Isle artist shows off 3-D printing skills in New York

While Fashion Week events took place throughout New York City on Wednesday, 3-D artists presented a runway of their own, with a fashion show incorporating 3-D-printed clothing, accessories and headdresses.

Hawaii 3-D print artist Russ Ogi is among 19 artists worldwide who were selected to participate in the 3D Printshow, an annual exhibition taking place through Saturday in New York City.

The event aims to bring together the biggest names in 3-D print work and demonstrate the scope of creativity possible through the technology. the event started in London in 2012 and expanded to Paris in 2013; this year marks its inaugural U.S. showing.

Ogi said he had read about the show and wanted to be a part of it, so he sent in his portfolio and his fantasy pieces were accepted about three weeks later.

His creations are inspired by his appreciation for science fiction and superhero genres, which he tapped to create his bushido fusion-themed armor — in particular "yoroi," or traditional Japanese samurai armor.

One of his yoroi stands nearly 5 feet tall and comprises 60 individual pieces.

"I guide my designs by asking myself, What would the yoroi look like had the samurai continued into modern times? he said.

Although fashion and art offer the most visual impact for 3-D printer capabilities, its applications will affect dozens of industries, ranging from architecture to forensics, medicine and sports.

"There are quite a few things going on in Hawaii," said Ogi, who explained the technology is being used by many schools and businesses. However, he said it’s hard to get companies to talk about the work they’re doing with 3-D printers because of its role in creating prototypes for products.

For those who imagine the capability of printing objects with the ease of making paper copies, Ogi offered some sobering news.

"Three-D printing is not a good solution for mass production," he said. "There are machines that print in metal that can create parts that can be installed on cars, but those machines are $500,000. On the hobbyist level, 3-D print pieces are not as durable as something that has been injection-molded.

"People have been using it for short-run production, but mostly it’s being used for prototypes, and it plays a role in enabling companies to produce specialized jigs for fitting machines that do the actual product manufacturing."

The 3-D printers work by laying down layer upon layer of materials that range from plastic to biodegradable plaster to metal. Consumer printers range from about $300 to $3,000.

Working with plastic or plaster, Ogi said the cost to produce an item ranges from about 30 cents to $1 per cubic inch, placing the cost of some of his largest pieces at about $30,000.

Also, don’t expect a finished piece to come out looking as buffed and polished as Ogi’s work.

"When it comes out of the printer, I consider it half done. It still has to be smoothed, painted and finished," he said.

In New York, Ogi said he hopes to learn from fellow artists and pioneers in the medium and return home with more knowledge of how 3-D printing can move Hawaii forward.

"It’s a very good technology for Hawaii because it’s clean technology that doesn’t take up a lot of space, that can help with the development of products. We’re so isolated, without a lot of manufacturing capabilities, and this can help companies develop products without getting to a factory in early stages of development," he said.

"Hawaii also wants to expand its film industry, and you’re going to be seeing more 3-D printing in movies, from props to costumes." He notes, Robert Downey Jr.’s ‘Iron Man 2’ costume was 3-D printed."