Innovation Corner: TukaTech On-Demand Laser Cutting

ISAIC is the national institute for the sewn trades where we simultaneously advance skills and innovation to support the return of domestic manufacturing in a more ethical and sustainable way. Innovations, like Tukatech Laser cutter, allow us to service local brands—like DO Apparel and Chicken Tramper.  

The Tukatech laser cutter uses a laser to cut out a single layer of garment pieces. It can cut up to 9 cm of compressed fabric. This fabric cutting machine is important for manufacturers with producing custom units or one unit at a time. Any type of fabric can be cut by the Tukalaser, and operators can be trained on it in about two days. You do not need a CAD background because the files simply need to be uploaded to the machine and printed.  

In 2021, ISAIC entered a contract with DO Apparel to buy the Tukatech equipment and lease it to own. Before forming a relationship with ISAIC, DO Apparel shipped their fabric out of state to be cut before sewing. They approached ISAIC to identify a  sustainable on-demand regional solution to produce their products, and ISAIC researched various technologies to determine the best fit. 

This is just one example of how ISAIC forms partnerships with brands and retailers. The company has an initial interest in improving their outcomes through advancing production, and ISAIC researches the best in the industry to tackle one aspect of production. From there, the business invests in the equipment for ISAIC to become a contract manufacturing partner. 

At the same time, ISAIC trains sewists to operate the new technology and the training team develops work instructions and training to share with other manufacturers nationwide.  Operators   learn to understand how to navigate the existing system. In addition, they have the opportunity to learn a comprehensive digital suite of solutions. Alex Stchekine, ISAIC’s Research and Innovation Manager, explains “it is like working a machine, but instead you’re working with a keyboard. Once you learn the buttons and tools on the software—you learn to operate the machine itself.” 

Industry is headed toward on demand customized garments and products, which will inevitably save both time, money, and resources. The Tukatech laser is perfect for small business owners looking to advance their production because all they need is a tech pack to load their patterns into the machine. The operator will then create markers for the laser to trace and cut. Next, the garment pieces can be removed from the machine and passed to the sewists.  

In the future, ISAIC plans on purchasing the full Tukatech micro-factory to include the conveyor belt to move the garment from the machine to the sewing operators. Additionally, to cut down on fabric waste—ISAIC will print the rolls of fabric in house to limit the excess white space surrounding the garment. Thus, everything will be done in house from the printing, cutting, material handling, to construction.