From the Sector

Under vacuum, the new BB Engineering large-area filter produces a homogeneous, pure melt with a targeted IV setting for instance, for returning polyester production waste to the melt flow, but also for achieving a homogeneous viscosity in the case of virgin material.

BB Engineering has expanded its melt filter portfolio to include a patented large-area vacuum filter designed especially for processing polyester waste. The so-called Visco+ filter is already known as the key component of the BB Engineering VacuFil recycling system. Now, it is also available as a separate and easily-integratable upgrade component for existing systems. Within this context, the uses of the Visco+ are by no means limited to just decontamination. Here, the Visco+ offers the following solutions:

• IV homogenization: if an existing production system is struggling with IV fluctuations, the Visco+ is able to actively intervene and balance out any irregularities;
• IV increase: if the final viscosity is insufficient when processing recycled materials, the Visco+ can increase the IV without the negative impact of long residence times.

In this way, the Visco+ enables fast and flexibly-controllable viscosity build-up and reliable viscosity monitoring of the polyester melt using a to-date unique, patented process. Depending on the intended end use, the melt can be ad-justed to the further processing procedure in a targeted manner. The requi-site melt properties above all the intrinsic viscosity, but also the purity and homogeneity are achieved in a reliable and reproducible manner and can also be adjusted during ongoing operation.

As a melt filter, the Visco+ operates like a liquid-state polycondensation unit. A maintenance-intensive reactor or a deposit-prone stirring unit are not required. Moisture is removed from the PET in the filter, which – in conjunction with an adjustable residence time – results in the desired IV increase in the vacuum. This enables a controlled IV build-up of up to 30%. The intrinsic vis-cosity is the central quality figure in PET recycling and rPET processing. It determines the melt performance in the downstream production process and the properties of the end products. The intrinsic viscosity is continually moni-tored by means of an integrated viscosity measurement unit and reliably adjusted in the event of deviations (caused by disparate input qualities, for ex-ample). At the same time, the filter provides an enormous material surface compared to the volume and continuously renews this. To this end, contamination can be removed particularly effectively from the starting material by means of automatically-regulated high-performance vacuum (1-30 mbar).

The Visco+ is particularly suitable for recycling PET waste that is to be reused for high-end products.

Kornit Digital announced the release of its new MAX technology, establishing a new standard for on-demand fashion and apparel production.

A key feature of Kornit’s MAX technology is XDi, which delivers revolutionary 3D capabilities for new, high-density graphic decoration that can simulate embroidery, vinyl, and heat transfer in a single, waste-free digital process. The new XDi, which is based on Kornit’s patents, allows fulfillers and brands to expand their offerings to include new-to-market, innovative decorations without the inefficiencies and cost of operating analog technologies.

Introducing Kornit Atlas MAX and ActiveLoad Automation
Kornit also debuted the ActiveLoad Automation technology, a new robotic system to significantly ease the burden of manual and labor-intensive media handling in the textile decoration industry. This increases total output per shift while ensuring minimal downtime and exceptional reliability. The new patent pending ActiveLoad Automation technology ensures continuous production and consistency, while decreasing human error and fatigue, regardless of employee experience and training, for ultimate results and best operational efficiency.

The first product with MAX technology is now commercially available in the Kornit Atlas MAX, a carbon-neutral, industrial-scale DTG production system, providing unsurpassed retail quality, exceptional color-matching capabilities, and a wide, vivid color gamut, with exceptional durability. The Atlas MAX is delivered with the new XDi technology built in, for 3D printing capabilities.

Oerlikon signs agreement to acquire INglass, a global leader in high precision polymer flow control equipment, to accelerate expansion strategy in polymer processing market

• INglass and its HRSflow Division is a market leader spezialized in hot runner sytems
• Technology is highly complementary to Oerlikon’s existing capabilities in polymer flow control and will expand Oerlikon’s market access
• Acquisition accelerates Oerlikon’s strategy in diversifying its manmade fibers business to expand into the high-growth polymer processing solution market
• Oerlikon renames ‘Manmade Fibers’ Division to ‘Polymer Processing Solutions’
• Acquisition is expected to be completed in the second quarter of 2021

Oerlikon, a leading provider of surface engineering, polymer processing and additive manufacturing, announced today that it has signed an agreement to acquire Italy-headquartered INglass S.p.A. and its innovative hot runner systems technology operating under its market-leading HRSflow business.

The strategic acquisition is a significant step in expanding Oerlikon’s current manmade fibers business into the larger polymer processing market. The acquisition accelerates and enhances existing organic initiatives to diversify and strengthen the company’s core high-precision polymer flow control capabilities, products and services. The completion of the transaction is subject to customary regulatory approvals and is expected by the second quarter of 2021.

To reflect Oerlikon’s expansion into a larger high-growth market, the Manmade Fibers Division will be renamed as Polymer Processing Solutions Division. This division will have two business units: Flow Control Solutions and Manmade Fibers Solutions. The busines unit Flow Control Solutions will combine the expertise of Oerlikon Barmag’s existing gear metering pumps business line and INglass’ HRSflow operations. The business unit Manmade Fibers Solutions will continue to focus on growing the existing chemical fiber machinery and plant engineering business, offering plant solutions for the production of polyester, polypropylene and polyamide.

“Our new Polymer Processing Solutions Division and the acquisition of INglass S.p.A. and its HRSflow business are critical components of Oerlikon Group’s growth strategy. We are accelerating our efforts to drive sustainable organic and inorganic growth in all of our businesses. The acquisition enables new synergy opportunities between both Oerlikon divisions in specific end markets such as automotive. With INglass and its HRSflow operations, we acquire leading suppliers in their markets with proven success of their technologies and services,” said Dr. Roland Fischer, CEO Oerlikon Group.

“We firmly believe that within the Oerlikon Group we can further exploit the potential of our hot runner systems technology and, when combined with the capabilities of Oerlikon Barmag gear metering pumps and their melt distribution engineering competence, will position our business as one of the leading precision flow control specialists for multiple applications in a global growth market”, said Antonio Bortuzzo, CEO of INglass S.p.A.

New business unit offers great growth potential

The Oerlikon Barmag competence brand already offers high precision flow control related components, including a large selection of gear metering pumps for textile and non-textile markets. These highly efficient pumps are used in silicone casting, dynamic mixing and oil spraying for the chemical, paint, polymer processing and automotive industries. This double-digit million CHF business, which has grown in recent years, will be merged with INglass’ HRSflow hot runner technologies under the new business unit Flow Control Solutions. HRSflow’s excellent market access to many OEMs in and outside the automotive industry brings significant growth opportunities.

INglass is a leader in automotive and expanding in other sectors

INglass S.p.A. is an internationally operating successful company established in 1987. Its product portfolio includes hot runners as well as engineering and consultancy services for the advanced development of polymer processing products. INglass’ HRSflow hot runner systems are applied in multiple industries from automotive, consumer goods and household appliances to packaging, waste management, construction and transportation.

INglass is headquartered in San Polo di Piave, Italy, near Venice. 2020 revenues of INglass were approximately CHF 135 million and the acquisition is expected to be immediately accretive to Oerlikon’s margins and cash flows. INglass has more than 1 000 employees and 55 sites worldwide, including production plants in Italy, China and the US. Among these sites are INglass’ newly renovated headquarters and production at its primary location in San Polo di Piave near Venice, Italy. The investment modernized the facilities with automated production, underlining the company’s commitment to sustainability and the environment. The other two modern production sites are in Zhejiang (Hangzhou Province) in China and Michigan (Grand Rapids) in the USA.

Following the integration with Oerlikon Barmag’s gear metering pumps business of about 200 employees in Remscheid, Germany, the new Flow Control Solutions business unit will have round about 1 200 employees.

"We see great potential for growth in our new Flow Control Solutions business unit,” said Georg Stausberg, Polymer Processing Solutions Division CEO and Member of the Executive Committee of the Oerlikon Group. “The businesses form the two core growth pillars and benefit from each other in global market development, in modern and digitized production, and in customer services. We also see potential synergies in R&D by combining existing know-how in the field of polymer processing. New technological solutions between hot runner systems and gear metering pumps are conceivable. We also anticipate collaborating more closely with the Oerlikon Surface Solutions Division, particularly in future mobility applications and functional polymer component solutions for the automotive industry. All in all, we will offer our customers innovative and attractive solutions in the field of polymer processing and high precision flow control components.”

Next steps for further diversification of the division product portfolio are already ongoing

Combining the divisions plant engineering and process know how with expertise on high precision flow control components technologies has a significant impact on product quality in nearly all applications, which opens up a platform for further organic and inorganic growth. "We are closely observing the megatrends in the markets and developing new business models to match. In the area of sustainability, covering topics such as circular economy, the recycling of materials using mechanical and chemical recycling solutions, as well as the handling of new, more environmentally friendly and biodegradable materials, we are on the verge of a breakthrough. We are ready to actively participate in these growth areas,” added Georg Stausberg.

“In realigning the Polymer Processing Solutions Division, Oerlikon will continue to apply our successful recipe of a lean organizational structure to efficiently manage the business. This means clear processes, short decision-making paths and competent teams in a diverse and multicultural organization in which everyone can contribute innovatively to create customer value,” said Georg Stausberg.

International technology Group ANDRITZ has received an order from Amarande SAS to supply an elliptical cylinder pre-needler for their plant in Lussac les Châteaux, France. This machine will process shoddy and natural fibers for the production of heavy felts. Installation and start-up of the machine are scheduled for the second quarter of 2021. The new needlepunch production line with the high-performance ANDRITZ cylinder pre-needler will allow Amarande to offer high-quality products and thus open up new market opportunities.

ANDRITZ offers a complete range of elliptical cylinder pre-needlers serving different weights, widths, speeds and punching capacity. Over the years they have become a must for production of heavy products, special applications and also for demanding applications like automotive. They are a key success factor in enabling the subsequent needling machines to process heavy batts smoothly and control the progressive draft through the consolidation process.  

Established in 1990, Amarande is an important French producer of nonwovens, specialized in the production of felt and wadding from recycled textile and natural fibers (wool, cotton, hemp, flax, jute, etc.). The company operates in various markets such as furniture, green spaces, horticultural crops, and insulation.

• Förderung mit 550.000 Euro im Rahmen des Corona-Sonderförderprogramms „FuE-Schub“ für wirtschaftsnahe Forschungseinrichtungen

Das Thüringische Institut für Textil- und Kunststoff-Forschung e.V. (TITK) mit Sitz in Rudolstadt erhält rund 550.000 Euro für Investitionen in Geräteinfrastruktur und Digitalisierung. Die Förderung ist Teil des im Februar aufgelegten Corona-Sonderförderprogramms „FuE-Schub“ für wirtschaftsnahe Forschungseinrichtungen.
 
„Die Frage, wie wir schnell von der Forschung zur Anwendung, von der Idee zum marktfähigen Produkt kommen, ist zentral für die Innovations- und Wettbewerbsfähigkeit unserer Wirtschaft“, so Wissenschaftsstaatssekretär Carsten Feller, der bei seinem Besuch am TITK die Förderbescheide übergab. „Die wirtschaftsnahen Forschungseinrichtungen sind ein wichtiger Teil der Antwort darauf.“ Mit dem „FuE-Schub“ wolle das Land die Einrichtungen deshalb dabei unterstützen, in die Modernisierung von Geräten und Ausstattungen zu investieren, so der Staatssekretär: „Eine technische Infrastruktur auf neuestem Stand trägt dazu bei, dass sie ihrer Scharnierfunktion zwischen Wirtschaft und Wissenschaft auch wirklich gerecht werden können.“
 
Die Fördermittel investiert das TITK einerseits in die Anschaffung eines 3D-Druckzentrums für Selektives Laser-Sintern (SLS) und in eine Extrusionsanlage für Katheter aus Silikon (446.000 Euro). Mit diesen Anlagen können funktionalisierte Polymerwerkstoffe zu Bauteilen und Halbzeugen verarbeitet werden. Andererseits nutzt das TITK die Mittel, um die Digitalisierung von Organisations- und Verwaltungsprozessen sowie von Forschungsergebnissen weiter auszubauen (103.000 Euro). Dazu soll bspw. ein Dokumenten-Management-System eingeführt und ein SQL-Datenbankserver angeschafft werden.

„Dank dieser wichtigen Unterstützung des Landes bleiben wir mit unserer technischen Infrastruktur weiterhin eng am Bedarf der industrienahen Forschung“, freut sich TITK-Direktor Benjamin Redlingshöfer. Sowohl beim neuen Laserdruckzentrum als auch bei der neuen Katheter-Extrusionsanlage könne das Institut seine Kompetenzen in der Entwicklung und Funktionalisierung von Werkstoffen weiter vorantreiben. „Und nicht zuletzt freuen wir uns erstmals über eine Förderung für ein dringend notwendiges Digitalisierungsprojekt“, betont Redlingshöfer.
 
Die Förderung ist Teil des Corona-Sonderförderprogramms „FuE-Schub“, im Rahmen dessen das Wissenschaftsministerium die wirtschaftsnahen Thüringer Forschungseinrichtungen mit zusätzlich fünf Millionen Euro bei der Anschaffung von Geräten, Ausstattungen und digitalen Infrastrukturen unterstützt. Die Projekte müssen einem der fünf Schwerpunkte der Thüringer Innovationsstrategie zuzuordnen sein. Die Mittel für das Programm „FuE-Schub“ stammen aus dem Corona-Sonderfonds, den das Land im vergangenen Jahr aufgelegt hatte. Für die Förderung der angewandten und wirtschaftsnahen Forschung und Technologie insgesamt stellt das Ministerium allein in diesem Jahr mehr als 250 Millionen Euro bereit.

Brodelec chose to broaden its scope of activity by investing in the Kornit Presto S.

Dominique Willems, CEO at Brodelec, comments: "We had already seen a strong trend for personalized items, whether in the furniture or fashion sector, but since the beginning of the pandemic we have seen a strong growth in requests for small-scale personalization. And that's exactly where Kornit offers us a solution with incredible durability and quality, perfectly suited to our needs."

He continues: "The Kornit Presto S has allowed us to bring our latest project to life: the creation of a website entirely dedicated to ordering custom masks. Thanks to an online editor and our 200 models, our customers can order their masks in quantities ranging from 1 to several thousand pieces if necessary. As the Kornit Presto is free of certain technical and chemical constraints and has adapted perfectly to Brodelec's workflow system; we are currently printing more than 10,000 masks per week and can respond to requests within extremely short deadlines while guaranteeing quality and sharpness of detail. The masks meet the recommendations of the AFNOR and are designed with a fabric that filters out particles in the air by over 90%! Therefore, the designed and printed fabric masks are designated as category 1 and meet the UNS1 standards. They are distributed after testing for 60 washes."

Nach der Vorstellung seines 76-Zoll (193 cm) Dye-Sublimationsdrucker SureColor SC-F10000 im Jahr 2020 erweitert Epson sein Angebot dieser Druckerkategorie um das Modell SC-F10000H. Der SureColor SC-F10000H verbessert die Produktivität von Druckdienstleistern dank zwei unterschiedlicher Tintensätze. Auf diese Weise produzieren Unternehmen eine Vielzahl Produkte in höchster Qualität – angefangen bei Kleidung bis hin zu Werbeartikeln und Soft-Signage-Produkten. Der Epson SureColor SC-F10000H ist ab Juli 2021 im qualifizierten Fachhandel verfügbar.

Zur Wahl steht einerseits die Tintenkonfiguration CMYK mit fluoreszierender pinkfarbener sowie gelber Tinte, die sich ideal für trendige Sportbekleidung und sonstige Kleidungsstücke eignen, die eine besonders lebendige Farbwiedergabe erfordern.

Eine weitere Option ist CMYK mit Light-Tinten in den Farben LC und LM1, welche fließende Übergänge ohne störende Farbabrisse ermöglichen. Das verbessert die Druckqualität vor allem bei sanften, hellen Farbverläufen wie Himmel oder auch Hauttönen.

Jörn von Ahlen, Leiter Marketing der Epson Deutschland GmbH, erklärt: „Mit Einführung des SC-F10000 im vergangenen Jahr haben wir neue Standards im Bereich Dye-Sublimationsdruck gesetzt. Unsere Kunden erwarten von ihren Maschinen eine schnelle Arbeitsweise, eine hohe Leistung sowie reproduzierbar hohe Druckresultate. Mit dem neuen SureColor SC-F10000H weiten unsere Kunden ihr Angebot nun auf den lukrativen Markt für Sportbekleidung/trendige Mode, Heimtextilien und Soft-Signage-Produkte aus.“

Devan, one of the leading companies in sustainable and functional textile finishes, has been working together with Jeanologia, a global leader in sustainable and efficient finishing technologies for textiles, to reduce further water consumption during the application of Devan’s awarded BI-OME® antimicrobial and R-Vital® skincare range.

With increased attention to climate change and limiting excess water consumption in textile production (whether denim or other textiles), Devan and Jeanologia worked together to evaluate the application of Devan finishes onto garments via the patented e-Flow technology.

e-Flow technology can accomplish a considerable number of finishing effects with the highest quality, a minimal amount of water and zero discharge. The technology uses micronization and nebulization to substitute traditional abrasion process and deliver performance chemistry using nano-bubbles instead of water. It reduces the cost of application, saves the amount of water used and ensures that the correct amount of chemistry stays in the garment and not in the water. e-Flow is the perfect fit for every industrial washing machine. This allows mills and brands to apply Devan’s technologies in a more sustainable way than using traditional application equipment, even for smaller production runs and direct onto garments.

“With the global textile production using 4% of the global freshwater withdrawal, here at Devan we are continuously working on more sustainable solutions”, says Dr. Vanessa Daelman, CTO at Devan. “Next to this, we of course highly value sustainable application methods from Jeanologia, like e-Flow, in order to reduce the excess water usage during textile application. We are delighted that we could work together with Jeanologia and establish that Devan technologies can be easily applied via these technologies onto garments or fabrics like denim and with full retention of functionality. This application method also allows post garment treatment of our finishes, for example an antimicrobial treatment onto already finished garments, which will be increasingly important in a more circular textile world where re-use plays an important role”, Dr. Daelman concludes.

Baldwin Technology Company Inc. has launched Unlocking Potential, a new podcast series that covers the latest trends, innovations and technologies in key industries—from packaging and converting, to security printing, textile production, film extrusion and more.

The first episode debuted February 1, and it shares the history and evolution of Baldwin, which recently marked 100 years of innovation. Episode 2 features a conversation with Baldwin experts about security printing advancements.

“We are excited to introduce this opportunity to share ideas, insights and educational content with customers, partners and associates around the world,” said Baldwin’s Chief Marketing and IoT Officer Steve Metcalf, who joined Chief Commercial Officer and longtime Baldwin team member Peter Hultberg on the inaugural episode. “In a time when traditional trade shows and conferences are being reimagined, podcasting provides a familiar platform for us to be conversational again.”

Future episodes will delve into the latest in curing technology for specialized manufacturing applications, the transformation of cleaning processes and consumables for printing, and other topics, as markets and industries continue to evolve.

International technology Group ANDRITZ has received an order to supply four new needlepunch lines for nonwoven production from Chongqing Double Elephant Microfiber Material Co., Ltd., China. These lines are scheduled for installation and start-up in the fourth quarter of 2021.

The needlepunch lines by ANDRITZ are designed to process islands-in-the-sea fibers dedicated mainly to the production of high-quality synthetic leather products. Once completed, the lines will produce 30 million meters a year of microfiber nonwoven materials.

The production lines are equipped with an ANDRITZ carding machine and the newly developed Profile® crosslapper as well as the advanced-technology ProWid closed-loop system from ANDRITZ. The system can monitor the weight uniformity (CV%) of the entire product online and predict the weight distribution changes caused by the bonding process. In addition, the web weight can be reduced by controlled stretching, which solves the issue of fiber accumulation at the edges caused by traditional crosslapping methods. Both the weight and the uniformity of the product can be automatically adjusted via the closed-loop function as set on the ANDRITZ gauge.

Chongqing Double Elephant Microfiber Material Co., Ltd., wholly owned by listed Wuxi Double Elephant Microfiber Materials Co., Ltd., is located in the Changshou National Economic and Technological Development Zone of Chongqing City. The company is active in the research, development and manufacture of microfiber materials, polyurethane synthetic leather and polyurethane resin.