October 16, 2024
Widely used across a range of industries, 3D design has become a go to word in everything from architecture and interiors, through to automotive design and apparel. Optimised to reduce prototyping stages and offer a realistic vision of a product in record time, 3D design offers an opportunity to streamline processes while reducing your environmental impact.
In enabling buying teams, and in many cases customers, to see products in 3D, design and development teams are able to help them visualise the final product, with a focus on everything from fabric texture and drape, through to colourways, print and graphic placements, changing them all at the touch of a button. LTM Garments have adopted 3D prototyping as a way to reduce their sampling rounds, exploring its benefits as a succinct production process with their clients. In optimising the benefits of 3D design, LTM are able to reduce sample lead times significantly, with their physical sample lead time 14-21 days, they’re able to turn around 3D models in just 12-36 hours. Physical samples are usually still required for final production sign-off, but by integrating 3D into the process for earlier samples, they are able to save a minimum of 2-3 weeks in sampling time. With a number of decade long partnerships under their belt, LTM are adept at personalising processes for their clients, whether their needs include 3D or CMT.
Through years of development, the manufacturer has built up an extensive digital library and a wealth of resources when it comes to creating 3D prototypes. Their knit and woven fabric constructions can be interpreted through the software to show weight, structure and drape in a realistic sense, and help brands to make a decision on moving forward with a product, without the need for multiple physical prototypes. By spotting issues early, and virtually, problems with anything from fit or trims can be easily rectified, without the need for further sampling.
Image: An example of Texture and Fabric from Clo3D
As minimising environmental impact becomes an increasing priority for brands, consumers and manufacturers alike, 3D design offers the opportunity to make an impact across the process. Cutting back on sampling and prototypes reduces shipping, but without affecting the speed to market, and in turn reducing the overall carbon impact of the process. According to the European Parliament, It’s estimated that at present around 10% of global carbon emissions come from the fashion industry, more than international flights and maritime shipping combined. While according to the United Nations Alliance for Sustainable Fashion, mitigating the need for raw materials in the prototyping stage sees the production of a digital garment generate 97% less carbon dioxide with no microplastic shedding or soil degradation in comparison to a physical garment, and without the need for water and chemical waste.
Digital design offers a more efficient and lower-impact way of designing and prototyping clothing and textiles, while reducing waste in the process. The attention to detail that comes with 3D design offers lifelike sensibilities that create a key opportunity to get buy-in ahead of physical sampling, and in turn create a financial and resource responsible approach.
There is an ingrained flexibility that comes with 3D development; design teams can be global, collaborating digitally and with decisions able to be made quickly. As a result designs can be more responsive to market shifts, trends and demand. In eliminating the need for so many steps to a product's creation, and roles to go through, the process becomes more refined, and in turn enables more control and visibility over the final product.
Image: LTM
The needs of 3D prototyping vary greatly by sector, but offers the opportunity to adapt depending on needs. While smaller brands are more agile in adopting the technology, it can also pose a great benefit for more established ones. For core styles, 3D design software offers an efficient opportunity to test out minor adjustments or colour up changes, while for more detailed designs or performance brands there is the opportunity to create more bespoke 3D testing. Creating a range of poses to assess movement and wear testing can work to onboard sports brands, making note of areas of stress and wear, and taking the opportunity to resolve potential problems ahead of the physical sample.
The strengths of 3D prototyping sit in its flexibility, speed and environmental credentials, but from the software to the workforce price the process still holds a similar fiscal impact to conventional development methods. Though it’s hoped that as the process becomes more widely adopted, and as suppliers such as LTM continue to take on a wider range of clients proactive about exploring the benefits of 3D design, the process will become more ingrained and more economic across the board.
LTM Garments, founded in 2004 are an European garments manufacturer from woven fabrics with stong manufacturing set-up in Lithuania, Bulgaria & Ukraine. Fashion to sportswear, outerwear to soft separates. All types, but only highest quality.
Alex is the owner of Byingildsen and member of the advisory boards or advisor for fourteen unique premium garment manufacturers and printing providers, including LTM Garments.
