Made-to-measure clothing
On the basis of individual customer preferences (model type, color, features) and the customer body measurements exact and customized CAD-models of the desired garment respectively their components – the virtual garment - are created with the help of a virtual construction method.

In doing so, again, two fields of functions have to be distinguished: First, the virtual patterns have to satisfy the requirements of the 3D-simulation. Second, they must be provided in the format required by the production. Both areas work on the same basic data.

The main difference is that the customer-related data has to be processed in a different way for each particular task. For the production all clothing patterns are required in all needed shapes, e.g for undercollar, interlining etc. Furthermore, they have to exhibit the obligatory seam allowances.

By contrast, for the 3D simulation and visualization only the “main” patterns are required – those that are visible on the garments outside. Dependent parts like undercollar or interlinings do not matter. In addition, the 3D enabled patterns must be available without seam allowance, since the virtual sewing process joins edges without overlapping.

By contrast, for the 3D simulation and visualization only the “main” patterns are required – those that are visible on the garments outside. Dependent parts like undercollar or interlinings do not matter. In addition, the 3D enabled patterns must be available without seam allowance, since the virtual sewing process joins edges without overlapping.

Ready-made clothing
In case, a manufacturer does not posses proprietary patterns, the aforenamed made-to-measure concept has to be extended. This case constitutes the main focus in the field of pattern construction of the SiMaKon project. First, a procedure is necessary, that is able to calculate the measures required for pattern construction on the basis of the finished size measures of the complete ready-made garment.

Subsequently, the cut is generated with these measures: Single construction steps of the SiMaKon pattern generator can be parameterized concerning variants. This way, it is possible to generate different patterns, characterized by variants respectively features, starting from one single construction. Certainly, not only features shall be incorporated into the construction process but also product specifics, that are able to generate a pattern for the respective product. The goal is to build a modular construction system, ideally capable to reproduce the complete palette of conventional garment parts and thus to cover the whole product range of retailers.

As soon as the customer has decided in favor of an article of clothing in a specific size, the appropriate data for the patterns are sent via well-defined electronic interfaces to the fabrication system on the production site.