While the focus at Fespa was on solutions already established in the graphic arts industry such as i-cut Vision for process monitoring and control, which according to the company is already standard in digital cutting systems, laser cutters and routers, the latest development for a fully automated, integrated cutting and sewing process caused quite some furor at the US satellite of Frankfurt's Texprocess.

 At the booth of Henderson Sewing Machine Co. Inc. the Danish pioneer of sewing machine automation along with his partner for the US market demonstrated the “Automated CNC Flatbed Sewing & Laser Cutting Solution”. Based on FastSewn-founder Steen Mikkelsen and his team of engineer’s of research and development over years their patent-pending Moving CavityTechnology (MCTTM) proofs automation – free of manual handling –appears to be feasible in every other step of the process, from design to print to cutting to shape, we convince ourselves on site. Secret behind the achievement: MCT utilizes a conveyorized flatbed in combination with a “specialized” vacuum system for material hold-down-positioning and hence high precision over the entire process.

 Eliminating the need for manual sewers

 Supporting videos introduced options for entire process integration, showing feeding directly from rolls of textile, complete CNC patterned sewing, followed by cutting to shape, displayed along with the actual output via physical samples.

With a designated maximum sewing speed of 3,000 stitches per minute, the FastSewn solution addresses user demand to complete projects faster “without compromising on quality,” according to the statement accompanying the demonstration. To ensure consistent stitch quality and precision the system is equipped with a computerized system: Automatic feeding, sewing, and cutting of SEG keder at the industry’s finger tips.

First hand applications

 Using laser technology as the cut medium of choice the FastSewn’s groundbreaking innovation pre-dominantly addresses the needs and challenges faced in the manufacture of technical textiles and printed textile graphics through their sewing needs.

 FastSewn Systems are available in four widths and lengths, with manual roll feeders. Motorized feeders are an option, as are knife-cutting tools. They are also available in 1.2M, 1.8M, 2.2M, and 3.3M sizes, with both manual and motorized roll-off units, further elaborates Steen Mikkelsen to us, him also running the think tank Mikkelsen Innovation ApS, Aarhus, Denmark.

 It will be intriguing to see what other applications FastSewn will come up with in the future using MCTTM technology – as well with regard to all kind of materials for the apparel segment. This while following the declared company mission “to revolutionize how sewing enthusiasts and professionals approach their craft, embracing a variety of innovative features designed to enhance precision, speed, and ease of use.”

FastSewn Foundation Group: Watching out for more group members

“Early users of the FastSewn sewing and cutting solution will play a significant part in its early years of operation,” explains Jens Henrik Osmundsen, Director Sales Europe, Middle East & Africa: FastSewn has taken orders for the delivery of Beta Systems in Q4 2025. Once they provide stable performance, deliveries to an additional “15-25 Foundation” customers will begin.

 The members of this Foundation Group will make a purchase commitment to FastSewn, and in return will have the first right to access the technology during continued development and have the first opportunities to become early adopters while helping to accelerate the delivery of a useful solution to the marketplace. FastSewn is currently looking for additional group members to work with them to finalize the system’s development to meet industry needs.