US-based CAD/CAM software producer Delcam will demonstrate a system for the complete footwear development process based on recently acquired Crispin technology at SIMAC in Bologna, Italy, on April 17-20.

According to the company, the system allows upper components to be designed by sketching on to the surface of the last in any colour and in a variety of textures to represent different materials. Buckles, laces and other accessories can also be added. Virtual 3D components can then be flattened to produce 2D sample or graded production patterns. Other programmes provide costings, pallet and stitch path layouts, and cutting patterns using knife, laser or water-jet cutting tools.

The company will also show its Total Modelling CAD system for soles which allows logos, textures and other design features to be incorporated in order to reinforce the branding of products. The PowerMILL CAM system can then be used to generate machining data for either models or moulds followed by a PowerINSPECT inspection module that allows prototypes, tooling and samples to be checked against the computer model to ensure that the designer’s intent has been captured faithfully in the end product.