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MorphFabric

A smocking 2.5D fabric system enabled by a bi-layer structure of 3D printed thermoplastic on pre-stretched fabric 

This project empowers end-users to customize textured or 2.5D textile products using readily available heating tools at home. By harnessing the shape-changing properties of a bi-layer structure—composed of materials with different contraction ratios—it employs 3D-printed polylactic acid (PLA) on pre-stretched elastic fabric. Starting in its initial "flat" state, the fabric morphs into a "contracted" state when heat is applied. By defining the behavior of a single arc unit, the design can scale to create domes, donut-like geometries, or smocking patterns, introducing a variety of 2.5D textures to garments and textiles.​

Define an ideal morphing unit starting from linear behavior characterization

Starting with linear contraction experiments, four parameters were tested: length, layer thickness, line count, and spacing. Length: An optimal length of 30-40mm produced proper arcs. Longer lengths resulted in undesirable wavy curves, making unit behaviors harder to define. Layer Thickness: Thickness above 0.3mm provided strong contraction and consistent arc formation, while thinner layers lacked sufficient deformation force. Line Count and Spacing: Increasing line count expanded single-line behavior into aggregated blocks, while adjusting spacing controlled density within a block. Further insights are explored in the following section.

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From linear to radial distribution, enabling donut-like geometry

The next phase of the project builds on the predefined linear arcs by exploring various pattern distributions. Among these, radial distribution produced particularly intriguing results, forming a donut-like geometry. The research then focused on refining this geometry by adjusting parameters such as line distribution density, line length, and the offset distance from the center.

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Smocking pattern can be created by both 'linear' and 'block' units 

Building on the previous findings in linear contraction behavior, a ‘block’ of multiple lines produces a stronger contraction force, gathering fabric into a ‘tube’ rather than an arc. By arranging these blocks in scattered grid patterns, the fabric can transform into smocking patterns similar to those created by traditional stitching when heat is applied.

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Exploring light and shadow projections on textile textures

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