Development of fabrics by digital light processing three-dimensional printing technology and using a polyurethane acrylate photopolymer

Abstract

This study aimed to produce fabrics by the digital light processing (DLP) three-dimensional (3D) printing technology and using a polyurethane acrylate photopolymer as the printing material. The effect of the acrylate oligomer concentration on printing was evaluated. The DLP 3D printing conditions, such as the curing time and layer thickness, were controlled considering the physical properties, such as the tensile strength, elongation, and crease recovery of the 3D printed material. The optimal printing conditions were as follows: concentration of acrylate oligomer in the photopolymer: 10% (v/v); curing time per layer: 14 s; and layer thickness: 100 µm. These results are expected to guide further studies on the development of fabrics using DLP 3D printing technology.