The India-based Tuka Academy of Pattern Engineering (T.A.P.E.) has announced it will offer a 3-D
design and prototyping curriculum for pattern engineering students, becoming the first apparel
institute in the world to offer such a program as a career option. Tukatech Inc. — a Los
Angeles-based provider of product development solutions for the apparel industry — founded T.A.P.E.
in 2006 to offer training in pattern-making in response to the increasing demand for the skill in
India.
T.A.P.E.’s new curriculum incorporates theory and hands-on practical knowledge, with
instruction on developing sample patterns, adding grading, and making markers using Tukatech’s
TUKAcad software. Students learn how to design a pattern and drape the garment on a virtual model
using Tukatech’s e-fit Simulator software. The curriculum also includes conversational English to
help students to communicate in the global apparel industry.
Because of the rising demand for better-fitting garments and quicker turnaround, apparel
manufacturers have recently begun to adopt 3-D prototyping and design for garment manufacturing to
reduce costs and increase quality. Two such Tirupur, India-based manufacturers — Poppy’s Knit Wear
Pvt. Ltd. and S.P. Apparels Ltd. — have replaced their existing computer-aided-design (CAD) systems
with TUKAcad digital pattern-making, grading and marker-making systems. The companies also have
installed SMARTmark and Net-Q, Tukatech’s advanced marker-making software.
Poppy’s manufactures knitted and woven garments for clients including Sara Lee Underwear,
Polo Ralph Lauren, Hanes, Domino’s, Red Devil Clothing, and other apparel makers. According to
Tukatech, Poppy’s has seen a 27-percent increase in cutting room production efficiency and has
saved more than 10 percent on fabric consumption since installing the Tukatech systems.
S.P. Apparels manufactures apparel for clients including George, Tesco and Disney. According
to S.P. Apparels, using Tukatech’s SMARTmark software has helped the company reduce consumption,
connect its factories, and save fabric.
July 29, 2008
