any oil-based materials.

*I can print any form of modeling. Although the design is sophisticated, this does not mean that it can only be done with 3D printing.

*Changing print settings, the same design can modify to numerous different patterns.

*The range of printing is limited : part printing can be done to create one large drawing.

Images

Process

Wax drawing

wax thread : melting with iron,
impossible to draw

candle wax

Central question(s)

*Can I get rid of the feeling of handmade? Or should it be?

*Is it a pattern that can only be made with 3d printing?

*Unable to print in the same place on both sides.
How can I take advantage of this feature to improve the quality?

Natural light

Counterlight

Lamp light

Value of this project

Tradition
Hand-made coloring
Old production technique

Contemporary technology
Wax printing
Modern way

Pattern modeling with Fusion360, Tinkercad, Illustrator

Printing on scoured cotton fabric

After dyeing
Pink : cranberry
Orange : avocado

STARTED SCOURING!!

-> Use an existed machine

-> If the pattern wall is too thin, dyed water soaks into whole fabric and can't get pattern.

-> Wax printout on thin cotton is impossibly taken off.