This document summarizes the types of machinery used in different sections of the apparel manufacturing industry. It discusses machinery used for fabric spreading, cutting, and sewing. For fabric spreading, it describes manual, semi-automatic, and fully automatic spreading machines. Semi-automatic machines have advantages like auto ply cutting and tensioning devices, while fully automatic machines can identify fabric faults and splice fabrics automatically. Cutting machinery includes manual scissors, semi-automatic straight knife, round knife, and band knife cutting machines, as well as die cutting and notching machines. Semi-automatic machines like straight knife cutters are versatile and high speed. The document provides an overview of key machinery used at different stages of apparel

1. GREEN UNIVERSITY OF BANGLADESH
Department Of Textile
ASSIGNMENT
Remarks:
Course Code : TE 206
Course Title : Apparel Manufacturing I
Submitted By:
Name : Md Rakibul Hassan
ID : 183014057
Section : E1
Department : Textile
Date Of Submission : 17 September 2020
Assignment Topic : Machineries Used In Apparel Industry
Submitted to:
Name : Mr. Md Ashraful Alam
Designation : Lecturer
Department : Textile

2. Assignment On Machineries Used In Apparel Industry
Introduction:
Machine plays very important role in every industry. Apparel industry also is not separate from this.
Since last fifteen years there is big boom in industry for Automation and ultra modern, self sufficient
Garment Factories. Machines are the heart of apparel industry. Without machine we can not even
think of an industry. Because if we don’t have any we can not be able to make any kinds of apparel
or items.
From the beginning of civilization, we people use machine for our daily needs. And in apparel
industry machine is the main thing, because an iteam, an apparel is made by using this machine. We
need machine from the first process of an apparel making to the last process.
Machineries Used In Apparel Industry:
Today we will discuss about the machineries which we use in apparel industry. Machines are used in
every section of apparel manufacturing. We will discuss about the four major sections in where
machines are used. They are-
1. Fabric Spreading Section
2. Cutting Section
3. Sewing Section
4. Finishing Section
1. Machine Used In Fabric Spreading Section:
Fabric spreading means the smooth laying out of the fabric in superimposed layers (plies) of specified
length. Knitted or woven fabrics are laid in one ply (single ply) or in several plies (multi lays) for
simultaneous cutting in one operation. Fabrics are usually laid up manually. Spreading is the process
of unwinding large rolls of fabric onto long, wide tables in preparation for cutting each piece of
garment.
Generally, the spreading process can be done manually or by computer controlled machines. One or
two person, based on the fabric type and width of fabric, type of spreading machine and size of spread,
can be involved in the spreading process. In case of the manual spreading process, two persons are
normally required except when the spread is too short. One person on each side of the spreading table
could work during spreading to keep the fabric flat, smooth and tension-free. With the automatic
spreading process, the equipment itself controls the fabric tension, fabric placement and rate of travel.
Machines Used in Spreading Section:
Different types of machines and equipments used in spreading section. Basically they can be
classified in three categories-
(a) Manual Spreading Machine
(b) Semi-automatic Spreading Machine
(c) Fully Automatic Machine
(a) Manual Spreading Machine:
Manual fabric spreading machine is a machine which needs two operators to spread fabric in
the spreading table. This machine has two parts, one is spreading table and another is some
rollers & a cutter.
Two operators stand in two sides of the machine. Fabric are kept upside of the machine by
rollers. Two operators pull the fabric and spread it on the table.

3. Fig: Manual Spreading Machine
Advantage of Manual Spreading Machine:
In manual spreading machine there are some advantage that’s why manual spreading machune is so
popular
1. Can be used for low quantity
2. The capital cost is less
3. While spreading strips and checked, the lines can be matched
4. Requires less space
Disadvantage of Manual Spreading Machine:
1. Low productivity
2. Spreading speed depends on the operators
3. Spreading is not so perfect in this machine.
(b) Semi-Automatic Spreading Machine:
Semi automatic machine is working almost similar to Hand process with spreading track process
because this methods working technique and working prouder are same but this process are working
by electric motor.
Fig: Semi-automatic Spreading Machine
The machine is run on the rails which are placed at two side of the fabric spreading table surface and
operated by motor. Here, fabric roll is set in a predetermined place of the spread machine and machine
is run from one side to the other side of table by using mechanical and electrical motion to make lay.
Advantage of Semi-Automatic Spreading Machine:
Various advantages of semi-automatic fabric spread machine has mentioned in the below:
1. The maximum fabric width which can be handled is normally 2m although extra wide
machines are capable of handling up to 3m.
2. Auto ply cutting device here.
3. Auto plies counting arrangements.

4. 4. Auto catcher to hold the ends of the ply.
5. Auto fabric tensioning device.
6. Auto fabric leveling device,
7. Photo electric guide for selvedge alignment.
8. Fabric fault detector.
9. A platform is provided on which operator stands.
10. Maximum weight of the fabric roll can be 80kg to 675kg.
11. Maximum height of spread is 25cm.
12. Maximum spread speed 100m/min.
13. It has also rolled turning arrangement.
14. Auto loading and unloading device.
Disadvantage of Semi-Automatic Spreading Method:
Different disadvantages of semi-automatic fabric spread method have pointed out in the following:
1. More time is required here.
2. It has needed higher labor cost.
3. It cannot be possible to make desired fabric spread technique by using this method.
4. There is no sensor in the spread head.
5. All kinds of fabric cannot be spread here.
(c) Fully Automatic Machine:
Fully automatic fabric spreading machine is the upgrade version of semi-automatic spreading
machine. It has great importance in apparel manufacturing sector. This type of fabric spreading
machine is the improvement of semi-automatic spreading machine. There are a lot of advantages of
this machine to make fabric lay. Because, this spreading machine is operated by controlling with the
help of micro processor and robot.
Fig: Fully Automatic Spreading Machine
Advantages of Fully Automatic Fabric Spreading Machine:
Various advantages of this type of fabric spreading have mentioned in the below:
1. Here, m/c can be set before the expected amount of plies spreading.
2. After completing, fabric spreading will stop automatically and give a signal.
3. By using robotic system, it will automatically come to the end of table and set another roll in
the spreading head when spreading of each roll is finished.
4. It is automatically spliced and starts new fabric spreading where the last fabric roll has
finished.
5. There is a spreading head, so that any types of fault are identified by using this sensor and
also the spreading head is stopped and the defective fabric is cut by itself.
6. Any kinds of fabric can be spread by using this machine and any kinds of lay can be made.
7. Less time is needed here for fabric spreading.
8. Also it needs less labor cost.

5. Disadvantage of Fully Automatic Fabrics Spreading Machine:
Different disadvantages of this type of fabric spreading have pointed out in the following:
1. It is very expensive, so that capital investment is high.
2. Skillful operator is needed to operate this types of machine.
Almost this kinds of machines are used in spreading section for Apparel manufacturing in every
industry. Now we will discuss about the machines which are used in Cutting section.
2. Machine Used In Cutting Section:
Many types of machines are used in cutting section. From many years hand operated scissor is used
for cutting fabric. But after industrialization hand scissors are not appropriate for bulk layer cutting.
Then started semi automatic fabric cutting machine. For increasing productivity in cutting room
computerized fully automatic cutting machine have to use.
According to the working process, the cutting machine may be classified in three categories. Such
as-
1. Manual Cutting Machine
2. Semi- Automatic Cutting Machine
3. Fully Automatic / Computerized Cutting Machine
1. Manual Cutting Machine:
Actually, there is no manual machines for cutting fabric. But, in manual method we use scissor
for cutting fabric. The only tool is used for cutting fabric by manually is Hand Operated
Scissor.
Fig: Hand Operated Scissor
By using this scissor an operator cut fabric. This is an old tool for fabric cutting. And it takes
more time for fabric cutting. In industry there is low use of scissor for fabric cutting.
2. Semi-Automatic Cutting Machine:
There are so many semi-automatic cutting machines. Some of them are mentioned bellow-
(a) Straight knife of Cutting Machine.
(b) Round Knife Cutting Machine.
(c) Band Knife Cutting Machine.
(d) Die Cutting Machine.
(e) Notcher Machine.
(f) Drill Machine.
(a) Straight Knife Cutting Machine:
Straight knife cutting machine is the most popular and versatile cutting machine. It is widely used in
clothing industry. Because it’s production speed is very high. Higher lay of height can be cut very

6. easily. Besides, knife is comparatively cheap and can be transferred from one place to another easily.
Fig: Straight Knife of Cutting Machine
(b) Round Knife Cutting Machine:
Round knife cutting machine is called because it’s cutter is round in shape. It is also popular cutting
machine. This machine is small in size, flexible & used for small production. Round knife is widely
used for cutting the big parts of the garments pattern.
Fig: Round Knife Cutting Machine
(c) Band Knife Machine:
Band knife cutting machine is look like a wood cutter machine. This cutting machine works
automatically according to the height of the relevant material. Band knife cutting machines have been
recognized around the world for many years for its high quality cutting.
Fig: Band Knife Cutting Machine
(d) Die Cutting Machine:
Die cutting machine involves pressing a rigid blade through the lay of fabric. It is useful where small
motifs with particular shape and pattern are needed for cutting. Die cutting is most useful to cut sharp
and small parts. Mainly two types of die cuttings are available in market namely, Clickers and Presses.

7. Fig: Die Cutting Machine
(e) Notcher Cutting Machine:
It is a special type of cutting machine & use in special case. Useful to cut small notch to the fabric. It
is most useful to make consistency in notching. This cannot be used in thermoplastic fibers or certain
unlined garments.
Fig: Notcher Cutting Machine
(f) Dril Cutting Machine:
Sometimes it is needed to mark on the end of components of dresses especially for the position of
pockets, darts and similar features, a hole is often drill through all the plies of fabric in the lay. This
machine is also used for marking on the middle of the components of dresses. It can make the hole
permanently for a long.
Fig: Drill Cutting Machine
3. Fully Automatic / Computerized Cutting Machine:
Computerized cutting machines are kind of advance level of cutting machine. Some fully
automatic/computerized cutting machines are mentioned bellow-
(a) Computer Controlled Knife Cutting Machine
(b) Laser Cutting Machine
(c) Water Jet Cutting Machine

8. (d) Rib Cutting Machine
(e) Plasma Torch Cutting Machine
(a) Computer Controlled Knife Cutting Machine:
This cutting machine provides the most accurate possible cutting at high speed. It is suitable for large
scale production. Marker is not necessary to put over the fabric lays during cutting. This technology
has the advantage of being highly accurate and fast, but does cost considerably more than other cutting
techniques.
Fig: Computer Controlled Knife Cutting Machine
(b) Laser Cutting Machine:
In laser cutting machine, the fabric is cut by a ray of light in a very fine spot by using a laser. Laser
cutting processing depends on its precise processing, faster, simple operation, high degree of
automation has been widely used in the leather and apparel industry. The cutting head is controlled
by a computer.
Fig: Laser Cutting Machine
(c) Water Jet Cutting Machine:
Water jet cutting machine is an industrial tool capable of cutting fabric lay by using a very high-
pressure jet of water. A very fine water-jet is passed through a nozzle at a very high speed to cut the
fabric lay. The pressure of water is 60,000 pounds per square inch. The high pressure jet acts as a
solid tool when it encounters the material to be cut, tearing the fibers on impact.
Fig: Water Jet Cutting Machine

9. (d) Rib Cutting Machine:
These are specialized machines used to cut rib or rolls of strips from knitted tubular fabrics. Knit
garment industry uses this machine widely.
Fig: Rib Cutting Machine
(e) Plasma Torch Cutting Machine:
Plazma cutting was originally developed to satisfy our demand for high quality cutting. It is used for
cutting stainless steel and aluminum. But it can also be used to cut textile material. In this system,
fabrics are cut by a thin through the nozzle which is made by Argon gas.
Fig: Plasma Torch Cutting Machine
3. Machine Used In Sewing Section:
According to the operating system, there are two types of sewing machines are available in the
readymade garment garments sector. Those are-
1. Manually Operated Sewing Machine
2. Electrically Operated Sewing Machine.
1. Manually Operated Sewing Machine:
The machine where sewing is done by using physical power is termed as manually operated sewing
m/c. These types of sewing machines are vastly used in tailoring and domestic purpose of sewing
fabrics. This machine types are not used in apparel manufacturing industries due to the less garments
production.
2. Electrically Operated Sewing Machine:
The machine where sewing is done by using electrical power is known as electrically operated sewing
m/c. This types of machines are widely used in garment manufacturing industries due to the higher
apparel production. These sewing machines also termed as industrial sewing machine.
Machines Used In Sweing Machine:
There are so many machines used in sweing section. Some of them are mentioned bellow-
(a) Double Chain Stitch Machine
(b) Feed Of The Arm Sweing Machine
(c) Interlock Machine

10. (d) Lock Stitch Machine
(e) Lap Seaming Machine
(f) Over Lock Machine
(g) Zigzag Sewing Machine
(h) Top And Bottom Cover Stitch Flat Bed Machine
(i) Button Hole Machine
(j) Label Sewing Machine
(a) Double Chain Stitch Machine:
Double needle / twin needle is a needle with a single shank and two shaft. The two needle shafts have
an eye each through which two threads are threaded.
As you proceed with the double stitching you will get two parallel rows on the face of the fabric and
a zig zag stitch on the back of the fabric.
Fig: Double Chain Stitch Machine
(b) Feed Of The Arm Sweing Machine:
Feed of the arm machine is actually a chain stitch machine for chain stitch designs working with sew
and stitch. It contains looper instead of bobbin. By this machine, stitch can be produced on heavy
fabrics, like denim or jeans; it has opportunity of stitching by folding the fabrics.
Fig: Feed Of The Arm Sweing Machine

11. (c) Interlock Sweing Machine:
Fig: Interlock Sweing Machine
(d) Lock Stitch Machine:
A built-in lock stitch feature on a sewing machine sews a certain number of stitches and then stops
sewing. This option is available on many newer electronic sewing machines. Quilters use this feature
to secure quilting stitches without having an unsightly back stitch visible on their quilts.
Fig: Lock Stitch Machine
(e) Lap Seaming Machine:
Fig: Lap Seaming Machine
(f) OverLock Machine:
An overlock is a kind of stitch that sews over the edge of one or two pieces of cloth for edging,
hemming, or seaming. Usually an overlock sewing machine will cut the edges of the cloth as they are
fed through, though some are made without cutters.

12. Fig: Overlock Machine
(g) Zigzag Sewing Machine:
An Industrial zig-zag sewing machine stitch moves from side to side instead of creating a straight
stitch. ... The motor (sold separately) is attached to the table and powers the sewing machine with a
heavy-duty belt.
Fig: Zigzag Sweing Machine
(h) Button Hole Machine:
There are many types of sewing machine. Some are used for special purposes such as Button
Attaching machine, Bar tack machine etc. This type of machines works in a cycle and so these are
called simple automatic machine.
Buttonholes are holes in fabric which allow buttons to pass through, securing one piece of the fabric
to another. The raw edges of a buttonhole are usually finished with stitching by button hole machine.
Some forms of a button, such as a frog, use a loop of cloth instead of a buttonhole.
Fig: Button Hole Machine

13. 4. Machine Used In Finishig Section:
There are some differents machine used in finishing section. Some of them are mentioned bellow-
1. Thread Sucker Machine
2. Thread Cutter
3. Hand Tag Gun
4. Lifter
5. Iron
6. Metal Detector
7. Textile Cleaning Gun
1. Thread sucker machine:
Thread sucker machine is used for-
1. Samples of packaged/folded garments & trim cards are not displayed in the packing area.
Must also be displayed in the finishing area. Reference sample displayed not similar to
running order. Displayed standard without signature.
2. No random check during finishing, no 100% check after finishing. Presentation needs to be
checked 100%.
3. All packaging accessories (hangtag, kimbal, size sticker etc) to be checked 100% prior to
packing in carton.
4. No thread sucking machine available. SEwing Thread and removal must be sufficient.
5. Factory does not have pull test equipment on site.
Fig: Thread Sucker Machine
2. Thread Cutter:
This tool is used while checking the cloth or apparel. If that apparel has extra layer of yarn or extra
hairy fabric then the checker cut the extra hairy fabric or yarn with this thread cutter.
Fig: Thread Cutter

14. 3. Hand Tag Gun:
Standard price tagging guns are used for general purpose tagging on garments such as stuffed animals,
pillows, blue jeans, sweaters, sweatshirts, "T" shirts and products made from heavier nylons. The
maximun thickness that a standard tag gun needle will tag completly through is 1/2".
Fig: Hand Tag Gun
4. Lifter:
Lifter is used for carrying products. By using lifter apparels are transferred from one section to
another section. We also use lifter for carrying to load or unload product.
Fig: Lifter
5. Iron:
It is an important machine in finishing section. Iron is usually a heated tool, it is used to remove
wrinkles from fabric. The heating is commonly done to a temperature of 180–220 °Celsius, depending
on the fabric. Ironing works by loosening the bonds between the long-chain polymer molecules in the
fibers of the material.
Fig: Iron
6. Metal Detector:
In the apparel industry, metal detector is an essential part of the production process. Now-a-days
metal detector is a very important consideration for garment manufacturers. Normally a buyer
recommended that all the export products must be metal detected. Metal detector may help during the

15. production stage, therefore all products are harmless and free from metal contaminants. The machine
makes sure that the passing product doesn’t have any kind of metal with it.
Fig: Metal Detector
7. Textile cleaning Gun:
Textile cleaning gun cleans all the dirt, oil stains and all the other spots from the surface of apparel.
This machine is also used in manufacturing stage and used in finishing section.
Fig: Textile Cleaning Gun
Without these machines we also use some machine in apparel industry. A short list is mentioned here-
1. Fabrics inspection machine
2. Plotter printing machine
3. Fusing machine
4. Embroidery machine
5. Pull test machine
6. Barcode scanning machine
7. Heat seal joining the machine
8. Case label printing machine
9. Moisture checking machine
10. Digital Hygrometer
11. Air compressor machine
12. Boiler machine
13. Generator &
14. Water pump etc..
Conclusion:
Machineries is a part and parcel of apparel industry. Without machineries nothing can be possible in
apparel industry. Not only apparel industry in every type of industry machineries is the main thing.
So that was a discussion about machineries used in apparel industry.
---The End---

16. Submitted by
Md Rakibul Hassan
Id: 183014057
Reference:
1.https://clothingindustry.blogspot.com/2018/01/types-spreading-
machines.html
2.https://garmentsmerchandising.com/advantage-and-disadvantage-
of-semi-automatic-spreading/
3.https://fashion2apparel.blogspot.com/2016/12/types-fabric-
cutting-machines.html
4.https://garmentsmerchandising.com/list-of-sewing-machine-used-
in-apparel-industry/
5.https://fashion2apparel.blogspot.com/2017/08/finishing-section-
garment-industry.html