Analysis of 3D Printing on Textiles
Introduction
SPS Product Engineering supports innovators from pre-development to prototyping to manufacturing, bringing product ideas to life. We specialize in developing products that fit the body in motion, including wearable technologies in industries from athletics to medicine and beyond.
Our process has four phases.
Configure
Test
Build
Scale
This case study examines the multi-phase testing process of 3D-printing directly onto a textile to strategically alter its functional properties. Our goal is to investigate textiles suitable for direct printing, particularly those fabrics that usually do not bond well. We aim to modify the mechanical properties of the fabric by applying different 3D patterns and understanding how these changes affect the material.
3D printing has revolutionized various industries, including aerospace, automotive, and healthcare. In recent years, niche pockets of creators have started to leverage this technology to create wearable applications that can significantly enhance functionality and aesthetics. In this SPS Lab Whitepaper, we analyze the current state of 3D printing on fabric, investigate its implications, and propose pathways for further research based on our findings.
By introducing non-standard materials outside of the realm of traditional garment making processes, our goal at SPS Product Engineering is to improve the intent and purpose of a textile, creating the opportunity for more customizable solutions for products that have high functional needs or depend on an elevated fit.
Textiles and 3D Printing
Treatments and special fibers can imbue textiles with additional properties to aid performance—even the type of thread twist can change the mechanics of a textile. However, all textiles have different mechanical properties that will limit performance.
Generally, if there are certain properties needed in a fabric, those properties are added to the whole of the cloth and not in specified areas. Although, through engineered knitting and other specialty processes, it is possible to achieve specific areas of different performance. Manipulation of weave, knit, or fiber structure are the main ways to define a textile and its mechanical properties. Introduction to new material, however, is limited based on machinery and is often constrained by other mitigating factors such as ease of cross-collaboration between industries and high set up costs for most development pools.
Companies like Stratasys have built textile 3D printing system (Fig 1). Other companies and designers such as Nike have experimented to 3D print full garments (Fig 2).
Figure 1: Stratasys 3D Printer
Figure 2: Nike Airmax 3D Printed Shoe
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