Abstract

The move to computerization is a major trend in the apparel/textile industry today. Computers are changing the way designers all over the world are working. For the textile designers, CAD has become more or less indispensable now-a-days. Years back, the process of fabric designing was extremely tedious and time-consuming. Today, with the adoption of CAD/CAM and its numerous software/hardware capabilities, the possibilities are endless and unimaginable. CAD/CAM technology is a cutting-edge tool (in software and/or hardware) catering to the various needs with respect to designing, production, marketing, and presentation of designs/weaves of the textile industry as a whole. Jacquard industry is one among the different segments of the textile industry where CAD/CAM is used at large. CAD/CAM solutions for the jacquard-based textile industry provide an opportunity for the development of jacquard projects and operation of all kinds of jacquard looms including state-of-the-art electronic jacquards as well. In addition to fabric designing software, most of the CAD/CAM solutions providers all over the globe also offer a whole range of other allied accessories for the jacquard-based industry including jacquard design management software, laser cutting machines for woven badges and labels, electromagnetically controlled punching machines for all types of jacquard cards, and so on. The CAD/CAM system gives an opportunity for the production of all kinds of jacquard textures - basic jacquard, toweling fabrics, jacquard carpets and other floorings, tags and labels of jacquard, jacquard tapestry, etc. The present article highlights how the precision, efficiency, and economy of CAD/CAM tools are being employed with ease at large to enrich the innovations in the field of jacquard designing and manufacturing, thereby revolutionizing jacquard-based textile industry (both powerloom and handloom) worldwide as a whole.

Keywords: CAD/CAM, jacquard, simulation colourways, 3D texture mapping.

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Originally Published in Indian Textile Journal, October-2011

The article is republished with due consent of the author of the article to republish the same on fibre2fashion.