Fabrication of 3D printed garments using flat patterns and motifs

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to encourage the generation of 3D printed garments by developing a new software to open new potential of whole garment production in the fashion field. Design/methodology/approach The authors developed a 3D printed garment design software using flat patterns and design motifs, to allow fast and easy generation of a 3D printed garment. Users can generate motif-based design easily using various user interfaces. Findings A 3D printed garment could be printed not only by expensive SLS type printers but also by affordable FDM type printers with a simple assembly process using the software developed in this study. Originality/value Newly developed 3D printed garment design software enables the users to generate 3D printed garments easily using flat patterns and design motifs, without having to go through a complex and arduous 3D modeling process using commercial CAD systems.