Lectra, a leader in integrated technology solutions dedicated to industries using fabrics, leather, technical textiles and composite materials, has developed an all-new Vector fabric-cutting solution that aims to help suppliers address the challenges of manmade materials.

Lectra’s VectorAuto iX6 is specially designed to cut synthetics, with an ultra-precision cutting head to produce perfectly cut parts for interior and seat components, optimising the cost per cut part. The new cutter is said to increase cutting capacity by 20% or more, compared to models currently available on the market, according to the manufacturer. The increase in productivity is achieved by minimising the risk of layers fusing, which enables a greater number of plies to be cut, the company reports.

By optimising the marker to reduce spacing between parts, the new solution is also said to enable potential material gains of up to 3% that can save hundreds of thousands of dollars per year per cutting line. Japanese vehicle-seating cut parts supplier Ark has already achieved increased production volume since its recent acquisition of the new cutter. “The high degree of cutting accuracy enabled by the blade stress control of Vector iX6 will allow us to increase our production capability by nearly 20%,” commented Kiichi Mizoue, President, Ark.

Overcoming challenges

The scarcity of leather continues to drive up the price of bovine hides in the automotive upholstery industry as demand outstrips supply. The surging price of leather has led a growing number of automotive suppliers to turn to imitation materials. Cheaper and more resistant to extreme temperatures and humidity, new varieties of vinyl and other synthetics are gaining popularity among consumers, especially in Asia.

However, newly developed synthetic materials used in components like headrests and armrests, present a wide range of challenges. The shapes required to produce increasingly sophisticated seat designs are gradually becoming more complex. The technical limitations of fabric cutters restrict the number of plies that can be cut due to the risk of fusion. Additionally, the extra spacing necessary to achieve small, intricate parts can result in material losses and low cutter productivity.

Lectra’s newest Vector model is designed to efficiently overcome the complexities involved in cutting imitation materials. “We are pleased to demonstrate our agility and responsiveness to evolving market needs,” said Céline Choussy Bedouet, Chief Marketing and Communications Officer, Lectra. “This highly specialised solution meets new manufacturing requirements stemming from a recent but growing trend.”

Lectra

Lectra is a leader in integrated technology solutions (software, automated cutting equipment, and associated services) specifically designed for industries using fabrics, leather, technical textiles, and composite materials to manufacture their products.

It serves major world markets, including fashion and apparel, automotive, and furniture, as well as a broad array of other industries. Lectra’s solutions, specific to each market, enable customers to automate and optimize product design, development, and manufacturing. With more than 1,500 employees, Lectra has developed relationships with customers in more than 100 countries.

www.lectra.com