Aim: A technical feasibility study using LBAAM technology to improve the zero-waste design capability of Weffan's 3D woven trousers using laser cutting.
Brief description: By weaving the garment into the fabric using zero waste pattern design principles applied to 3D weaving techniques, Weffan aims to reduce 19 million tons of waste from cut and sew manufacturing techniques. 3D weaving a garment into the fabric condenses wasteful production steps into one near zero-waste process. This production method reinvigorates the UK textile industry for resiliency in a world of climate change, de-globalisation, and resource scarcity by decreasing garment production complexity and its environmental impact. Furthermore, this 3D weaving method uses the current UK loom technology for low-cost adoption, promoting responsible economic development in resilient near-shore garment manufacturing that's demand-driven, transparent and low-waste. Weffan, in partnership with the University of Leeds' 3D Weaving Innovation Centre (3DWIC) and S. Dawes Weaving Ltd, will focus on a new area of research into LBAAM technology applied to 3D woven garment finishing. It's a partnership to create a sustainable, competitive, and resilient alternative to wasteful cut & sew garment production at an industrial scale using LBAAM technology to finish garments off the loom. The project will conduct a LBAAM technical feasibility study to understand material & design restraints using laser cutting on Weffan's 3D woven garments and then create the laser cut design files to accommodate the weaving/engineering of the garments. The project will also investigate LBAAM technology to optimise zero-waste design aspects and new design forms and test 3D woven fabric durability.
Benefits: An accessible, near zero-waste, localized clothing manufacturing alternative that integrates LBAAM technology for a lower carbon footprint, lower waste, and resilient nearshore production.
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