Effective design strategies for 3D printing textile clothing and footwear uppers

Loughborough Design School is arguably a world-leading centre for 3D printed textile research. Previous Loughborough research has addressed the design of 3D printed textiles, the generation of their 3D manufacturing data, high-performance and traditional applications and their fundamental physical properties/characteristics. Academic and industrial (Fashion/Apparel/Footwear) interest in 3D printed textiles has increased significantly during the previous five years and has resulted in various, limited examples of 3D printed garments. These have included examples of haute couture (London and Paris fashion week), swimwear and footwear. The increasing interest stems directly from the design freedom of Additive/3D Printing technologies and the unique opportunity to produce full finished, net-shaped garments directly from raw material in a single manufacturing operation. The aim of the research is to investigate design strategies and 3D data generation for the manufacturing of 3D printing clothing and footwear uppers.

This research will be conducted under the supervision of Dr. Guy Bingham and Dr. Abby Paterson of Loughborough University's Design for Digital Fabrication Research Group.

Entry requirements
Applicants must have a first or upper second class academic qualification, and ideally a Master’s degree in a relevant discipline to the topic area. Prior knowledge or expertise relating to the following areas would be highly advantageous: Additive Manufacturing/3D Printing, Product Design/Engineering, Fashion and Textiles.

How to apply
All applications should be made online. Under programme name, select ‘Loughborough Design School’. Please quote reference number: LDS/GBAP/2017.

Please note that all applications must be accompanied with an up-to-date CV and cover letter (500-1000 words) summarising their interest in and aptitude for this research. It is essential that the application highlights all relevant research experience. A brief presentation may be required at interview stage.