By Olivia Cahoon
Part 2 of 2
Manufacturers implementing digital printing and finishing capabilities for textiles should consider a robust software solution. A variety of software programs are available with features tailored to textile and apparel manufacturers using digital printing and finishing technologies in house. These solutions address both the printing and finishing components of the production process.
Software for Textiles
ColorGATE released the Textile Productionserver 10.32 in May 2019. It is a RIP software that offers the Print-and-Cut Module (PCM). PCM brings together the processes of printing and cutting by synchronizing printer and cutter systems. PCM offers efficient contour cutting and precise finishing, from cutting stickers via point of purchase displays to complex industrial applications. Textile Productionserver offers an optimized coloration process for better hand-feel and wash resistance. It also features Ink Saver technology, which saves up to 30 percent of ink without visible losses in quality. According to Thomas Kirschner, CEO/founder, ColorGATE, the software is customizable with pricing depending on customer needs. Textile Productionserver is compatible with all leading digital printing devices.
In 2018, Eastman Machine Company collaborated with ExactFlat to offer the ExactFlat 3D to 2D digital patterning software. It is designed to create flat patterns with graphics perfectly aligned. Once 2D patterns are created, manufacturers can export and cut on Eastman’s automated cutting systems equipped with visionPRO camera system. Together, ExactFlat 3D to 2D and Eastman’s cutting systems create accurate cut paths around printed shapes, registration marks, or repeat patterns. Both technologies are designed to save days of production time.
Available by Gerber Technology, ContourVision is a vision-based print-to-cut software. It automatically detects a v-notch and adds the notch to the cut. ContourVision is compatible with the GERBERcutter Z1. The Z1’s scanner captures an image of the custom printed pattern and sends it directly to the ContourVision software. Image processing is fast and cutting begins immediately with no need to create time-consuming cut files. By automating the cutting process and eliminating the need for cut files, the system enables manufacturers to reduce labor costs. According to Lenny Marano, VP, product management and marketing, automation systems, Gerber, fully automatic print to cut; no job files required; and bow, skew, and wrinkle compensation helps ContourVision stand out from the competition.
Methods Workshop LLC released the Quick TruCost (QTC) cutting software in January 2019. QTC is a software solution for early-stage apparel design and development costing requirements. It can be used either as a standalone system or companion to the Methods Workshop Engineered TruCost. QTC provides an immediate prediction of total manufacturing costs with near-engineered cost accuracy. According to Bob Craig, VP operations, Methods Workshop, it is a C-sharp, dotnet, Sequel software that offers preproduction work measurement tools for cutting room functions. The software can be transferred to most existing spreadsheets and Sequel-friendly systems.
ONYX 19 is the newest version of Onyx Graphics, Inc.’s entire product portfolio, including ONYX RIPCenter, ONYX PosterShop, ONYX ProductionHouse, and ONYX Thrive. Released in July 2019, it features several tools for printing and cutting such as the latest Adobe PDF Print Engine and profiling. ONYX software supports a large library of wide format digital inkjet print solutions. “Specific to ONYX 19 is the Spark Engine for a 400 percent increase in RIP speeds, 200 percent increase in printer performance, and a 600 percent increase in performance of step and repeat jobs specific to textile printing,” shares Bryan Manwaring, director of product marketing, Onyx Graphics. ONYX 19 offers three new dot patterns for smooth output on all print applications including soft signage and textiles. It also features iccMAX v5 profiling capabilities.
The Zünd MindCUT Studio Production V5 is an advanced digital workflow for the leather and textile industry. It offers a parts and material database, hide and fabric capture tools, quality control, pattern matching, and sophisticated nesting modules. MindCUT Studio Production is an open platform using industry-standard DXF AAMA file formats. According to Andy Arkin, strategic account manager, Zünd America, the workflow is intelligent and efficiently nests parts on textiles and hides. It also offers full automated pattern matching. MindCUT Studio Production includes the MindCAD solution for parts creation and MindGEST database for storing materials, models, and parts with cost analytics and production management. Pricing depends on features and options with no annual license fees.
Printing & Finishing Automation
Print-and-cut software minimizes touchpoints. As textile production houses take on digital printing and finishing capabilities, it’s important to have a robust software solution that automates the entire process from end to end.
Click here to read part one of this exclusive online series, Print and Cut.
Nov2019, Industrial Print Magazine