The Next Revolution in 3-D Printing: Disposable Panties

A collection of 3D digital printers on the production line during the final stages of assembly at the Stratasys Ltd. factory in Rehovot, Israel, on July 28, 2013. Photographer: Ariel Jerozolimski/Bloomberg
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A somewhat embarrassing feminine-hygiene issue has led Tamar Giloh to develop a new technology that could revolutionize the textile industry.

Looking for a way to mitigate problems associated with heavy menstruation, she and a team that included her husband started working on an automated system that can produce fabrics using three-dimensional printing. More than a decade later, the Israeli couple now has functional hardware that can spray polymers and fibers in a controlled manner to produce disposable panties, sportswear, bandages and other products.