Did you know that fabric spreading machines were invented in the late 1960s, when vehicle demand was booming and there was a huge labor demand for automobile seat fabric?
Why do factories need fabric spreading machine?
Fabric spreading is the preparatory process of smoothly laying out fabric of a defined length in superimposed layers. It is the vital first step of fabric production. During the spreading process, large rolls of fabric are unraveled onto a long, flat surface, in preparation for cutting.
Fabric layers should be perfectly aligned in the exact same size. Spreading can either be carried out in a straight lay, in which all layers are cut the same length, or a stepped lay, where fabric lengths are staggered. The type of fabric lay depends on the desired style of the finished product. A thin marker is then placed on top of the fabric to ensure accurate cutting.
Spreading is the foundation of a high-quality finished product. In fact, the quality of the cutting process largely depends on how well the fabric is spread. Wrinkles or kinks can lead to poor-quality results, product defects, or even fabric wastage. The layers of fabricmust be spread at an identical tension in order to avoid fabric defects during the cutting process. This is crucial, especially as mass production can mean that up to 200 layers of fabric are cut at once.
How do fabric spreading mchine works?
A fabric spreading machine is a machine that spreads fabric for manufacturing. Fabric spreading machines remove the need to manually spread material, which is time-consuming, exhausting, and can lead to inaccuracies.
Before the manual spreading process even begins, 2-4 people must cut the fabric by hand, constantly realigning the fabric to ensure it is properly stacked. Between 2-6 people are required to manually spread fabric, depending on the factory size, leading to higher labor costs. To manually make a t-shirt, one layer of fabric needs to be cut to the exact size requirements using scissors, then sewed together. Manually spreading and cutting fabric is too time-consuming for the demands of mass production, meaning that factories must adapt to the increasing demands of modern manufacturing. Instead of cutting one layer of fabric at a time by hand, factories need to cut as many layers as possible at once.
Luckily, fabric spreading machines are now able to help with the supply and demand of modern manufacturing. With a fabric spreading machine, fabric is loaded onto the machine and then checked manually for creases or wrinkles. The machine then automatically lays the fabric down in layers, cutting it off at the end. The number of layers depends upon fabric thickness and how many garments are required. An automated spreader has a high travel speed of up to 90m per minute. With a fabric spreading machine, there is no need for human intervention, meaning that excess manpower can be dispersed elsewhere.
What are the benefits of a fabric spreading machine?
Fabric spreading machines are essential for garment companies with high production volume. They can perfectly handle the requirements of mass production without exhausting staff. The global worker shortage means that garment factories must find ways to meet demand with reduced manpower, and the best solution is automation through the use of a fabric spreading machine.
Along with being time-consuming and exhausting, manual fabric spreading also requires a factory that is large enough for multiple workers. Factories are hot and uncomfortable for workers, and the risk of injury is high. Fabric spreading machines eliminate these issues entirely.
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Increase production capacity
Fabric spreading machines are faster and more accurate than manual spreading. Furthermore, spreading using a fabric spreading machine is six times more efficient. A spreading machine can prepare 4000 - 4500 yards of fabric over an 8-hour period, compared with 1200 - 1500 yards manually. Increased production speed means greater production capacity, which can only mean a higher return on investment.
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Decreased manpower, reduced workload
Using a fabric spreading machine increases accuracy and reduces fabric wastage. They ensure that the same tension is used for each fabric layer, which is vital for a more precise cut. Clothing sizes are consistent, leading to happier end users. Quality spreading means high-quality products.
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Enhanced precision
Automation using a fabric spreading machine removes the need for manual spreading which is exhausting for factory staff. Machine spreading only requires 2 people, compared with manual spreading that requires 6, and workload is dramatically reduced. Factories can reallocate excess staff, boosting efficiency whilst reducing costs.
Fabric spreading machines are a long-term investment designed to enhance efficiency and save money. They are suitable for heavy-duty spreading that would otherwise require significant manpower.
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Safety first
A fabric spreading machine reduces the risk of injury from leaning across spreading tables and cutting fabric manually. People feel exhausted, but a machine never will.
Conclusion
Fabric spreading is a crucial first step of the garment production process. Inaccurate spreading may impact the finished product, leading to recalls and defects. Fabric spreading machines increase spreading accuracy in preparation for a more accurate cut. Although they are a convenient alternative to manual spreading, it must be noted that machines may be unsuitable for materials such as leather. Talk to us today to discuss your fabric spreading needs.
