In modern textile manufacturing, CNC fabric cutting has revolutionised production, offering significant advantages over traditional hand-cutting methods, says Vetigraph UK, a leading provider of CAD/CAM technology: "The shift from manual to automated processes brings about a marked improvement in accuracy, speed, and material utilisation.
"One of the most compelling benefits is precision. CNC machines follow computer-generated patterns with unparalleled accuracy, eliminating the inconsistencies and errors inherent in manual cutting."
Vetigraph UK claims that this precision leads to higher-quality finished products and reduces waste from improperly cut pieces, while drastically increasing cutting speed.
“Automated machines can cut intricate patterns far faster than any human, significantly boosting production throughput and reducing lead times," says Vetigraph UK.
"Material efficiency is another key advantage. CNC systems, often used in conjunction with lay planning software, optimise fabric usage. Lay planning software uses AI to digitally arrange pattern pieces in the most efficient layout, minimising waste compared to hand-drawn lay plans. This software considers fabric width, pattern piece dimensions, and grain direction, resulting in substantial cost savings."
As well as pattern-matching software and template-nesting technology, Vetigraph offer a choice between low-ply and high-ply digital cutting machines, depending on production volume and fabric type. Low-ply cutters, which cut fewer layers at a time, are suitable for intricate designs and delicate fabrics, offering greater control. High-ply cutters, on the other hand, can cut through many layers simultaneously, making them useful for high-volume production of simpler designs.
"They dramatically increase speed, but require careful consideration of fabric compression and accuracy across all layers," says Vetigraph UK.
"In essence, CNC fabric cutting, supported by sophisticated software and adaptable machinery, offers a significant leap forward in textile manufacturing. It provides the precision, speed and efficiency needed to thrive in today's competitive market, while minimising waste and maximising resource utilisation."
