Munich Fabric Start Exhibitions GmbH launches FABRIC.iD – a process for the complete digitization of fabrics. The new texture scanner xTex and the colour scanner can:scan transform textiles into virtual data. The result: digital twins that reproduce the texture and colour of the materials realistically and flawlessly.

Munich Fabric Start Exhibitions GmbH, organiser of the International Fabric Trade Show MUNICH FABRIC START and the International Denim Trade Show BLUEZONE, is now offering the digitization service FABRIC.iD to support digital processes in the first step of the textile supply chain. From structure to colour composition to rigidity – the innovative texture and colour scanners xTex and can:scan from software companies Vizoo GmbH and Caddon Printing & Imaging GmbH capture all the details of the texture and translate them into virtual data. Digitization generates a unique fabric ID which makes the textiles technically identifiable, traceable and usable. The result: digital, realistic fabrics.

The service was first presented in all facets during MUNICH FABRIC START, from 31 August – 02 September 2021 in Munich. The process expands MUNICH FABRIC START’s range of products to digital, indefinitely.

“We are incredibly proud to be able to offer FABRIC.iD at MUNICH FABRIC START – a technology that is unique in the world. From now on, our customers can send their fabrics to us or bring them directly to us to see the process – our team will then take over the scanning process and digitize the textiles, at the trade fair and throughout the year. We then make the data available for further processes. The samples can be measured without restriction on any monitor with a click of the mouse and used for sales, product presentations, design processes, trying on avatars and other areas of application – the perfect addition to the physical experience at the trade show.”

Sebastian Klinder, Managing Director Munich Fabric Start

“Everyone who works with such processes knows the effort involved in the analogue coordination between buyers and suppliers. These can drag on for a very long time and in the end a substance is released that does not actually meet the original idea, but instead comes as close as possible. In some cases, collection components are completely cancelled because a consistent result simply cannot be achieved in the allotted time. We are solving this problem with the new technology from FABRIC.iD.”

Michael Nothelfer, Managing Director of Caddon Printing & Imaging GmbH

The innovative digitization takes place in the Fabric Studio, the showroom of Munich Fabric Start Exhibitions GmbH. There the textiles are scanned – the exact texture can be recognised and transformed within a very short time. In the first step, the exact colour and pattern are determined, then the surface structure is determined. A physical material analysis is then carried out, in which the weight, rigidity, thickness, elasticity and other material properties of the textile are precisely determined. This enables an accurate simulation of the drape properties of the fabric. In addition, FABRIC.iD also understands the spectral yarn colour values ​​of the dye works and the weaving data of industrial looms in order to generate visually correct and colour-correct textures for 3D applications.

Modifications are not made subjective, instead, validly collected data ensures a high degree of authenticity and coordination between the physical and virtual product. By using the open source U3M format, the digital material is compatible with almost every 3D-capable application. Since fabrics can differ greatly in their properties, three different categories are offered: Standard for less structured and monochrome materials, Advanced for strong structures and colours, as well as a third category, Complex, for complex patterns and very shiny materials.

 “It’s the latest technology on the market with uniquely advanced methods that outcompetes any other solutions in the world. At MUNICH FABRIC START we are now making the technology accessible in our FABRIC.iD studio. A milestone for the industry – not only in the direction of digitization, but also in the direction of sustainability,”

Martin Semsch, Managing Director of Vizoo GmbH

Find more information about FABRIC.iD online at www.fabric.id/