3D PRINTING

WHAT IS 3D PRINTING?
3D printing also known as additive manufacturing is a method of processing
3 dimensional objects using layer by layer technique via computer aided
designing.
FUTURE OF 3D PRINTING IN FASHION INDUSTRY:
As 3D printing develops, the fashion industry could be next in line to harness the
benefits of this emerging technology, revolutionising fashion design both creatively and
sustainably. It provides the fashion industry with a feasible, efficient and sustainable
way to produce clothes that mitigate many flaws of the industry’s intense production
line.

Sustainability Benefits of 3D Printing:

1. Reduces cut-offs and waste material
2. Promotes Upcycling of Material
3. Personalisation & Customisation
4. Creative Exploration & Fabric Innovation

PHYSICS CONCEPTS USED IN THE 3D PRINTING:

 Thermodynamics: 3D printing often relies on the controlled heating and
cooling of materials. The thermodynamics of heat transfer and phase
changes are crucial in determining the melting and solidification of
materials, which is essential for layer-by-layer additive manufacturing.

 Material Properties: Understanding the physical properties of the

materials used in 3D printing, such as polymers or metals, is
fundamental. This includes their thermal conductivity, melting point,
thermal expansion, and more.

 Kinematics: The movement and positioning of the 3D printer's print head

or nozzle are controlled by motors and actuators. Kinematics, including
the physics of motion, plays a vital role in ensuring precise and accurate
printing.
 Rheology: The flow and deformation of materials during the printing
process depend on their rheological properties. Rheology is the study of
how materials flow and deform under applied forces, and it's critical for
the extrusion of materials through nozzles in Fused Deposition Modelling
(FDM) and other similar techniques.
 Heat Transfer: Controlling the temperature of the print bed and the print
head/nozzle is crucial. Heat transfer principles are used to manage the
thermal environment, ensuring proper layer adhesion and material flow.
 Structural Mechanics: The physics of forces, stresses, and strains come
into play in designing the shoe soles and structures to ensure they are
sturdy, flexible, and can withstand the stresses of everyday use.
 Acoustics: Some 3D printers use ultrasonic or acoustic methods for
material deposition. Understanding how sound waves interact with
materials is essential in these processes.
 Optics: In processes like SLA and DLP, optics play a critical role in
shaping and focusing light to solidify the resin. The physics of optics,
including the behaviour of light waves, is relevant here.
 Electrostatics: Some 3D printing methods use electrostatic forces to
control the deposition of particles. Understanding electrostatic principles
is important in such cases.

 Electromagnetism: In processes that involve magnetic fields, such as

magnetic 3D printing, electromagnetic principles are used to control the
positioning and behaviour of materials.

CHEMISTRY CONCEPTS BEING USED IN 3D PRINTING:

 Material Properties: The choice of 3D printing materials is critical.

Chemists are involved in selecting or developing materials with the
desired properties, including polymers, metals, ceramics, and
composites. Understanding material chemistry is essential in tailoring
materials for specific applications.

 Polymer Chemistry: Many 3D printing processes, such as Fused

Deposition Modeling (FDM), Stereolithography (SLA), and PolyJet, use
polymers as feedstock. Polymer chemistry is crucial for understanding
 the behavior of these materials during printing, including melting,
extrusion, and curing.

 Thermosetting and Thermoplastic Polymers: Thermosetting polymers

cure irreversibly when exposed to heat or light, while thermoplastic
polymers can be melted and reformed. Knowledge of the chemistry of
these two types of polymers is crucial for selecting the right material for
the application.

 Chemical Reactions and Curing: In various 3D printing techniques,

chemical reactions are used to solidify or cure materials. For example,
UV light, heat, or chemical initiators can trigger reactions that transform
a liquid or powder into a solid. Understanding the kinetics of these
reactions is essential.

 Photochemistry: Photochemical processes involving the absorption of

photons by the resin and subsequent cross-linking reactions are key to
the solidification of printed objects.

 Surface Chemistry: Surface treatments, such as coatings and

functionalization, are essential for improving the properties and
aesthetics of 3D-printed objects. Surface chemistry plays a role in
these post-processing steps.

 Adhesives and Binders: In some 3D printing techniques, such as

binder jetting, binders are used to solidify layers of powder. The
chemistry of these binders and their interactions with the powder
materials are significant.

 Chemical Safety: Safe handling and disposal of chemicals, such as

resins and solvents used in 3D printing, is a critical aspect of the
chemistry involved in 3D printing processes.