Gerber Steps Up 3D, PDM Capabilities
Tolland, Conn.–based Gerber Technology is taking a step into the third dimension. The company has formalized a deal with Los Angeles–based Browzwear Ltd. to develop an enhanced interface that will seamlessly integrate Gerber’s products and Browzwear’s V-Stitcher 3D visualization solution.
Pattern makers, designers and others use V-Stitcher to visualize garment modeling in 3D form in Gerber’s AccuMark pattern- design, grading and marking systems. V-Stitcher enables designers to create virtual garments from 2D patterns and drape them over 3D body images. According to Gerber, the process reduces productapproval and production times by allowing all members of the supply chain to collaborate and visualize products accurately and without having to create product samples.
“We look forward to continuing ongoing technical collaboration as we promote the advanced 3D capabilities of the Browzwear product through our organization,” said James Arthurs, president of Gerber Technology.
The announcement coincides with the new releases of AccuMark and WebPDM, Gerber’s pattern-making and product data management (PDM) tools. New enhancements for AccuMark V8 include Microsoft SQL database compatibility for large-enterprise users, more powerful notch-positioning controls, advanced seam-allowance generation, automatic generation of more than 20 different seam corners and accelerated background batch processing.
In addition, the new release includes a new pattern-conversion wizard that facilitates data exchanges with most CAD systems throughout the industry.
Gerber has expanded browser-client capabilities in WebPDM V4 to enable remote users and partners to collaborate on product specifications. The company said it has simplified the software’s user interface and improved access to published documents. The new version supports tools such as Artifex Software Inc.’s Ghostscript PostScript and Data Dynamic’s ActiveReports, which are used for printing and updates. Users can now perform mass updates in one step, said Gerber’s Director of Software Product Management Sabrena McBride.
“As manufacturers and retailers know, one small change to a portion of a design can have a ripple effect in other areas of the design, so it is important that all product stakeholders are on the same page at any given time in the product lifecycle,” McBride said. “WebPDM brings together all product-related data into one central place and enables upto- the-minute product data to be shared and modified in real time via a Web browser. Suppliers, manufacturers and customers are able to share, modify, provide feedback on and track the product throughout its lifecycle.” —Robert McAllister
