Textiles - Mass Production Systems and Techniques - VEA

Glossary
Textiles - Mass Production - Systems and Techniques
Batch system
A type of industrial production method where a specific amount of identical items are made at the
same time.
Bespoke production
A type of production method where only one textile product is made. It is individually tailored to fit an
individual's body measurements. The customer selects material and design and personal details are
added, for example a longer length of sleeve. For example the tailor made suits made by bespoke tailor
Timothy Everest.
Dye/die cutter
It works much like a pastry cutter with each die being the same shape ad size as the required pattern
pieces. These are stamped out to create identical and exact shapes. A press or die cutting is good for
stable flat fabrics that need to be cut extremely accurately and for products where very fine tolerances
are needed. It is also used for materials that are difficult to cut without extreme pressure, for example
leather, coated and laminated materials. It is good for mass produced items requiring the same patterns
over a long period of time.
Hot drill marker
The hot drill is a vertical hot probe. It makes small visible holes in the fabric layers. It is used to
accurately pierce a multiple layer of cut pieces to mark an important place, for example where a dart
needs to be sewn. It can be used to make the holes more durable.
JIT manufacturing system
A type of industrial production method where all parts of a product arrive at the manufacturing point
just in time for production to reduce costs.
Lay plan
Process to show the most efficient use of pattern pieces on a piece of fabric prior to cutting. The
programme shows this being done electronically on a white board for a kayaking vest.
Progressive bundle system
A method of industrial production used for larger fixed amounts of identical products. The programme
shows this system being used in the production of sweatshirts.
Quality control
Tests and inspections are carried out to ensure that the product meets the specification criteria.
Seal
A sample of a product, made to a correct and agreed specification. This is sealed by the customer or
test house and thereafter used in conjunction with an agreed written specification as the standard to
which bulk production will be manufactured and used in any subsequent inspection or dispute.
Sourcing fabrics
The process of researching and finding the appropriate type of material for a product, and identifying a
reliable and suitable supplier for that material.
Standard minutes
The standard time allowed to perform an operation, including rest allowance.
Tolerance
The allowed variation in size or weight etc of a product.
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