Can investment in 3D printing technology boost RMG demand?

3D printing is poised to bring a new era into Bangladesh’s garment industry

3D technology is a powerful tool for conceptualizing, modeling and visualizing in Bangladesh’s garments industry. For example, Bangladesh textile factories could employ fused deposition modelling (FDM)— a 3D printing technology. 

The manufacturing of 3D-printed clothing can include nylon, polyamide powder (plastic), carbon fiber, nylon, and elastic materials (TPU or TPE). 

To create a prototype of the product and then to produce the final product, innovators and product designers use these elements with CAD softwares, such as CLO3D and Fusion 360. The final product is ready for consumers.

The Bangladesh RMG sector should introduce three-dimensional (3D), printing. This is possible because of the advantages of cost, reliability, demand based printing, fabrication speed and affordability. 

This allows for creative aesthetics, as well as the creation of baroque geometries. 3D printing eliminates the need for additional assembly steps. 

For example, 3D printed knitwear is made from yarns and not woven fabric. 

There are concerns about the machine’s cost and the materials used, but there is still the possibility of copyright violation. A fused deposition modeling (FDM), 3D printer offers greater flexibility. This allows for faster production, better durability and can be used in a matter of minutes to hours. It also meets the needs of consumers who are looking for functional products that meet their end-use requirements.

FDM printers are much more affordable than other 3D printer technologies, with prices ranging from US $500 to US $6,000. FDM printers can be used with a variety of materials and produce consistent results. They also allow for non-hazardous manufacturing. 

An FDM printer creates layers by stacking anisotropic (direction-dependent) filaments; however, this method is prone to breaking, has limited accuracy, and produces rough surfaces. To achieve the desired result, a post-curing process includes smoothing, support removal and welding.

Even though they have their faults, these technologies could be the driving force behind Bangladesh’s extraordinary transformation in garment manufacturing. 

Manufacturing methods that are made from recycled materials and 3D printed reduce manufacturing lead time and costs, reduce reliance on imported cotton, lower the use of dyeing chemicals, keep control over manufacturing quality and prevent worker exploitation. 

3D printing could bring benefits to the Bangladeshi garment industry. Sustainable practices and cutting edge technologies are essential for meeting the growing demands of international buyers and export markets.

John Roberts, the Wool Mark Company’s MD, believes that Bangladesh’s strong textile labour capabilities and readily available skills can be used to grow the textile industry, despite the fact that China produces 80% of Australia’s merino raw yarn for weaving, knitting and spinning. 

Although sufficient knowledge, technical skills, and awareness of 3D printing is yet to be developed among the people of Bangladesh, copyrighting is another  concern that will necessitate a revamp of the laws governing the manufacturing industry in order to protect legal rights.

Nanjing University of the Arts’ School of Design, China recently showed the innovative steps 42 students took to 3D print through complex textile designs. This exhibition attracted the attention of tech enthusiasts, manufacturers, as well as potential customers. 

Far East Asian nations, such as Singapore and Malaysia, have begun to emphasize 3D printing in manufacturing industrial goods. The Chinese Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) is strengthening policies to co-locate R&D centres with foreign firms and increasing fiscal budget allocations to support 3D printing companies. 

3D printing technology is projected to bring in approximately $7.93 Billion US dollars in China, and a global market of roughly $94 Billion US dollars by 2030.

Concerned bodies will doubtless think about whether 3D printing readymade garments will lead to a significant rise in the demand for recyclable garments from European buying companies. 

Puma, Nike, Adidas and Nike are experiencing an increase in the demand for 3D-printed sneaker shoes. 

This market gap may be a contributing factor to Bangladesh’s growth in the textile industry. A 3D printer can be used to mold a single panel of denim textiles. This allows for large-scale production, and less hand-stitching. 

Conventional methods require up to seven panels. 

If workers in the garment industry were taught to use 3D printers, create digital designs and take part in the post-curing process, they could expand their creativity in producing wool-knitwears. This would help the garment industry incorporate sustainability as a measurable element. 

BGMEA’s ability to increase awareness among social stakeholders will allow it to diversify workers’ talents, improve labour wages, and create greater employment opportunities for IT graduates and resourceful graduates. 

This will increase growth in both the garment industry, and the overall domestic economy.    

3D printing is a great way to promote sustainability. It uses cost-effective, recycled materials and offers a lot of customization options. 

We need to have the technical knowledge, responsible, sustainable manufacturing processes and updated manufacturing laws in order to move forward. 

Innovators and industrialists are emphasizing the importance of 3D printing technology (AI) in manufacturing as the next industrial revolution shifts towards a more balanced collaboration between machines and humans. 

The 3D printing revolution is set to bring new life to Bangladesh’s garment industry in the next ten-years. In addition, it will be more widely used in other fields such as architecture, aviation, medicine and research.

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