Fabric objective measurements for commercial 3D virtual garment simulation

Purpose – The aim of this paper was to explore the use of objective fabric parameters in 3-D virtual garment simulation. Design Method – Two methods (FAST and Browzwear’s fabric testing kit) of obtaining objective fabric measurements and the derived parameters for virtual garment simulation were studied. Three parameters (extension, shear and bend) were investigated to establish if the selected virtual software derived comparable parameters from the objective fabric measurements. Findings – It was found that the conversion from the objective fabric measurement data to the required parameters for virtual simulation varied significantly. Manual analysis of the objective measurements showed the two test methods to be comparable for extension and shear parameters; However, some adjustment to the test method was required. The third parameter to be investigated (bending rigidity) concluded that the test methods and results obtained from the two different apparatus were not comparable and recommended further experimentation using a different testing technique. Research limitations/implications – Future research should be conduct on a larger variety of fabrics ensuring comparable loads are used in the testing of the extensibility parameters. An expansion of this preliminary study should give more conclusive evidence of the trends observed. Originality –Objective measurement of extension, shear and bend properties were investigated in relation to the derived parameters for a selected virtual simulation package. An understanding of such parameters will aid the general industry in adapting 3D virtual garment simulation as part of the standard product development process, resulting in a significantly shorter product development cycle. Keyword – Fabric testing methods, FAST, Garment simulation, Objective testing, Textile parameters, Virtual simulation, Paper type – Research paper