Shelton Vision's WebSpector automated fabric inspection system has witnessed a surge in demand following a successful demonstration at ITMA 2023. The technology, capable of detecting faults on camouflage fabrics at speeds up to 100 meters per minute, has garnered an unprecedented number of orders across various textile sectors. In response to the heightened demand, Shelton Vision is expanding its workforce to meet delivery schedules and accommodate increased capacity.
Mark Shelton, CEO and Managing Director, notes a paradigm shift in the textile industry as a new generation of management embraces imaging technology and automated fabric inspection. The WebSpector, employing machine learning, boasts over 98% defect detection compared to 65% with manual inspection. The system's adaptability to complex patterns, even in distorted fabrics, positions it as a market leader.
Shelton's investment in a purpose-built, high-speed demonstration system underscores the growing interest. While automotive interiors and airbag sectors remain key markets, the technology finds application in performance wear, high-end fashion, denim, upholstery, sunscreen, mattress ticking, window dressings, and carbon fiber composites.
Supported by the British Textile Machinery Association (BTMA), Shelton Vision's technology is gaining traction globally. Jason Kent, BTMA CEO, emphasizes the industry's appetite for machine vision, predicting Shelton's technology to become the preferred solution for fault-free fabric manufacturing. The company, founded in 1940, has become a key player in automated textile inspection, benefitting from extensive research and development investment.
