Carnegie Mellon Unveils Reconfigurable Solid Knitting Machine

New technique allows for the creation of solid, reusable 3D objects through knitting, promising sustainable and versatile manufacturing.

The solid knitting machine builds objects layer by layer, similar to 3D printing, but uses yarn for flexibility and reusability.
Developed by Yuichi Hirose and the Carnegie Mellon Textiles Lab, the machine can knit firm, dense objects that can be unraveled and re-knit.
The prototype was showcased at SIGGRAPH 2024, earning an honorable mention in the Best Paper category.
Current capabilities include creating triangular and rectangular prisms, with future goals to produce complex shapes like furniture.
The technology offers a sustainable alternative to traditional 3D printing, reducing waste through reconfigurability.