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Exploring The Abilities Of 3-D Printing And Its Viability, Laura C. Corral, Kaitlyn J. Walker, Stephanie K. Hubert

Discovery, The Student Journal of Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences

The fashion industry encounters its most general difficulties regarding cost of samples, lead time, sustainability, and fit. An emerging technology that could solve these issues is 3-D printing, which utilizes computer-aided technology and a variety of filaments to construct an object. Though 3-D printing technology offers the ability for rapid prototyping, a condensed supply chain by way of creating samples domestically rather than internationally, and a sustainable additive manufacturing process that results in manufacturing with zero excess material, there is question as to whether consumers are ready for 3-D printed clothing to enter their wardrobes. The purpose of this study …