Fabric objective measurements for commercial 3D virtual garment simulation

Purpose – The aim of this paper was to explore the use of objective fabric parameters in 3D virtual \ngarment simulation. \nDesign/methodology/approach – Two methods (fabric assurance by simple testing and \nBrowzwear’s fabric testing kit) of obtaining objective fabric measurements and the derived \nparameters for virtual garment simulation were studied. Three parameters (extension, shear and bend) \nwere investigated to establish whether the selected virtual software derived comparable parameters \nfrom the objective fabric measurements. \nFindings – It was found that the conversion from the objective fabric measurement data to the \nrequired parameters for virtual simulation varied significantly. Manual analysis of the objective \nmeasurements showed the two test methods to be comparable for extension and shear parameters; \nHowever, some adjustment to the test method was required. The third parameter to be investigated \n(bending rigidity) concluded that the test methods and results obtained from the two different \napparatus were not comparable and recommended further experimentation using a different testing \ntechnique. \nResearch limitations/implications – Future research should be conducted on a larger variety of \nfabrics ensuring comparable loads are used in the testing of the extensibility parameters. An expansion \nof this preliminary study should give more conclusive evidence of the trends observed. \nOriginality/value – Objective measurement of extension, shear and bend properties was \ninvestigated in relation to the derived parameters for a selected virtual simulation package. \nAn understanding of such parameters will aid the general industry in adapting 3D virtual garment \nsimulation as part of the standard product development process, resulting in a significantly shorter \nproduct development cycle