3D Printing in the Fashion Industry: How Digital Light Process Technology Will Transform the Industry

3D Printing in Fashion Now and in the Future

In the short term, many of the uses of 3D printing in the fashion industry will be to support the current production process. 3D printing is already being used to create prototypes and try-on samples, as well as to create custom-fit garments.

Looking towards the future, we expect to see 3D printing being used to create high-end products, such as luxury handbags, shoes, and even custom-fit garments for consumers. In fact, some companies are already using DLP technology to create small batches of high-end products, such as jewelry and handbags.

 Dedicated additive manufacturing facilities using DLP technology are also expected to emerge in the future, offering on-demand production of custom items and small batches of high-end products. While 3D printing will surely continue to be used as a prototyping tool in the near future, it could eventually become a production method for certain types of garments.

Why is 3D Printing so important for the fashion industry?

In many ways, the fashion industry has always been at the forefront of technological change. In the early 20th century, the invention of the sewing machine enabled the mass production of garments. The advent of the computer in the 1950s allowed companies to create complex algorithms to optimize their supply chain. And the internet revolutionized the industry by allowing fashion brands to connect directly with consumers. Yet, there are many ways in which the fashion industry is still largely a manual process.

 Pattern making, grading, and textile design are largely a manual process that requires expert skill and years of training. Even clothing design and marketing have become more digital in recent years, with software playing an increasingly important role in the process. Yet, fashion is not just about design and marketing. It is also about creating garments that are both aesthetic and functional. It is about taking fabrics, threads, and other materials, and converting them into a beautiful piece that can be worn and loved for years. It is about taking a design on paper and making it into a three-dimensional object.

Where is 3D printing used in the fashion industry today?

Curated selection of Digital Light Processing (DLP) 3D printed samples. Image courtesy of IPST, MOM.



The use of 3D printing in the fashion industry today is largely an extension of the design and prototyping process. For example, fashion brands are increasingly using 3D printing technology to create low-run prototypes and try-on samples that enable designers to see the design in real fabrics. Dedicated 3D printing facilities are also used to create small volume production runs, though they are not yet used to create high-end products.

3D Printed Clothing and Accessories

3D printed garments and accessories are expected to be produced with DLP technology in dedicated facilities. This is especially true for high-end garments and for small volumes of production, where 3D printing with DLP will be more economical than other technologies. While today, the focus is primarily on creating prototypes and try-on samples, in the future, 3D printing will also be used to create fully functional garments that can be sold directly to consumers. We expect to see 3D printed garments made of both synthetic fabrics, like nylon and spandex, as well as natural fabrics like cotton and wool.

3D Printed Shoes



Shoes made with 3D printing have already been produced in small quantities. Luxury brands like Christian Louboutin, Salvatore Ferragamo, and Stella McCartney have used 3D printing to create unique shoes, while Adidas has produced a limited-edition sneaker. Some designers have even used 3D printing to create custom shoes. London-based designer, Giles Deacon, 3D printed a shoe for actress Emma Watson for the 2017 MET Gala. Shoes made with 3D printing are expected to become more common. The technology may also be used to make insoles and other parts of the shoe.

Conclusion

As much as technology has changed the fashion industry, fashion has also changed how we view technology. The current trend towards more sustainable and environmentally friendly practices are bringing technological innovation towards more natural and organic fabrics and materials. The fashion industry has always been a fast-paced sector that is constantly adapting to new trends and the latest technologies. As technology continues to change how we create garments, market them, and even how we wear them, it will be exciting to see what the next evolution in the fashion industry will be.