3D printing technology for textiles and fashion

3D printing (3DP) is one of the modern approaches in the field of manufacturing. Although this process has been known for a fair amount of time, only the recent developments have revealed its novel and true potential for applications in different manufacturing sectors. Textile, one of the basic human requirements, does more than just fulfilling the fundamental necessity of covering our body. Integrating 3DP technology in textiles has broadened the horizon of the textile world. This review explores the historical background as well as state-of-the-art developments in 3DP related to textiles and fashion. Basic ideas about fundamental textile substrates, various 3DP technologies related to textiles, different printing devices and tools, materials used as print inks, direct printing of 3D objects on various textile substrates, fabrication techniques of 3D printed textile structures, different process parameters and their impacts, tests and standards, benefits and limitations are the contents of the discussions throughout this paper. It also highlights the future aspects concerning the further implementation of 3DP technology in the textile industry. Overall, the paper draws a picture with an intention to ascertain the undeniable promise of 3DP, despite having some drawbacks, to enrich the future of the textile and fashion industry with an aim to motivate future designers and scientists towards further exploration within this field of knowledge