From the Sector

At ITMA 2023 in Milan from June 8-14, Fong’s Europe will introduce its latest THEN Synergy Airflow and THEN Airjetwin machines, which exploit the principle to provide high-quality, efficient and eco-friendly dyeing processes for a variety of fabrics.

“THEN introduced its first machines with Airflow technology in 1980 and since then we have had wide experience of pretreating and dyeing with Airflow transport systems on all kind of fabrics,” says Fong’s Europe Director of Sales and Marketing Richard Fander. “Our team of engineers has collected data on dyeing processes, results and consumption figures for years and constantly makes use of this accumulated know-how to optimise the processes of our customers.

“The THEN team understands Airflow dyeing processes and technology based on it guarantees the lowest liquor ratio on round shape machines. The transport of fabric by air reduces the liquor ratio compared to every kind of hydraulically driven transport system.”

He adds that while not every fabric can be dyed and treated on Airflow machines with the same handle and appearance as on hydraulic round shape or long shape machines, where it is applicable, it can lead to significant savings of up to 35% in water, 50% in salt, 20% in dyestuffs and 30% in process time.

The THEN Airflow dyeing machines have several features, including several parallel functions for reducing process time. The VPR system shortens the rinsing time and water usage and the robust and homogeneous spraying device in the nozzle ensures a uniform dyeing in the shortest process time. The very short liquor ratio also reduces the use of salt and chemicals.

International technology group ANDRITZ has received an order from Predo Health Products Inc, Türkiye, for delivery of two high-speed hygiene converting lines to produce adult open diapers and feminine sanitary napkins. With this investment, Predo is entering the growing adult and femcare market. The company already operates four baby diaper lines from ANDRITZ.

The two state-of-the-art lines are designed for high-speed production and contain the most advanced forming technology for absorbent core and SAP (superabsorbent polymers) dosing. Based on their flexibility and user-friendly configuration, Predo will be able to produce a wide range of different product compositions and sizes. In addition, the lines are designed for zero waste production. This will enable Predo to produce high-performing products with a sustainable approach.

The lines will be installed in Predo’s factory in Gaziantep, with start-up scheduled for the first half of 2024.

Predo is one of the leading manufacturers of baby care products and is expanding its business to other hygiene sectors. The company exports to 55 countries across the globe.

Der Hersteller von Nonwoven-Anlagen Reifenhäuser Reicofil – eine Business Unit der Reifenhäuser Gruppe – stellt vom 18. bis 21. April auf der international führenden Vliesstoffmesse INDEX 23 in Genf erstmals seine neue Fertigungsplattform RF5 XHL vor.

Der Zusatz XHL steht für Extra High Loft. RF5 XHL - die Weiterentwicklung der RF5-Technologie - ist auf superweiche und perfekt drapierbare Vliesstoffe für die Hygiene-Industrie ausgerichtet.

„Durch hochgekräuselte Fasern mit reduzierter Fasergröße bieten unsere XHL-Vliesstoffe ein neues Qualitätslevel mit superweichem Griff für daraus hergestellte Vliesstoffprodukte, wie Topsheet oder Backsheet“, erklärt Markus Müller, Vice President Sales & Marketing der Reifenhäuser Gruppe. „Gleichzeitig erzielen wir dank reduziertem Ressourceneinsatz eine enorme Verbesserung des CO2-Fußabdrucks um bis zu 30 Prozent.“

Die RF5 XHL-Technologie setzt auf das patentierte BiCo-Verfahren. Dabei werden im Spinnvliesverfahren zwei verschiedene Rohstoffe in einer Faser kombiniert, wodurch ein Bimetall-Effekt erzielt wird und die Faser sich optimal kräuselt. So gelingt eine Gewichtsreduzierung von bis zu 25 Prozent bei Fasergrößen von 1,0 Denier. Die Dicke steigt gleichzeitig um bis zu 30 Prozent im Vergleich zu marküblichen modernen Vliesstoffen.

Die neuen RF5-XHL-Linien sind mit besonders energieeffizienten Komponenten für eine ressourcenschonende Vliesstoffproduktion bei hohen Anlagengeschwindigkeiten ausgestattet. Um Produktionsabfälle auf ein Minimum zu reduzieren, bestehen alle Rohstoffe aus Polypropylen (PP), was ein einfaches und effizientes Inline-Recycling ermöglicht. Übliche, nicht sortenreine, Vliesstoffe aus PP/PE oder PET/PE sind dagegen nur schwer zu recyceln. Um den anhaltenden Bedarf nach nachhaltigeren Vliesstoffprodukten zu bedienen, verarbeiten RF5-Anlagen zudem auf Wunsch auch biobasierte Rohstoffe.

Mit dem c.Hub, der neuen Plattform zur Datenvernetzung der Reifenhäuser Gruppe, bietet Reicofil eine Digitalisierungslösung, die gezielt auf die Anforderungen von Vliesstoffproduktionen zugeschnitten ist. Kunden haben die Möglichkeit, die Daten ihrer Reicofil-Anlagen, Peripheriegeräte sowie ERP- und MES-Systeme sicher über die c.Hub Middleware zu vernetzen, zentral zu speichern sowie einfach zu analysieren. Anlagenbetreiber können so die Fertigung überwachen, dokumentieren und datenbasiert die Produktionseffizienz steigern. Gemeinsam mit verschiedenen Software Bundles wird der c.Hub als On-Premise-Lösung angeboten, kann also lokal betrieben werden und bleibt unter der vollen Datenhoheit des Anwenders.

Zünd, ein Spezialist für Zuschnittlösungen für die Polstermöbelindustrie, stellt unter dem Motto «Efficiency to rely on» auf der Interzum 2023 (09.–12.05.2023) die Produktivität und Zuschnitteffizienz in den Fokus.

Am Stand erfährt das Fachpublikum die Vorteile des integrierten Lederzuschnitts am Beispiel eines Zünd D3 Cutters mit Doppelbalkentechnologie. Zünd widmet seinen Messeauftritt sämtlichen Prozessen zwischen Hauterfassung, Zuschnitt und Absortierung. Das Fachpublikum kann sich über modulare Lösungen für die Digitalisierung und das Nesting, den Textil- und Lederzuschnitt und softwareunterstützte Teileentnahme informieren.

Darüber hinaus rückt Zünd seinen integrierten Beratungsansatz in den Vordergrund: «Wir bieten Workflowlösungen für unterschiedlichste Anforderungen und erarbeiten individuell mit unseren Kunden, welche Lösungen am besten zu ihren Herstellungsprozessen und verwendeten Materialien passen. Das bedingt einen einheitlichen Beratungsansatz, der Hardware, Software und Servicedienstleistungen einbezieht», erklärt Manuel Enriquez, Segment Manager Leder.

From April 25^th to 27^th, 2023, the Institute of Textile Machinery and High Performance Material Technology (ITM) of TU Dresden will be exhibiting at the pavilion SAXONY! at JEC World 2023.

The ITM will provide a comprehensive overview of its current research in the field of machine and product development along the entire textile process chain.

The upcoming JEC 2023 exhibition will highlight innovative Customised Connective Cores (CCC), which are custom-made core-insert structures additively manufactured using cellular metal and a form-fit integrated insert. These CCCs can be seamless integrated either as patches or as full-surface core material into lightweight panels, offering significantly improved load-bearing behavior (especially 4 times the load-bearing capacity and fail-safe behavior) compared to existing technologies. This breakthrough opens up new possibilities for fastening lightweight panels.

Another highlight at the exhibition is the repair process for fibre-reinforced composites (FRP) developed at the ITM. Instead of mechanically grinding the damaged area, the matrix in the repair area is locally dissolved using a UV-rays-induced depolymerisation process. Damaged fibres can thus be replaced by a customized repair patch. Free yarn ends on the textile repair patches are spliced with the UV-exposed yarn ends in the repair area using an adapted splicing process. In this way, a very clean, simplified and mechanically improved repair area can be achieved compared to the state of the art.

The diverse possibilities offered by the structure and process simulation of textile high-performance materials and textile manufacturing processes will also be presented. By means of multi-scale modelling and simulation, a profound understanding of materials and processes is achieved at the ITM. Finite element models on the micro, meso and macro scale have been developed and validated for this purpose. Examples from current ITM research projects demonstrate the various possibilities and areas of application of modern simulation methods in the field of textile technology.

Moreover, an innovative process for the integral manufacturing of 3D rib-stiffened preforms with complexly arranged stiffeners in 0°, 90° and ± 45° orientation was developed and successfully implemented at the ITM. Due to the process-integrated structure fixation and the continuous fibre reinforcement between shell and rib structure, the 3D preforms are perfectly suited for the production of highly load-bearing FRP components with increased bending stiffness, which will be exhibited at JEC. Hence, the lightweight construction potential of high-performance fibres can be fully exploited.

A successfully established development are partially flowable 2D textile reinforcement fabrics that are continuously manufactured in one single process step. For this purpose, the entire process chain was developed at the ITM, which allows a cost-effective and high-volume production of load-bearing thermoplastic 3D FRP components with continuous fibre reinforcement between shell and stiffeners.

At JEC 2023, the ITM will also present a partially embedded textile latice girder as reinforcement for carbon concrete applications, which was produced by means of an innovative textile manufacturing process based on the multiaxial warp knitting technology. Through the development of a customized warp insertion, manipulation and take-off system as well as appropriate shaping methods, it is now possible to produce tailored textile semi-finished products, e.g. for use in wall and ceiling panels. These textile latice girders represent a resource-saving alternative to conventional steel girders due to the reduced among of concrete required and the additional cavity for media and cable guidance.

The integration of textile actuators and sensors in FRP provides structures with additional functionalities. The research and application of such interactive FRP with different matrix materials (e.g. with thermoset, elastomer or concrete matrix systems) for structural health monitoring or adaptive systems is one of the key research areas of the ITM.

Moreover, the development and implementation of innovative yarn constructions based on recycled high-performance fibres (e.g. rCF, rGF, rAR) for sustainable FRPs is successfully promoted at ITM. By use of a special carding machine, recycled fibres are opened up, separated and joined to form a wide, uniform ribbon. Subsequently, innovative hybrid yarn constructions made of evenly mixed recycled high-performance and thermoplastic fibres with variable fibre volume fractions can be manufactured by means of various spinning technologies. Selected yarn constructions and components will be showcased at JEC.

SHIMA SEIKI MFG., LTD. of Wakayama, Japan, together with its Hong Kong subsidiary SHIMA SEIKI (HONG KONG) LTD., will participate in the 40th Session of SPINEXPO in Shanghai, China from 12th - 14th April 2023.

At SPINEXPO, SHIMA SEIKI will offer visitors a choice between its "SDS®-ONE APEX4" apparel design system and its "APEXFiz®" subscription-based design software. Whereas SDS®-ONE APEX4 is offered as an all-in-one proprietary hardware + software package, APEXFiz® is subscription-based design software that can be installed on customers' individual computers. Both SDS®-ONE APEX4 and APEXFiz® software 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. When a design is approved for production, knitting data is automatically generated for converting to machine data, allowing smooth communication for digitally bridging the gap between studio and factory. APEXFiz® thereby helps to realize sustainability while digitally transforming the fashion supply chain.

Also on display at SPINEXPO will be SHIMA SEIKI's "yarnbank®," an online web service for searching and viewing the latest yarns, developed with cooperation from yarn companies from around the world. Registered users can download yarn data for free, for use in fabric simulation and virtual sampling on APEXFiz®, avoiding the need to scan yarn on their own. By using yarn that is used in actual production, designers and apparel companies can furthermore rest assured that the simulations created using yarn from yarnbank® are not merely realistic images but accurate representations using yarn that can actually be purchased and used in production. With yarnbank®, the entire supply chain from yarn companies and apparel companies to knit manufacturers can be connected digitally.

SHIMA SEIKI will also display the latest collection of its knit samples, including WHOLEGARMENT® knitwear that is knit in its entirety on the machine without the need for linking or sewing afterward. Together with virtual sampling performed on APEXFiz®, WHOLEGARMENT® offers smart production for realizing a sustainable fashion supply chain.

Auf der im Juni in Mailand stattfindenden ITMA wird sich der Textilmaschinenhersteller Mayer & Cie. zum ersten Mal mit seinen zwei Geschäftsbereichen Rundstricken und Flechten präsentieren. In beiden Bereichen setzt der Hersteller ähnliche Schwerpunkte: solide Maschinen, denen er Lösungen an die Seite stellt, die Flechtanlagen und Rundstrickmaschinen effizienter, langlebiger und damit werthaltiger machen. Diese Lösungen reichen von maschinenindividuellen Upgrade-Kits über Innovationen zur Reduzierung von Ausschuss bis hin zu digitalen Lösungen, die das Kundenerlebnis verbessern.  
 
Im Bereich Rundstrickmaschinen wird Mayer & Cie. drei Maschinen präsentieren: Die überarbeiteten Modelle der OVJA 2.4 EM und der Relanit 3.2 HS sowie die neue Bindefadenfuttermaschine SF4 3.2 III. Alle drei bedienen klassische Anwendungen und sind, bis auf die SF4-3.2 II, im Markt etabliert.

Die OVJA 2.4 EM strickt doppelflächig Jacquard mit Einzelnadelauswahl im Zylinder und sowie Doppeltuch mit Schussfaden. Sie ist die derzeit produktivste Maschine ihrer Klasse. Das Portfolio der Maschine wurde um Abstandsgestrick (Spacer) erweitert.  
Die Relanit 3.2 HS hat Mayer & Cie. zur Messe mit verbesserten Fadenführern ausgerüstet. Sie arbeitet mit einer Nadel mit optimiertem Haken und Zungenform sowie einer Sollbruchstelle zur erweiterten Sicherheit bei der höheren Produktionsleistung. Die neue Federplatine ist ein weiteres Feature der Relanit 3.2 HS. Sie verbessert die Laufruhe der Maschine und reduziert den Verschleiß.
 
Mit seiner dritten Maschine SF4-3.2 III adressiert das Unternehmen einen großen Trend in der Bekleidungsindustrie - Bindefadenfutterstoffe speziell für Freizeitmode, sowohl in reiner Baumwolle als auch mit Mischungen.

Mit den Upgrade-Kits für Flechtmaschinen profitieren Kunden vom technischen Fortschritt: Das Portfolio reicht vom Geschwindigkeits-Boost bis hin zu speziellen Abtafel- und Legeeinrichtungen. Ebenfalls neu sind die maschinenindividuell zusammengestellten Ersatzteilpakete. Sie liefern ein Mehr an Produktions- und Planungssicherheit. 

Fibre Extrusion Technology Ltd (FET) of Leeds, UK will shortly be exhibiting at INDEX 23, the leading nonwovens exhibition in Geneva, 18-21 April.

As well as featuring its latest meltblown and spunbond technology, FET will focus on its new Fibre Development Centre. Construction and fit-out of this new purpose-built building is now fully operational. This modern two-storey development provides state-of-the-art facilities, including enhanced laboratory for client testing and product development.

Resident equipment in the Fibre Development Centre reflects the wide range of fibre extrusion systems offered by FET to clients across the globe and will enable continued growth of the company through innovation.  

Complementing FET’s highly successful meltblown technology, the more recent spunbond range provides unprecedented opportunities for the scaled development of new nonwoven fabrics based on a wide range of fibres and polymers, including bicomponents.

ITMF has invited some of the start-ups that have presented at the ITMF Annual Conference 2023 to share in more depth during a series of interactive webinars their digital platforms/tools and how companies can benefit from digital workflows. The first webinar with the start-up “ColorDigital” took place in the first half of February. The second webinar will take place in March with the start-up “Frontier.Cool”.

In cooperation with the “Institut für Textiltechnik” (Institute for Textile Technology) of RWTH Aachen University, ITMF has developed a series of webinars that will have a closer look at the concept, political and legal environment as well as technology regarding circularity and recycling in the textile industry. In six webinars of 60-75 minutes each, international experts will discuss the backgrounds and potential of circularity in the textile industry. The webinar series start in March and will be completed by the end of May 2023.

The webinars are free of charge for ITMF members and all their affiliated members.  

Please check the Textination schedule for all details.

Flat knitting solutions provider SHIMA SEIKI MFG., LTD. of Wakayama, Japan, together with its Brazilian representative BRASTEMA TECNOLOGIA TEXTIL LTDA., will participate in the FIMEC 2023 46th International Fair of Leather, Chemicals, Components, Machinery and Equipment for Footwear and Tanneries in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil next month.

Working off the recent trend in knitted shoe uppers in the athletic footwear market, SHIMA SEIKI proposes knitted fabrics to the general footwear market as an alternative to leather. To that end SHIMA SEIKI will be showcasing the latest applications of computerized flat knitting technology to demonstrate its contributions in this field.

As pioneer of WHOLEGARMENT® knitting technology whereby the knitted product can be produced in one entire piece on the machine without linking or sewing, the company is showing the MACH2XS WHOLEGARMENT® knitting machine for the first time at FIMEC. MACH2XS features 4 needle beds and SHIMA SEIKI's original SlideNeedle™, capable of producing high-quality fine gauge WHOLEGARMENT® products in all needles. Proposals include WHOLEGARMENT® sportswear as well as seam-free shoe uppers. For conventional shaped knitting of shoe uppers, the SVR123SP machine features a loop presser bed that permits inlay technique for producing hybrid fabrics with both knit and weave characteristics, suited to shoe upper applications that require form-fitting function, comfort, flexibility, breathability as well as strength and stiffness. SVR123SP furthermore features i-Plating inverse-plating capability for increased patterning capability, including the production of jacquard-like patterns in light-weight plain jersey stitch. Also on show will be the compact SVR093 machine with a short knitting width intended for knitting shoe uppers. Both SVR machines feature such SHIMA SEIKI innovations as DSCS® Digital Stitch Control System, spring-type moveable sinker system, stitch presser, yarn gripper and cutter, and takedown comb. Made-in-Japan quality, reliability, productivity, user-friendliness and cost-performance all combine to satisfy the high expectations of the world's shoe industry.

SHIMA SEIKI’s SDS®-ONE APEX4 3D design system will also be available for demonstrations in design and simulation suited to shoe production. Of particular interest is its ultra-realistic simulation capability that realizes Virtual Sampling. When countless variations must be evaluated before arriving at a final design, virtual product samples can be used to streamline the decision-making process by minimizing the enormous amount of time and cost normally associated with producing actual samples for each variation. The sustainability factor is also undeniable.