#Research & Development

2022-11-03

Medical devices from the 3D printer: DITF show new applications at MedicaAnwendungen

The German Institutes of Textile and Fiber Research Denkendorf (DITF) will be exhibiting at the medical technology trade fair MEDICA in Düsseldorf from November 14 to 17 2022. At the joint Baden-Württemberg International Booth, the DITF will be presenting new developments in the field of 3D printing, such as for bone replacements.

In their research, the DITF also work with the Arburg Freeformer 300-3X 3D printer, which can process up to three meltable polymers of different hardness in one component. This enables hard-soft transitions, which are required, for example, in implants for body tissue replacement and in combinations with textiles. The 3D printer processes thermoplastics directly as granules without the detour via printing filaments or powders, so that even very soft or delicate materials can be processed.

Additive manufacturing directly from the granules. Photo: DITF

One application of additive manufacturing on textiles by applying thermoplastic layers is the production of textile orthoses. Together with the Dynamic Competence Center Claudia Eisert (Mühltal), the DITF are developing a novel foot orthosis with an integrated footbed for patients with cerebral palsy. Unlike previous orthoses made of plastic, this dynamic ankle-foot orthosis consists of a tight-fitting sock that encloses the foot and ankle joint without gaps. The corrected alignment of the foot and depth-sensory feedback enable patients to better perceive the position and movement of their own body.

Textile ankle-foot orthosis with footbed printed into the sock. Photo: DITF

At the booth, the DITF will also be demonstrating new processes for producing porous materials, such as needed for cell cultures. For this purpose, fused filaments are used in the so-called FFF process to create highly porous fine fiber fleece structures by applying additional high voltage between the nozzle and the collector plate. Pores of different sizes and shapes and a variety of properties can thus be produced.

Highly porous fibers for cell cultivation and drug delivery. Photos: DITF

“Production is a product”

From technical textiles and AI-driven robotics to the limitations of textile circularity: Professor Dr Thomas Gries looks back on more than two decades of development at ITA Aachen. In the interview, he explains why production technology remains a decisive success factor, discusses international collaborations and innovation ecosystems, and shares his views on the transformation of production landscapes and the challenges facing an increasingly regulated industry.

“We need to move away from the price trap and return to a value-driven mindset.”

With its new Textile Innovation Center, KARL MAYER is sending a strong signal for innovation, collaboration, and the future of textile applications. In this interview, Karl Josef Mayer discusses new opportunities in warp knitting, the processing of staple fibres, recycling, the changing role of machinery manufacturers, and why the textile industry must once again focus more strongly on the value of textiles. by Oliver Schmidt

“Innovation, resilience and international experience remain the great strengths of the Swiss textile machinery industry”

Geopolitical uncertainty, growing competitive pressure from China, new free trade agreements and the shift towards a circular economy are currently reshaping the global textile industry. In this interview, Cornelia Buchwalder discusses the current mood within the Swiss textile machinery sector, the industry’s distinctive innovative strength, new market opportunities in India and Asia, and the technological trends that could shape the upcoming trade fair cycle leading up to ITMA 2027.

Aachen Summer School: Textiles become smart through 3D printing and origami

From 21 to 29 September 2026, the Aachen Summer School will transform Institut für Textiltechnik (ITA) of RWTH Aachen University into a laboratory of the future: over the course of a week, students will use origami folding techniques and 3D printing to develop active textile structures capable of performing programmable movements. This interdisciplinary event combines theoretical foundations with practical prototyping – from digital modelling right through to functional textile prototypes.

25 years of medical devices: ITVP combines experience with innovation

ITV Denkendorf Produktservice GmbH (ITVP) is celebrating its 25th anniversary. On October 1, 2001, ITVP was founded as a subsidiary of the German Institutes of Textile and Fiber Research Denkendorf (DITF), Europe’s largest textile research center. This spin-off company made it possible to consolidate expertise in medical technology and significantly expand production, which had previously been initiated mostly in the DITF’s cleanrooms.

An eco-friendly alternative to fluorocarbon treatments

Protective and outdoor clothing derives its durable water-, dirt- and oil- repellent properties from the application of fluorinated polymers or per- and polyfluorinated low-molecular- weight chemicals (PFCs). The beneficial properties thus achieved on textiles are offset by environmental and human health risks. For manufacturers of sports, medical, protective and automotive textiles, researchers at the Sächsisches Textilforschungsinstitut e.V. and the Leibniz Institute for Polymer Research have developed liquid-applied dispersions and solutions to functionalise textiles without the use of fluorine.