Accessing axis : exploring design coginition from visual and haptic experiences as an apparel designer in digital 3d imaging using 3d printing technology

Despite the rise of 3D printing technology in recent years, the novel technology has not yet heavily expanded to the realm of textile and apparel design. Although 3D printed design explorations have been unique and successful, the information shared only pertains to unique garment silhouettes or materials applied as oppose the insights into the specific 3D CAD process, which is the core of such digital fabrication methods. Following the Mutual Shaping of Technology framework, this study zoomed in on the ways for traditional apparel designers transition into the digital 3D modeling process from the visual and haptic cognitive aspects. This investigation involved a focus group study with 10 participants who are 3D CAD practitioners with hands-on object making backgrounds. The group study outcomes further contributed to the strategy that was then utilized in an independent case study involving studio practice and the development of a 3D printed wearable garment. The results from this exploratory study suggest that the transition from hands-on to digital modeling is a rather challenging process and relies heavily on tacit knowledge and the combination of object and spatial visualization skills interpreted in the forms of visual and haptic memory in order to develop an efficient workflow in the digital design process. The findings of this study are of great value in understanding the cognitive nature of the apparel designer's virtual design process in order to reflect on the current design curriculum. This study also is of importance to the future 3D CAD program interface design for both apparel and non-apparel design practice

Shrinkage deformation of different shape of foamed concrete specimen

In construction field, the most important element is concrete. Majority of construction in Malaysia use the concrete and the improvement of concrete technology is very important. Example of concrete technology improvement is foamed concrete. Foamed concrete is additional of foaming agent in the concrete mixture to control the concrete density and the foamed concrete do not used the course aggregate. The foaming agent used to trap the air to reduce the concrete density. The strength of foamed concrete is lower than normal concrete and it is suitable to be used at the uncritical structure in the construction. The foamed agent also expose to crack effected by drying shrinkage. Some of the factors causes the drying shrinkage are investigated. Two factors of drying shrinkage investigated in this study are different density of foamed concrete and different shapes of concrete specimens. Prism sized 100mm x 100mm x 500mm, cylinder sized 150mm 0 x 300mm and 150mm cube for 1200 kg/m3 and 1600 kg/m3 density were produced throughout this experiment. The uses of prism and cylinder specimens are because it is normal shape of concrete structure with different surface expose to environmental for shrinkage observation. The cube was used for compressive strength test to prove the targeted density. The result of compressive strength test shows the increments of concrete density produced high strength of concrete. On the other hand, the increments of concrete density reduce the shrinkage value as well as the reduction of surface exposes to the environmental

Hyperresonance

Designers have utilized engineered prints to strategically position images in creating optical illusion but are limited in utilizing engineered prints on multilayered translucent fabrics. In this design case study, 3D visual illusion was explored in a wearable ensemble through applying engineered digital imagery on silk organza using digital textile printing technology. The overall ensemble design was inspired by the ethereal effect of tree branches and glass windows during daylight. The ensemble was symmetrically designed with two main components with silk organza and twill. The poncho was digitally printed and constructed with three layers. A strapless dress with white bodice was designed to contrast the translucent organza layers in the poncho. The illusion creates in image shift and distortion based on the viewer\u27s position and thus resulted a visual hyperressonance. This study suggests that such technique requires designer\u27s understanding of dimensionality of lighting, fabric texture and color during the 2DCAD process

Instilled: 3D Printing Elastic Lace

Particularly in apparel design, recent explorations have been focused on trying to solve not only aesthetic design problems but also develop a functional design using this direct digital fabrication method. The purpose of this design study is to explore the elastic performance in the various 3D printed structures using flexible FDM filament (nylon) in ready to wear apparel. The inspiration of visual illusion was referenced in developing the core focus of this study. The visual imagery of organic forms fusing and instilling together was integrated throughout the garment prototype. The torso consists of two layers, a stylized cowl neckline and a 3D printed portion (nylon in FDM) in the back. The silks are draped over the elastic 3D printed lace to juxtapose the loosely fitted and the form-fitted silhouettes. The resulting garment takes advantage of the engineered elastic performance of the 3D printed lace in form-fitting and closure elimination

A Markowitz mean-variance analysis of hedge fund investments for multi-asset class portfolio holders in South Africa

This research aims to provide insight into the hedge fund industry in South Africa. The focus is on retirement funds and the use of hedge funds in a multi-asset class portfolio. Diversification is an important tool for portfolio managers who make use of correlation to achieve higher risk-adjusted returns for investors. As such this paper tests whether higher risk-adjusted returns can be achieved in well diversified multi-asset class portfolios if hedge funds are included. To test for the optimal risk-adjusted returns that can be achieved, mean-variance, mean-semi variance and Omega portfolios were created. The results suggest that portfolios that include hedge fund investments outperformed those that exclude it using mean-variance, mean-semi variance and Omega analysis. Furthermore it was found that portfolios that included Pure Hedge Funds outperformed those that included Fund of Hedge Funds. The evidence suggests that hedge fund investments should be included in a well-diversified South African multi-asset class portfolio, with Pure Hedge Funds being preferred to Fund of Hedge Funds

Daring to Sprint: 3D printing textile

Since the 3D printing (3DP) technology took off in the textile and apparel industry worldwide in the recent years, an increasing number of designers have been exploring new ways to print wearable material. This design research aims to explore alternative 3DP material for wearable product. Daring to Sprint is inspired by fierce spirit in the athletes and activewear and experiments with specially FDM nylon filament and various 3D modeling approaches. The ensemble consists of a bra top and a pair of compression pants using both compression knit and 3D printed nylon textile. The textile design is digital printed using photographic engineered print techniques. The 3D printed textiles were printed in semi-translucent color and later dip dyed (Rit) in gray and pink to achieve an ombre affect for design cohesion. The findings in this research suggest the great potential in treating 3D printed textile material the similar to traditional fabric in using common sewing techniques in garment construction

3D Printing for Apparel Design: Exploring Apparel Design Process using 3D Modeling Software

Since the birth of 3D printing technology in 1984, it has long been used mostly for industrial prototyping. As rapid manufacturing technology evolves and becomes more readily available today, the 3D printing technology has advanced into medicine, surgical instruments, music instruments, and even the culinary industry. In the last few years, 3D printing technology is also quickly entering the product customization market to meet consumer’s demand for personalization through development of small-scale 3D printer for personal home use and 3D printing services

Hybrid Comfort: 3D Printing Interwoven

Under the concept of Maker Movement, apparel researchers and designers are exploring the potentials of three-dimensional printing (3DP) and seeking ways to take the advantages of 3DP and apply it to wearable products. This design case study aimed to integrate 3DP textiles in a beach vest to allow new properties and functions to emerge with aesthetics, and explore the properties of 3D textiles by manipulating the structure of TPU materials using the FDM 3DP method. The hybrid 3DP textile was developed by mimicking and integrating the structures of traditional woven and knitted fabrics, tried to take advantages of both fabrics. The final 3DP textile structure evaluations suggested some expected properties (e.g., flexible, strong), while revealed new properties (e.g., porous, cushioning). Further, the specialty 3D printed TPU material was unique in its resilient and flexible properties, and fit the functions of the man’s beach vest design

The Future of Making for Designers, Makers, and Users: A Conversation Between Industry and Academia

In recent years, the apparel industry has been integrating a number of emerging technologies. Methods such as automated production and 3D printing or additive manufacturing are shifting the dynamic for traditional apparel designers. Such evolution is leading to a shift in paradigm as various industry companies are actively exploring and applying such emerging technology in commercial products and manufacturing processes. This study examined the perception of both industry and academia in the changing environment for designers, makers, and users and explored approaches in locating resources for supporting both industry and academia in future growth. Data suggests that roles of designer, makers, and users are quickly changing with reconfigured knowledge base and new skill sets in the age of novel technology. Much disconnect still exists between industry and academia and among groups of designers, makers, and users in realizing the best mechanism in transitioning to the new ways

Exploring Effectiveness of Programs and Tools for 3D Printing Wearable Product

Due to the rapid adoption of digital fabrication technologies, such as 3D printing, the textile and apparel industry is recognizing the unique advantage of efficiently prototyping complex objects for various customized products. Today, 3D apparel design pioneers who have been trained in traditional practice lack the knowledge in 3D CAD and are often collaborating with 3D CAD experts in 3D printing product development. More importantly, the most popular 3D CAD programs are designed for engineers and thus lack intuitive features suitable for traditional apparel designers and products. This design case study investigates the effectiveness of popular 3D CAD program (Rhino) and tools (3D mouse) for the traditional apparel designer in wearable product prototyping. Findings suggest that 3D CAD program like Rhino challenges the way an apparel designer interprets CAD tools in creating various complex forms and reconsider orders of operation in product development