Lectra says the new VectorFootwear iP6 will enable manufacturers to achieve significant material savings, with each millimetre of buffer reduction translating to a 1% reduction in fabric consumption.

While die presses are used in many footwear production facilities, dies cannot provide the speed and flexibility necessary to manage the increasing array of styling in this market, Lectra says. Implementing a digital production process or expanding/improving an already existing one is key for footwear manufacturers that would like to become the supplier of choice for the world’s top athletic footwear brands, it adds.

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Sustainability is also driving change in the footwear industry. Consumers’ purchasing choices reflect their growing concern for the well-being of the planet and the workers that produce their footwear.

Lectra developed VectorFootwear iP6 to help footwear manufacturers respond to consumers’ new buying behaviour with a digital, Industry 4.0-compliant production process. The new solution was developed to cut a wide array of textiles traditionally used in the footwear industry (mesh, foam, etc.) as well as non-traditional, more sustainable textiles, such as recycled materials.
Lectra’s R&D teams devoted three years to developing the technology required for zero-buffer cutting, which will enable footwear manufacturers to minimise material waste and adhere to brands’ and consumers’ increasing sustainability requirements. Low power consumption technology and durable consumables made from recyclable plastic will also enable companies to minimise their carbon footprint.
VectorFootwear iP6’s integrated laser scanners ensure worker safety and adhere to the highest security standards, including the European Directives 2006/42/CE, 2014/35/UE, 2014/30/UE, as well as North American standards such as UL 2011 and CAN/CSA C22.2 #73-1953-R2013.
Laser scanners ensure worker safety and adhere to the highest security standards, including the European Directives 2006/42/CE, 2014/35/UE, 2014/30/UE, as well as North American standards such as UL 2011 and CAN/CSA C22.2 #73-1953-R2013.
The use of continuous conveyor advance while cutting not only increases productivity but also provides a smoother offload flow which ensures that bundlers aren’t overwhelmed with too many pieces at once, according to Lectra.
Constant, real-time control of the cutting equipment is integral to VectorFootwear iP6’s ultraprecise cutting. The specially developed blades enable companies to achieve the “highest quality standard” for even the smallest pieces and the most complex shapes.

VectorFootwear customers can use Vector Dashboard, a cloud-based application, to monitor Vector equipment through daily key performance indicators and support continuous improvement initiatives. Thanks to centralised data, customers can identify key areas of improvement, focus on value-added activities and speed up the decision-making process.

“Lectra is committed to helping athletic footwear brands and manufacturers respond to a quickly changing industry. Our ongoing research investments are key in allowing us to develop sophisticated solutions that respond to our customers’ challenges, support their continuous improvement initiatives and help them improve their operational excellence. With VectorFootwear iP6, we provide our customers with the technology and expertise they need to meet their customers’ demands,” says Céline Choussy, chief product officer for Lectra.

The company recently inked a deal to acquire the entire capital and voting rights of the Romanian company Gemini CAD Systems in a move that will enhance the depth of its fashion software portfolio.

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