3D printing in the textile chain

3D printing in the textile chain 3D printing belongs to the emerging technologies of our time. It enables relatively fast production of prototypes or single items, with the mechanical properties, surface quality etc, strongly depending on the material and the technology used as well as a potential after-treatment, e.g. by polishing or a thermal treatment. Large objects, however, still need long times to be produced. This is why combinations of 3D printed objects with materials which can be produced fast on large scales are supportive for several applications. Textiles belong to the typical materials used in combination with 3D printed objects, allowing creation of new mechanical and optical properties.