How to set up a plotter room for your fashion business?9 min read

Summary 

• Marking is a critical part of efficient apparel production, streamlining the entire workflow.
• To achieve optimal results, select a plotter that delivers high precision, speed, and ease of use.
• By investing in the right technology, you can enhance your production process and bottom line. Try Audaces360 solutions for free! 

Every growing fashion business faces the challenge of scaling production while maintaining quality. To achieve this, strategic investments become essential. 

You might consider expanding into new markets or even increasing your workforce. Unfortunately, none of this will help if you don’t have the right equipment as a foundation. 

To assist you, we’ve created this guide focusing on a crucial aspect of clothing production: the plotter room. Our tips will equip you to evaluate the best way to print your patterns and markings precisely and quickly. 

Happy reading! 

Why rely on pattern printing in your garment manufacturing? 

Incorporating pattern printing in your clothing production offers numerous advantages. They include improved productivity, reduced errors, and a higher level of quality in finished products. 

This is because specialized software digitally creates the initial pattern. Then, they use advanced intelligent systems to calculate the optimal fabric usage for each one of them. Finally, the software creates the marking and sends it to the printer. 

A plotter is a specialized machine for this type of printing. Manufacturers plan every component, from assembly parts to paper and ink cartridges, to ensure superior results. 

The quality of the equipment is crucial for transferring the digital design accurately to paper and, ultimately, to fabric.  

To maintain the equipment’s performance and ensure its lifespan, some basic conditions are necessary. 

They include placing it on a stable surface, in a place free of moisture and not exposed to the dust commonly found in factories. The dust caused by cutting fabrics can infiltrate the printer, risking damage. 

That’s why a plotter room is created: to provide the ideal environment for optimal printer operation and durability. 

Additionally, the professional responsible for printing patterns and markings has a suitable work environment to perform their tasks. 

They often work near the noisy production floor, where machinery and constant movement can disrupt focus. Thus, a dedicated plotter room provides a controlled environment for your team and equipment, enhancing focus and productivity. 

Learn more: 4 reasons to create automatic marker on the computer 

Key factors to consider when setting up a plotter room 

You must consider some factors when setting up a plotter room for your garment manufacturing operations. 

The choice of the plotter is obviously the most important. Keep these factors in mind when making your decision to maximize your investment: 

High precision 

High-precision print is paramount for accurate markings. Even the slightest discrepancy can compromise the original pattern and lead to faulty finished products. 

By ensuring a precise result from the plotter room, you not only enhance the garment’s aesthetic appeal, but also optimize fabric usage and minimize production errors. 

To confirm this feature’s performance, observe it in a working environment. Trade shows or direct contact with the manufacturer’s sales department can provide this opportunity. 

Speed and efficiency 

Printing speed is a key factor in maximizing your plotter room’s efficiency. While high-quality prints are crucial, they should not come at the expense of speed. 

Given the high volume of daily prints, slow machines can create bottlenecks and hinder your entire workflow. 

This often occurs when purchasing plotters that are not industry-specific. General-purpose plotters may not meet your specific speed and efficiency requirements.  To avoid this, seek out companies that specialize in your sector. 

Consult the product specifications to determine the number of meters of paper it can print per hour. 

To further enhance your production efficiency, explore our professional tips. Download our free infographic to learn how technology can propel your business forward!

Ease of use 

Assuming the equipment meets the previous criteria, it’s time to now focus on user-friendliness. 

Once invested, you’ll want your team to quickly adopt the new technology. After all, excessive training can hinder adoption. 

Ensure advanced features are intuitive. Consider the integration with your pattern making and marker systems. Look for solutions from the same manufacturer, as they usually offer seamless integration. 

In addition, inquire about the availability of training materials and support resources to assist with any operational queries. 

Learn more: Learn how to choose the best fashion CAD for your business 

Sustainability 

To maintain sustainable practices throughout your production processes, ensure your plotter room is eco-friendly as well. 

Assess the equipment’s paper efficiency by examining available paper roll widths. For instance, if your banners are 185cm, a 225cm paper width would be unnecessary and wasteful. 

Another attention point is energy consumption. The most modern options tend to be more economical and operate very efficiently. 

Learn more: Find out how fast fashion and sustainability can coexist in the apparel industry 

Advantages of a plotter room in fashion production 

You’re establishing a plotter room to achieve better results, right? So, let’s explore the key benefits this investment offers your company: 

• Reduction in cutting errors: plotter rooms reduce the risk of human error, decreasing waste and improving product quality.
• Silent operation: advanced plotters minimize noise pollution, creating a quieter work environment for employees.
• Production speed-up: increased production speed, enabled by plotter rooms, accelerates production timelines and improves delivery times.
• Improvement in product quality: precise marking results in efficient cutting. It contributes to higher-quality finished products, enhancing brand reputation. 

Learn more: 4 key steps to streamline your fashion production process 

How to choose which plotter room to invest in?

1) Research different types of plotters available 

The plotter market offers a wide range of technologies. For textile production, a highly specialized plotter will yield better results. 

Factors such as print precision, speed, software integration, and overall cost should guide your selection. 

Evaluate the diverse plotter technologies available to pinpoint the features that best suit your production demands and budget. 

Additionally, consider the physical footprint of the plotter. Ensure that the chosen model fits within your designated plotter room without obstructing workflow. Plotters are often substantial machines and require ample space. 

Learn more: Why should your company invest in fabrication technology? 

2) Assess your garment manufacturing needs 

Before taking the first step in setting up your plotter room, assess the main areas for improvement in your production. 

Carefully evaluate your production volume, pattern complexity, and desired level of digitalization to determine the optimal plotter size and capabilities. 

Consider factors such as daily marking quantities, pattern intricacy, and the degree of automation required in your workflow. 

This analysis will help you identify the plotter specifications that align with your business goals. 

Learn more: 5 strategies to optimize your production with efficient fashion 

3) Compare the capabilities of each plotter model 

Manufacturers offer a wide range of plotter features, investing in different technologies. 

There are some simpler plotters that are the entry point for process digitalization. They provide a basic level of automation but may lack advanced functionalities. 

While these features aren’t strictly necessary, they can significantly improve workflow efficiency. 

For example, a paper-out sensor is a valuable feature. Without it, an employee must constantly monitor paper levels, potentially interrupting productivity. Plotters equipped with this sensor offer greater autonomy. 

More advanced plotters often include automated features that reduce the need for constant monitoring. 

Before purchasing, carefully compare the technical specifications of different models to identify the features that best align with your specific production requirements. 

4) Consider technical assistance and manufacturer support 

This is a very important point to consider when purchasing any equipment. However, people often overlook the importance of after-sales support when making a purchase. 

While no one anticipates encountering issues with a new plotter, problems can arise. Therefore, it’s essential that the manufacturer’s support is readily accessible. 

The technical support team should be available and responsive to any inquiries or issues. All equipment requires periodic maintenance to ensure optimal performance, making reliable support vital. 

Furthermore, it’s advisable to utilize the manufacturer’s own technical team. Engaging third-party technicians may compromise the equipment’s functionality. 

Only authorized service personnel have access to original parts, ensuring warranty coverage and proper repairs. 

Enhance your pattern printing efficiency with Audaces Jet Lux

The Audaces Jet Lux is the top choice on the market for fashion businesses aiming to invest in a plotter room. 

We have leveraged our over 30 years of textile industry expertise to create a cutting-edge plotter. It’s robust, fast, and precise, capable of meeting the demands of businesses of all sizes. 

Completely integrated into our full software package for the fashion industry, it delivers the efficiency your company needs. 

Start your digitalization process now! Explore Audaces technology to print perfect markings, saving time and resources with our industrial plotter. 

By purchasing Audaces equipment, you can count on specialized technical support. Our team relies on professionals prepared to meet your needs promptly and effectively. Our goal is for you to always get the most out of your product! 

Experience the future of fashion technology. Click here to learn more about the Audaces Jet Lux and its features.

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