From the Sector

Under the motto "Master the Change", the KARL MAYER GROUP presents innovations from its brands KARL MAYER, STOLL and KM.ON at to ITMA ASIA + CITME, from October 14 to 18, 2024. Visitors can expect an exhibition of solutions from the fields of mechanical engineering, digitalization, textile products, applications and customer support.

A range of warp knitting and flat knitting machines from the Group's product portfolio and textile trends will also be on display at an accompanying in-house show at KARL MAYER (CHINA). The event in Changzhou starts the day before the trade fair opens. One highlight will be the opening of the new showroom of the KARL MAYER subsidiary in China with solutions from all areas of technology.

Fibre Extrusion Technology Ltd (FET) of Leeds, UK will be exhibiting for the first time at COMPAMED 2024 in Düsseldorf, taking place between between 11 – 14 November 2024, to reflect the company’s increasing profile in the medical sector. COMPAMED is a international trade fair for the medical technology supplier sector, showcasing a range of high-quality medical technology components, services and production equipment for the medical industry.

FET are experts in medical fibre technology and innovations, designing and delivering high performance equipment for a range of precursor medical products. This includes turnkey solutions for nonwoven medical devices, wound care and dressings and synthetic absorbable sutures.

FET’s expertise lies in laboratory and pilot melt spinning equipment for a vast range of applications, especially precursor materials used in high value medical devices and specialised novel fibres from exotic and difficult to process polymers. FET has processed over 100 different polymer types and its systems can melt spin resorbable polymers in multifilament, monofilament and nonwoven formats, collaborating with specialist companies worldwide to promote greater sustainability through innovative manufacturing processes. Where melt spinning solutions are not suitable, FET provides an alternative with pilot and small scale production wet and gel spinning systems.

Trützschler and the Indian company Gimatex have a long relationship that began in 2006. Gimatex has used Trützschler’s IDF in direct spinning and are now using it to turn textile waste into ring yarn.

Gimatex Industries Pvt. Ltd. operates fully integrated facilities with ginning, spinning, recycling, weaving and processing units in Hinganghat, within India’s cotton-growing region of Vidarbha. It also runs a fabric processing unit in Dholka, near Ahmedabad. Together, Trützschler and Gimatex are working in close collaboration with the shared aim of extending that long history far into the future.

Trützschler’s Integrated Draw Frame (IDF) technology is at the heart of this collaboration. Gimatex is using these solutions to produce high-quality yarn. In particular, IDF enables Gimatex to produce yarns from a wide variety of raw materials – from 100 percent cotton through to polyester, recycled fibers and blends of various different inputs.

Gimatex mainly uses Trützschler IDF to manufacture rotor yarns in a direct spinning process. Direct spinning means shortening the spinning process by eliminating draw frame passages. Fiber slivers are fed directly from the card into the integrated drafting passage. This direct spinning concept uses less electricity and less space than conventional draw frame passages, which helps Gimatex to cut costs while increasing output volumes – with no compromise in quality. Most often, IDF technology is used for rotor and vortex spinning. However, the team at Gimatex is now also one of the first spinning mills in India to develop a special IDF process for producing traditional and recycled ring yarn. This allows the company to leverage the same setup it uses for open-end yarn. The ring yarn produced in this unusual way is mostly coarser varieties and recycling blends for cotton / spandex (lycra) products, with Ne 10s and Ne 16s. The yarn goes through a blow room into a TC 15 card with IDF, before entering a Trützschler TD 10 draw frame, a speed frame and a ring frame.

Computerized textile solutions provider SHIMA SEIKI MFG., LTD. of Wakayama, Japan, together with its Hong Kong and Chinese market subsidiary SHIMA SEIKI (HONG KONG) LTD., will exhibit at the 30th edition of the Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics show in Shanghai, China this month. It will exhibit as part of the newly established Digital Solutions Zone which allows visitors to capture various opportunities available as part of the digital revolution that is currently making waves in the apparel industry.

SHIMA SEIKI will be showing its APEXFiz® subscription-based design software which supports the creative side of fashion from planning and design to colorway evaluation, realistic fabric simulation and 3D virtual sampling. Virtual samples are a digitized version of sample making that are accurate enough to be used effectively as prototypes, replacing physical sampling and consequently reducing time, cost and material that eventually go to waste. The remarkable realism of textile simulation is achieved by using scanned data of actual yarn to virtually weave or knit, creating an image that resembles real fabric. These fabrics can be utilized in various 3D simulation software including APEXFiz® to create realistic product images. Should the design be approved for production, machine data can be generated to allow smooth communication for digitally bridging the gap between the studio and factory. APEXFiz® thereby helps to realize sustainability and digitally transform the fashion supply chain.

The product planning capability of APEXFiz® is enhanced by several web services featured as part of the SHIMA SEIKI Online Services (SHIMA online) web platform. These include SHIMA Datamall™ digital content web service that allows users to search, browse and purchase a variety of useful data for streamlining the planning and production of fashion items, as well as the yarnbank® digital yarn sourcing web service that offers digitized yarn data by yarn companies from around the world for download and use in virtual sampling.

Knitwear samples produced on the latest lineup of computerized flatbed knitting machines and exclusive to SHIMA SEIKI computerized knitting technology will also be on display, including WHOLEGARMENT® knitwear that can be produced in their entirety without linking or sewing, as well as hybrid knit-weave samples proposed as an alternative to wovens.

Terrot Textilmaschinen GmbH announces its participation in Febratex 2024, the premier event for the textile industry in Brazil and across Latin America.

At this year’s event, Terrot will exhibit the Pilotelli JVCE-4 machine, demonstrating their commitment to advancing textile technology and supporting the industry’s growth. The machine model is known for its high production capabilities in outerwear textiles and shows great results in knitting single-jersey fabrics, including plain single (up to E44), piqué or two-thread fleece.

Flat knitting solutions provider SHIMA SEIKI MFG., LTD. of Wakayama, Japan will exhibit at the Brazilian Textile Industry Fair (FEBRATEX 2024) between 20th - 23rd August 2024. On display will be a roundup of SHIMA SEIKI computerized flat knitting technology, represented by the latest WHOLEGARMENT® knitting machines, conventional shaped knitting machines, glove knitting machine and design software.

The SWG-XR® WHOLEGARMENT® knitting machine features the company's original SlideNeedle™ on four needle beds supporting a wide range of high-quality WHOLEGARMENT® knitting in all needles. MACH2®VS and N.SVR®183 are conventional V-bed machines capable of WHOLEGARMENT® knitting in every other needle. N.SIR®123SP features a special loop presser bed and is capable of producing woven-like hybrid fabrics as well as technical textiles. The SVR® and N.SSR® workhorse machines set the industry benchmark for shaping machines, with SVR®202 featuring tandem knitting capability for flexible operation. N.SSR®072 is a new machine that specializes in knitting of collars, shown for the first time in Brazil. The SFG® fully automatic glove knitting machine rounds out the comprehensive lineup.

APEXFiz® subscription-based design software supports the creative side of fashion from planning and design to colorway evaluation, realistic fabric simulation and 3D virtual sampling. Virtual sampling is a digitized version of sample making, accurate enough to be used effectively as prototypes. By replacing physical samples, virtual samples reduce time, cost and material that otherwise go to waste. APEXFiz® thereby helps to realize sustainability and digitally transform the fashion supply chain.

Flat knitting solutions provider SHIMA SEIKI MFG., LTD. of Wakayama, Japan, together with its Korean subsidiary SHIMA SEIKI KOREA INC., will participate in the 25th edition of Preview in Seoul exhibition with a lineup of knitting machines and design systems.

SHIMA SEIKI will be exhibiting its SWG®061N2 compact WHOLEGARMENT® knitting machine which can produce a wide range of WHOLEGARMENT® items in their entirety without the need for linking or sewing. The SWG®-N2 series “Mini” range is suited to the production of small knit items and accessories such as gloves, socks, hats and scarves as well as dogwear, cozies, shoe uppers, bags, card cases, glasses cases, smartphone covers and other personal items. The N.SVR®093SP is a conventional shaped knitting machine featuring a loop presser bed that yields novel fabrics with special inlay patterns that are produced by inserting yarn into knit fabric in a weave fashion, offering new and exciting possibilities in hybrid knitweave textiles. Both machines will be shown knitting such items as a knit bag and stationery case to demonstrate the capability of current knitting technology for producing non-apparel items. Other knit samples on display include the latest items produced on SHIMA SEIKI's newest flagship SWG-R® WHOLEGARMENT® knitting machine.

On the design side, the SDS®-ONE APEX4 design system and APEXFiz® subscription-based design software will be on display. Both support the creative side of fashion from planning and design to colorway evaluation, realistic fabric simulation and 3D virtual sampling. Virtual samples are a digitized version of sample making that are accurate enough to be used effectively as prototypes, replacing physical sampling and consequently reducing time, cost and material that otherwise go to waste. Virtual samples can furthermore be used in e-commerce to gauge consumer demand before production begins. Feeding that information back to production and combined with on-demand WHOLEGARMENT® knitting technology, production can be adjusted to optimize inventory and minimize leftover waste. Virtual sampling on SDS®-ONE APEX series thereby helps to realize sustainability and digitally transform the fashion supply chain.

KARL MAYER North America will return to exhibit at CAMX, a composites trade show, taking place from September 9 to 12, 2024 in San Diego. Here it will present as an innovative partner to the composites industry with machines such as the COP MAX 4, a all-rounder to produce multilayer, multiaxial fabric structures; the COP MAX 5, specifically for processing carbon fibers; and the UD 700 fiber spreading system. Furthermore, a new machine was launched this spring, called MAX GLASS ECO.

Besides the machines, KARL MAYER supports customers with pioneering application developments. The focus of the medial presentation will be the processing of natural fibers into sustainable composite reinforcements. In cooperation with representatives of the winter sports industry, KARL MAYER has already processed hemp tapes and flax fibers into non-crimp fabrics for snowboards and skis with COP MAX 4. Examples were launched at the last editions of this year's Techtextil and JEC World which were very well received by visitors.

At the upcoming edition of CAITME, to be held in Tashkent, Uzbekistan from September 11 to September 14, 2024, 16 Italian textile machinery manufacturers will exhibit in the common area set up by the Italian Trade Agency and ACIMIT.

All these companies are ACIMIT’s associated members: Bonino, Brazzoli, Carù, Erhardt+Leimer, Guarneri Technology, Ima, Laip. Lgl, Martex, Mei, Mesdan, Pinter Caipo Italia, Pugi Group, Sicam, Stalam, Ugolini.

Uzbekistan is one of the largest producers and exporters of cotton and its textile industry is a relevant driver for the national economy. Thanks to the raw material’s availability and low production costs the business conditions are favourable for the development of the local industry. The upgrading of installed equipment is considered a step to achieve this goal.

Italian textile technology is well known by the Uzbek textile companies. In 2023, Italian sales in Uzbekistan amounted to 21 million euro. Among the Italian machines most in demand by Uzbek textile companies are weaving machines (32% of total 2023 Italian exports), followed by finishing machines (30%), spinning machines (17%), knitting machines (14%) and accessories (7%). At CAITME Italian exhibitors will show the most advanced technology applied to the textile sector, offering proper solutions in terms of efficiency, costs saving and sustainability.

The German Pavilion is confirmed to return from 19 – 21 September at the Shanghai New International Expo Centre. For the first time since borders reopened, industry leaders gathering under the banner will bolster the fair’s innovation and sustainability with a comprehensive showcase, from raw materials to machinery, complemented by diversified fringe events across the fairground.

Located in a prime area of the International Hall, the German Pavilion is set to draw crowds with its reputable products and technology. Assembling under the pavilion this year will be some new and returning German exhibitors, having made their names in the sub-categories of automotive nonwovens, industrial-use monofilaments, weaving machinery, and many more. After confirming their participation, Hansa Industrie-Mixer, J.H. Ziegler Nonwovens and New Materials, Lindauer Dornier, Monosuisse, and Perlon will showcase their expertise together with other highlighted exhibitors, including:

• Autefa Solutions – A full-service provider for turnkey nonwoven lines and machines, the company offers machines for fibre opening and blending, carding, crosslapping, needle punching, spunlace, thermobonding, amongst others. At the fair, the company will showcase technology spanning 10 application areas.
• Emtec Electronic – The company develops specialised test devices for the nonwoven and textile industries. An innovation said to quantify handfeel, its TSA Tactile Sensation Analyzer objectively measures the softness, smoothness and stiffness of textiles and nonwovens, as well as their recovery and elongation.
• Neuenhauser Group – The Neuenhauser Textile division provides fully-automated cleaning systems, transport automation solutions, winding technology, high-performance can coilers and weaving machine accessories. With decades of experience, the Group will debut at the fair with various innovative Agrotech, Buildtech, and Geotech solutions.
• Reifenhauser Enka Tecnica – A specialised provider of spinnerets and precision components to the man-made fibre industry. The company manufactures a broad spectrum of spinnerets and spin packs for all spinning processes, as well as premium jet strips for hydro-entangling with extra-long service life.
• Reifenhauser Reicofil – A well-known provider of spunbond, meltblown and composite lines for nonwoven applications in the hygiene, medical, filtration and industrial sectors. Offering a wide range of machinery at the show, the company is developing technical solutions for sophisticated and sustainable applications, with a strong focus on machine intelligence and energy efficiency.

New fringe events to further advocate innovation and sustainability
At this year’s fair, AiDLab^[1] will present its AI-based Textile Inspection System (AiTIS). A world first, AiTIS automatically and accurately detects material defects in nonwovens (especially for mask making), and various textiles, reflecting the collaborative efforts of AiDLab and a Hong Kong healthcare brand. At the event, Professor Calvin Wong, CEO & Centre Director of AiDLab, will introduce the system. This will be followed by a panel discussion and Q&A session with independent consultant Mr Eric Sham and moderated by AiDLab’s Mr Barry Tai, including insights on how advanced technology is reshaping the textile industry landscape.

Going beyond innovation, the fringe programme will also for the first time include Econogy Talks^[2] and sustainability tours to reflect Messe Frankfurt’s commitment to a sustainable future. Fairgoers can also visit the Innovation Showcase Area for outstanding industry achievements, with the focus this year on cutting-edge technology, green development and high-end applications. Product submission is now open. Contact us to submit your products, or register here for your visitor badge.

The fair’s product categories cover 12 application areas, which span a full range of potential uses in modern technical textiles and nonwovens. These categories also cover the entire industry, from upstream technology and raw materials providers to finished fabrics, chemicals and other solutions. This scope of product groups and application areas ensures that the fair is an effective business platform for the entire industry.

Cinte Techtextil China will be held from 19 – 21 September 2024.

^[1] The Laboratory for Artificial Intelligence in Design, jointly established by The Hong Kong Polytechnic University and the UK’s Royal College of Art, under HKSAR government funding
^[2] ‘Texpertise Econogy’ – the umbrella for Messe Frankfurt’s sustainability activities at its more than 50 textile trade shows worldwide