Digital printing and fashion: The Revolution.
3D printing, a solution to fashion designs and fashion complex problems
3D printing is a computer-controlled fabrication process which enables the creation of a three-dimensional solid object from a model using a computer aided design program (CAD).). 3D printing are basically of three types, FDM [Fuse Depositing Modelling]; SLS; Selective Laser Sintering]; and SLA [Stereolithography]. Designers create and modulate a 3D model to be generated by computers. It is a rapid prototyping technique used for the creation of models and prototypes (creating patterns).3D printing was introduced in 1986 by chuck Hall, under the aegis of his company . Wren chloe, 2017
Digital technology (3D printing) is revolutionizing the fashion industry by helping fashion designers simplify complex designs — designs that would have taken several trials and errors periods to perfect with the conventional sewing machine, could be attained in one attempt, perfectly — thus, reducing production time, and lower the overall prodction cost in the industry. This fact is as stated by Gonzales Melisa (2019) in the study, “the voice of 3D print”; explained how Julia Daviy’s interest in smart clothing, launched her line of organic active wear in 2015. Daviy stuck to the goals of making the first wearable clothing line created completely by 3D printers. Her works are focused on creating 3D printed dresses and tops, using materials that are environmentally friendly, that won’t constitute a part of the degradation of the eco system in anyway. Since these clothes don’t need to be mass produced and stocked, she can still achieve relatively low production costs. Daviy is certain that 3D printing is attainable for fashion because it is biodegradable, faster, cheaper and more sustainable (para. 3).
A related example in “The 3D printing fashion revolution” alexander Donovan(2018) is a skeleton dress that is fully 3D printed created by Iris Van Herpen in collaboration with architect isaie Bloch, A direct inspiration by the anatomy of multiple animals . This further shows how 3D printing is helping designers on the one hand, solve complex issues with complicated designs, while pushing through the boundaries of wearable technology and fashion design with an impressive clothing collection to show for it (para. 9), on the other.
3D simplifies complex fashion creation
3D printing is useful because it helps simplify complex fashion designs during production, improves the accuracy of the finished product and gives designers complete freedom and the technology to create the revolutionary wear of the future. For an example, creating specific textile that are waterproof, opaque, flexible or rigid and then combining all these extreme features into one garment. Something that would have been an uphill task with the conventional sewing.
Vincent James (2017) in an example, illuminated how adidas has been playing around with 3D printing as a manufacturing method for a while now. Its latest sneakers — the future craft 4D — might be its most ambitious creation yet. The mid-sole of the shoe is created using a process known as continuous liquid interface production, a process in which the design is essentially pulled out of a vat of liquid polymer resin and fixed into its desired shape using ultraviolet light. The Silicon Valley company that created the method say its faster and more adaptable than traditional additive printing (traditional injection molded plastics formerly used for the production of the sole of the sneakers. 3D printing allows adidas to address the specific needs of each customer by printing each sole according to the foot of its customer. In addition, it allows you to configure its structure to maximize the performance of the final shoe: accentuate more pressurized area and make points with low pressure more flexibility. A related example is Silvia Fado’s (2015) latest design called CARBONALISE. The shoes were made for the south36.32n, a fashion festival in Cádiz. Fado developed a prototype for shoe with carbon fiber 3D printed materials. this material gives special strength and lightness to shoes (para. 4).
There is a general concern about how eco-friendly 3D printing is. A prolonged exposure to fumes from some materials during the production process as is the case in the examples above on the one hand, or the large number of ultrafine particles and volatile organic compounds during printing, as regards sewing on the other. These materials can be hazardous. Research also shows that about 20 billion ultra fine particles are released in to the air per minute when PLA material is deployed in the production of 3D clothing, and about 200 billion particles when ABS is used. This no doubt poses serious health risks, and could cause cancer. However, proper ventilation of the work area within the production facility, helps avoid any static buildup and avert any major health issues that may arise. However, technological evolutions means there is hope in terms of improved material for use in the production, as well as its consumables. Besides these particle releases and the energy consumption, there are still a relatively low amount of waste produced during the production process of 3D printing, compared to the conventional sewing method.
In summary, 3D printing with its vast opportunities will allow designers to bring most of their challenging designs and ideas into reality by cutting and sewing patterns together through 3D printing without much difficulties. Giving them the opportunity to embed adhesive to the clothing instead of the traditional buttons for areas where the garments have to be held together, the possibilities are endless with 3d printing.
Gonzales Melisa(2019), explains how Van Der Meer Rosanne and Singh Annelle who owns “the girl and the machine” is certain we all have unique genetic code that makes us who we are. Their goal is to write a code for creating unique clothes for every individual. Their designs are easy to change and made to measure to fit the customer’s needs, there is no 2 pieces alike. Complex as this process is, they believe it is entirely feasible. They believe in involving the customer directly in the design process and creating clothing’s that fit their customers perfectly. On a wider scale of applications, the technology saves designers time, especially those with plenty SKUs per season. This according to a Forbes article, indicates that some brands are already using 3D printing for samples. Given time, the potential is huge and will address a lot of complications in designing. One of the high points of 3D printing is the fact that labor costs are kept low. Unlike traditional manufacturing where many different people may be required to operate a number of machines or a production line is required to piece together the product, 3D printing removes this. Each 3D printer will require an operator to start the machine before it begins an automated process of creating the uploaded design. Therefore, the labor costs are significantly lower as there is no need for skilled machinists or operators to form part of the process (para. 5).
In a world of constant technology advancement, fashion can also be considered as a key vehicle for demonstrating the vast capabilities of 3D printing. Fashion opens up a new way of relating to technology and allows greater participation. It promotes customization as new designs alternatives can be created without the need for investments in setup, tooling or machine changeovers. As such, the margin cost of reproduction is close to zero thus resolving the scale-scope dilemma imposed by traditional manufacturing technologies. Product can be produced and sold efficiently in small batches (Wren Chloe, 2017)
Overall, 3D printing technology is thought to have the abilities to transform the existing design and manufacturing process. Economically, 3D printing will significantly affect the costs of flexibility and individualization as well as capital costs and marginal production cost (wren Chloe, 2017).
I agree with Wren, on this one because with 3D printing there is going to be a cut down on trial and error in production as the designers can see the final product and make all the necessary changes needed to get a perfect final fit and for those producing in large scale can check and readjust the design line to reconcile with their final budget for the production of the final line before the garments are then produced.
In conclusion, Digital technology (3D printing) has revolutionized the fashion industry in so many great and positive ways narrowing it down to easy production of complex designs and reduction of cost. Given time, the potential is huge and will address a lot of complications in designing.
