Applications of 3D printing technologies in the garment industry

Abstract

The usage of innovative technologies has become one of the most widespread ways of diversifying the current supply of clothing and footwear products. Therefore, using the 3D printing technologies in the garment production is a remarkable example of the symbiosis of creativity and technology, which creates unusual and fashionable clothing pieces. Although the 3D printing technology is a relatively new technology and allows creating unique garments it must not neglect important features of clothing products such as cost-accessibility, comfort and aesthetic appearance. The research on these aspects is prior to implement this technology in the manufacturing process. The study includes the analysis of the current 3D printing technologies which are used for obtaining three-dimensional objects, the current directions of implementing this technology in the industry, as well as the opportunities of applying this technology in the process of clothing’s creation. Therefore, this paper concludes the study with the creation of a clothing product – a blouse for women, which is including a 3D printed part confirming this way the possibility of creation of clothing products, which would integrate innovative elements which were obtained by implementing the advanced technology of additive manufacturing.