3D printing, also known as additive manufacturing (AM), refers to the process used for creating three-dimensional objects. Starting from modelling, to printing and the final finishing - 3D printing is revolutionising the way one creates prototypes in fashion. And it is surely saving the companies a lot on time, effort and all such costs involved in an otherwise original sampling process. Did you know there are already seven different types of 3D printing available in the market - ranging from those using laser vs. those using layering integration and so on. There are already some key players, startups and marketplaces across globe dominating the share in this industry. In this research, learn all about the top market players, product category-by-category innovation that are taking place in fashion and the impact of 3D printing in the present and future fashion. Download the complete report https://fashionbi.com/insights/marketing-research/3d-printing-in-fashion-and-textile

1. 3D Printing in Fashion and Textile
April 2017
3D Printing in Fashion and Textile
Evolution and Potential of This Additive Future Fashion Manufacturing
April 2017
. . . . . . Marketing Research

2. 3D Printing in Fashion and Textile
April 2017
Index
1. Introduction: What is 3D printing ...……….…………………………………………………………………………………….……...….. 3
2. Types of Additive Manufacturing technologies ………..……………………..……………………………………………………….….. 7
3. Companies in the field ...………………....…………………………….…………………………………………………………..….….. 10
4. Evolution of 3D printing in fashion .…………………………………………………………………………………………..……..……. 18
4.1 Footwear .…………………………………………………………………………………………..………………...…………...……. 22
4.2 Eyewear .…………………………………………………………………………………………..………………...………………….. 31
4.3 Jewelry .…………………………………………………………………………………………..………………...…………………… 37
4.4 Bags .…………………………………………………………………………………………..………………...………………………. 41
4.5 Apparel .…………………………………………………………………………………………..………………...………………….... 46
5. Impact of 3D printing .………………………………………………………………………………..………………...…………………… 53
6. Future of 3D printing .…………………………..…………………………………………………………………..………..………...…… 58
7. Key Takeaways .………………………….…………………………………………………………………..………………...…..………. 61
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3. 3D Printing in Fashion and Textile
April 2017
Introduction: What is 3D Printing?
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4. 3D Printing in Fashion and Textile
April 2017
Introduction: What is 3D printing?
Technology is changing the way we humans live, interact and procure, trying to make every process along the way faster and
efficient and more effective. Today technology is a concept that would never end. It is constantly evolving and 3D printing is
believed to be one of those technologies that has the potential to open up new avenues and possibilities in the areas of science,
medicine, education, paleontology, aerospace, architecture, automotive, fashion and the movie industry.
3D printing, also known as additive manufacturing (AM), refers to the process used for creating three-dimensional objects. In an
additive process, an object is created by laying down successive layers of material until the object is created. Each of these layers
can be seen as a thinly sliced horizontal cross-section of the eventual object. This is fundamentally different from any other existing
manufacturing techniques. The underlying objective of this process is to quickly transform an idea into a physical object, mainly into
quick and affordable prototypes.
3D printing is a technology based on speed, affordability, ease of use, accuracy and color. In recent years 3D printing has gone
beyond being just an industrial process, making it accessible for small companies and even individuals. Also with effects on energy
use, waste reduction, customization, product availability, medicine, art, construction and sciences, 3D printing will change the
manufacturing world as we know it.
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5. 3D Printing in Fashion and Textile
April 2017
How does 3D printing work?
Step 1: The modelling process starts
with making the virtual representation
of the object to be created. This is done
using a variety of 3D software
programmes that help use design
ideas, visualize concepts and stimulate
how designs will perform in the real
world. For industrial purposes, 3D CAD
is the most standard software used.
The exported file is a mesh that
encloses a 3D volume.
The process of 3D printing is done basically in 3 standard steps. Modelling/Preparation followed by Printing and
Finishing/Depowdering.
CAD SOFTWARE LAYERSZPRINTMESH FINISHED MODELZ PRINTER
Step 3: When finished, the model is
suspended in powder to cure. At the
end of the curing time, the machine
automatically removes most of the
powder from around the model by
applying vacuum pressure and
vibration to the bottom of the build
chamber. All of the powder that enters
a ZPrinter eventually becomes a model.
None is wasted or lost.
Step 2: The print software slices the
3D model file into hundreds of digital
cross-sections, each corresponding to
a layer of the model to be printed.
When a file is uploaded in a 3D printer,
the object is ready to be printed layer-
by-layer. Each layer is printed on top of
each other until the entire model is
created.
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6. 3D Printing in Fashion and Textile
April 2017
Commercial applications of 3D printing
3D printing has expanded into various industries, such as the automotive and medicine.
Many say that with 3D printing we are at the door of a revolution, as bioengineers have
been testing alternative uses of the method, which can potentially save lives in the future.
So far human organs and body parts (e.g. the ear and nose) have been successfully
created by 3D printing bio material, however they were never transplanted into a real
person. On the other hand, alternative uses of the 3D printing in medicine do exist and are
even applied today.
One of the main uses of the method in surgery is when patients’ organs are scanned and
then printed, thus the doctors can examine the model of the organ and prepare for the
operation. In many cases, in order to understand the problem, patients should undergo a
surgery, but with 3D printing the issue could be discovered beforehand.
What is more, automobile industry is testing the boundaries of the technology since the
first car to be ever 3D printed was launched in 2010. Almost entirely 3D printed car is the
Strati by Local Motors, also released in 2014. The vehicle is completely functioning and
entirely 3D Printed using ABS plastic and carbon fiber, except for the powertrain.
2014 was the year when Swedish company Koenigsegg announced their new eco-friendly
model One:1, which is among the most famous cars designed with the technology. There
has been 7 of these cars produced, all of them sold.
Koenigsegg One:1
Digital representation of 3D printing
of the model of a human heart
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7. 3D Printing in Fashion and Textile
April 2017
Companies in the Field
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8. 3D Printing in Fashion and Textile
April 2017
The company was founded in 1993, when AM technology
was just growing, but in 2000 it expanded into TurboSquid
as a platform providing space for 3D artists to share their
artwork and build a career. Nowadays, there are 3.5 million
registered members of Turbosquid, more than 500k
downloadable 3D models, and 42k artists publishing them.
TurboSquid plays the role of an intermediate company, as its
main activity is to sell 3D stock models to various industries
such as game developers, design offices, advertisers and
more. It is the link between artists and companies searching
for 3D content.
Their website has 9 categories - Characters, Animals,
Anatomy, Architecture, Furniture, Cars, Vehicles,
Technology, and Landscapes, which have different
subcategories with models to select from.
3D printing marketplace
TURBOSQUID
“3D Models for Professionals”
Various 3D models’ categories from TurboSquid.com
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9. 3D Printing in Fashion and Textile
April 2017
Founded in 2007, Headquartered in New York, Shapeways is
a 3D printing marketplace and service that principally
empowers designers and printers by offering them a venue for
selling their own products. Shapeways reaches over 520k
people per month of which 44% are in the US
Shapeways allows users to shop, make and sell 3D printed
products. Users can design and upload 3D printable files, and
Shapeways prints the objects for them or others. They also
provide a platform for users to discover products from
individual designers, makers and artists from around the world.
Tech, accessories, art, home, jewelry, games and miniatures
are the shopping categories
3D printing marketplace
SHAPEWAYS
“Digitally Handcrafted”
Various 3D models’ categories from Shapeways.com
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10. 3D Printing in Fashion and Textile
April 2017
Evolution of 3D Printing in Fashion
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11. 3D Printing in Fashion and Textile
April 2017
3D printing became popular in fashion around 2012, when bold brands
started first to experiment, mostly for shoes, jewelry and hats. This
technology is yet to develop in fashion, however a few designers have
been trying out to combine tech, design and result in a twisted version
of the term “wearable technology”.
Probably among the first and the biggest names to experiment with the
new technology for apparel was Iris van Herpen. Moreover, the brand
has adopted this method as its signature and distinctive feature, fully
expressing its potential also nowadays. Ever since 2010, the designer
has been collaborating with architects and using the 3D printing for
artistic shoe designs. The same year she presented her first “printed”
clothing for “Crystallization” collection show in Amsterdam. The unique
design provoked a lot of media attention and the brand presented its full
3D printed collection for FW14 “Biopiracy”, where the shoes were 3D
printed as well, in collaboration with United Nude.
Evolution of 3D printing in fashion
Iris van Herpen “Crystallization”, 2010, Amsterdam Fashion Week
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12. 3D Printing in Fashion and Textile
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Product: “12 SHOES FOR 12 LOVERS”: In collaboration
with Chilean artist Sebastian Errazuriz (March, 2012)
Features: Each shoe has its own accompanying story and
name. The shoes are created over the course of a year
and printed on a Makerbot, and then sanded, primed, and
painted.
Assisted by: Sebastian Studio
Technology Used: MakerBot Replicator 2X Experimental
3D Printer
Footwear
MELISSA
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13. 3D Printing in Fashion and Textile
April 2017
Product: Strvct, refers to structure, is a 3D printed shoe
collection (August, 2012)
Features: With 3D printed nylon are incredibly strong
while also being impossibly lightweight. They are lined with
a patent leather inner sole, and coated with a synthetic
rubber on the bottom to provide traction. Created in a
variety of styles from pumps to stilettos
Assisted by: Self Assisted
Technology Used: SLS (Selective Laser Sintering)
Footwear
CONTINUUM
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14. 3D Printing in Fashion and Textile
April 2017
Product: Mykita Mylon (November, 2012)
Feature: Individualistic adjustability Frames has low
weight and incredible durability. They are made from
patented polyamide-based material that can be individually
adjusted to the wearer.
Available online and in brick and mortar stores, at rates as
high as $415 USD
Assisted by: 3D Systems Corporation
Technology Used: SLS (Selective Laser Sintering)
Eyewear
MYKITA
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15. 3D Printing in Fashion and Textile
April 2017
Product: Pre manufactured Stock Fit frames and
customizable Custom Fit (August, 2013)
Feature: Sunglasses and prescription eyewear that can be
customized to fit. Customers are allowed to choose from a
range of frames. Protos frames are made from bioplastic
materials that are lighter than titanium and more flexible than
acetate. They are extremely flexible and impact resistant.
The collection Stock Fit frames are available at $399 USD
and Custom Fit frames for $549 USD
Assisted by: Self assisted
Technology Used: Connex500 Polyjet 3D printer
Eyewear
PROTOS
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16. 3D Printing in Fashion and Textile
April 2017
Product: Voronoi bag (April, 2013)
Feature: Inspired by the visual beauty of the Voronoi
diagrams, made in white, black polyamides and metallic
plastic.
Available at shop.Shapeways and i.Materialize for rates
$213USD, $292USD and $420USD respectively
Assisted by: Self Assisted
Technology Used: NA
Bags
THINK FUTURE
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17. 3D Printing in Fashion and Textile
April 2017
Product: Nike Football Rebento sports bag (June, 2014)
Feature: Nike 3D-printed the mesh covering of the bag
using laser-sintered nylon, The intertwining mesh on the
bag's base is also created with similar techniques used for
the Flyknit material. A leather holdall fits snugly inside the
3D-printed structure without having to be attached to the
case, offering more flexibility.
Made exclusively for the players of Fifa world cup 2014
Assisted by: NA
Technology Used: Rapid 3D prototyping
Bags
NIKE
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18. 3D Printing in Fashion and Textile
April 2017
Product: FW14 ready-to-wear (February, 2014)
Feature: The collection was shown during London
Fashion Week, and it is composed by sweaters and coats
decorated with laser-sintered nylon fabric handwoven into
the knitwear garments. To produce textiles that could
move like traditional cloths, specific machinery was
selected that could create the small nylon parts needed to
keep the material flexible.
Assisted by: Materials scientist Richard Beckett
Technology Used: SLS (EOS Formiga P100 SLS tech)
Apparel
Pringle of Scotland
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19. 3D Printing in Fashion and Textile
April 2017
Product: Haute Couture FW15-16 - Three Classic Chanel
Suits (July, 2015)
Feature: Combined 3D printing with traditional textiles,
moulded garments with no sewing, the iconic Chanel
design received an innovative twist. Made in 3 different
models, the suits’ square-cut shoulders were created using
selective laser sintering technology.
Assisted by: NA
Technology Used: SLS (Selective Laser Sintering)
Apparel
Chanel
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20. 3D Printing in Fashion and Textile
April 2017
Future of 3D printing
According to the reports from Wohlers and Satista, the 3D
printing industry is expected to grow more than 34% per year
from 2014 to 2022, generating worldwide revenue of over $21
billion by 2022.
The additive manufacturing (AM) industry grew 25.9% (CAGR
– Corporate Annual Growth Rate) to $5.165 billion in 2016.
The CAGR for the previous three years was 33.8%. Over the
past 27 years, the CAGR for the industry is an impressive
26.2%.
This forecast on the figures for this period of time show the
potential of the industry and reminds us that this is not a
market segment that will be declining in the future.
Source: Statista, Wohlers, Market and Market
Revenue of 3D printing industry in billions, USD
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April 2017
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22. 3D Printing in Fashion and Textile
April 2017
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