Members of ASTM Subcommittee D13.66 on Apparel and Sewn Product Automation are spinning bobbins in the sewing industry with plans to develop a standard computer file format for pattern data exchange. When sewing patterns are converted to the proposed format, previously incompatible pattern data can be exchanged by computer-aided design (CAD) systems around the world.

Part of Committee D13 on Textiles, D13.66 was formed in March ’00 to standardize the automation process of apparel and sewn products from design to finished product. Broad interest is evident from the array of stakeholders working on this activity; subcommittee members include product and pattern designers, manufacturing engineers, software designers, programmers, user-company contracting, sourcing, and manufacturing managers, as well as customer service, sales, and suppliers’ reps. Additional input from end-users in the sewn-products industry, such as CAD software producers and programmers, is invited.

The proposed standard file format for pattern data exchange was launched seven years ago by the American Apparel Manufacturers Association and recently brought to ASTM, explained Kurt Chang, an industrial engineer with myfit.com, Seattle, Wash., who chairs the task group that is developing the format. Upon its completion, he said, it will improve production in huge markets.

Comments may be directed to Kurt Chang, Apt. 3C, 1562 3rd Ave., New York, NY 10128-3147 (212/289-7965; fax: 212/289-6014). Committee D13 meets March 25-28 in Phoenix, Ariz. For meeting information, contact Staff Manager Bode Hennegan, ASTM (610/832-9740). //

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