COMPUTER AIDED MANUFACTURE

• computer-aided manufacture relies on the computer software to control CNC machines
• these enable the automated production of textiles through fibres, yarns and fabrics
• knitting machines and looms, fabric spreading, cutting machines, etc, all make use of CAM

• the first true knitted sock was made in the 7th-9th century, although knit-like structures were known in Peru around 1100BC
• remained the chief method for making footwear

FLAT KNITTING;

• is the only method for producing shapes, fully-fashioned textile goods
• has remained a very labour-intensive process
• in the 1990s however, Shima Seiki fully automatic seamless glove knitting machines were developed using weft-knit technology
• could shape entire gloves with closed fingertips  and requires no post-stitching of the finger tubes
• this enabled the development of WholeGarment technology in which an entire sweater could be knitted without any sewing or linking
• eliminates cut loss and waste
• lowers material costs per item
• reduces material consumption making it more environmentally friendly
• eliminates bulk
• an advancement of WholeGarment technology was the introduction of FIRST (Fully fashiooned, Intarsia, Rib transfer and Sinker) machines which provide increased pattern capability like flared skirts
• allows for…