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Micro-factories

future of clothing production

This year Texprocess bring micro-factories as the Processing technical textiles
main theme. Micro-factories comprise of Trade visitors will see here on-demand inkjet printing
individualization, automation and digitalization and networked machines with integrated sensors,
concept with a way forward to the future of clothing which are linked through a bus system – a
production. In a total of four micro-factories at the future-oriented topic for integrated manufacturing. A
up-coming Texprocess, trade visitors will be able to robot arm with a special claw for use with textiles
get an idea of how integrated textile processing works sorts the cut items as they emerge from the cutter in
and where micro-factories are already being used. a free-moving open shuttle. The items to be sewn
are conveyed automatically to the sewing stations.
Integrating virtual prototypes and customer interaction Tracing and tracking procedures show the progress
In the context of the micro-factory’s production line, of each order through the individual stages of the
customer’s digital doppelganger - individualized and manufacturing process using an auto ID.
perfectly fitting clothes are the key feature.
Industrial-type production of smart textiles
The production line demonstrates the various stages In their Smart Textiles Micro-Factory, the Institute for
involved, including CAD/Design, printing, cutting out, Textile Technology (ITA) at the RWTH Aachen
assembly, finishing and labelling. New approaches University, together with partners, will be producing a
also combine 3D simulations of clothing with direct smart pillow, which, with the help of integrated LEDs,
data transfer in virtual reality (VR) and augmented provides new ways of interaction.
reality (AR).
Customization of apparel
This direct interaction between the 3D simulation of Under the World of Digital Fashion umbrella 6
an item, the representation in VR/AR displayed on companies have grouped together. They work in
the customer’s own hardware and the direct impact areas of visualization, CAD-cutting systems,
on the production process has never been shown automated body measurement, cutting out and
before in this way. Partners of the Fashion Line are: process automation. Together, they will be
Assyst (CAD/design), Mitwill (materials), Caddon, showcasing ways of integrating and combining their
ErgoSoft, Mimaki and Multiplot (printing), Zünd products in a variety of workflows within the value
(cutting), Juki and Stoll (assembling), Veit (finishing) creation chain enabling visitors to experience what
and Vuframe (AR/VR). the digital process chain is like in practice.

January/February 2019