Texturing with Additive Manufacturing: Sustainable, Personalized, and Functional

What is texture mapping, and why are 3D textures a sustainable solution?

Most people know texture mapping - adding a highly detailed, two-dimensional (2D) layer onto the surface of a 3D model - in terms of rendering. However, texture mapping can also be used to create and add physical features to a 3D-printed model. These details offer practical, decorative, or manufacturing advantages, as texture mapping is usually faster and more sustainable than traditional methods.

Materialise 3-matic illustrates how 3D printing software enables designers to experiment and iterate faster without using excess material or corrosive acids. More common techniques - including traditional texturing via chemical etching, spray painting, and laser etching - require specialized equipment and are either laborious or not very eco-friendly. However, what sets 3D printing apart is the potential for users to simulate and optimize their designs in real-time for their 3D-printed objects.