3d Printing: Virtual draping the new moulage

This practice-based enquiry aims to examine design and manufacturing possibilities using 3D CAD and 3D printing and to systematically test a range of materials in order to establish those appropriate for 3d printing fashion. The feasibility of draping and sculpting materials directly onto the body virtually using Rhino (3D CAD software) will be explored. Unlike former virtual 3D modeling where a pattern could be made from the draped fabric on an avatar, this enquiry intends to explore whether printing the material directly from the software can eliminating the need for traditional pattern cutting. Since 2012 3D printing has emerged as a new method of manufacture for clothes. This has mainly been evident in experimental sculptural forms for women.

As educators it is important for us to demonstrate up to date techniques that may change the pattern cutting & design landscape in both education and industry.

Developed for the prototyping industry the materials available for this process are not all suitable as they have many limitations, therefore must be tested.