Fruit of the loom: 3D weaver creates shoe sole

The innovation lies in the structure: the warp and weft threads are interconnected at different heights, providing the third dimension. Meanwhile, the pattern determines the properties of the constructed textile, such as the resistance and the flexibility. Sosanya’s Honeycomb design is a simple hexagonal structure with high-impact resistance, which can be used when developing helmets and other protective items. The ZigZAG weave is auxetic, which means that it becomes thicker perpendicular to the applied force when it is stretched. This structure is very flexible.

Sosanya visited fabric mills in the north of England before developing the loom, which is a hybrid between a traditional mechanical weaving machine and a 3D printer. As part of his masters project, he presented a shoe sole created in collaboration with footwear designers Lisa Teng and Tomiwa Adeosun.

There are various fields of potential application, such as sportswear, medical implants and architecture. Sosanya is currently developing stab-proof vests.

He and other young designers are challenging existing manufacturing processes by combining traditional and industrial production methods. Learn more about designers experimenting with innovative production by reading our Neo-facture macrotrend.