Innovations in Textile Technology: From 3D Printing to Nanotechnology
What if your garment looks like it is straight out of a sci-fi movie? Think about it, you are wearing a shirt that can monitor your heart rate or a top that changes colours as per your mood. We are not joking. Earlier, the textile industry was a traditional sector. The maximum technological advancement it had seen was automated machines. But the same is not true anymore! Today, the fabric is no longer ‘just’ fabric, it is smart and sustainable.
Top Innovations In Textile Technology
From the way fabrics are created to the way fabrics are worn, innovations are redefining how we think about fashion. Here are some of the top technological innovations in fashion that you must know of:
1. 3D Printing
In the manufacturing industry, 3D printing has been used for a long time now. However, the textile industry was quite slow in recognizing its potential. But, better late than never! Using 3D printing technology, products are made layer-by-layer as per a computer design.
While the technology is still in its nascent stage, if developed appropriately, it can solve the biggest challenge of the textile industry which is environmental damage. The textile industry is heavily dependent on resources like water and raw materials. With 3D printing, the resources will be minimized, processes streamlined, and waste products will be reduced.
But this is not the only thing. There are other benefits of using 3D printing in the textile industry which include customization, usage of sustainable materials like biodegradable materials and recycled filaments, and experimenting with new patterns and designs that were costly to produce earlier.
These are all facts. The real-life application of 3D printing was seen in trainer designs. Designers could create lightweight yet strong soles with this technology as 3D printing allowed detailed cut-outs.
2. Nanotechnology
As the name suggests, nanotechnology is a technology that is one to a hundred nanometers in size. Recently, its potential has been harnessed in textiles as well. Scientists and researchers are integrating nanoparticles in textiles to improve their performance.
But what is the exact process here? To help you understand in layman’s terms, nanoparticles are coated on the surface of a fabric using different techniques like so-gel, layer-by-layer, and plasma polymerization. All these techniques make the fabric more durable as they can withstand strong weather conditions.
To give you an example, nanotechnology can be used in fabrics to improve their water resistance, increase UV protection, or self-clean stains. Apart from this, nanotechnology has also improved the manufacturing of protective garments like military uniforms, firefighter uniforms, and emergency workers’ uniforms.
3. Smart Textiles
Have you ever wondered what will happen if electronics are merged with fabrics? You don’t have to keep it to your imagination now. Textiles are being developed that can sense, adapt, and react to the environment around them.
Earlier you had to wear smartwatches to track your heart rate, pulse rate, or steps. But now, the same technology is being integrated into the clothes you wear. This innovation is pretty much great for the sports industry where players and athletes need to track their data in real time.
To give you some real-life examples, the Sensoria Fitness Socks have built-in sensors that track pulse and send the data via Bluetooth to your smartphone. This helps you keep a watchful eye on how your movements impact your body.
Another great example of the same is Neviano Swimsuits. The swimsuits not only make you look and feel great when you are swimming, but they also tell you if you have spent too much time in the sun. How? With their built-in UV sensors.
4. Artificial Intelligence
AI is everywhere now, so why should the textile industry be left alone? In textile technology, AI will play two major roles. First, it will perform its role as a data analyzer and provide insights into customer behavior, the latest trends, and customer preferences. This information will be really helpful for manufacturers who can save money by not producing designs that no one wants.
Secondly, AI systems have a superior quality check as compared to humans. These machines can make sure that each garment that is produced meets the set standards and minimizes waste. Moreover, these technologies can be used in supply chain management to get an idea about demand and inventory available.
5. AR and VR Technology
Nobody wants to buy clothes without trying them on first, right? That is one of the reasons why most of us still stick to brick-and-mortar stores. But, innovations in technology are changing these arenas as well.
By integrating augmented reality (AR) into online shopping apps, you can try clothes and look at their fit before finally purchasing them. There is more to it. Apps are now also integrating body scanning technologies into the apps so that customers can get the right size. This minimizes returns and ensures a more personalized experience.
Conclusion
Textile technology is on the brink of a new era. People are becoming more innovative and creative and infusing tech in clothes like never before. The above-discussed innovations are just the first few steps in this era as we move towards more forward-thinking fashion. We believe it is a bright time for the future of textiles and it will be exciting to see what more it holds.