Techtextil 2017 Exhibitor Preview: The Hohenstein Group

BÖNNIGHEIM, Germany — February 27, 2017 — The Hohenstein Group is bringing its newly designed booth to this year’s Techtextil/Texprocess trade show in Frankfurt at hall 3.1, B21 from 9 to 12 May 2017. Exhibits on the subject of the biodegradation of textiles will be one of the key focuses of our presentation. Experts from our Development and Services departments will be available for personal discussions with trade show visitors, both at our booth and then at a total of five specialist presentations as part of the Techtextil symposium and Texprocess forum. The cutting-edge booth design and selection of featured trade show highlights demonstrate the unique intertwining of practice-based research and tailor-made services derived from it for the textile industry and other business sectors that the Hohenstein Group has offered from one single source for more than 70 years now. The experts at Hohenstein have a passion for textiles, accompanying their customers from the product concept stage to achieving success on the market — through commissioned research, laboratory testing, certifications, product labels and even providing expert consulting and training.

Biodegradation Of Textiles

The biodegradability of textile products is becoming an increasingly important
factor in assessing their sustainability, focusing not just on manufacturing and product safety, but on what happens to a product once it reaches the end of its useful life cycle. At the trade show booth and at the Texprocess forum organized by the Dialog Textil- Bekleidung (DTB), a team of Hohenstein experts will present an internally developed test procedure for assessing the biodegradation of textiles and demonstrating the marketing opportunities provided by certification and product labels.

Specialist Presentations at the Techtextil Symposium

Hohenstein scientists are currently involved in a collaborative project to develop protein-based water and dirt-repellent finishing agent to provide an alternative to hydrophobic processes using fluorocarbon chemicals (PFC), which are still in common use. The aim is to functionalise textiles in a stable, economical and sustainable way using fungal proteins produced with biotechnology as a replacement for per- and polyfluorinated hydrocarbons that are potentially dangerous to humans and the environment.

As part of a ZIM research project, the researchers at Hohenstein are currently developing a thermoelectric cooling bandage for mobile cold therapy for acute injuries and post-operation treatment. The difference from conventional cooling systems such as cool packs or compressors is the controlled, constant and moderate cooling involved, which prevents cold injuries up to and including frostbite. An important key focus of the project is the composition of layers of flexible textile and polymer materials with high thermal conductivity with the integration of electronic components in mind.

Specialist Presentations at the Texprocess Forum organized by the Dialog Textil- Bekleidung (DTB)

Following on from the Greenpeace Detox Campaign and the Roadmap for the Zero Discharge of Hazardous Chemicals (ZDHC) Initiative, the subject of responsible chemicals management in companies along the textile chain has recently been growing in importance and priority as a means of excluding identified harmful chemicals from production by 2020. Using the OEKO-TEX® modular system of certifications and tools for increased sustainability as a basis, Hohenstein provides companies with solutions for incrementally optimising their chemicals management systems to meet these market requirements successfully.

Hohenstein is providing its expertise in the area of pattern making techniques and fitting tests as a contribution to the lecture on “Issues with Fitting in Online Trade”. Nowadays, experienced clothing technicians provide individual support for many renowned companies in developing clothing with the optimum fit. The latest findings from research projects and serial measurements performed by the Hohenstein Institute are constantly being incorporated into the wide range of services on offer. Some of the most recent findings, for instance, include the latest data on breast volumes for women, enabling further improvements to be made to bra cup sizes.

Biodegradation of textiles The start, the third excavation after seven weeks and the last digging after 14 weeks in an earth burial test in which the degradability of the materials is assessed. The textiles are put on a grid and placed in the burial position. The left side of the t-shirt is 100-percent polyester and the right side is 100-percent cotton. The jeans are 99-percent cotton and 1-percent elastane. They are buried in microbiologically standardized earth.

© Hohenstein Institute

Posted February 28, 2017

Source: The Hohenstein Group

TMI Introduces Enhanced Thickness Testers

NEWCASTLE, Del. — February 27, 2017 — Testing Machines Inc. (TMI), an industrial physics company, has just released new versions of its affordable digital micrometer series for accurately testing thickness of very thin materials such as plastic films, paper, non-woven, textiles, board and battery separators. TMI’s thickness tester line have long been acknowledged as the industry leading instruments for measuring the thickness or caliper of a variety of sheet-like materials. Almost any material including paper, natural or synthetic fabrics, leathers, metals, plastics and rubber can be measured with precision and ease.

The new enhancements apply to two TMI models, the 49-86 and 49-87, and include advanced diagnostics and reporting functions, including:

  • Capability of measuring and storing multiple readings, providing a cross machine profile
  • Ability to save up to 100 readings during a continuous measurement
  • Test summary screen displays high, low, average and standard deviation for every series
  • The 49-86 and 49-87 have the following specifications
  • Range: Model 49-86: 0-0.050 in. (0-1.27 mm); Model 49-87: 0-0.50 in. (0-12.7 mm)
  • Resolution (both units): 0.5 micron (0.02 mil)
  • Accuracy: Model 49-86: 1.0 micron (0.039 mil); Model 49-87: 5.0 micron (.197 mil)
  • GRAPHMASTER™ Option
  • Integrating GraphMaster PC-based software provides data collection, plotting and analysis with export capabilities for our 49-85, 49-86 and 49-87 series of Digital Micrometers. GraphMaster can profile a series of measurements creating a real-time plot of thickness versus interval, or distance.

Posted February 28, 2017

Source: Testing Machines Inc. 

New OEM Focused PumpSense™ Predictive Monitoring And Analytics System Diagnoses Pump Operating Problems And Prescribes Actionable Solutions

BALTIMORE, Md. — The new PumpSense™ sensor-based system from Prophecy Sensorlytics™ introduces uniquely “smart” and cost effective predictive diagnostics technology to alert pump/blower users to developing problems and prescribe timely fixes without any need for outside support, expertise, or data analysis.  Designed for integration by OEM pump manufacturers, PumpSense generates easy-to-understand graphics and text-based actionable maintenance advice before issues can escalate.  The system ultimately provides pump OEMs with a competitive marketplace edge, adding value for end users by virtually eliminating untimely reactive maintenance attention, unplanned production downtime and rushed service parts.

The PumpSense system ideally suits pump/blower applications across industries, including agriculture, electronics, environmental, food and beverage, medical, mining, paper and printing, pharmaceuticals, plastics, and textiles, among many others.

OEMs easily attach PumpSense sensors to a pump or blower housing at the factory. When the system is delivered and on-line with the end user, the sensors automatically and continuously monitor and measure filter status, oil status, pump utilization, and vacuum or pressure level trends — all in 24/7/365 real time. Patent-pending, powerful analytic software collects the sensor data, compares the data against pre-determined baselines, and pushes the data into an easy to understand dashboard displaying machine, component, or condition information. The system then delivers meaningful maintenance recommendations, based on the actionable intelligence, heading off potential problems that otherwise could impact productivity and profitability.

An easy-to-navigate mobile app enables end-users to graphically view conditions by showing green, yellow, or red backgrounds. If a pump or component reaches a yellow warning level, then the actionable maintenance advice for the fix is delivered to assigned technicians via email or text message.

OEM pump manufacturers can further apply the PumpSense solution to their internal quality-control processes, creating a virtual fingerprint identity before shipping a pump to customers.

Posted February 27, 2017

Source: Prophecy Sensorlytics

Collaborative Research Shows Finer Raw Cotton Best For Oil Spill Remediation

LUBBOCK, Texas — February 27, 2017 — The Institute of Environmental and Human Health (TIEHH) at Texas Tech University has found that finer raw cotton in loose form performs best for absorbing oil, according to a study in the March/April 2017 issue of the AATCC Journal of Research published by the American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists (AATCC).

“The oil spill issue has become a global issue, as it affects human health and environment,” said Seshadri Ramkumar, lead author of the study and a professor in the institute’s Nonwovens & Advanced Materials Laboratory, where the research was conducted. “So far, most oil sorbents are synthetic-based, which also leads to problems in marine environments. Our goal is to enable a biodegradable and natural product to be an efficient and cost-effective oil sorbent.”

The study compared the oil absorption characteristics of finer and coarser cotton in loose, needlepunched nonwoven and hydroentangled nonwoven forms. Finer cotton in loose forms was proven superior for oil absorbency. The study showed the importance of cotton micronaire for oleophilic applications such as spill remediation. Among the important characteristics of cotton, micronaire — a measure based on cotton’s air permeability — is an indicator of its fineness and maturity.

The project was a collaborative effort between faculty in TIEHH and the Texas Tech Department of Mechanical Engineering, the Nonwovens & Advanced Materials Laboratory and the Southern Regional Research Center of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Research Service in New Orleans, where samples were prepared. It also involved a future generation of scientists in the research process with the addition of Ronald Kendall Jr. and Luke Kitten. The two were seniors at Coronado High School and Lubbock’s Trinity Christian High School, respectively, during the study.

“We believe in preparing high school students to go into STEM fields,” Ramkumar said. “More importantly, we would like to work with the young generation from the producer community. That is the reason Luke Kitten, whose family owns Kitten Land Company, was involved. The work trained both high school and graduate-level students.”

Ramkumar has worked to introduce cotton to the field of technical textiles for more than a decade. He is the creator of FiberTect™, a nonwoven decontamination wipe capable of cleaning toxic chemical agents.

“The work done by Dr. Ramkumar and his team is to be commended,” said Steve Verett, executive vice president of Plains Cotton Growers Inc., which supports research in the Nonwovens & Advanced Materials Laboratory. “It is vital that we continue to explore new markets for cotton, and Dr. Ramkumar’s research has contributed greatly to the advancement of cotton, especially in the nonwovens sector.”

Ramkumar said the goal is to find industrial applications as well as new and value-added technical applications for cotton.

“One of the strengths of cotton research at Texas Tech is the connection with the local economic engine that cotton provides,” said Kater Hake, vice president of agricultural research at Cotton Incorporated, which funded the research. “Not only do researchers address local challenges and opportunities, but some such as Dr. Ramkumar, take this connection to the next level by engaging local students and communities in the research.”

Posted February 27, 2017

Source: The Institute of Environmental and Human Health, Texas Tech University

Porcher Industries Writes Next Chapter In History With Massive Growth And Investment Plans Worth More Than 50 Million Euros For 2017

BADINIÈRES, France — February 27, 2017 — Porcher Industries will implement a multi-million euro growth and restructuring phase as the company moves into 2017. Porcher, founded more than 100 years ago and recently acquired by Warwick Capital, has appointed André Genton as chairman of the Executive Management Board, to provide the expertise for this exciting new phase in Porcher’s history.

André Genton joined Porcher Industries in 2016, bringing more than 20 years’ experience in the composites and polymer industries and a passion for the innovative chemistry that makes up the DNA of the Porcher Group.  He has held senior positions with Ciba-Geigy, Vantico and Huntsman, as President of Huntsman Advanced Materials, overseeing a $1.5 billion global business operating in many of the same markets supplied by Porcher Industries. André has already been instrumental in accelerating the pace of Porcher’s development and is committed to increasing the group turnover from approximately 300 million euros to 500 million within the next five years by improving quality, driving innovation and adding capacity and resources.

Porcher Industries’ products deliver exceptional performance, quality and safety across a massive range of industries and applications including aerospace interiors, F1 clutches, industrial floor coverings and paragliding canopies.  As technical textile specialists, Porcher’s innate understanding of fibre and yarn surface treatments, 2-D and 3-D weaving, cabling, nonwoven scrim and impregnation processes is backed up by an exceptionally strong technology development team.

The recent integration of Cordtech International into the group illustrates Porcher Industries’ commitment to development in existing market sectors, strengthening both the R&D expertise and the automotive product range. Whilst the company is also planning further acquisitions in the near future, significant investments in existing operations are key to much of the forecast growth.

€50+M of new investments, beginning in 2017, will be used to add new weaving capacity and develop quality control technology at sites in the US, Europe and China; significantly increasing output in Porcher’s key automotive airbag and aerospace interiors markets.  Thermoplastic prepreg solutions, such as the pioneering Spheriflex CFRP rotor hub developed with Airbus Helicopters for the H160 — which will be on display on the Porcher stand at JEC World – are also targets for growth in the automotive sector.

With more than 2000 employees and 14 manufacturing sites on four continents, Porcher Industries has the tools to supply customers globally, with the restructuring focus being to optimize efficiency and improve resources throughout the group.  Five business units — Aerospace & Defense, Automotive, Building, Industrial and Sport & Leisure will be unified across a single business ERP system and targeted recruitment is underway for management, operational and technology roles identified as critical to successful sustainable growth.

“With fibres and chemistry you can create magic. That is exactly what Porcher Industries will do as we expand our unique chemistry and technology capability to consistently offer our customers better solutions”, said André Genton, chairman of the Executive Management Board – Porcher Industries.

Posted February 27, 2017

Source: Porcher Industries

Downlite Awarded GRS Certification

MASON, Ohio — February 27, 2017 — In its ongoing commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship, Downlite — a major down and feather processor and supplier of responsibly-sourced performance fills to the outdoor, home furnishings and hospitality markets — has received the stringent Global Recycled Standard (GRS) certification, which will be offered under its new 100-percent recycled re/charged™ down.

GRS, owned and managed by Textile Exchange, is a holistic certification for products with recycled content. It provides brands with a tool for more accurate labeling to encourage innovation in the use of reclaimed materials, to establish more transparency in the supply chain, and to provide better information to consumers. Downlite’s third party GRS certification was awarded by Textile Exchange accredited auditor, the Institute for Ethical and Environmental Certification (ICEA).

“We are very proud to see Downlite earn its GRS certification for 100-percent recycled down,” said Anne Gillespie, director of Industry Integrity at Textile Exchange. “In addition to its huge support of the RDS standards since its inception, Downlite’s continual commitment to environmental, social, and animal welfare issues are a model for other organizations.”

“Our GRS certification validates that re/charged down is not only 100-percent recycled, but also 100-percent post-consumer, thus eliminating tons of material going into a landfill,” said Chad Altbaier, vice president, Outdoor, Downlite. “This down will be processed in our Cincinnati plant where our advanced waste water recycling system was recently installed, which allows us to dramatically reduce the amount of water needed to cleanse it to our accepted level — two times governmental standards.”

According to Downlite, its GRS certified re/charged down, which is in significant supply, provides unprecedented performance levels for 100-perecent recycled down due to its ability to ‘boost’ the down to a higher cluster and resulting fill power. re/charged down is offered in both white and gray colors and can be combined with Downlite’s performance-enhancing technologies such as its proprietary PFC-free DWR treatments and Pur-Down™ anti-microbial solution.

Downlite’s GRS certification is the most recent in a series of ongoing environmental and sustainable initiatives, which include the waste water recycling system, installation of LED lighting in its plants and office buildings, adherence to bluesign® certification and down traceability, and the development of TDS and RDS down standards.

The company’s Home Division has launched a new eco-friendly Evolution of Comfortbedding collection that features organic and recycled materials, earth-friendly components and chemistries. Downlite Home has aligned with 1 percent For the Planet where it will donate 1 percent of Evolution in Comfort product sales in the upcoming season to the organization.

“1 percent for the Planet is near and dear to many of our brand partners and end-use consumers” said Altbaier. “As part of our commitment to this non-profit through our home furnishings business, Downlite Outdoor will be donating 1 percent of the sales of our GRS certified re/charged down as well.”

Posted February 27, 2017

Source: Downlite

INVISTA To Explore Strategic Alternatives For Its Apparel & Advanced Textiles Business

WILMINGTON, Del. — February 24, 2017 — INVISTA is exploring strategic alternatives for its Apparel & Advanced Textiles business, a global producer and marketer of premium fibers and fabrics. These alternatives include potentially selling, or retaining and further investing in the business within Invista.

Comprised of a line-up of powerful, global consumer brands — including LYCRA® and COOLMAX® fiber — the business delivers comfort and fashion in premium garments and maintains a presence in every major region of the world.

“A key element of our Market-Based Management® business philosophy is to continuously assess the external value of our assets against our internal value to make sure that the asset is owned by the company that values it most highly,” said Jeff Gentry, Invista chairman and CEO.

“The Apparel business is a strategic part of our portfolio — we are extremely pleased with the results of the business and remain confident in its continued and future success. We are simply considering all available options,” Gentry said. “In the event that no other company values the business more than we do, we will gladly hold the business and continue to invest for the future.”

Details about the business and exploration process are confidential. Invista has retained Goldman, Sachs & Co. to assist the company in exploring strategic alternatives.

Posted February 27, 2017

Source: INVISTA

Tekboy Tekstil Takes First Step Into High-Volume Digital Textile Production With SPGPrints’ JAVELIN® Printer

BOXMEER, Netherlands — February 24, 2017 — SPGPrints announced that Tekboy Tekstil, Istanbul, Turkey, has installed a JAVELIN® digital printer to supplement production capacity; and meet increased demand for shorter-runs, rapid turnarounds and on-demand sample production.

Established in 1981, Tekboy is one of the country’s leading suppliers and has dyeing and printing facilities in Istanbul and Lüleburgaz, where the Javelin has been installed. The Javelin printer is Tekboy’s first high-volume digital machine investment, complementing a large number of conventional printing lines that have met the company’s output requirements until now.

The Javelin printer uses Archer® technology which enables the firing of variable drops (2 picoliters to 10 picoliters) to the substrate. The 4-millimeter distance from print head to substrate eliminates head damage and is ideal for printing the knitted fabrics produced by Tekboy.

The precision of Javelin’s ink delivery system provides the repeatable and consistent quality that will enable Tekboy to meet the demand for frequently changing designs with lead-times often measured in weeks. Furthermore, Tekboy can produce samples, usually in 10-meter lengths, economically and instantly, enabling its customers to speed up product development phases.

Javelin’s six-color —CMYK, Blue and Orange — system can reliably and repeatedly reproduce a wider gamut than any currently available eight-color system and achieve fine tonal gradations, thanks to the variable dot sizes. Tekboy’s Javelin is using reactive inks, developed and manufactured by SPGPrints.

“We had been looking at digital textile printers when we saw the Javelin demonstrated live at ITM, in June,” said Süha Artun, factory manager at Tekboy. “The Javelin’s outstanding quality and productivity were important factors in our investment decision. It is the fastest printer we have seen to achieve a resolution of 1200 x 1200 dots per inch, and we were very impressed with the results when it produced challenging designs such as geometrics and blotches at relatively high speeds. But other important factors put the SPGPrints offering in a league if its own.”

“First of all, SPGPrints had a well-established, comprehensive support network, to help us adopt the technology as smoothly as possible. This included its regional base, SPGPrints Baski Sistemleri Tic., nearby in Istanbul, providing training and fast-response technical help, and staff from the headquarters in the Netherlands offering valuable consultancy, in-depth know-how of the total digital printing production flow, as well as testing facilities.”

“Secondly, SPGPrints develops and manufactures its own inks, including those specially for the Javelin. This means we would be dealing with one company for the printer, its service and inks. This one-stop-shop offering from SPGPrints is a huge plus for us.”

“Finally, we were impressed by the two-and-a-half-year warranty on the print heads that reduces risk and accelerates the return on investment. The combination of high-performance technology and guidance has enabled us to start offering high value solutions to our customers from the moment of installation.”

Thanks to SPGPrints’ recent investment in an expanded Javelin production plant at its Austrian facility, Tekboy has benefited from a fast installation schedule. The machine was delivered at the beginning of September 2016, which is only a few weeks after the final deal agreement was reached.

Tom Janssen, area sales manager — Digital Textiles at SPGPrints, said: “It is very exciting to see an important company like Tekboy take its first step into high-volume digital printing with the Javelin printer. We look forward to supporting the company at every step to ensure they exploit the full scope of opportunities this technology brings.”

Posted February 24, 2017

Source: SPGPrints

ACIMIT: Italy Front And Foremost At Saigontex In April

MILAN, Italy — February 2017 — An essential production hub for the garments manufacturing sector thanks to its low labor costs, Vietnam is currently a major industry supplier for both the European and U.S. markets. In light of the growing importance of Vietnam’s textile and garments industry worldwide, the need for upgrading and technologically modernizing production facilities has become a priority for local authorities.

Vietnam now figures as a stable, primary market for global textile machinery manufacturers. For Italy’s textile machinery industry, Vietnam currently ranks among the top ten export markets. Over the first 10 months of 2016, exports to Vietnam amounted to 39 million euros; a 6-percent increase compared to the same period for 2015.

The upcoming edition of Saigontex, the leading textile machinery trade fair, opens on April 5th in Ho Chi Minh City, featuring an important contingent of Italian machinery and technology exhibitors. Among these, 12 will set up their stands in a common exhibition space organized by the Italian Trade Agency, together with ACIMIT, the Association of Italian Textile Machinery Manufacturers.

The 12 companies, all ACIMIT associated members, are: Brongo, Carù, Cibitex, Ferraro, JK Group, Lgl, Marzoli, Mcs, Mei, Ptmt, Roj and Texma.

Posted February 27, 2017

Source: ACIMIT

Workforce Management, Safety Summits Set For Chicago, April 18-19

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — February 24, 2017 — TRSA’s sixth annual Safety Summit gets a partner event this year: The April 18 Workforce Management Summit, providing linen, uniform and facility services management with practical tools to ensure compliance and cultivate talent. This new TRSA event takes place in the same location as the April 19 Safety Summit: The Embassy Suites Chicago Downtown Magnificent Mile.

The Safety Summit has been heralded each year for assembling the largest group anywhere dedicated to discussing laundry workplace injury and illness reduction. Because so many participants in the Safety Summit have been professionals in human resources or other functions critical to managing and supporting employees, TRSA introduced the Workforce Management Summit.

Both events appeal to human resources (HR) professionals, owner-operators, corporate and regional executives and plant-based general, plant, production, engineering and safety managers. Discount registration is available for attending both.

Keynote and general sessions highlight both agendas. Breakout sessions require at least two colleagues from the same workplace to attend for their operation to witness each Summit’s entire program. The Safety Summit features concurrent facilitated workshops on fire prevention, low-voltage electrical, fleet safety, lockout/tagout, hazard communication and working in confined spaces. At the Workforce Management Summit, participants have their choice of breakouts on Fair Labor Standards Act regulations, Equal Employment Opportunity Commission rules, pre-employment testing and the future of human resources.

Each program also offers a panel discussion with members of the TRSA committee staging the respective Summit (Safety and HR) serving as panelists. Attendees will provide the subject material for these discussions by noting on their event registration forms three contentious management issues related to the Summit’s subject they face in their jobs.

Keynoting the Safety Summit will be Joe Wheatley of EnPro Industries, a sealings, bearings and engines manufacturer hailed by EHS Today magazine as one of America’s safest companies. Attendees will discover opportunities to adapt principles of EnPro’s corporate safety system that provides resources for management commitment coupled with intensive employee training.

At the Workforce Management Summit, keynoter Valerie M. Grubb will provide a step-by-step guide on how to create a dynamic team and flexible structure for improving human resources effectiveness as an organization grows. Now advising corporate leaders and employees worldwide on training and coaching, she has held senior management roles with NBC Universal, Rolls-Royce and more.

To test this Summit’s participants’ expertise on termination, Joe Shelton, partner in the Fisher Phillips law firm, will conduct a video exercise in which the audience serves as a mock jury in trial proceedings. He’ll present footage depicting a termination for poor performance and its aftermath, including pre-termination and termination meetings with the employee and encounters with plaintiffs’ and defense attorneys. Shelton also will participate on the HR Committee panel.

In addition to the reduction for participating in both Summits, attendees receive another 10 percent off when three or more staff from the same company attend.

Posted February 24, 2017

Source: TRSA

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