Suominen Introduces FIBRELLA® Ultrasoft For The Gentlest Baby Wipes

HELSINKI, Finland — March 3, 2017 — Suominen has launched FIBRELLA® Ultrasoft, a new nonwoven material for baby wipes that delivers unmatched softness for consumers and easy convertibility for Suominen’s customers.

Fibrella Ultrasoft takes advantage of the widest range of fibers, from cotton to viscose to polyester, and Suominen’s uniquely modified production process, creating the softest nonwoven substrate in the market. For wipes converters, Fibrella Ultrasoft offers easy, standard spunlace-like convertibility, but is beyond conventional spunlace nonwovens in its softness.

Baby wipes made of gentle Fibrella Ultrasoft material help ensure parents are giving the very best they can for their child.

“Fibrella Ultrasoft delivers piece of mind, one consumer at a time,” Jon Arendt, product manager at Suominen, says.

“We have given much attention to refine innovations for baby wipes. As a result, we were able to create a unique production process, ultimately resulting in Fibrella Ultrasoft.”

Fibrella Ultrasoft is available globally in weight range of 30 to 80 gsm and in various patterns.

Posted March 3, 2017

Source:

INDEX™ 17 Exhibitor Preview: ITW Dynatec

METTMANN, Germany — February 2017 — ITW Dynatec will feature its latest equipment and technology at INDEX™ 17, Palexpo, Geneva, Switzerland, April 4-7, Booth #4045. Held every three years, INDEX is the largest global meeting place for the nonwovens market, its suppliers and customers.

ITW DYNATEC equipment and technology featured at the event will include DynaControl® V6 Modular Control Platform, Ultra™ Link High Performance Applicator Platform and Velocity™ Metered Applicator Platform. Brand owners, converters and manufacturers alike can experience these newest adhesive application innovations from ITW Dynatec and learn about their unique advantages and benefits.

The new equipment offerings on display at INDEX 17 demonstrate ITW Dynatec’s progressive approach to exploring new ideas and new business models to lead the market with original concepts and true added value. When combined with ITW Dynatec’s uncompromising dedication to its customers, they generate client partnerships that achieve substantial advantages over competitors through innovative technologies and the highest quality solutions.

DYNACONTROL V6 MODULAR CONTROL PLATFORM

DynaControl® V6 is Dynatec’s next generation Modular Control Platform, delivering greater productivity and reducing waste, while lowering total cost of ownership by as much as 50%. The new DynaControl V6 is fully compatible with DynaControl V5, making it easy to migrate, and the new software offers a variety of options to optimize productivity. The DynaControl V6 platform features simplified operator training and maintenance, and uses the same spare parts as all other Dynatec units.

A highly flexible system, DynaControl® V6 provides multi-system control through a single central HMI with remote access capabilities for seamless integration. Its advanced ramp compensation results in more accurate glue dispensing with little to no scrap production while significantly reducing product waste as much as 95 percent.

ULTRA™ LINK HIGH PERFORMANCE APPLICATOR PLATFORM
The new Ultra™ Linkplatform is the latest in a series of hot melt adhesive and fluid applicators from ITW Dynatec and is designed to provide the highest level of pattern accuracy. The new Ultra technology provides common parts, including modules, filters, heaters and many other parts for all applications common to baby diapers, feminine pads and adult incontinence lines. Ultra Link platform applicators include:

Ultra SCS: A modular hot melt applicator platform, designed for precise adhesive deposition at highest line speeds, it can be fitted with UltraTM Stitch and UltraTM Touch nozzle designs to meet multiple requirements. It offers larger adhesive orifices for less plugging and higher line efficiency and features optimized module technology for faster response and longer cycle life. This new technology also will provide 20 percent to 40 percent adhesive savings versus other individual strand coating applicators.

Ultra Slot: Capable of running at higher line speeds (up to 700 MPM), it is designed to minimize maintenance time and reduce the number of spare parts required. It is available with either a front quick- mount solenoid or top surface mount solenoid and has built in Rapid Change Over die mounting for fast pattern conversion.

Ultra Spray: A versatile high performing hot melt applicator technology, it offers two nozzle options: High Speed UFD™ – featuring larger orifices and a more robust nozzle that delivers reduced plugging and better pattern consistency; and Ultra HSI – a patent-pending nozzle that provides the most precise start/stop and side edge definition available in the market.

VELOCITY™ METERED APPLICATOR PLATFORM

The new Velocity metered applicator platform features a smaller, simplified footprint with a design that is based on Dynatec’s patented, award-winning Vector metered applicator technology. This advanced solution features precision adhesive control to individual modules, providing end users with products of the highest quality. It is the only system in the market that offers Ultra Link advantages combined with metered technology.

Users now have the ability to employ a metered applicator at the point of application and track adhesive consumption while minimizing adhesive usage in sections of the pads when compared to other technologies.

VelocityTM metered applicators include Velocity SCS, Velocity Slot and Velocity Spray. They are designed up to a 300mm width and have a 12-pump capacity. The Velocity SCS can also be fitted with either Ultra Stitch or Ultra Touch nozzles, while the Velocity Spray applicator utilizes the High Speed UFD or Ultra HSI nozzles.

Among the many other features of the Velocity metered applicator platform are easy replacement of pumps for changing product types, an expanded pump RPM range for fewer stocked pumps, and standard and precision pump options to meet tiered accuracy demands.

ITW DYNATEC EXECUTIVES AND TECHNICAL SPECIALISTS TO BE ON HAND
Attendees are invited to visit the ITW Dynatec stand at INDEX 17 where company executives, representatives and technical experts are scheduled to be on hand and available to showcase and explain the many advantages of the new DynaControl V6, Velocity and Ultra Link technologies, including how they can be efficiently and effectively integrated into existing manufacturing facilities. Visitors also will discover how a strategic partnership with ITW Dynatec can lead to long-term success and increased profitability. Company partnerships are built on the company’s commitment to quality, innovation and sustainability. These underlying principles benefit partners worldwide through continuous efficiency improvement, waste reduction, safety and the sound management of people and the environment.

Posted March 3, 2017

Source: ITW Dynatec

MagnaAcademy Set To Educate Printers On The Benefits Of Water-Based Inks

BARNSLEY, England — March 3, 2017 — MagnaColours® is challenging the perceptions around water-based inks, and the way they’re used with a new training program for screen-printers: MagnaAcademy. The resource, which utilizes online modules, is set to help screen-printers develop their skills and get the best results from the MagnaColours range of products.

MagnaAcademy was first revealed to delegates at ISS 2017 in January and has been developed in a move to encourage more screen-printers to explore and embrace water-based inks, and challenge perceptions that the process is difficult. The resource is made up of a number of courses that allow users to explore different Magna products and screen-printing processes, as well as learning about color matching and quality control.

The training program uses comprehensive videos to give users more information about printing with water-based inks, which they will then be tested on before moving to the next module. The online training will be enhanced with bespoke face-to-face training at Magna’s South Yorkshire headquarters, where required.

Tom Abbey, executive chairman, said: “As the leading authority on water-based screen-printing inks, MagnaColours felt a duty to help showcase the benefits and help our customers achieve great results every time. Although water-based inks have really come of age, the perception is that they’re somehow more difficult to use, or difficult to re-train for. MagnaAcademy addresses that problem in an engaging and thorough way. It shows printers how to get the best results from water-based inks and the full capabilities of our product range.”

“Using water-based inks no longer means having to compromise on the quality of the results, and that’s what we’re trying to communicate to the textile printing industry. This initiative is set to broaden our opportunities across the world, including tailored courses for the important Central American market, who’s requirements are often unique.”

The aim of the MagnaAcademy is to help screen-printers to overcome the misunderstanding that they may have to retrain staff in complex processes, in order to make the switch to using water-based inks. The course is predominantly an online resource, in order to be available to screen-printers worldwide. Magna does however offer help at its on-site MagnaAcademy in Barnsley where printers can benefit from hands-on advice and guidance.

Posted March 3, 2017

Source: MagnaColours®

Stäubli At the 14th Dhaka International Textile & Garment Machinery Exhibition

PFÄFFIKON, Switzerland — March 3, 2017 — Passion, inherited from the long industrial experience, is one of Stäubli’s driving forces to develop new products and technologies that offer the textile industry more and greater benefits. In order to show its know-how to textile industrials in Bangladesh, the company is exhibiting on its agents booth a summary of its products of the extensive product range:

Visitors experience automated warp tying

The automatic warp tying machine TOPMATIC 201 PC has an integrated double-end-detection that works even with flat warps without lease. Its tying speed can attempt 600 knots per minute. In addition to its rapidity the weaver profits of its long service life and the important flexibility it offers:

  • Yarn range from 0,8 to 500 tex
  • Suitable for warps with or without lease

On the Stäubli booth TOPMATIC 301 is being demonstrated on a TPF3 tying frame showing its benefits tying multifilament.

Visitors are kindly invited to have a glance at above mentioned product highlight at the booth and learn more about Stäubli machinery:

Shedding systems for frame weaving from Stäubli – a range that answers all needs

The large product portfolio includes solutions for frame weaving with air-jet, water-jet, rapier and projectile weaving machines. The range includes e.g. the new robust 1691 cam motion that is available with up to 8 lifting units, at a pitch of 12mm. Weavers can easily produce high quality fabrics as the machine assures gentle warp treatment. Its automatic and fully integrated levelling device prevents from overstretching the warp and avoids start-up marks. Due to interchangeable cams, weavers profit further from more flexibility as they can use the same cams for creating either a warp or a weft effect.

In regards of electronic rotary dobbies, Stäubli is offering the new generation of reliable state-of-the-art dobbies S3000/S3200. These series feature the new concept of selection of heald frames by locking and are compatible with weaving machines made by all the major makers. Weavers can choose among several models the one perfectly adapted to their requirements. Demanding less space and maintenance these machines operate at highest production speeds whilst occurring less noise and vibration. Worldwide appreciated and renown, there are over 20,000 S3000/S3200 dobbies in service around the world today.

Flat, terry or technical weave – the SX Jacquard machine masters any application

Adaptable to all types of air jet, rapier, and water jet machines, the SX Jacquard machine produces excellent results in the form of terry cloth, decorative material, tapestry, silk fabric, apparels or seat covers. With its optimized housing and performant lifting mechanism this machine operates reliably under the most demanding conditions in weaving mills.

Posted March 3, 2017

Source: Stäubli

Techtextil 2017 Exhibitor Preview: SSM DURO

HORGEN, Switzerland — March 3, 2017 — SSM announces its participation in the upcoming Techtextil in Frankfurt from May 9-12, 2017. Techtextil is Europe’s leading fair for technical textiles and nonwoven products. The show covers 12 application areas that comprehensively span the full range of modern textile technologies. SSM will show its winding machine for technical yarns.

The unique characteristics of tailor-made high performance yarns is helping such yarns to substitute other classical materials in large range of applications; thereby continually increasing the usage of technical textiles and consequently their consumption. Despite this overall positive scenario production lot sizes can vary greatly; from large ones for standard yarns to small ones for specialties, managing such variances poses a challenge for any producer. The SSM DURO-TW precision winder for all technical yarns up to 50,000 dtex offers a new level of flexibility and winding quality in one machine; thereby ensuring the fulfilment of all customer requirements.

The SSM DURO-TD assembly winder allows the plying of multiple ends/yarns. Optional intermingling guarantees loop-free twists as well as optimal unwinding during twisting. The ability to run closed precision winding enables higher package densities, thereby increasing the knot-free length.

With an excellent reputation for high quality textile machines and maintaining a worldwide service network, SSM is providing the maximum return on customer’s investments.

SSM looks forward to inspiring and interesting discussions concerning open projects using their latest developments.

Posted March 3, 2017

Source: SSM

Alexium Appoints Former US Congresswoman Karen Thurman To Board Of Directors

PERTH, Australia/GREER, S.C. — March 2, 2017 — Alexium International Group Ltd. is pleased to welcome former United States Congresswoman Karen Thurman to its Board of Directors as a Non-Executive Board Member.

Congresswoman Thurman has spent a lifetime serving the public good, as a city councilwoman, a mayor, a Florida State official, a Member of the United States House of Representatives as well as involvement with many civic organizations. Alexium is pleased to welcome her tremendous talent, consumer advocacy and passion to our team. “Karen’s experience in protecting the health and safety of the public as an influential voice on the United States Congress House Ways and Means Committee and her role in government oversight of US National Security makes her the perfect fit to assist Alexium with advancing our goal of safer chemistry for all through innovation. The Board looks forward to working with Congresswoman Thurman on the Board and benefiting from her experience in both consumer and defense issues” said Mr. Gavin Rezos, Chairman.

Congresswoman Thurman was first elected to the United States Congress in 1993 and served five consecutive terms (10 years) representing Florida’s 5th Congressional District. She was only the 6th woman in more than 200 years to be assigned to the House Ways and Means Committee, from which she became known for her tireless efforts to protect the health and well-being of the public. While establishing herself as a national leader on US Health Policy within the halls of Congress, she also maintained an expertise in security issues as the Ranking Member of the National Security, International Affairs, and Criminal Justice Subcommittee of the US Government Reform Committee. Today, the Congresswoman continues to be an advocate for her clients in Washington with her firm, TG&C Group LLC.

“It is an honor to be appointed to the Board of a company leading the way in affordable, environmentally friendly solutions to improve safety for consumer products through cutting edge technology. The company’s products are capable of eliminating the dangerous exposure to toxic chemicals usually associated with flame resistant chemistry while providing a safer, essential fire-resistant alternative for consumer products and military apparel alike” said Congresswoman Thurman. “Having spent a career fighting for the absolute protection of children and soldiers, I could not be more pleased to join such an outstanding team.”

Karen Thurman will be appointed to both the Remuneration Committee and Audit Committee of the Board.

Posted March 2, 2017

Source: Alexium International Group Limited

Industry Veterans Curate Technology Solutions For Sewn Products Manufacturers

MARIETTA, Ga. – March 2, 2017 – Newly-formed solutions provider TexTempo LLC is coupling its decades of industry expertise with the latest information and automation technologies to help producers of apparel, automotive interiors, home furnishings and other consumer and industrial textile-based products achieve greater operational efficiencies and speed. Recognizing the importance of a more consultative approach to selecting and successfully implementing new shop floor processes and technologies, founders Gene Denny-Lybbert and Greg Hathcox are focusing on curating best-fit solutions for individual client needs and maximizing the return-on-investment (ROI) of these investments.

According to Hathcox: “We are helping manufacturers approach and achieve measurable business improvements in a smarter and better way. Unlike solutions vendors that are limited to only their brand, we are building relationships with multiple technology providers and consultants to deliver the most effective solutions and results for our clients.”

“Our core focus is on improving productivity, visibility and process tracking at all levels of the shop floor through executive levels,” added Denny-Lybbert. “Our initial customers are pleased to learn that we bring greater and more diverse experience to the sales and implementation cycle. They value our unique ability to deliver the most advanced and industry-focused production solutions available.”

Because of strong market pressure to reduce manufacturing throughput time, TexTempo  already has forged its first reseller relationship with Shop Floor Control (SFC) solutions provider Shopfloor Control LLC. This state of the industry solution leverages wireless tablet technology, an Android® app, and cloud-based production management controls to drive improved productivity, visibility and tracking capabilities at the operator, supervisor and management levels of the organization. Alliances with other cutting room, production floor, engineering, payroll and other technology and consulting providers are also under development.

Hathcox brings more than 29 years of experience in growing revenue and developing VP and C-level relationships at key accounts for international companies. Through his work at Lectra, Lacent Technologies, Assyst Inc., Investronica and Kuris, he has amassed extensive knowledge in a variety of sewn products market verticals, including textiles, composites, leather, energy and assorted flexible materials. This experience has led to high-level relationships with global automotive seating/interiors, airbag, and wind energy manufacturers.

Denny-Lybbert brings 30 years of experience in customer-centric selling and other contributions to retailers, brands, and manufacturers. In previous positions with technology providers Simparel, Lectra, Gerber Technology and Computer Generated Solutions (CGS), he assisted medium and large companies in identifying and developing solutions that can be implemented with the desired results; on-time and on budget. He has also held a variety of positions with brand manufacturers Carter’s, Aileen Inc. and Riverside Manufacturing.

Posted March 2, 2017

Source: TexTempo, LLC

Italian Textile Machinery At INDEX™17

MILAN — March 2, 2017 — In recent years, the nonwovens sector has grown on a global scale, much more significantly than the traditional textiles industry. The demand for nonwoven items in many end-markets has boosted production of technologies, characterized by a high level of innovative content in both end products and production processes. The increased demand for innovative solutions is precisely what enhances the role of Italian textile machinery manufacturers.

INDEX is the main trade show for the sector. For many Italian textile machinery companies involved in nonwovens sector the show is usually an occasion to show the most updated technology for nonwovens sector to potential customers.

At INDEX™ 17 (from 4 to 7 April in Geneva), for the first time, ACIMIT, the Association of Italian textile machinery manufacturers, and ICE-Italian Trade Agency have organized a Meeting Point (booth 4145), where six Italian machinery manufacturers involved in the production of machines for nonwovens will show their innovative solutions. Among these companies ACIMIT members are: Aigle, Durst, Testa, Ugolini, Unitech. Other Italian manufacturers of machines for nonwovens will exhibit with their own booth.

The Italian companies exhibiting in Switzerland are only a part of the manufacturers that in Italy produce machinery for nonwovens. In ACIMIT website you can find an exhaustive list of ACIMIT members operating in this sector.

Posted March 2, 2017

Source: ACIMIT

Crown Health Care Laundry Earns Hygienically Clean Healthcare Certification

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — March 2, 2017 — Crown Health Care Laundry Services, Columbia, Miss., has earned TRSA’s Hygienically Clean Healthcare designation, reflecting its commitment to best management practices (BMPs) in laundering as verified by TRSA inspection and its capability to produce hygienically clean textiles as quantified by ongoing microbial testing.

The certification confirms the laundry’s dedication to compliance and processing healthcare linens and garments using BMPs as described in its quality assurance documentation, the focal point for TRSA inspectors’ evaluation of critical control points that minimize risk. The independent, third-party inspection must confirm essential evidence that:

  • Employees are properly trained and protected;
  • Managers understand legal requirements;
  • OSHA-compliant; and
  • Physical plant operates effectively

In addition, the Crown Health Care Laundry facility passed three rounds of outcome-based microbial testing, indicating that their processes are producing Hygienically Clean Healthcare linens and garments and zero presence of harmful bacteria. To maintain their certification, laundry plants must pass quarterly annual testing to ensure that as laundry conditions change, such as water quality, textile fabric composition and wash chemistry, laundered product quality is consistently maintained.

This process eliminates subjectivity by focusing on outcomes and results that verify textiles cleaned in these facilities meet appropriate hygienically clean standards and BMPs for hospitals, surgery centers, medical offices, nursing homes and other medical facilities.

Hygienically Clean Healthcare certification acknowledges laundries’ effectiveness in protecting healthcare operations through testing and inspections that scrutinize quality control procedures in textile services operations related to the handling of textiles containing blood and other potentially infectious materials.

Certified laundries use processes, chemicals and BMPs acknowledged by the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation, American National Standards Institute and others. Introduced in 2012, Hygienically Clean Healthcare brought to North America the international cleanliness standards for healthcare linens and garments used worldwide by the Certification Association for Professional Textile Services and the European Committee for Standardization.

Objective experts in epidemiology, infection control, nursing and other healthcare professions work with TRSA launderers to ensure the certification continues to enforce the highest standards for producing clean healthcare textiles. With 100+ years as the textile services industry’s leading business association, TRSA’s expertise in laundry BMP development is unmatched.

“Congratulations to Crown Health Care Laundry on their certification,” said Joseph Ricci, TRSA president and CEO. “This achievement proves their dedication to building their customers’ confidence that their laundry takes every step possible to prevent human illness.”

Posted March 2, 2017

Source: TRSA

Mohawk Expands Wide Format Inkjet Portfolio With New Line Of Printable Textiles And Canvas, Engineered By Aurora 

COHOES, N.Y. — February 28, 2017 — To meet the needs of the growing display graphics market, Mohawk Fine Papers Inc. — North America’s largest privately-owned manufacturer of fine papers, envelopes and specialty substrates for commercial and digital printing — announced the expansion of its wide format inkjet portfolio with the launch of a new line of Mohawk Printable Textiles and Canvas, Engineered by Aurora, for the latex, ultraviolet, and solvent printers.

The items within the new line are manufactured in the United States by Aurora Specialty Textiles Group, a North American-based, global leader in the manufacturing of high quality textile substrates for printing.

Mohawk and Aurora Specialty Textiles Group share longstanding histories of manufacturing excellence, best-in-class products made in the United States, comprehensive expertise in research and development, deep traditions of innovation and a strong commitment to customer service.

“Mohawk is pleased to partner with Aurora to expand our wide format product offering.  Aurora offers a best-in-class portfolio of printable textiles and canvas that allows Mohawk to truly serve as a one-stop-shop for our customers’ wide format printing needs,” said Mike Madura, Vice President, Digital Solutions, Mohawk.

“Aurora is very excited to partner with Mohawk in providing the North American paper distribution channel with access to a full range of printable textiles engineered to perform on today’s newest digital printing equipment. Our partnership combines Aurora’s textile coating and finishing manufacturing expertise with Mohawk’s market-leading knowledge in serving the digital needs of the North American paper distribution channel.” said Mark Shaneyfelt, Director of Sales & Marketing, Printable Textiles, at Aurora.

With this launch, Mohawk becomes the exclusive distributor through the North American merchant channel for Aurora Specialty Textiles Group, adding the following 12 products to its Wide Format Inkjet portfolio. The products will be available for preview in Mohawk’s Booth #901 at the Dscoop Conference in Phoenix, March 1-4, 2017.

Mohawk Printable Canvas Expressions (Five new products/finishes available: Cotton Natural, Gloss, Matte, Satin, Semi-gloss), Engineered by Aurora

  • Mohawk Printable Textiles Linen FR, Engineered by Aurora
  • Mohawk Printable Textiles Premium Poplin LX with ColorPRO Technology, Engineered by Aurora
  • Mohawk Printable Textiles Sticky Stuff 8 oz., Engineered by Aurora
  • Mohawk Printable Textiles Poly Banner Plus, Engineered by Aurora
  • Mohawk Printable Textiles Poly Woven 8oz., Engineerd by Aurora
  • Mohawk Printable Textiles Triple White FR, Engineered by Aurora
  • Mohawk Printable Textiles Decoprint Pearl from SENFA

Mohawk Wide Format Inkjet products are easily searchable via Mohawk’s Digital Product Selector by media type or ink type. Mohawk Digital Specialists can provide product information for customers, and products are in inventory and can be ordered through local paper merchants starting on March 15.

Posted February 28, 2017

Source: Mohawk Fine Papers

Sponsors