Coupled with the extension of several existing Areas, the event presents a new concurrent trade fair, dubbed the Munich Apparel Source. Located in the MTC, this debut show represents the next stage in the supply chain. The Bluezone, Europe’s biggest denim show spotlighting 100 brands, opens its doors for three days, also concurrently with the Munich Fabric Start. The “Denim Club” is hosting talks and workshops on the topic of “The Infinite”. Located in the Bluezone, this event aims to encourage companies to stop thinking in seasons, but to flow with trends that are implemented in the process of “real life necessities”. The Keyhouse is likewise open for three days, unveiling new technologies, future fabrics, bionomics and macro trends.

Realize now!

A genuine highlight for visitors, the Microfactory takes centre stage under the heading “Realize now - in four steps from design to product”. Following in the footsteps of Heimtextil and Techtextil/Texprocess (Frankfurt), the Munich Fabric Start is also exhibiting a complete process chain, even for batch size 1, comprising CAD/design, printing, cutting and piece welding. Coordinated once again by the German Institute for Textile and Fibre Research (DITF), Denkendorf, the project in Munich demonstrates the production of a running shirt made of functional materials from Schoeller – based entirely on the designs of visitors who can hold the finished, sewn product in their hands at the end of the process chain. The production line incorporates the Cad.Assyst and Vidya technology from Assyst (Human Solutions).

In conversation with textile network, Dr. Andreas Seidl, CEO of the Human Solutions Group, stated: “Digitalisation is the magic word that is currently occupying companies in almost every industry and, in the apparel industry, for example, the digitalisation of work steps is already in full swing. Now is the time to take advantage of the benefits of digitalisation, not only in the individual phases of product development, but also throughout the entire process chain, right down to the finished product. Microfactories are a model for the future!” Visitors interested in gaining a realistic impression of the production process, should not miss the Microfactory at the Munich Fabric Start!

Additional highlights

More than 1,000 suppliers, including around 90 international first-time exhibitors, are showing over 1,700 collections in the fields of fabrics and additionals. Companies from the Far East are presenting their trends in the Asia Salon, whilst individual prints and creative design solutions are the focus of attention in the Design Studios. Li Edelkoort is holding her trend talk for the Autumn/Winter 18/19 season, also providing a glimpse of the trends for Spring/Summer 19. The first-ever Munich Apparel Source takes place in the nearby MTC (shuttle service provided between the MOC and MTC), featuring more than 200 internationally operating sourcing offices and production companies. This is complemented by a diverse conference and seminar programme about pioneering aspects of sourcing and the imminent revolution in the fashion industry.

The partner of the Microfactory 4 Fashion at the MFS: “In four steps from design to product“

CAD/Design

The process starts with the creation of the appealing designs by Mitwill Textile. This is followed by the development of the design in CAD. The correct coloring is ensured thanks to the multispectral systems by the caddon company and by the digital color books the caddon systems produce. The design is then prepared for cutting and assembly with the aid of a 3D simulation. Identifying QR codes and position markers are integrated into the production order for later position detection. These steps are implemented by Assyst GmbH, a subsidiary of the Human Solutions Group together with Printcubator by Mitwill.

Printing

The Tex-Print program by the company Ergosoft enables the color-consistent preparation of the design data for digital printing. Printing of the individual designs on transfer paper from the Coldenhove company then takes place on the Mimaki digital sublimation printer. Thermal transfer on to ‘Heatjet’ calenders ensures a brilliant print image. The Multi-Plot company, a system partner, offers turnkey solutions for the entire process step. The can:view systems by the Caddon company en-sure simultaneous visual and metrological color control at all the sites involved – in real time.

Cutting

The order is detected with the help of cameras and the identifying tags. Exact position detection is possible thanks to the integrated position markers and the material is cut fully automatically in accordance with the selected order parameters. This work step is carried out using state-of-the-art digital cutting systems by Zünd Systemtechnik AG.

Piece welding

In the last live process step, ultrasonic welding machines from Pfaff are used to weld the individual pieces into a finished product.