Technology, in every field, is growing by leaps and bounds in today's world. 3D technology is quickly gaining popularity. It has already established itself in industries like medicine, engineering, science, military,entertainment, etc. and now it has pitched the textile industry, as well. This technology is not limited to watching 3D images, movies or games anymore. It has created a parallel world of virtual reality.


In simple words, 3D or three dimensional images gives insight in depth. 3D images being interactive and visually live, it helps the viewer to connect with it. Sir Charles Wheatstone,an English scientist first invented the stereoscopic viewer using the Renaissance theories of perceptive in 1838. His invention laid foundation fora new beginning in motion and still picture making.


In the beginning, 3D technology required supercomputers but now laptops with the latest software have created wonders. It was first restricted to few bold and risk taking designers and manufacturers in the textile industry. With improved speed and power in laptops, simplified 3Dapplications have made their way in the textile sector with its practical usage.


In the last decade, 3D technology has triggered a revolution in the textile and apparel market. Effective time management,reduced cost, improved creativity, better communication, quick results are the few advantages that this technology has to offer to this versatile and vibrant industry. It is now accepted as new designing and product development tool in the fashion industry. This technology has come a long way from Wheatstonesstereoscope which was then used to view still pictures.


Today, the most advanced 3D application gives you the liberty to match patterns with certain fabric along with its stitching. This will show how a fabric will drape or the user will exactly get the idea of fall of the fabric. The users can then choose the fabric, check the ease of the garment, adjust its fitting digitally with complete accuracy. 3D application offers such automatic functions that reduce the labor work and save time compared to the earlier techniques. Trained designers can now make or change patterns in no time.

Many designers are now acquainted with the 3D apparel technology, as they can make quick design decisions regarding the look of the garment, fabrics and colors to be used. They can swiftly make any changes in the pattern and see the result within hours instead of days and weeks. There is a range of 3D applications available from sizing, fitting, 3D body scanning machines, etc. The 3D body scanner is the biggest boon to the textile industry. It can create a virtual figure matching a real person.


Certain body scanners can scan your body within seconds and create a body model. Its unique software can extract over 400 body measurements. Many 3D solution companies are now trying to incorporate these technologies in online trading and making it reachable at every designers store. American and other designers have 3D scanner set up in their stores. Customers can get their body scanned in no time and their costumes are ready within a fortnight. With 3D imaging technology, customers can adjust the size and fit of a garment using the digital measurements before actually buying it online. It saves the time of online companies as there will be reduced returns and increase in sales.


The industrial revolution had brought the use of machinery to the textile industry. Handlooms were overtaken by cotton mills. Similarly, the future textile factories will have an unusual look. Instead of the soiled machineries and mill workers in their greasy outfit, one can see engineers, marketing staff, IT and logistic experts, and designers in production jobs. More people will be working in offices rather than manufacturing units. Heavy labor work and repetitive tasks will become outdated and skilled professionals and technology will take their place.

One of the most stimulating advancement is the 3D digital printing. It gives the designers numerous options to work and endless chances for modifications. 3D textile printing offers a wide range of colors and shades. And the best part is that you can print the exact color that naked eyes see. This was not possible with other forms of printing. A recent study came up with a possibility that every home would have a 3D printer in future. One can produce ornaments, utensils, toys, school projects, etc. sitting at home.


The usefulness of 3D technology is not limited to a few sectors. From textile designers to garment manufacturers and pattern creators, all are to gain. They can now create garments digitally and show the vendors a detailed 3D garment with its specifications. This can be done really fast compared to the actual production and development time of the product. Designing, production management, marketing, sales all can be done without actually manufacturing the product. Is this fact or fiction? There is no doubt about the fact that virtual world has come to its reality.


References:


1.      Webdesignerdepot.com

2.      Visionnw.com

3.      Lectra.com

4.      Performancedays.eu

5.      Juststyle.com

6.      Nation.com.pk

7.      Economist.com