Digital technologies/Textiles/3D printing on Fabric

Introduction

3D printing is so versatile that it can also be incorporated into fabric, hence bringing rise to futuristic garment features.

It has flourished in the fashion industry, and many famous brands are already making and selling 3D-printed garments.

3D printing enables you to create your own designs for your clothes and personalize them as you would like. From cosplayers' costumes to footwear to pieces of jewelry to intricate patterns for your old shirts, 3D printing can bring your creations to life.

Figure 1. 3D printed fabric

This document will give you an overview of how to 3D print on fabrics.

It will show three examples, with different filaments used, but the technique remains fairly the same.

3D printing on fabric examples

The following figures depict the final products obtained:

Dragon Scales

Dragon scales are inevitable when you are dealing with cosplayers’ costumes.

Moreover, their whimsical look can be pleasant for fantasy fans.

As shown in the picture, you can create your own dragon scale fabrics by incorporating your fabric between your 3D printed parts.

Figure 2. Wood fill dragon scales

Glow in the dark Hexagons

The hexagons form a delightful pattern which may be ideal for making pieces of jewelry.

Figure 3. Glow-in-the-dark hexagons

Photochromatic Snap Buttons

Snap buttons can revolutionize the way you use buttons, which are usually sewn on your shirts.

Figure 4. Photochromatic snap buttons on woven fabric

Figure 5. Photochromatic snap buttons

Figure 6. Photochromatic snap buttons under UV light

Different types of filaments were used. You can use the material of your choice and make the necessary changes in your 3D slicer.

Filament used

Nom du Fichier	Couche/Modèle
copper_bottom.gbr	BottomLayer
copper_top.gbr	TopLayer
profile.gbr	BoardOutline
silkscreen_bottom.gbr	BottomLayer
silkscreen_top.gbr	TopLayer
drill_1_16.xln	DrillUnplated

Table 1. Filament used