Development of a 3D printing method for the textile hybrid structure

Purpose The development of a 3D printing method for the textile hybrid structure that can both be a solution to the conventional drawbacks of 3D printing method and a step forward to a garment making industry. Design/methodology/approach A novel 3D printing method using the textile hybrid structure was developed to generate 3D object without support structures. Findings 3D printing of curved panels without support structure was possible by using fabric tension and residual stress. Practical implications Garment panels can be 3D printed without support structures by utilizing the idea of textile hybrid structure. Garment panels are expected to be modelled and printed easily using the Garment Panel Printer (GPP) software developed in this study. Social implications 3D printing method developed in the study is expected to reduce the time and material previously needed for support structures. Originality/value Comprehensive preparatory experiments were made to determine the design parameters. Various experiments were designed to test the feasibility and validity of proposed method.