GERBER TECHNOLOGY ANNOUNCES GLOBAL AVAILABILITY
OF THE GERBERCUTTER GT1000


Versatile Cutter Designed for Made-to-Order Manufacturing

2 May 2006

Connecticut, USA – Gerber Technology has announced global availability of the GERBERcutter® GT1000. The new GT1000 was specifically designed for the made-to-measure or easy order apparel markets and is especially suited for men’s or ladies’ tailored apparel. The GT1000 is available in a 1.7 meter width for “on-the-open” applications or a 1.0 meter width for “on-the-fold” applications. It cuts up to 8 mm (0.3 in) of compressed material, allowing users to cut multiple plies of lining and shirt materials as well as one or two single plies or folded suit material.

he GT1000 delivers impressive throughput at lower operating and maintenance costs. As an example, between 70 and 110 suits can be produced per shift, helping manufacturers lower lead times and improve delivery schedules. It also maximizes material utilization and requires less labor than manual cutting. Its unique, flexible zone design enables the operator to partition the cutting area into two to four work zones so material can be spread on one section of the machine while cutting is occurring on another section for maximum productivity.

Made to measure applications can require more intricate details and very precise cut parts. The GT1000 uses a specially designed GERBER BRISTLE SQUARE® cutting surface and knife train to enhance material stability and optimize cut part quality to meet the most exacting customer requirements. Operators can easily adjust cut speed and knife speed according to the type of material being cut to maximize throughput. Long vertical knife strokes and automatic knife re-sharpening eliminate hanging threads ensuring quality cut parts.

Invision Plaid and Stripe Matching System
When paired with Gerber’s InVision plaid and stripe matching system, the GT1000 provides an even higher level of customization. Invision improves the finished quality of plaid- and stripe-matched products by compensating for fabric irregularities and delivering thread-to-thread accuracy of cut parts. Through the use of an intelligent vision system, InVision makes matching and cutting plaid and stripe fabrics as easy as cutting solid fabrics. It eliminates the expense associated with employing operators highly skilled in fabric matching techniques and reduces material costs by eliminating the need for “block” cutting.

InVision contains an advanced camera and optics system to enable the operator to “zoom in” on critical areas for added precision. The unit’s multi-tasking operating system carries out matching and cutting operations simultaneously to further enhance productivity. Apparel manufacturers have the added capability of establishing piece-to-piece matching relationships based on a pattern piece’s relationship to the fabric or to other pattern pieces.

“The GT1000 and InVision plaid and stripe matching system are an ideal combination for made-to-order manufacturing,” says Todd Rhodes, director of Gerber Technology’s hardware product management team. “The GT1000 caters to a very specific market segment that has largely gone unmet. With its flexible work zone design, multiple width offering, and superb accuracy, the GT1000 truly meets the unique requirements of custom apparel applications. It exemplifies Gerber’s commitment to offering our customers ‘system solutions’ that meet even the most exacting needs.”

Highlighted Features

* Cuts up to 8 mm (0.3 in.) of compressed material.

* Easily stores cutting setup files for quick retrieval to accelerate future cut jobs.

* Fully network-compatible for easy transfer of data from CAD systems.

* Intuitive graphical operator interface and easy-to-use on-machine control panel simplifies operator training and use.

* Continuous real-time graphical display of operating parameters, vacuum level and cut speed provides comprehensive overview of entire cutting process.

* Requires no underlay paper to reduce cost of consumables.

* Intelligent, high-efficiency vacuum control lowers electrical consumption and associated expenses.

* Software screens and operating manuals available in multiple languages.

About Gerber Technology
Gerber Technology (www.gerbertechnology.com), a business unit of $530 million corporation Gerber Scientific, Inc., develops and manufactures the world's leading brands of integrated software and hardware automation systems for the sewn products and flexible materials industries. These systems automate and significantly improve the efficiency of information management, product design and development, pre-production, and production processes. The company offers specialized solutions to a variety of end-user markets including apparel, transportation interiors, furniture, composites and industrial fabrics. Gerber Technology’s world headquarters are located in Tolland, Connecticut, U.S.A. with regional offices, agents and distributors in 125 countries serving a total of over 17,500 customers through seven Customer Solutions Centers on six continents. The company engineers and manufactures its products in various locations in the United States, Europe and Asia.


Established in 1968, Gerber Technology is one of four businesses of Gerber Scientific, Inc. (www.gerberscientific.com) of South Windsor, Connecticut, U.S.A., a corporation listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the “GRB” symbol.