3D technologies in individualized chest protector modelling

Abstract

The application of 3D technology increases every day by discovering new ways of usage, which can make everyday life easier. It is most used in production of individualized items that become more accessible and fully customized to personal needs. 3D technologies such as 3D scanning, 3D modelling and additive technologies (3D printing) are used in various areas of human activity such as medicine, architecture, the movie industry, etc. In the clothing’s industry, 3D scanning the human body is digitized, which is after that used in computer software packages for custom-made clothing. Except for the fashion industry, there is a need for individualized protective work clothing and equipment production in other industries as well. The possibility of applying new technologies such as 3D scanning and 3D modelling of protective elements that can be made by using 3D printers is presented in this paper. In order to design a field hockey chest protector, male and female subjects were scanned using a 3D body scanner in several different positions specific to the sport. The chest protector was constructed and modeled based on the digitalized images. Software packages were used which enable point clouds preparation of the digitalized human body for constructing the protector, its modelling and preparation of virtually designed protectors for 3D printing. An individualized chest protector is modeled using a software program called Bender. The protector is integrated into the clothing item, completely follows the body shape and provides the necessary protection.