Print Page

Eastman & ExactFlat Software Partnership

Tue, 12/20/2011

Eastman and ExactFlat Software Partnership Reduces Manufacturing Bottlenecks in theTent and Awning Industry

Buffalo, NY - Friday, December 20, 2011 - Eastman Machine Company, industry leaders in the industrial fabrics cutting system market, have announced a partnership with Tri-D Technologies, Inc., makers of ExactFlat 3D-to-2D CAD flattening software, that brings unprecedented efficiencies and design innovation to manufacturers in the tent and awning industry with a new product called ExactFlat Tent & Awning Engineer.

"We have seen a dramatic increase in sales of our automated cutting machines for the tent and awning industry," says Trevor Stevenson, Vice President, Technical Services & Product Development, Eastman Machine Company. "Our customers requested that we provide a more powerful productivity software to complement our machines. By integrating ExactFlat's complete CAD-to-cutter solution, the bottlenecks of frame and fabric design are eliminated with industry-specific design tools. We're excited to bring this powerful, fully-automated solution to our customers."

According to Stevenson, traditional design and production methods are manual to semi-manual and time-consuming, often requiring multiple on-site visits to iteratively measure, fit and test. Since the tent and awning market typically has a limited selling season, businesses that can visualize and deliver faster have a distinct market advantage.

"Our engineers started with our core 3D-to-2D CAD flattening software and together with Eastman, designed a total system using built-in templates to completely automate frame and fabric design. It includes all the necessary tools (like grommets, seam allowances and zippers) to allow for complete custom design," explains Steven McLendon, Executive VP at ExactFlat. "Including integration with Plataine's automated nesting solution to provide the most efficient nest from a time, materials and cost perspective, now the entire process stays within one CAD environment, producing part that are ready for the cutter in just minutes."

For more details on ExactFlat Tent & Awning Engineer, contact Steven McLendon, Executive Vice President at ExactFlat: