The "uncommon" way to get more done in less time
Bring your sewn products to market faster, with less effort, and for lower cost
The most common way to increase manufacturing productivity is to root out and eliminate waste or inefficiency in your current processes. The typical approach is to look for ways to just do a few things exceptionally well (Lean Production - June 2016).
The more "uncommon" option is to transition your tools and processes to more effective methods of working. This approach usually requires additional investment and comes with a measured amount of risk. So it's no wonder that businesses are often slow to adopt change.
But with the cost and time to design, develop and manufacture Soft Goods or Sewn Products constantly increasing, the transition to digital processes is inevitable. In fact, in several soft goods markets including custom inflatables, the move is now required for any manufacturer that plans to remain competitive.
Why not now?
Digital design and patterning software solutions like ExactFlat are used by designers, engineers and technicians to make it faster, and cheaper to take sewn products from design to manufacturing.
For manufacturers of inflatable products such as rigid inflatable boats, balloons, custom air structures and buildings, ExactFlat can help you design, develop, prototype, cost and manufacture (see more here) your products faster and with a simpler process.
Regardless of whether you are reverse engineering, editing previous designs, or starting from scratch, making the move to digital will provide cost, quality and time-to-market benefits.
Cameron Balloons are the world's most experienced and largest manufacturer of hot-air balloons. They build all types of fabric and inflatable structures and made the transition to digital patterning with ExactFlat several years ago.
Existing users of ExactFlat are creating accurate, production-ready flat patterns, nested cut files and manufacturing drawings directly from their 3D CAD files. And all in a fraction of the time it used to take. ExactFlat digital patterning software is helping these manufacturers improve business processes in several critical design and pre-production areas.
Integrating 3D design and pattern making.
All design inputs such as size, shape, cut line location and physical properties are consolidated on one platform, streamlining your product development workflow. Changes made in the 3D model are immediately shown in the pattern pieces. Working within a single system also means you don't need to hassle with file format conversion, another common source of errors.
Digital Patterning integrates design and pattern making into one environment. Simplifying the process and reducing the risk of miscommunication or conversion errors.
Producing accurate 2D flat pattern in minutes.
ExactFlat eliminates manual steps by automating the flattening and pattern making process. The 3D design model converts into 2D pattern pieces in a matter of minutes. Advanced fabric simulation algorithms that incorporate specific material behaviors ensure precise and accurate patterns.
Digital Patterning is the only practical path to shorten pattern creation time and increase profitability on every project. Click on the image to see the tools in action.
Optimizing pattern engineering tasks.
Real-time feedback makes production-ready patterning simple. Tasks for creating and changing pattern details such as seams, notches, hardware tags and other manufacturing features are fast and flexible. Company-specific standards can be incorporated into the software to help drive consistency and streamline fabrication. Automated material usage optimization and costing tools also aid in increasing profitability analysis.
Speak with the Experts
For manufacturers looking for competitive advantage by saving design and production time, reducing development cost, or improving design flexibility, ExactFlat, the leader in 3D to 2D flattening software can help. Click on the link below to schedule a time to speak with one of our experts