Shima Seiki Launches New Fashion Web Service

WAKAYAMA, Japan — September 5, 2016 — Computerized knitting machine manufacturer Shima Seiki Mfg. Ltd. has launched its Shima Trend Archive & Forecast (staf®) site, a web-based service dedicated to empowering its members with the means to search and download from a rich stock of information as well as tools to organize that information to aid in fashion planning, design and presentation.

With the fashion industry constantly updating its offerings every few months, fashion planners, designers and merchan- disers traditionally have come under enormous pressure to present new ideas on a consistent basis, leading to stress, psychological burn-out and even physical illness. As a means to alleviate this situation and give industry professionals an unprecedented opportunity to enhance their planning efficiency and capability, staf features an information archive of fashion and color trends covering the past 50 years in addition to those for the next season, as well as a massive collec- tion of fashion-related content, covering materials, flat sketches and design patterns. In addition, a vast collection of fash- ion photos are available in conjunction with the Aflo photo agency, and the latest fashion-related news articles can be picked up from news sites as well. All this information can be selected and sorted efficiently and organized in a concept board that can be shared among a variety of smart devices for presentation purposes.

Furthermore, the advantages gained from using staf can be enhanced significantly in combination with Shima Seiki own “SDS-ONE APEX3” design system. staf content can be imported, edited and processed quickly and easily on APEX3. 3D data can also be combined with APEX3’s simulation capability, offering even more powerful and effective pre- sentation.

A free 30-day trial is available upon account registration.

staf will be featured at the upcoming Première Vision show in Paris September 13-15, 2016, at Parc des Expositions de Paris Nord Villepinte. Special demonstrations will be available at the Shima Seiki booth in Hall 6, Booth 6J40-6K41.

Posted September 6, 2016

Source: Shima Seiki

A Personal Welcome To The USTER Total Testing Center: Let Assistant Q Take You On A Tour Of His Workplace

USTER, Switzerland —September 6, 2016 — Uster Technologies knows how difficult it is for spinners to recruit suitable employees. So the company is offering them a new virtual staff member. His name is Assistant Q and he has the know-how and ability to make a real difference in quality management and business success – as well as absolute loyalty and commitment. Meet Assistant Q at the Uster booth at ITMA Asia + CITME 2016.

Assistant Q is ready to slot in to a spinning company at a senior level. He already has 65 years of Uster experience and is totally quality-minded. In addition, Assistant Q is always there, working 24/7 as part of the new Uster Tester 6.

Smooth running of every mill operation

With the data from the Total Testing Center Assistant Q has an overview of all the processes in the spinning mill. He examines test data from every production stage, alerting management to any potential issues. He directs alerts to the personnel responsible via their PCs (and in future to mobile devices) and also manages the process of solving the problem. He records when messages are acknowledged and tracks the history of the issue to its resolution.

Assistant Q also handles the routine saving valuable time for quality managers. His systematic approach drives timely problem-solving and makes a vital contribution to avoiding quality complaints and claims from customers.

Data analysis and fabric predictions

This new staff member takes in all the test results and provides fast analysis and interpretation. For example, he might identify changes at the carding process leading to a lower nep removal efficiency. In that case, he would immediately report the issue to the relevant operator.

Assistant Q supports to prevent against negative feedback from buyers about unsatisfactory yarn quality for weaving and knitting applications. He evaluates fabric appearance, using a series of parameters and a grading system of 1 to 5. Yarns graded 5 are expected to be top of their class in fabric appearance. His vast application knowledge and years of sample testing underpin this grading system. He also makes reliable predictions for knitted fabrics, where pilling is a key issue. His grading here is based on the new hairiness values provided by the Uster Tester 6 – as well as other parameters affecting pilling resistance.

Meet Assistant Q in Shanghai

Assistant Q can be observed in action at the Uster booth at ITMA Asia + CITME 2016. Interested parties – as well as curious visitors – will be introduced to him in his workplace, the Total Testing Center. Here, accurate test results are combined with real-time information from yarn clearers and additional testing instruments. Assistant Q’s knowledge, experience and working practices are integrated in the Uster QUALITY EXPERT which is incorporated in the Uster Tester 6 evenness tester. With Assistant Q, the Total Testing Center is an indispensable tool for modern mill management, making the leap from traditional data collection to powerful analytics and informed decision-making.

Posted September 6, 2016

Source: Uster Technologies

INDA Announces Three Novel Absorbent Hygiene And Personal Care Products As Hygienix Innovation Award™ Finalists

CARY, N.C. — September 6, 2016 — Banana fiber-based feminine pads, stretchable adhesives for disposable underwear, and facial exfoliating cushions are the top three contenders selected for their novelty, uniqueness, and technical sophistication as finalists for INDA’s prestigious Hygienix Innovation Award™.

INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, announced the following products are in the running for the annual award: Kimberly-Clark Corporation’s Kleenex® Exfoliating Cushions; H.B. Fuller’s Conforma™ Adhesive; and Sustainable Health Enterprise’s (SHE) Go!™ Pads.

The winner will be selected and announced at Hygienix, The Premier Event for the Absorbent Hygiene and Personal Care Markets, October 24-27, 2016, at Loews Portofino Bay Hotel in Orlando, Fla.

In its debut last year, Hygienix attracted over 600 leading professionals and excitement is mounting for a repeat strong turnout. Over three-and-a-half days, the newest and latest technologies, innovations, and advancements in this important and growing nonwovens segment will be spotlighted at Hygienix.

Each finalist will make a short presentation on Oct. 25 on how their product best meets the award criteria. The winner will be chosen by the Hygienix Conference participants, INDA’s Technical Advisory Board, and the Hygienix Conference Planning Committee, and announced on October 27 at the Conference.

“This year’s finalists were selected from many nominations received across the entire spectrum of absorbent hygiene and personal care products. These products demonstrate the high level of sophistication and creativity in our markets today,” said Dave Rousse, INDA’s President. “The finalists truly are the best of the best for expanding the use of nonwovens into new and exciting application areas. These leading companies raise the bar of excellence for all of us. Presenting the award is always an event highlight and this year won’t disappoint.”

The finalists are:

  • Conforma™ Adhesive – This unique, stretchable adhesive can be used in place of elastomerics to create a stretch feature in disposable absorbent products. It opens up new opportunities for manufacturers to design the next generation of more underwear-like, all-over stretchable incontinence products. The adhesive can be applied in-line and when combined with an extensible nonwoven it creates a conformable fabric that has high extensibility, softness, and easily stretches and retracts, according to H.B. Fuller.
  • Go!™ Pads – Using patented technology developed by SHE to make an absorbent core from banana tree agricultural waste, Go! ™ Pads maintain superior absorption without using any chemicals and super-absorbent polymers. SHE employs hundreds of local women through local sourcing of banana fibers and pad production while delivering an affordable product to girls, primarily in East Africa, who normally wouldn’t be able to afford pads causing significant costs to their education, health, productivity, and dignity. This breakthrough process will be used to develop a range of essential health products that address overlooked and taboo health issues, according to SHE.
  • Kleenex® Exfoliating Cushions – Combining multiple layers of nonwovens—each specially engineered to deliver a specific benefit—into a novel, versatile facial cleansing tool.  The result is a dual-sided cushion with one side that gently exfoliates with a textured nonwoven and a second side with a buffing texture printed on a non-woven to smooth and polish skin.  Inside the cushion a water activated cleanser creates a rich lather which is released through purposefully designed apertures on the exfoliating side which also allow the user to control the amount of exfoliation depending on the area of the cushion used.  Kleenex® Exfoliating Cushions leverage the versatility of nonwovens to deliver a completely unique and customizable facial cleansing experience, according to the company.

Posted September 6, 2016

Source: INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry

Tingue Introduces Automated Laundry Cart Dumper

GREENSBORO, N.C. — September 1, 2016 — Laundry product supplier Tingue has introduced a hydraulic laundry cart dumper to upgrade worker safety and speed productivity in the incoming soil-sort area. Operating at the push of a button, the new Tingue cart dumper automatically lifts loaded laundry carts and turns them upside down for emptying onto a sorting table or conveyor then gently returns the empty cart to floor level for removal. Manual handling of bagged and loose laundry with its repetitive, heavy lifting and time-intensive procedures is eliminated.

Featuring a sturdy structure of heavy-duty steel, the cart dumper is designed to safely lift and dump linen cart loads to 1,500 lbs., year after year, with minimal maintenance. The cart dumper fits the industry standard Poly-Trux(R)72P style bulk laundry carts and a variety of other carts with an overall height up to 67 inches and a width up to 29 inches, and is available in custom sizes. The automated cart dumper comes with a 2 HP motor as standard with a choice of left or right side controls and arrives fully assembled and ready to plug in and operate.

Posted September 2, 2016

Source: Tingue

SPGPrints Invests In Manufacturing Expansion In Austria For Production Of JAVELIN® Textile Printer

BOXMEER, the Netherlands — September 1, 2016 — SPGPrints is increasing its manufacturing capacity at its Kufstein, Austria, facilities, in order to meet strong demand for the JAVELIN® Digital Textile Printer following its launch at ITM 2016. As well as achieving several sales at the show, the company has since received significant interest in the printer’s ground-breaking inkjet technology, which has made high-quality textile production possible in both short and long production runs.

Rieks Reyers, marketing and sales director, SPGPrints, said: “As an affordable solution for test markets, short runs and large volume requirements, Javelin has brought the benefits of digital printing to the mainstream textile market. With the latest production expansion, the Kufstein facility is the ideal choice for the machine’s production and assembly. It is well-equipped to provide efficient, high-quality serial machine production, enabling us to offer short lead times, and to accelerate the adoption of this game-changing technology.”

“As the location for the development and manufacture of SPGPrints’ direct laser engraving and laser exposure systems for textile and graphics applications, the Kufstein facility has significant expertise in high-tech machine production.”

The sales and service of the Javelin printer are coordinated at SPGPrints’ Boxmeer (Netherlands) headquarters, where the demonstration centre and digital textile ink factory are also located.

Javelin is designed for companies printing up to two million metres of textiles annually. The printer uses a single-pass scanning action with an array of Fujifilm Dimatix Samba print heads to cover the 1850 mm width with sharp image production. Fine line details, smooth gradients, blotches and geometrics can be accurately printed thanks to Javelin’s variable drop-size capability (2pL – 10pL) at a true native resolution of 1200 dpi.

Javelin features SPGPrints’ unique Archer® print head technology that allows precision printing from a longer jetting distance. With nozzles located 4 mm from the substrate, Javelin is compatible with a wider range of substrates, including sublimation papers, while the chance of print head damage is minimal. Additionally, using only six colours, Archer technology enables a gamut wider than that of other digital textile printing solutions.

Javelin has proven popular with companies taking the first step into digital textile printing, or with a need to supplement their existing capabilities.  After its global premiere at ITM 2016, six Javelin sales were confirmed to different Pakistan-based printing companies, a seventh system was sold to a Turkish customer. Among the major new Pakistan customers are Lahore-based textile suppliers Bright Industries, Opera Textile and MA Textile Dyeing Printing & Finishing Industries. They chose Javelin to expand digital output alongside existing screen printing capabilities. Furthermore Javelin sales have been confirmed to customers in Germany, Italy, Brazil, India and China.

SPGPrints expects further sales and sustained demand for Javelin, as the printer is the highlight of the company’s stand exhibits at a number of major international industry trade fairs during 2016 and 2017. Following its global launch at ITM 2016, Javelin was received to great acclaim at Febratex, Santa Catarina, Brazil, and will also feature at SGIA (Las Vegas, USA, September), ITM Asia (Shanghai, China, October), and ITME Mumbai, India, December).

SPGPrints is also in the process of developing the Javelin platform for other applications requiring high print quality, variable run lengths, and colour and substrate versatility. A new 3200 mm-wide version of the Javelin printer for the home deco market will be unveiled at Heimtextil 2017, next January, in Frankfurt, Germany.

Posted September 1, 2016

Source: SPGPrints

Sumisho Airbag Systems Increases Production Capacity By Introducing The New FocusQuantum® OPW Solution By Lectra

PARIS — September 1, 2016 — Lectra is pleased to announce that the Japanese side-curtain airbag cushion supplier Sumisho Airbag Systems is implementing a highly efficient laser airbag cutting solution, FocusQuantum® OPW.

Sumisho Airbag Systems is the only Japan-based manufacturer of one-piece woven (OPW) airbag cushions, and one of the world’s leading providers in terms of quality. The company weaves and cuts technical textiles for airbags that are produced for global automobile brands based in the U.S., Germany and Japan among others.

Anticipating new orders from customers, Sumisho Airbag Systems is forecasting a significant increase in production volumes. The company already had an installed base of eight Lectra Focus® HP OPW laser cutters when it approached Lectra. The supplier was seeking to boost capacity without increasing its manufacturing footprint, while being able to meet stringent cutting quality standards.

Following benchmark tests conducted at Lectra’s International Advanced Technology and Conference (IATC) center in Bordeaux-Cestas, France, using production parameters and material provided by Sumisho Airbag Systems, the manufacturer determined that the FocusQuantum OPW solution delivers more production capacity than the previous generation of laser cutting solutions. Company representatives were especially impressed by the high level of cutting quality, as well as the potential of the solution’s new SmartCutting process, which prepares OPW fabric using pre-production software that enables cutting path correction in real time.

Based on these results, Sumisho Airbag Systems has decided to implement Lectra’s FocusQuantum, a comprehensive solution including an airbag laser cutter, a pre-production software suite and collaboration in project mode with Lectra consultants to ensure proper production, minimize risks and meet further demand for volume increase.

One of the decisive factors in Sumisho Airbag Systems’ decision was Lectra’s strong presence in Japan, with a full support structure to guarantee responsive turnaround times and prompt delivery of parts. With seven call centers across the globe and teams of specialized field service engineers in all countries where airbags are produced, Lectra helps its customers achieve maximum machine availability and productivity through quick intervention. In addition, remote monitoring and predictive maintenance enabled by smart services allow for optimum uptime.

“Consumer expectations in the area of vehicle safety continue to evolve at an accelerated pace,” says Akira Kanehachi, President & CEO of Sumisho Airbag Systems. “To meet our customers’ growing demand for advanced airbag designs and to reduce overall cost, it is important for us to invest in the right technology and equipment.”

“Airbag manufacturers today are grappling with complex new business challenges,” states Daniel Harari, Lectra CEO. “Now, more than ever, they need to ensure that quality remains at the heart of the road safety value chain while minimizing overall cost per bag. FocusQuantum OPW is a compact solution enabling significantly greater productivity per square meter of manufacturing footprint, while at the same time ensuring the highest possible level of quality through advanced software and laser cutting technology.”

Posted September 1, 2016

Source: Lectra

Alvanon Appoints Fong Senior Consultant; HKRITA Talk Will Address Happenings At Under Armour, Adidas And Nike

HONG KONG — August 31, 2016 — Alvanon, the global apparel business expert, has appointed May Fong to the position of senior consultant for the Asia Pacific region. In her new role, Fong will meet with fashion business clients to identify their brand-building and business-growth challenges, explain Alvanon’s technical and advisory capabilities and offer customized best practice solutions.

The announcement was made by Alvanon’s Executive Director Don Howard.

“Alvanon’s existing and prospective clients throughout the Asia Pacific arena will benefit from May Fong’s proven ability to anticipate, recognize and address their most intricate of fashion business concerns,” Howard reports.“Plus, she is fluent in Cantonese, Mandarin, Japanese and English, which will allow her to coordinate planning among fashion businesses that interact across Asia Pacific, Europe and the United States.

“May brings exceptional value to Alvanon’s knowledge base,” Howard added, “particularly in the areas of retail operations, merchandising, product development and supply chain management.”

Fong comes to Alvanon from Lacoste Asia Pacific, where she served as Senior Regional Product Manager. She holds a Master of Management from The Macquarie Graduate School of Management, Australia and a Bachelor of Arts in Japanese Studies from the Chinese University of Hong Kong.

Alvanon’s Presentation at HKRITA

Separately, Alvanon’s CEO Janice Wang will address “Disruption and Innovation in High Performance Apparel” as a featured speaker September 9th at HKRITA – Innovation and Technology Symposium 2016, Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, Wanchai, Hong Kong, Meeting Room S224. The theme of the symposium is “When Fashion Meets Technology, the art and science of our industry.”

“High performance sportswear has been dominating the bulk of growth in the apparel market,” Wang says. “Consumers are demanding ever more personalized, more functional and more fashionable goods in a shorter space of time. We will look at the advantages of manufacturing locally and how the customer demands a more sustainable product. We’ll also share insights on happenings at some major brands: Under Armour’s new Lighthouse Project, Nike’s new partnership with Apollo Global Management and Adidas’ Speed Factory.”

Wang is a founding family member of Alvanon, and speaks worldwide on a broad range of fashion business issues.

HKRITA (Hong Kong Research Institute of Textiles and Apparel) is the premier R and D center for textiles and apparel. It works to foster technology advancement, innovations and breakthroughs to improve Hong Kong’s global competitiveness, and is hosted by The Hong Kong Polytechnic University.

Posted September 1, 2016

Source: Alvanon

AIP Acquires Gerber Technology Shares

TOLLAND, Conn. — September 1, 2016 — Gerber Technology has announced American Industrial Partners (AIP) acquired all of its outstanding shares. The investment in Gerber was made out of American Industrial Partners Capital Fund VI, LP — a $1.8 billion fund that closed in September 2015.

“We are very excited to have AIP as our new investor,” said Mike Elia, Gerber CEO. “They are a committed partner with common values and a shared passion for making it easier for people in the apparel, transportation and home and leisure industries to design, produce, and sell everyday items made from textiles, leather, composites or similar materials.”

Gerber’s full line of digital solutions include many of the most recognized products in the industry including YuniquePLM®, AccuMark®, the Gerbercutter®, Gerber Edge™, Omega™ and Virtek® Vision Systems. These solutions enable leading brands, manufacturers, and retailers to be more efficient, lower costs and integrate their workflows from concept to market.

“Gerber’s history of innovation and leadership, large install base, and deep industry knowledge is an ideal fit with our investment strategy,” said Justin Fish of AIP. “We look forward to supporting the Gerber management team to execute on key growth initiatives and help Gerber’s customers achieve productivity gains through sophisticated, easy-to-use software; smart, connected machines and world-class service and support.”

AIP’s portfolio includes industry leading businesses in related end markets including aerospace, automotive and graphics supported by over 24,000 people in 28 countries. AIP has a long history of successfully acquiring businesses such as Gerber and partnering with management to drive growth.

Elia continued, “Our partnership with AIP will accelerate our investment plans and new product introductions, allowing brands, manufacturers, and retailers to reap the benefits of integrated digital technologies including 3D, the Cloud, IoT and advanced vision systems to reach their optimum potential faster.”

Posted September 1, 2016

Source: Gerber Technology

Invista Expands US Facility To Offer Breakthrough Small-Lot, Solution-Dyed Nylon 6,6 Technology

CAMDEN, S.C. — August 31, 2016 — INVISTA reports a $30-million expansion at its fiber manufacturing plant in South Carolina will enable the company to rapidly respond to small-lot, carpet fiber demands. The investment represents the industry’s first-ever offering of one-step, small-lot capability specifically for solution-dyed nylon 6,6.

“Our mill customers and the design community rely on Invista to offer a palette of hundreds of solution-dyed nylon 6,6 colors for each of their unique design preferences,” said Marc Ahrens, vice president of Invista’s specialty flooring business. “The new technology will expand our capability to offer sophisticated color families while at the same time improving service.”

Invista developed this innovative, proprietary small-lot technology by working closely with equipment manufacturer Germany-based Trützschler.

“We are pleased to be supplying Invista with the highest quality of BCF extrusion technology for this important expansion,” said Dr. Dirk Burger, CEO, Trützschler Group. “As a part of a long-term collaboration in research and development, our teams were challenged and inspired to create enhanced products. Trützschler thanks Invista for their confidence in our company.”

The variety of small-lot nylon 6,6 fibers will initially be offered under Invista’s Antron® Lumena™ brand to serve the global, growing solution-dyed nylon BCF markets.

Posted August 31, 2016

Source: Invista

Fruit Of The Loom Supports Louisiana Flood Relief

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. — Aug. 26, 2016 — Fruit of the Loom Inc. has donated thousands of basic apparel items to Louisiana flood victims as historic flooding continues to impact Baton Rouge and surrounding communities. More than 55,000 packages of t-shirts, shorts and underwear have arrived at The Louisiana Salvation Army.

“In times of adversity, we recognize the need to step in and help our neighbors as they recover from one of the worst floods our nation has seen in years,” said Rick Medlin, president and CEO, Fruit of the Loom. “While there is so much loss, we only hope that our donation can provide some relief as these victims overcome such tragedy. Our hearts go out to all of those suffering from this disaster.”

Fruit of the Loom, Inc.’s donation is valued at more than $100,000 and will be given to flood victims of all ages in the Baton Rouge area.

“In the face of devastation, we have found comfort in the widespread support coming from all over the country,” said Major Edward Binnix, incident commander, Salvation Army South LA Flood Event. “Fruit of the Loom’s donation is particularly special because these items are going to be used by people who have lost everything and need everything.  All the way to their basic clothing. We’re beyond grateful for their generous donation.”

Posted August 31, 2016

Source: Fruit of the Loom

 

1...1,6141,6151,616...2,507Page 1,615 of 2,507

Sponsors

Breaking News

Load more

Digital Issue

2025 Quarterly Issue Number I

View Latest Digital Issue

FEATURED ARTICLES

© Copyright 2017 Textile Industries Media Group, LLC.