Texprocess Americas Symposium to begin in May 2014

Technology has raised the bar on the cutting room floor, turning it into a real source of productivity, efficiency, and cost savings. The integration of software, advanced production systems, and real-time support from CAD, cut plan, fabric allocation, roll management, table management, and related processes (spreading, labeling, cutting) can deliver a sustainable competitive advantage. Cut Order Planning (COP) software bridges the gap between ERP and CAD systems and automatically generates an optimal cut plan by mixing products, styles, and sizes based on actual orders and fabric inventory.

Welding and Stitch-Free Seam Technologies

Stitch-free seam technology – welded or bonded – are two different concepts. Welding is the process of joining pieces of synthetic fabrics with various methods: hot air, hot wedge, RF, ultra sonic, plunge, laser, and impact. Bonding, on the other hand, can be performed on two pieces of fabric by placing a heat activated material (adhesive) between them. Stitch-free seaming technologies are extensively used in performance apparel, sportswear, and fitted active wear. Technical outerwear is becoming less bulky and more form-fitting while retaining the latest advances in waterproof and breathable capability.

Automation, Smart Machines, and Robotics in Apparel Manufacturing

Automation and robotics are used in the manufacture of sewn products to reduce cost, improve quality, enhance productivity, and de-skill operations for sewn products manufacturers. Today technicians who are specializing in robotics are creating an entirely automated process that will replace the need for seamstresses in factories and make the United States competitive in the garment industry again and at costs less than today’s offshore costs.

Design and Product Development Technologies

Fashion design and product development taken as a whole is an integrated process whose function is to market a continuous stream of new products at a profit. Product development can become a strategic differentiator for a company when it’s carried out quickly, accurately, and thoroughly communicated with the team. Software tools such as digital sketching, pattern and grading, PLM, and PDM enable faster creation and conveyance of product ideas all the way from concept creation to manufacturing or sourcing finished products.