Disruptive Potential of 3D Printing for Clothing and Textile Sector
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The first national meeting of textile and clothing professors took place in Madison, Wisconsin in June 1959. With a mission to advance excellence in education, scholarship and innovation, and their global applications, the International Textile and Apparel Association (ITAA) is a professional and educational association of scholars, educators, and students in the textile, apparel, and merchandising disciplines in higher education.
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Abstract
The Maker Movement, also called the next industrial revolution, has been propelled by the rapid adoption of 3D printing. This rapid adoption is challenging the fashion discipline to rethink the strategies used in its supply chain. This research used a qualitative approach to explore whether 3D printing for apparel is a fad or reality. Four major themes of the disruptive influence of 3D printing on C&T emerged: streamlining the apparel supply chain; making apparel production sustainable; bring manufacturing to the U.S., and empowering consumers to create their designs. The researchers also asked interviewees about specific activities which need to take place before we can fully integrate 3D printing. Their responses addressed: exposure to the technology; teach 3D software and 3D modeling; collaborate with more experienced disciplines, and fundamentally think about ways to seamlessly integrate technology. Clearly, 3D printing is a challenge that presents C&T with opportunities to grow and develop.