Color Change Exploration in 3-Dimensional Printed Garment
Additional Funding Sources
The project described was supported by a student grant from the UI Office of Undergraduate Research.
Abstract
Three-dimensional printing supports sustainable product development processes while extending design creativity. This technology can take a design from an idea to an object very quickly without the need for molds, dies, or other expensive manufacturing components. Considered an additive manufacturing process, 3D printing builds a three-dimensional object by applying layers of filament only where needed for an object. Garments produced by 3D printing allow for the creation of multiple product variations quickly through a production approach known as mass customization. Most 3D printed garments are produced in a single color. Through this project, I explored 3D printing using materials that vary in color due to heat or the presence of UV light within a wearable garment context. Over the past year, my research has involved the creation and assembly of 3D printed elements into an appealing, wearable garment. This proof of concept 3D printed garment contains three features: interlocking components that move, components that change in the presence of UV light and a heat sensitive color-changing coating.
Color Change Exploration in 3-Dimensional Printed Garment
Three-dimensional printing supports sustainable product development processes while extending design creativity. This technology can take a design from an idea to an object very quickly without the need for molds, dies, or other expensive manufacturing components. Considered an additive manufacturing process, 3D printing builds a three-dimensional object by applying layers of filament only where needed for an object. Garments produced by 3D printing allow for the creation of multiple product variations quickly through a production approach known as mass customization. Most 3D printed garments are produced in a single color. Through this project, I explored 3D printing using materials that vary in color due to heat or the presence of UV light within a wearable garment context. Over the past year, my research has involved the creation and assembly of 3D printed elements into an appealing, wearable garment. This proof of concept 3D printed garment contains three features: interlocking components that move, components that change in the presence of UV light and a heat sensitive color-changing coating.