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IMB 2006 unveils latest digital solutions
Issue date:15/05/2006
Source:Journal for Asia on Textile & Apparel
by Eppie Lee
Information technology is gaining importance in garment production.
Information technology is gaining importance in garment production.
Digital solutions are of increasing importance to garment manufacturing. In the year's IMB show just closed on May 13 in Cologne, Germany, solution providers from various regions are introducing their latest offerings to the visitor.

3D scanning

French-based Telmat Industrie announced the new 3D body measurement equipment SYMCAD ST (special tracking) for measuring the anthropometrical characterization and evaluating the ergonomic impact of a clothing item before their production. With a high-speed 3D sensor using white light projection, it enables an automated extraction of body measurements useful for clothing purposes (based on the ISO-8559 standard). It can measure rotations, angles, slants, bending, extensions, and elevations.

Also on 3D body scanning, Italian CAD Modelling Ergonomics unveils the ScanFit, a PC-based system for no-contact measurements of 3D body shapes. The system allows the projection and the acquisition of structured light patterns by means of vision devices mounted on adjustable supports. Together with the patented anthropometrical mannequins Formax by CAD Modelling, made-to-measure can be realized.

CAD Modelling offers a variety of anthropometrical mannequins for mass customization. Active Formax, for example, is catered to the production fitting control of sportswear manufacturing. Formax Prémaman is based on the real structures and volumes of a six-month pregnant woman.


A 3D model generated by ProPainter software.
Meanwhile, German-based Speed Step presented the latest version of ProPainter design software, in which the new 3D function is the highlight. Designs, prints and embroideries created with ProPainter can be placed into a 3D model, providing a 3D preview of the pattern's effects on the garment before production.

For embroiderers

With respect to embroidery, Italian Proel has developed the Millennium III, an embroidery software package. It has an "Outline" tool for automatically tracing the outline of images, a "Text Outline" tool to automatically transform true type fonts into outlines, an "Autopunch" tool for automatic conversion of images into embroideries, a "Photo Embroidery" tool for automatic transformation of photographs into embroideries, an "@Embroidery" tool for publication of embroideries on web pages, and so on.

Sierra Technology Group from Argentina displayed the Embroidery Office Organizer Version 7, an organization, planning and control tool help embroiderers maintain the job efficiency. The software gathers all steps of the production process in a single system, and the tasks of each department of the organization can be monitored at all times. The user can get detailed information on production time and costs.

Pattern digitalization

Meanwhile, US-based Nhega is offering a solution for pattern digitalization. NScan is a high-speed, automated digitizing system developed as an improved alternative to traditional digitizing tables. Launched three years ago, it includes a wide scanner and software. Fed with patterns by the scanner, the software identifies every relevant line, corner, notch and hole, including the grain line, while ignoring scribbles and markings. It delivers a complete electronic description of the pattern-piece five times faster than a digitizing table does. The system is compatible with most major CAD systems, including Gerber AccuMark and MicroMark, Lectra, the PAD System, OptiTex, Polygon, and Investronica.

Early this year, the new Nscan Marker Mode was added to Nscan, allowing companies to digitize their "marker pieces" with the Nscan System. The function of the software is to read the image and distinguish different pattern pieces on the same paper drawing.
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