Techtextil 2019 Exhibitor Preview: Kelheim Fibres

KELHEIM, Germany — March 25, 2019 — High-performance insulation materials, disinfectant wipes and supply chain transparency — viscose fiber manufacturer Kelheim Fibres will present solutions for these and more topics at this year’s Techtextil.

With dry short cut viscose fibers, Kelheim Fibres contributes to energy saving: Fibers with an extremely fine titre are processed along with pyrogenic silica to vacuum insulation panels (VIPs). With their specific properties, Viscose fibers contribute reinforcement and allow for permanent dimensional stability.

Vacuum insulation panels offer the same insulation effect as rock wool with only one tenth the thickness. Such panels are used for example in refrigerators and freezers, as well as in building insulation. Transport logistics that demands an uninterrupted cold chain is another promising future market for these specialty fibers.

Fresh from Kelheim’s R&D laboratory comes the new viscose specialty fiber, Danufil® QR. It is specifically designed for use in disinfectant wipes. While standard viscose fibers, due to their negative ionic charge, bind up to 80 percent of “quats” (quarternary ammonium compounds, a common disinfectant) and so hinder their actual purpose, the positively charged Danufil QR fiber can reduce this undesired effect to less than 10 percent.

Softness, excellent fluid management and full biodegradability are the typical properties of viscose fibers — with the use of Danufil QR, disinfectant wipes can now also benefit from these.

Supply chain transparency and protection against forgery is another topic addressed by the viscose fiber experts: A marker fiber enables the — invisible for the human eye, but definite and even customer-specific — coding of products. So, the traceability of a product can be guaranteed, and customers and manufacturers can be protected from possible economic damages by plagiarism.

Alongside these new fibers, Kelheim will showcase many well-known specialty fibers as well as a range of new development projects.

That, according to Matthew North, commercial director at Kelheim Fibres, demonstrates the optimistic and future-oriented atmosphere at Kelheim: After a fire in their production plant in October 2018, the Bavarian viscose fiber specialists are gradually rebuilding their production capacity.

Currently five lines are working, which is the equivalent of about 50 percent of Kelheim’s former production capacity. The rebuilding process is expected to be completed by the middle of 2020.

“Until then, we concentrate all available resources on the creation of innovative new fibers and the development of new application areas so that we will restart with new state-of-the-art production lines, combined with more than 80 years of experience in viscose fiber production and numerous fibre innovations,” says Matthew North. “Coming back stronger‘ will be our motto for 2019.”

Meet the Kelheim Fibres team at Techtextil, Hall 3.1 Stand F23!

Posted March 25, 2019

Source: Kelheim Fibres GmbH


Ifo Says That Germany’s Business Leaders Are Regaining Optimism

BERLIN, Germany — March 25, 2019 — Munich’s Ifo Institute for Economic Research reports that its business climate index rose in March 2019, reversing a six-month trend. The seasonally adjusted index went up from 98.7 to 99.6 points, as managers felt more confident about their prospects for the coming six months.

Driving the uptick was increased optimism in the already positive service sector. But views of the current business climate also improved in construction, which enjoyed record volume in January, and trade leaders, too, said that their business was developing nicely.

“The latest Ifo survey shows that amidst the many recent reports of doom and gloom, German businesspeople actually remain quite confident about the future,” said Dr. Robert Hermann, CEO of Germany’s federal economic development agency Germany Trade & Invest (GTAI). “The German economy is very robust and resistant to worries about an economic downturn.”

Germany Trade & Invest is the foreign trade and inward investment agency of the Federal Republic of Germany. The organization advises foreign companies looking to expand their business activities in the German market. It provides information on foreign trade to German companies that seek to enter into foreign markets. All inquiries relating to Germany as a business and investment location are treated confidentially. All investment services are available at no charge.

Posted March 25, 2019

Source: Germany Trade & Invest (GTAI)

CONTACT Software Becomes Partner Of Smart Electronic Factory

BREMEN, Germany — March 25, 2019 — CONTACT Software is a new partner of the Smart Electronic Factory initiative. In this network, renowned companies and research institutes develop solutions for Industry 4.0 and test them in a real electronics factory.

The SEF Smart Electronic Factory initiative develops sample solutions for Industry 4.0. The members of the non-profit association design new applications for intelligently networked production and validate them under real conditions. The practical tests are running in the electronics factory of Limtronik GmbH and at Lenze SE.

Contact Software is now contributing its expertise in digital twin, industrial analytics and product lifecycle management (PLM). “The Smart Electronic Factory offers ideal conditions for closed-loop engineering,” said Ian Altmann, project engineer in Contact’s Engineering Transformation Team. “Smart systems generate a lot of data that enables companies to draw concrete conclusions about product improvements.”

With the Smart Electronic Factory, AWS, Dürr, Limtronik, Lenze, Bosch Rexroth and many other partners have built up a networked machine park in which standards and solutions for Industry 4.0 are created. Contact Software will use this environment to enable a continuous innovation process based on its Elements platform. The Digital Twin Dashboard is the pivotal point for users. It combines all data of a plant or machine and is the starting point for performance and product improvements through visual analysis of the relevant operating parameters.

Interested companies can inform themselves about SEF in the test factories or at the Hannover Messe 2019 (hall 7, booth D26) and be supported by the SEF’s members in their own digitization projects.

Posted March 25, 2019

Source: CONTACT Software

BASF’s Colors And Effects® Brand And The Pantone Color Institute™ Complete Color Of The Year 2019 Conference World Tour

LUDWIGSHAFEN, Germany — March 25, 2019 — With a joint presentation on March 28, BASF’s Colors and Effects® Brand and the Pantone Color Institute™ will complete their joint tour for the Color of the Year 2019 collaboration at SPE, the Society of Plastics and Engineers European Additives and Color Conference, in Frankfurt, Germany. In a series of presentations in North America, Asia, and Europe, BASF and Pantone are highlighting a collection of plastic designs inspired by the Pantone Color of the Year 2019, PANTONE 16-1546 Living Coral. Supporting performance as well as aesthetic appearance, the collection features a selection of Colors & Effects pigments that accentuate color, finish and design all while meeting versatile industry requirements.

At SPE, Marc Dumont, head of Industry Management Pigments, BASF, and Carola Seybold, Director Business Development EMEA for Pantone and X-Rite, will jointly present the realization of Pantone Living Coral in plastic designs. While Pantone explains the key influences on and messages and meanings related to its Color of the Year 2019, BASF details how to realize the shade in various resins and finishes in plastic designs.

“The Pantone Color of the Year is a color that can communicate the color message that best reflects what is happening in our global culture at a specific moment in time, a color that we see crossing all areas of design and serves as an expression of a mood or attitude,” said Carola Seybold. “Through these conferences in partnership with BASF, we seek to highlight how color appeals to and influences consumer behaviors and the importance of color choices in design.”

“Our shade collection brings Pantone Living Coral to life with pigments that perform safely, reliably and brilliantly,” said Marc Dumont. “Inspired by a globally recognized color and meeting global industry requirements, our collaborative campaign ‘Performance beyond dazzling impressions’ has been well received in each region.” Earlier this year, the collaborative campaign was presented at AMI Thermoplastic Concentrates on January 30 in Coral Springs, USA, and at the AMI Masterbatch Conference on March 14 in Bangkok, Thailand.

Posted March 25, 2019

Source: BASF

JEC Group Unveils The Winners
 Of The JEC Innovation Awards At JEC World 2019

PARIS — March 13, 2019 — On the international stage of JEC World, composite innovation is everywhere! On the planets, on the live demo zones, on the stands, and also on stage. During this second day of the world’s largest composites exhibition, the winners of the JEC Innovation Awards were announced.
JEC Innovation Awards celebrate the fruitful cooperation between players of the composite community. Over the past 15 years, the JEC Innovation Awards have brought in 1,800 companies worldwide. 177 companies and 433 partners have been rewarded for the excellence of their composite innovations. The JEC Innovation Awards reward composites champions, based on criteria such as partner involvement in the value chain, technicality or commercial applications of innovations.

The ceremony was opened by Bertrand Piccard, the founder and visionary behind Solar Impulse, the first zero-fuel aircraft with perpetual autonomy.
 The jury then announced the ten composite innovation champions selected among 30 finalists, from more than a hundred entries, and the public awarded its prize.

“JEC Group supports innovation and has created the Composites Reference Prize to reward industry champions and promote their innovations. Every year, we receive more than a hundred applications from all over the world,” explains Franck Glowacz, Composites Expert at JEC Group.

A Prestigious International Jury

  • Anurag Bansal, Manager Global Business Development, ACCIONA Infraestructuras
  • Christophe Binetruy, Professor, EC Nantes
  • Robert Buchinger, CEO, SUNLUMO Technology
  • Grahame Burrow, Global President, MAGNA EXTERIORS
  • Dominique Dubois, CEO, CARBOMAN Group
  • Karl-Heinz Fueller, Manager Hybrid Materials, Concepts and AMG, DAIMLER
  • Sung HA, Professor, HANYANG UNIVERSITY
  • Murat Oguz Arcan, COO, Composites, Construction and Business Development, KORDSA
  • Henri Shin, Director – R&D Composites Innovation Center, KOLON
  • Kiyoshi Uzawa, Professor/Director (Ph.D), INNOVATIVE COMPOSITE CENTER

Posted March 25, 2019

Source: JEC Group

KARL MAYER Launches New RACOP-NW Series Of Raschel Machines For Web Bonding

OBERTSHAUSEN, Germany — March 25, 2019 — KARL MAYER has introduced its new RACOP-NW machine series for the nonwovens sector. These high-speed raschel machines bond fibrous webs to form nonwovens using two or three guide bars, thus offering all the usual advantages of knitting technology over other processes. This process, therefore, produces textile characteristics, such as elasticity and voluminosity, which is not the case when using chemical bonding agents. Much less energy is consumed compared to thermal processes. The new RACOP-NW models also combine flexibility with maximum productivity — factors that have led to their widespread acceptance by the market.

Karl Mayer sees sales opportunities mainly in reusable shopping bags as an alternative to plastic bags, as well as hygiene products, such as cleaning cloths and hook-and-loop fastenings for babies’ nappies. Technical applications also offer a wide range of end-uses, such as cable sheaths in the automotive sector, filling and insulating materials, e.g. for mattresses, textile surfaces for carpet tiles, and linings and interlinings for shoes and clothing.

Technical concept and market launch

The first models in the RACOP-NW machine series are the RACOP 2-NW and RACOP 3-NW. The machines are available in the gauges of E 12, E 14, E 22 and E 28 and with a working width of 160″ initially. More working widths and optional electronic guide bar control are being planned. The EL function considerably increases the range of patterns and constructions that can be produced, and thus extends the potential of the new raschel machines for use in web bonding. These machines process feed webs and other carrier substrates that can be pierced in thicknesses of up to 5 mm. A device for forming pile loops is optionally available to cater for special applications, and fabrics with special specifications can be produced. As well as being versatile, the RACOP-NW machines are also fast, and operate at a maximum speed of 2,000 min-1.

The first machines have already been sold

The RACOP 2-NW and RACOP 3-NW machines are available to order immediately, and four machines have already been delivered. The new machine series will make its debut at an in-house show to be held at Karl Mayer’s headquarters in Obertshausen during Techtextil 2019, held May 14-17 in Frankfurt

Posted March 25, 2019

Source: KARL MAYER Textilmaschinenfabrik GmbH

Techtextil 2019 Exhibitor Preview: Picanol

YPRES, Belgium — March 25, 2019 — Technical Textiles has since long been one of the pillars in the product strategy of Picanol. Due to its leading market position in the fields of rapier and airjet weaving, Picanol produces durable and high performing machine platforms with state of the art technology, which have been tested by thousands of customers. Its continued investment in research and development resulted in an a continuously increasing array of solutions for the most diverse applications in technical textiles. This unique combination of reliable product platforms in rapier and airjet weaving technology on one hand, and dedicated solutions for technical fabric on the other, offer our technical customers the best of all worlds: reliability, performance, flexibility and all this operating in the most sustainable way. Indeed, energy consumption and raw material effectiveness have been development axes since our inception over 80 years ago now.

During Techtextil, Picanol will present break-through solutions for i.a. wide weaving (up to 540 cm), heavy weaving,  agro-textiles, carpet-backing , coating fabrics, para-aramides and tyre cord.

Picanol NV is joining the “ Belgian Lounge ” located in  Hall 3 level 0, booth B21 . This event is considered a major stepstone  for the ITMA-exhibition in Barcelona in June this year where several Picanol-machines will be shown, producing challenging Technical Fabrics.

Our international sales staff will be present to host existing as well as prospective customers and partners to discuss ideas , opportunities as well as ongoing projects. Or to have a chat on the market evolutions while enjoying a Belgian beer together.

Looking forward to meet you in Frankfurt!

Posted March 25, 2019

Source: The Picanol Group

ITMA 2019 Exhibitor Preview: Eton Systems

GÅNGHESTER, Sweden— March 25, 2019 — With more than 5,000 tailored installations for a range of industries installed in over 60 countries, Eton Systems, headquartered in Gånghester, Sweden, has established a reputation as a clear leader in the field of complete material handling systems.

At ITMA 2019 in Barcelona from June 20-26, the company will be demonstrating a complete installation based on a future production concept, with advanced software providing real-time information covering every aspect of the process.

“Our systems are a natural fit with the major Industry 4.0 networked manufacturing plants that are now being constructed worldwide for sectors such as the garment and home textiles manufacturing and automotive industries,” said Eton’s Sales and Commercial Director Roger Ryrlén. “We have had a very busy last 12 months, with more major projects in the pipeline. We understand, however, that one solution does not fit all situations, which is why we think in terms of custom-made solutions matched to specific customer needs. Buying a system from us, is buying a solution and a partnership. Each system includes support, service, training and knowledge built on more than 70 years of experience. When a customer invests in an Eton System the increased efficiency normally results in savings of between 40-60 percent.”

A typical system consists of overhead conveyors with individually-addressable product carriers which automatically steer their way through programmed operation sequences. They are monitored by a computer providing all the necessary data for optimally measuring and managing processes. The systems are also highly flexible and can be rapidly modified to changes in the production line or the need for expansion.

Options for smart factories

Eton’s Flexible Productivity Concept (FPC) is based on two system platforms with a wide range of options, including:

  • Multiple rails for sorting at workstations.
  • Buffering.
  • Automatic loading devices, pick-ups and work delivery robots.
  • Bridges and elevators that link systems and floors.
  • Historical links to products after completion.
  • Module-based software.

Via an addressable product carrier, an Eton system transports all the components of a complete product through the manufacturing process.

“The result is fully automated flow with complete control of every component for the end product — where they have been, where they are now and where they are going” Mr Ryrlén explains. “These are real Internet of Things installations and every component has its own unique identity due to the integrated transponder in each carrier.”

Eton is a member of TMAS — the textile machinery association of Sweden which will have a significant presence at ITMA 2019 in Barcelona.

“Eton Systems is truly embracing the latest Industry 4.0 concepts for fully automated work flows that are now revolutionising the textile industry,” said TMAS Secretary General Therese Premler-Andersson. “There will be many more innovations on show from our members at ITMA 2019.”

Eton Systems will be at stand A214, in Hall 2 at the Barcelona exhibition.

Posted March 25, 2019

Source: TMAS – The Textile Machinery Association Of Sweden/Member Eton Systems

FONG’S EUROPE GmbH, A Member Of CHTC FONG’S International Group, Celebrates A Century Of Innovation

SCHWÄBISCH HALL, Germany — March 25, 2019 — FONG’S EUROPE, based in Schwäbisch Hall, Germany, will celebrate the 100th anniversary of its flagship THEN brand for advanced dyeing technology with a special reception for customers and agents at ITMA 2019 in Barcelona.

The company, which has been a member of the CHTC FONG’S group since 2004, has its origins in the German city of Chemnitz, where back in 1919 Rudolf Then founded a barrel-making business which soon branched out into piece dyeing machines.

The company’s reputation for innovation began early, with the introduction of ceramic linings for dye baths, which were then made of wood, in order to avoid staining and allow easy cleaning. At the end of the 1920s, Rudolf Then was also quick to recognise the acid-resistant advantages of stainless steel for dyeing vessels.

Relocating to West Germany after World War 2, Rudolf Then ran a number of businesses in Schwäbisch Hall, eventually founding THEN in 1955 with partner Karl Kurz, who later took over the business specializing in dye vats and other textile equipment.

Milestone

Throughout the 1960s and 70s, the company continued to further improve its technologies, but it was the introduction of the first THEN AIRFLOW system at ITMA 1983 in Milan which significantly boosted the company’s fortunes, representing a milestone in the development of dyeing machines.

Prior to this, the dyeing of just one kilo of fabric required around 150 litres of water and THEN’s AIRFLOW system, invented by engineer Wilhelm Christ and colleagues, drastically reduced the requirement to between just 35-40 litres. Instead of the traditional dye liquor used for hydraulic fabric transport it efficiently distributed much smaller amounts of dye liquor via aerosol. This technology has subsequently been further developed in successive machine models and has made an enormous impact on sustainable dyeing operations.

Now, as Fong’S Europe, the company continues to innovate, and at ITMA 2019 is showcasing the THEN SMARTFLOW TSF hydraulic high temperature dyeing machine, designed to achieve the lowest possible energy and water consumption rates available on the market for jet dyeing.

The company has a number of patents pending on the innovative new features of this machine, including the SMARTFLOW’s fabric transport design. This is based on a smart, winchless fabric transport system which eliminates the need for a loading rope, and a circular plaiter with programmable rotation speeds which provides full filling of the drop zone.

Its newly-developed nozzles and reel-less transport, in combination with smart controlled circular plaiting and variable chamber adjustment, provide even fabric treatment without entanglements and the highest loading capacity with the lowest kier volume

“Further developments, including the new THEN AIRFLOW PLUS system with a round design are in the development pipeline and will once again result in further reductions in power consumption without sacrificing performance,” said Fong’s Europe Sales Director Richard Fander. “Similar innovations are being made to our hydraulic long shape machine, the THEN SUPRATEC LTM. The ability to transport fabrics with reduced tension and without the need for a transport winch which is being introduced on all of our recent machines will allow new fabrics to be created and further increase the efficiency of textile finishing.

“Fong’S Europe has invested significantly in research and development activities over the past few years, in order to deliver these unique and patented developments for discontinuous dyeing machines to the market,” Fander concluded. “The innovation will continue.”

Fong’s Europe will be at stand D101 in Hall 2 at ITMA 2019.

Posted March 25, 2019

Source: FONG’S EUROPE GMBH

Todd H. Nifong Joins American Silk Mills As Director Of Residential Sales And New Business

HIGH POINT, NC — March 25, 2019 — American Silk Mills today announced that Todd H. Nifong has joined the company as director of Residential Sales and New Business. Nifong will report to David Corbin, CEO of American Silk Mills, and will lead a sales team that will focus on the residential, jobber, designer and e-commerce end markets.  Under his direction, Nifong will be responsible for the development of the company’s sales and marketing strategies, as well as exploring and validating growth opportunities in adjacent markets.

Nifong has more than 17 years of experience in the home furnishings and textile industries, with executive positions at Altizer & Co. Decorative Textiles and Swavelle Performance Fabrics LLC.  Nifong also serves as chairman of the International Textile Alliance (ITA) Educational Foundation, and has been a past recipient of the ITA Future of the Industry Award as well as the ITA Best in Innovation Award.

“Todd brings an excellent blend of entrepreneurial skills with extensive general management and sales experience to American Silk Mills, and he knows this industry well,” said David Corbin, CEO at American Silk Mills. “Todd is the type of individual that will roll up his sleeves and get things done, and we believe he will help implement strategies and solutions that will drive organic and acquisition growth opportunities for the company.”

Nifong will be a part of the leadership team at American Silk Mills, and will recruit and expand the sales force to better service top priority markets and territories.  He will also be responsible for gathering unique customer insights and market knowledge that will help increase the speed-to-market of American Silk Mills innovations.

“I am looking forward to leveraging the operational synergies that now exist with American Silk Mills and Sutlej Textiles and Industries Limited, as they will enhance our ability to produce a market-leading range of luxury textiles more cost effectively,” said Nifong.  “Customers will benefit from faster response times, a more versatile product assortment, and a wider range of price points for our products.  I can’t imagine a better time to be joining American Silk Mills.”

Posted March 25, 2019

Source: American Silk Mills / Sutlej Textiles and Industries Limited

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