The future of texture design with 3D printing technology

3D printing technology is revolutionizing the way designers create textures.

"With 3D printing technology, we can design and create textures with a high degree of accuracy, precision, and repeatability. It also maximizes our design space and create hybrid textures that are impossible to create with traditional manufacturing methods, for example our open weave texture," Mathijs explained.

The weave texture is one of Philips MyCreation's new textures, and is utilised on the Mandala Table Lamp. Simone Stavenuir, our designer who came up with the idea, said that she was inspired by knitting and basket weave patterns.

"In the past, you could only make this type of textures with rattan or moulds, but now you can use 3D printing to make any kind of texture and to adapt to different lighting effects, it is really changing the design process of lighting."

One of the biggest benefits of 3D printing in lighting design is the ability to quickly prototype new designs. “In the past, lighting designers had to create multiple physical prototypes by hand, which was both time-consuming and expensive. With 3D printing, designers can quickly create and test multiple prototypes in a fraction of the time it would take with traditional methods. This allows designers to iterate and refine their designs quickly, leading to better end products.” said Mathijs.

Additionally, the significant advantages of 3D printing technology is the ability to create textures with many light effects. Mathijs explained, "Unlike traditional manufacturing methods, 3D printing technology enables designers to create textures in all three dimensions and play with the thickness of the material. The textures can wrap around the surface of a product or object, creating a more organic and natural look and feel."