Kornit Digital has acquired textile additive manufacturer Voxel8.
Voxel8’s advanced additive manufacturing technology for textiles allows for digital fabrication of functional features. In addition, it enables zonal control of material properties. Ronen Samuel, chief executive at Kornit Digital, sees new possibilities in the deal. He says, “Voxel8’s innovative technologies and talent will help us accelerate the execution of our 4.0 strategy. Consequently, we intend to digitise sustainable, on-demand textile production.
“With this advanced and proven 3D technology, we will disrupt the business of fashion. In addition, we will empower completely new creative decorative concepts and never-before-seen functional textile applications. Further, it enables exploration of new lucrative opportunities in the functional apparel and footwear markets.”
New capabilities
Kobi Mann, chief technology officer at Kornit Digital, believes it will create new opportunities. He says, “By integrating Voxel8’s technology into Kornit’s product roadmap, we can transform numerous market segments and verticals. as a result, this will accelerate our collective visions and technology advancements.
“Voxel8 offers direct 3D print-on-part capabilities, advanced design software. This is easily integrated with any production floor software workflow. Its versatile chemistry enables on the fly formulation of high performance elastomers. These change the material properties of the resulting printed structures by multiple orders of magnitude. Therefore we can see reflective, high-density, silicone and metallics, and compression elements for sports and therapeutics. In addition, protection elements like cushioning and impact resistance, and functionality applications like anti-slip, waterproofing, and other qualities combining form and function. These are key to Kornit’s vision of digitising production in every conceivable manner.”
Fred von Gottberg, president and chief executive at textile additive manufacturer Voxel8, says, “Some of the world’s leading global fashion and footwear brands have tested Voxel8’s innovative and sustainable technology. These include Hush Puppies, part of Wolverine Worldwide. So, we can enable the digital creation of decorative and functional applications. Also, it eliminates time and waste from the manufacturing process.
“Voxel8 shares Kornit’s vision of transforming the textile industry. We couldn’t be more excited to be part of the journey to build the operating system of sustainable fashion on demand. We look forward to working together to embed Voxel8’s technology into Kornit’s customer offerings. This will collectively provide endless possibilities of enhanced applications and solutions.”
