Supporting Fashion Eco-Designers in 3D Printing. Customized Methodologies, Physical and Digital Tools

Daria Casciani () and Mattia Ciurnelli
Additional contact information
Daria Casciani: Politecnico di Milano, Department of Design
Mattia Ciurnelli: Superforma

A chapter in Global Fashion Conference, 2026, pp 118-135 from Springer

Abstract: Abstract 3D printing (3DP) is an additive manufacturing (AM) technology that builds objects by adding successive layers of material, offering flexibility in design and prototyping through digital modeling and parametric design. Unlike traditional subtractive manufacturing methods, 3DP promotes environmental sustainability by minimizing waste, reducing energy consumption, and using only the necessary materials for production. This technology has the potential to revolutionize the fashion and apparel industry by enabling personalized, small-batch production with less waste. However, the adoption of 3DP in textiles is still in its infancy, as current tools and materials lack the functionality, comfort, and breathability required for wide-scale application in clothing. Despite these limitations, 3DP shows promise in specific areas such as functional prostheses, sportswear, and garment assembly, reducing the need for traditional sewing processes. Earlier studies have explored 3D and 4D printing onto textiles, but the sustainability and circularity of these polymer-textile composites remain to be fully assessed. This research proposes a new methodology and tools to support fashion designers in utilizing 3DP for personalized fashion, addressing current limitations in design practices and 3D printing technology. Through a research-through-design approach, the study presents a case study showcasing how 3DP can promote sustainability and inclusivity in fashion, focusing on eco-design solutions that facilitate garment assembly and disassembly. By enabling human-machine collaboration and providing tools for generative and parametric design, this research aims to empower designers and transition the fashion industry toward a greener, more inclusive future aligned with Industry 4.0 and 5.0.

Keywords: 3D Printing; Sustainability; System design; Innovation; Personalization; Design for Disassembly (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2026
References: Add references at CitEc
Citations:

There are no downloads for this item, see the EconPapers FAQ for hints about obtaining it.

Related works:
This item may be available elsewhere in EconPapers: Search for items with the same title.

Export reference: BibTeX RIS (EndNote, ProCite, RefMan) HTML/Text

Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:spr:sprchp:978-3-032-02070-3_9

Ordering information: This item can be ordered from
http://www.springer.com/9783032020703

DOI: 10.1007/978-3-032-02070-3_9

Access Statistics for this chapter

More chapters in Springer Books from Springer
Bibliographic data for series maintained by Sonal Shukla () and Springer Nature Abstracting and Indexing ().