1. ICT Learning ladder You must:
identify a wide range of ICT applications in the textile industry.
give examples of CAD and CAM, and distinguish between the two.
You should:
link ICT to the globalization and the success of a business, and explain its impact.
use CAD/CAM in your own work.
You could:
debate the values issues linked to ICT.
© Folens 2009

2. Introduction
In pairs, mind map what you know about the terms CAD and CAM, e.g. what do the letters stand for?
What do the terms mean? Give examples of each.
How have you used CAD or CAM in your own work?
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3. ICT in the textiles industry
The textiles industry uses computers in a variety of different ways and they play a key part in the success of most companies.
CAD stands for Computer Aided Design and refers to the use of ICT in the design stage.
CAM stands for Computer Aided Manufacture and refers to the use of ICT during manufacturing, usually to control machines (which are called CNC machines).
It must not be forgotten that, as well as CAD and CAM, computers are used as a key tool for data, research and communication.
When a company uses a range of CAD/CAM systems to produce products and communicate between different companies this is known as Computer Integrated Manufacture (CIM).
Information can be exchanged electronically between all parties and sometimes between individual machines.
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4. Using ICT for research
The Internet can be used to do research to gather information and inspiration for a project, e.g. the use of trend prediction websites. This can save a lot of time.
The Internet can also be used for sourcing materials and components.
The Internet is an important marketing tool, which can be used to promote a company; most companies have their own website.
is a vital communication tool which cuts down on the number of meetings a company needs to have in order to make decisions.
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5. CAD – drawing and designing
There is a range of drawing and design software packages available. These allow you to design a wide variety of products from fashion items, to shoes, fabrics and interior products.
The advantage of using CAD software is that it saves you time: you can copy and paste ideas and then adapt them rather than having to redraw them. You can also scan in fabrics which can be draped onto your drawings.
Colourways can also be evaluated by copying and pasting drawings and colouring them in different colour schemes.
A disadvantage of CAD software is that it is expensive and can be complex to learn.
CAD colourways
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6. Task 1: designing
Use a CAD package to design a repeat pattern fabric print.
Produce three different colourways of your fabric print.
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7. CAD – 3D modelling
CAD software can be used to produce a 3D virtual reality simulation of a product.
Fabrics can be draped onto a drawing and ideas experimented with.
Accurate information can be gathered on how a design will behave in different conditions and this helps cut down on prototyping.
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8. CAD – pattern making
Some CAD software packages have pattern making software which allows you to make the pattern for your product from your drawing.
If a pattern is made from paper it can be input into the computer by digitizing it. This consists of key points around the pattern being fed into the computer.
Once a pattern has been made it can be graded to produce a range of sizes.
Computers are used to calculate an efficient layout for the pattern pieces on the fabric. This is called a marker.
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9. CAM – CNC machines
Machines controlled by computers are called CNC machines (Computer Numerically Controlled).
Examples of CNC machines include fabric spreading machines, fabric cutting machines, embroidery machines, weaving looms, knitting machines, Eton hanging system.
Some processes can be fully automated while others are only partly controlled by computers, e.g. temperature control on industrial irons.
The advantage of using CNC machines is that it is quicker to produce identical, quality products and more complex work can be carried out. More products can also be produced as computers can work continuously.
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10. CAM – new technologies
Digital printers look like ordinary printers but they print directly onto fabric.
The machines are expensive but they can significantly increase production as the fabric printing stage is quicker.
Digital printers can also be used for rapid prototyping, where pattern shapes can be printed with the fabric design ready for manufacturing.
Whole garment technology is where a 3D product can be woven or knitted without it having to be sewn together. This significantly reduces waste and manufacturing time.
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11. Extension
Outline the benefits of the Internet to a designer or manufacturer.
Describe two ways in which a CAD package would help a designer when designing a product range.
Explain how ICT can be used to help make paper patterns and fabric layouts.
Describe how the investment in a CNC machine can help a manufacturer reduce costs and add value to products for the consumer.
Include one example of a machine in your answer.
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12. Task 2: CAD or CAM?
Classify the following areas of ICT under the headings of CAD or CAM.
Embroidery machine
Whole garment technology
Drawings
Markers
Pattern making
Digital printer
Colourways
Eton hanging system
3D virtual reality modelling
Grading
Fabric spreading machine
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13. ICT and the retailer
E-merchandising is increasingly challenging the traditional high street. You can shop from the comfort of you own home and look at a wider variety of products and stores in a shorter amount of time.
Barcodes on products carry information on the product, price, size, fabric, store, manufacturer, and so on. and when this is scanned the EPOS (Electronic Point of Sale) till system communicates this information to the company’s head office.
This information can then be reviewed to evaluate sales trends.
Companies using just in time production systems use this information to help them know what the market demands are.
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14. Mass customization
A growing trend is the use of ICT to personalize products. This is called mass customization.
3D body scanning involves scanning the body to collect measurements. This is then used to produce products with a more personalized fit.
Many companies now allow you to customize colours, fabrics and motifs so your mass produced product has a personal touch.
Visit to look at how you can customize your trainers.
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15. Other uses of ICT
Product Data Management (PDM) software helps a company keep track of resources and costs, and so on.
Databases help companies organize and store information, and enable them to find information easily.
Spreadsheets enable companies to record data and do complex calculations and predictions. Information can also be presented in tables and charts to make it easier to understand.
Computers can be used to put together a presentation for a client. This could be a word processed document, a video, photographs, a PowerPoint® presentation, a chart, 3D models, CAD drawings, a mood/storyboard, and so on.
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16. Extension
Explain how computer technology can help a manufacturer keep track of a product’s sales.
Identify the benefits to the consumer and the manufacturer of mass customization.
Name three ways that designers could use ICT to present design ideas to a client.
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17. Advantages of ICT
Time and labour costs reduced and production increased.
Greater consistency and accuracy in production.
All the advantages of not being human – no pay, no complaints, no sickness, no unions, no special conditions, no breaks, skill level never deteriorates, easy to retrain/re-program.
Can make complex predictions quickly.
Can work in hazardous conditions.
Ability to communicate and work globally and to reach a large target audience via the Internet.
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18. Disadvantages of ICT Set-up costs are high.
Loss of skills and jobs as computerized machines replace workers. The jobs that remain can be repetitive.
Encourages globalization and all the negative impact that can have.
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19. ICT and globalization
Globalization is a term that refers to a company being able to work on an international scale.
Many companies have head offices in one country, source materials from a range of countries, manufacture in countries where labour costs are cheaper and then sell their products across the world.
The Internet and ICT play a key role in the success of globalization. Communication across the world is easier and the global access to resources means the manufacturer can identify the cheapest suppliers easily.
Consumers can access a wider range of products from across the world, which encourages a consumer society.
© Folens 2009