3d-printed textile concept and production challenges

Abstract

Additive manufacturing (3D printing) is recognized as a promising and increasingly utilized technique for prototyping intricate objects. However, its application within the fashion industry remains limited, particularly in the replication of textile materials. Substantial challenges are posed by the inherent characteristics of traditional fibers, as well as their production processes and fabric construction methods, which hinder the achievement of comparable properties in 3D-printed structures. A conceptual review of existing 3D-printed quasi-textile structures is provided in this study, with their attributes, fabrication techniques, and classification examined. To advance progress in this area, essential criteria have been proposed for the assessment of such structures based on their resemblance to textiles. These criteria have been established with reference to both the intrinsic properties of conventional textiles and the fundamental elements and structures of 3D-printed quasi-textiles. Furthermore, an approach for the fabrication of textile-like structures using fused deposition modeling (FDM) technology is presented, and the challenges encountered during production are discussed through various model design examples.