Form exploration on different fabrics using material extrusion based additive manufacturing and end users experience

Abstract

Abstract: The additive manufacturing (AM) of customized wearable/embroidery products has been investigated by previous research in a variety of applications. But hitherto, fewer studies have investigated the design customization, post-processing (in terms of washing and iron press test) of embroidery, surface properties, and critical user experience. This study aims to investigate the quality features of customized embroidery produced through 3D printing and presents the roadmap of concept to market in the textile industry. This study analyzed the quality features of customized embroidery made on three different fabric materials (polyester, cotton, and satin) through material extrusion-based 3D printing technology. The best results were achieved when printing embroideries on satin fabric with a layer thickness of 0.06 mm and a printing temperature of 230 °C. Based upon the investigations, varying the nozzle temperature and type of fabrics have significantly affected the surface properties of the embroidery. The washing and hot pressing do not affect the quality of the embroidery in terms of surface and adhesion properties. Additionally, a user survey of 20 participants favored embroideries on polyester fabric printed with a layer thickness of 0.18 mm and a printing temperature of 250 °C.