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off-loading. The cutter can be equipped with projection system for cut component iden-
tification (see Section 9.3.8.3). If the cut components are light, air suction can be used
to keep the components in place while they are off-loaded (see Section 9.3.4).

9.7.3.5 Processing of very light materials

Very light materials (e.g. ripstop nylon for parachutes) are cut on cutters with static cut-
ting tables and very powerful vacuum systems (see Sections 9.3.2.1 and 9.3.4). The cut
material must be firmly held down to the cutting surface so that the cutting blade does
not cause the lightweight fabric bunch or roll. If the vacuum table is powerful enough,
multi-ply spreads can be processed to increase productivity (see Section 9.3.12).

9.8 Future trends

Manufactures of the knife cutting systems are improving their products constantly.
By help of modular design and specialized software, advanced knife cutters are easy
adaptable to specific applications and cutting requirements in terms of cutting pa-
rameters, tooling, material handling, cut component labelling, identification, and off-
loading. Simplified operation and high level of automation in work process monitoring
and control reduce the role of the operator in the work process and the risk of human
errors. By help of secure Internet connection, high-level technical support is provided
to the work process in real time, to ensure its optimum working conditions.
The further developments are still targeted for a maximum productivity, optimum
quality, and maximally effective material utilization. The following tasks are set for
the nearest future:
To improve nesting algorithms to ensure the most effective placement of pattern pieces in a
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marker in shorter time;
To improve cutting tool technology to increase cutting speed and cutting quality;
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To improve operating of automated systems to operate machinery in the most efficient way;
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To improve multipurpose cutters to cut wider range of materials and perform additional
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operations during fabrics cutting;
To improve universal purpose cutters to process the most diverse materials with the same
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machinery changing cutting parameters and tools in shortest time and most efficient way;
To improve work process monitoring and control systems and reduce maximally the risk of
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errors in the work process;
To improve smart service for automated systems: online support to an operator, remote tech-
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nical assistance, predictive maintenance, and anticipation of breakdowns;
To improve production planning and control (PPC) systems to plan and schedule work pro-
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cess more effectively and reduce fabric loss.
Further reading

Black, S., 2014. Automated cutting accelerates. Available from: https://www.compositesworld.
com/articles/automated-cutting-accelerates. (Accessed 5 December 2017).