At Texprocess to be held from May 9 to 12 in Germany, a digital textile micro factory will present a live demonstration of an integrated production chain for apparel. Micro factories offer the opportunity to put ideas into practice immediately and to try out new business models, based on specific customer requirements. They facilitate a type of production that is responsive to the market and, as an additional bonus, ensure optimised use of material, so as to contribute to greater levels of sustainability in textile processing.

The first stage in the micro factory is the CAD/Design area. Creative designs are put into effect in a virtual reality and/or adapted. The data that emerge from this are immediately merged with data for subsequent processes, such as the digital printing of the textile, the cutting out and sewing.

The next stage demonstrates large format inkjet printing. Manufacturing tasks can be flexibly combined here with various printing parameters so as to produce a print with reproducible colors. After this comes the cutting area. A feeder system at the cutter ensures that the material is transported as smoothly as possible and without distortion.

For assembling, the cut-out elements of the various orders are also identified in a context-specific manner and added to the garment. In labeling the garments will be provided with logos and graphic details that will be washable, can be ironed and are suitable for dryers.