Stretchable 3D printing loop stitches

Abstract

It has been shown that the 3D printed technology offers design benefits and is a breakthrough in manufacturing processes, thanks to studies carried out recently. In a variety of sectors, including the fashion industry, 3D printing has become widely used. Designers of fashion and textiles are using 3D printing technologies as a tool in the development of creative designs, e.g., through production of printed clothes, fabrics, or accessories. Many types of creations can benefit from the use of 3D printers, thereby providing designers with an ample opportunity to create a variety of artistic products. Rapid adoption of 3D printers and their significant contribution to the fashion sector is probable in the future. This research study was practice-based and combined theories regarding 3D-printing technologies, practical concepts, and the physical prototype development of 3D-printed textile design with the innovative “looping stitch” of conventional knitting structure. The resulting process is applicable in the design of contemporary, fashionable products, including fashion accessories and household products. The aim of this study, with the use of 3D printing techniques and a theoretical design process model, has been to develop an elastic prototype that is both high value and robust. The research was mainly conducted in five stages: 1) research, 2) development of the design process model, 3) design and development of the initial prototypes, 4) evaluation, and 5) demonstration. The aesthetic and technical aspects of 3D-printing technology were integrated with a specific design process model in this study; thus, both theoretical and practical elements contributed to the innovative design process for 3D-printed, fashionable products. To allow textile and product designers to apply similar design and technologies to further design development, the testing results and statistical analysis of mechanical properties for each stitch design created in this study were reported. Ultimately, the developed 3D-printed stitch designs were applied to the creation of handbag and chair designs to showcase their potential in product design.