Why are you trusting your business to 2D? Part I

In the past the greatest struggle in reducing the costs of manufacturing of textiles (bags, shoes, shirts, etc…) has been an inability to eliminate the manual steps in the process. But dramatic developments over the past decade have lead to new 3D design, patterning and pre-production tools that have almost entirely automated the process.

What’s the problem anyway?

The adoption of digital design and patterning processes are required in order to ensure continued competitiveness and profitability.

2D CAD tools are not “digital enough.”  They still dictate a high level of manual interaction for everything from design creation to “trial and error” type pattern making.

3D Digital Design and Production Process

The key to successfully achieving the automation benefits of a digital design and patterning process is the implementation of 3D.   Use of the 3D model allows the designer to communicate and control all important aspects of the design at every step of the project.  It’s also plays a critical part in accelerating the entire process by reducing and in most cases eliminating recreation of design information.

Capturing The Design in 3D

The real world we live in is 3D.  It is extremely difficult if not impossible for 2D CAD tools to accurately capture the complexities of 3D products.   3D CAD tools are better at this in every way.  In addition, 3D CAD models provide a single consistent record of the design.  Once created the 3D model can be used for everything from validating performance (FEA) to generating accurate renderings used to share design concepts with clients or other members of the team.  

Using 3D makes it easy to capture your design concept and to leverage the model throughout the entire design to production process.

Another important considering is that 3D CAD tools support the use of parameters which automate creating variations of the design.  (ex. change a parameter and convert the basis garment from size “small” to size “medium” with one button click).   This capability alone can save hours of design time.  Finally, 3D models are easy to edit so changes or problems identified in the design can be corrected and incorporated quickly with minimum effort.   

What’s Next?

With 3D CAD and ExactFlat, it’s a simple process to

• Get help developing an accurate digital representation of your design
• Customize the model to quickly generate different versions of “sizes”
• Convert the 3D design into the desired 2D patterns in minutes

In Part II of this series we’ll explore the details of the production process and the additional advantages of 3D.

If you want to know more about Digital Design and Patterning and how it supports the workflow for design and production of garments and apparel, click the link below and book time to talk to an expert.