What does an automatic computerised cloth cutting machine for made to measure tailoring look like?

Many customers are confused about hand cutting, laser cut, machine cutting etc.

The traditional way is for a cutter (a human being) to lay the pattern pieces on the cloth, mark in with tailors chalk and then cut out the cloth with a large pair of shears.

There are several problems, each cutter may have a different skill level and may not interpret the measurements in the same way. Your second order may not fit the same way as your first order.

The most efficient, cost effective method is to use an automated cutting machine. The style and set measurements are inputted into the computer, The cloth is laid on a vacuum table covered with a thin film to hold the cloth in place. A beam with a very small knife travels down the table and cuts out the garment. It is similar to a sophisticated CAD system. The cutting machine is accurate, cost effective, reduces fabric wastage, cloths with a check design are also cut to perfection. The downside is that this technology is very expensive and beyond the reach of small companies.

Increased productivity means lower unit costs and higher wages. This makes employment in the clothing industry a viable prospect.

I know my comments will be criticised by traditional tailors. These days an industry that relies on individual hand work is not scalable, not accurate, cannot attract new employees as wages are too low. This is just one of the factors as to why we only have a handful of viable mens clothing factories left in the UK.