Cover story
successful or fail. These prototypes can be produced at a low
production quantity, which won’t then cost a company or client
significantly more to create modifications to design files on
the fly.
3D-printed textiles in fashion
Wearable smart fashion is already a significant growth market
and was a major topic of discussion at the 10th LOPEC (large-
area, organic and printed electronics convention) conference
in Munich, Germany this past March. Exhibitors from all over
the world had the opportunity to showcase new technologies,
products and printed components. Smart textiles were some
of the 0prototypes showcased.
Smart textiles are wearable articles of clothing that have
integrated technologies, which provide an increase to the
overall functionality of the garment. The technology incorpor-
ated in smart garments can range from chemical, thermal or
even electrical. Some familiar forms of these smart textiles
consisted of accessory pieces such as jewelry and shoes. File
creation of components with woven interlocked polygon
patterns for 3D fashion mirror similar chainmail armor-making
techniques dating back to medieval times. Although 3D print
in the fashion industry is not mainly textiles, some materials
and products are being tested to push the limits and proper-
ties to create prototypes that emulate similar characteristics
of fabrics.
With the increased use of 3D printing in the fashion industry,
the customization of garments or accessories is more preva-
lent. Utilizing 3D technologies within the fashion world caught
on like wildfire several years ago with the start of printed
accessories to pair with runway looks. Athletic brands such
as Reebok and Nike are marketing high-performance, custom-
ized footwear made using 3D printing.
Research is being done to develop 3D-printed textiles that
use thermal technology to regulate the temperature of a gar-
ment to provide personal comfort to the user. With the
integration of boron nitride (an additive compound often used
in cosmetic products) into the fibres of the textiles when
printing, the textile gains excellent thermal and chemical
stability. There is also research being done to further develop
these textiles on a molecular level with nanotechnologies.
There are multiple structural forms of boron nitride, each
having unique benefits. There has been recent industry dis-
cussion and literature released in regards to future expansion
of these technologies into textiles that line the floors and walls
of buildings to reduce heating and cooling costs.
Some 3D-printed textiles can regulate the temperature
of a garment
are light-up pieces, or garments that incorporate screen
displays.
Additive manufacturing over the last couple of years has
spread into the fashion industry as more materials have been
created that contain flexible properties. The practicality of
3D-printed fashion comes down to the comfort of a garment
when worn. There is a differentiating line between fashion
art and fashion wear. Considerations regarding comfort are
usually integrated during two phases of the entire output
process. During the digital creation of the garment via CAD
software, polygon placement and sizing is critical as the print
geometry used to interlock polygons can affect the structure
of the printed piece.
There is some visual stereotypes associated with 3D-printed
runway textiles, from geometric shapes to large protruding
accessories. Once upon a time 3D-printed fashion only
All photos courtesy of LOPEC convention in Germany
@graphicarts
Universities such as the Massachusetts Institute of Technol-
ogy have done research on the future of inventing fabrics.
With the collaboration of multiple faculties from mechanical
engineering to fashion design majors, students are discussing
what 3D textiles mean for the future. It is safe to say we have
come a long way from the creation of the mood rings and
necklace glow sticks.
With all the research and development being put into the 3D
world, ideas are being brought to life not just by large com-
panies but also by individuals in their own homes. The future
is full of 3D-printed possibilities and will showcase an increase
in product development. As if there isn’t already too much
choice when purchasing products, the 3D world will open up
the ability to customize these products to create one-offs to
tap into new markets as samples or test pieces. With the
increase of positive thoughts that these technologies can
help businesses create from concept to executable products
more markets will open their minds further to the idea of using
3D printing as a solution or new process.
Natalie Mainville has a background in 3D printing, working as a 3D
specialist for The Printing House and teaching 3D print labs at
Ryerson University. She has attended conferences in Toronto as
well as internationally at Universities in Ghent in Belgium, and
Utrecht in The Netherlands.
GRAPHIC ARTS MAGAZINE | October 2018 | 23