EconCore And Fynotej Enter Into A License Agreement For Production Of Honeycomb Sandwich Panels

LEUVEN, Belgium — October 13, 2016 — After preliminary development work, EconCore and Fynotej have entered into a license agreement for ThermHex honeycomb technology. The license focuses initially on honeycomb sandwich panels made of polypropylene thermoplastic material and the application field of automotive interiors.

EconCore’s licensees in Europe and Japan have already entered the automotive market with the honeycomb technology. Fynotej, a well-established nonwovens and industrial carpets manufacturer and a supplier to the automotive industry, based in Mexico, is the first North American licensee of EconCore focusing on automotive applications. By acquisition of the know-how and rights to the technology for continuous production of thermoplastic honeycomb panels, the company puts itself in a market leading position — the production of rigid panels integrated with in-line lamination of decorative and functional carpets allows for a unique efficiency of production of finished automotive interior elements.

“This license agreement is very much in-line with the market’s trends” – says Tomasz Czarnecki, COO of EconCore – “We have observed the shift of the European automotive and transportation industries from heavier and often moisture sensitive material solutions to much lighter polypropylene honeycomb panels and parts. With the new fuel economy and carbon-emission regulations of the American market, calling for weight savings and environmental care, we are confident that a similar change, which has already been started in America, will continue with high momentum. The cost efficiency of EconCore’s process and the high performance of the honeycomb product should be the key ingredients ensuring dynamic developments.”

Posted October 14, 2016

Source: EconCore

Fashion SVP Collaborates With Partners On New Show Feature

LONDON — October 14, 2016 — Fashion SVP organizer IDEX has teamed up with Fashion Enter and the Ethical Fashion Forum to present an innovative new feature at the show to be held at Olympia London, November 15-16, 2016, “Fashion Made Better”, demonstrating the life cycle of fashion production, from design to the finished garment, and offering up to the minute advice on best practice in ethical and sustainable fashion sourcing.

Fashion Enter, the social enterprise organization which encompasses a state of the art production facility in North London, making for leading fashion brands, and an acclaimed academy offering design, sourcing and production training, will be collaborating in presenting the multi-dimensional feature. This will comprise high-end designers and designs, production machinery with operatives demonstrating fabrication and stitching, pattern cutting and fabric selection, and an advice clinic on training and development paths available.

The Ethical Fashion Forum, the global industry body for sustainable fashion, will also be providing the very latest information, advice and tips on sourcing ethically and sustainably through drop-in consultancy on-site.

Buzz Carter, Event Director of Fashion SVP, said: “As the UK’s unique fashion sourcing and production event, at Fashion SVP we’re delighted to be working with the enthusiastic and innovative teams from Fashion Enter and Ethical Fashion Forum. Show visitors will benefit from learning and seeing fashion ideas and designs brought to life in the live environment of the show, and can also find out how how they can develop and maintain high ethical sourcing standards.”

Jenny Holloway, CEO of Fashion Enter, said, “Credit to Fashion SVP for taking yet another innovative approach to sourcing.  We shall be setting up a live stand where we can showcase the highly skilled talents of our machinists and host interactive workshops where you can ask those burning questions regarding what exactly is quality of make and ethical production. With the advent of Article 50 being triggered in March 2017 every brand should now be forging closer links with UK manufacturers now; for quality fast track and transparent production the only way forward is Made in the UK.”

Tamsin Lejeune, Managing Director and founder of Ethical Fashion Forum, added: “Ethical and sustainable production is becoming a license to operate, and the key to success, in today’s fashion industry. We’ve seen a burgeoning interest from fashion professionals across the supply chain in how to build businesses that are sustainable across three dimensions – commercial, social, and environmental. It’s the future.”

Posted October 14, 2016

Source: Fashion SVP

VDMA: Technology — Basis For Resource And Energy Savings

FRANKFURT, Germany/SHANGHAI — October 14, 2016 — On the occasion of ITMA ASIA + CITME 2016, taking place end of October in Shanghai, VDMA member companies spoke about their technologies and concepts in order to add content to the sometimes loosely used watchword sustainability. Their best practice examples deal with technologies that help to save resources and energy.

Nicolai Strauch, press officer, VDMA Textile Machinery, interviewed André Wissenberg, Vice President, Oerlikon Manmade Fibers Segment; Jan Siebert, Head of Rieter Business Group Machines & Systems; André Imhof, CEO Autefa Solutions; Eric Schöller, Managing Director, Groz-Beckert; Thomas Laissle, Product Manager, Weko; and Axel Pieper, CEO, Brückner Trockentechnik.

Strauch: Gentlemen, in this panel of industry experts we want to focus on the topic resource and energy efficiency as a cornerstone of sustainability. Mr. Wissenberg, Oerlikon Manmade Fibers with the product brands Oerlikon Barmag and Oerlikon Neumag is well known in the textile world for its filament spinning solutions, texturing machines and BCF carpet yarn, staple fibre spinning as well as nonwovens solutions. Are your customers happy to pay for sustainable technologies and improved energy efficiency?

Wissenberg: Yes, because our solutions increase our customer’s competitiveness and enable a faster return on investment than with other solutions, some of which are supposedly less expensive at first glance. Therefore, customers who use our technology solutions are substantially more successful, with regard to both profitability and quality.

Strauch: Is it possible to quantify the magnitude of the energy savings that are realised in textile production by using the latest machines from your segment?

Wissenberg: The contribution of our product solutions to sustainable, economical production is substantial, particularly for chemical fibre spinning. Here are two examples for you: Our latest WINGS technology (Winder Integrated Godet Solution) reduced average energy consumption by 40 percent per ton of the POY yarn type (Pre-oriented Yarn). For the FDY yarn type (Fully-drawn Yarn), this reduction is as high as 55 percent compared with our systems produced in the mid-90s. As you can see, our most recent solutions are exceptionally energy efficient.

Strauch: How are you able to minimize negative influences of industrial production?

Wissenberg: The manufacture of textile products and components, machines and systems used for this are traditionally associated with many unfortunate environmental consequences. By applying the latest in scientific and technical expertise, we help to reduce these negative effects to a minimum. Some of the ways our products do this include using all raw materials involved in the production process as efficiently and effectively as possible, significantly reducing emissions, optimizing energy footprints, and in some cases considerably reducing space requirements. A good example again is our WINGS product family. With this development, Oerlikon Barmag was able to reduce the space requirements compared to conventional spinning plants by more than 35 percent.

Strauch: What persuaded the Oerlikon Manmade Fibers Segment to join the VDMA’s BLUECOMPETENCE sustainability initiative?

Wissenberg: As a pioneer in matters of sustainability in our industry, it seemed quite logical to combine the message of our “e-save” program with the wider BLUECOMPETENCE campaign launched by the VDMA in 2011. This yields synergies for both sides, and we are able to market the VDMA initiative globally at the same time and thus also provide strength to our German location. Industrial production inevitably affects the environment.

Strauch: Mr. Siebert, Rieter is a leading supplier of systems for short-staple fibre spinning. Recently you announced the presentation of a new single-head drawframe generation at ITMA ASIA + CITME 2016. China is a significant market in the production of synthetic fibres and their blends. Furthermore, energy efficiency is becoming increasingly important in this market. To what extent does the new drawframe generation from Rieter fulfil this brief?

Siebert: The new RSB-D 50 single-head drawframe generation offers a hitherto unattained level of productivity of the highest quality, compared to its predecessor. The new coiler CLEANcoil-PES extends the cleaning cycle for critical polyester fibers by at least 100 percent. The patented drive concept ECOrized uses 25 percent fewer belts, saves up to 1,000 euros in energy costs annually and allows higher output speeds for polyester and combed wool, for example. The new single-head drawframe is already fitted and supplied with energy-saving ECOrized solutions. For older machine generations, Rieter After Sales offers custom-made, energy-saving packages.

Strauch: Mr. Imhof, Autefa solutions covers automation, bale packing, carding as well as nonwoven technologies. What are the key drivers for your customers to invest into an energy saving technology?

Imhof: Two reasons drive our customer’s decision for such an investment: Number one are the rules and regulations and number two is the economy. Especially in China, the entrepreneur’s decisions are influenced by the 5-year plan which aims at increasing the renewable energy mix by 28 percent and, at the same time, reducing the coal energy by 10 percent. Gas will be doubled. Within the next 10 years China wants to reduce CO2 exhaust by 40 percent. This worldwide trend will drive nonwovens and textile manufacturers to invest. Reducing the drying energy with our new SquareDrum Spunlace Dryer or the V-Jet Hydroentangeling technology has proven that with an average line capacity more than 250,000 EUR/year energy cost can be saved.

Strauch: What are you doing differently than others, what customer benefits do you offer?

Imhof: The EnRec, Energy Recovery technology for ovens has being continuously improved over the last years. Among the first we equipped complete factory roofs with thermal solar panels to pre-heat the air to 100°C. Since the sun does not send you a bill, it is almost free of charge. We installed block heating power plants to use electrical energy produced by a gas generator and get heat for the ovens free of charge. This year, we will modify a 50,000-ton fibre production financed by Autefa Solutions. The customer has no risks, no initial investment. Benefiting from the first day using 0.5 Mio EUR less energy p.a., Autefa Solutions gets paid by a profit sharing over the next years.

Strauch: For sure a challenging business model. However, energy saving is one aspect to protect the environment, do you think of other technologies coming up in the near future supporting the sustainability thought?

Imhof: The wipe market is one of the fastest growing. Using flushable wipes which are biodegradable reduces big problems we have with the sewage water treatment. This is why certain standards have already become law in the US, so here we’re back to the driver number one again. Together with Varo Campen, Autefa Solutions has entered the airlaids market for flushable wipes.

Strauch: Mr. Schöller, Groz-Beckert is one of the largest textile machinery equipment suppliers in the world. “Sustainability meets profit,” how do you support this concept?

Schöller: At Groz-Beckert, the guiding principle of sustainability is formed by acceptance of our ecological, economic and social accountability as well as profitable growth. Accordingly, topics like process capacity utilisation, resource conservation and energy reduction determine our products and innovations.

Strauch: Could you give a few examples?

Schöller: For example, the new modules in our expanded warp knitting range. When they are used together with a Groz-Beckert knitting machine needle, perfectly coordinated tools are guaranteed. This, in turn, means that processes run smoothly in every sense, and are not interrupted by errors, thus ensuring maximum productivity while conserving resources. Another example is the EcoStar needle used to make nonwovens. When used, it reduces energy consumption by as much as 7 percent compared to a standard needle, and it has a considerably longer service life.

Strauch: Sustainability as sales argument. What orders of magnitude are we talking about?

Schöller: When “Litespeed Plus” needles are used, it has proven possible to lower the machine temperature and energy consumption by up to 20 percent compared to a standard knitting machine needle. With a single needle set consisting of 3,000 needles, knitting mills in China have recorded a CO2 reduction of 1.4 tons per year; in India this figure was found to be over 2.4 tons. For the sake of comparison: In order to create an equivalent quantity of nitrogen emissions, you would have to fly 3,800 or 6,400 kilometres respectively.

Strauch: Let’s go a step forward in the textile chain and focus on textile finishing. Mr. Laissle, Weitmann & Konrad (Weko) is the inventor of a non-contact rotor system for precise, metered application of liquids and chemicals to fabrics. The non-contact rotor system for coating surfaces can be integrated in existing systems. How does that work?

Laissle: Surface coating is part of the standard procedure in the paper, textile, printing or foil industries, for example. It is a way to endow the base material, produced in webs, with certain functional properties that are not intrinsic to the base material alone, such as flame retardant properties, softness, antimicrobial/antibacterial, hydrophilic/hydrophobic or oleophilic/oleophobic additives. With our rotor, which works like a rapidly rotating disc, the corresponding liquids can be applied without contact and continuously according to a precise quantity specification. Unlike the conventional technology, the contactless application means that the surface to be coated is not subjected to any mechanical load. In addition, the distribution of the liquid is improved considerably, because it is applied as a homogeneous stream of fine micro droplets.

Strauch: Please explain the advantages of this economising approach with an example …

Laissle: … woven fabrics. For these products, padding is the traditional method for the finishing. In padding, the textile to be treated is transported through a liquid or auxiliary bath as a web. As a result, it is much more than just the essential quantity of liquid applied, but it also penetrates practically the entire textile, so it has to be squeezed out afterwards using nip rollers and then dried to remove the excess liquid. As an illustration: Before coating, the absolute moisture content of a conventional textile is in the order of 8-10 percent; this means that 1 kg of material contains 80-100 grams of water. After padding, the moisture content in the material is about 60-70 percent. Drying processes that consume a great deal of energy have to be applied to lower the moisture content to a normal level again. On the other hand, with the Weko liquid application system the woven fabrics only have an absolute moisture content of about 20-30 percent after coating, and much less energy is needed to reduce this to the required 8-10 percent – this corresponds to about 40 percent less drying power than is needed in the padding process. With our approach, only the quantity of liquid that is actually needed is applied onto the surface. This reduces the consumption not only of electricity, oil or gas – depending on the method used – because the drying process is less extensive, but also of chemicals and water, depending on the coating requirement. Incidentally, with metered, non-contact application, hardly any chemical residue is left over.

Strauch: Mr. Pieper, the Brückner Group has developed, manufactured and sold machine systems for coating and finishing textiles for more than 65 years. How is your company addressing the issue of sustainability?

Pieper: We offer for our customers solutions saving resources and energy and helping thus to minimise the ecological footprint. For the finishing of elastic fabrics, we developed an indirect gas heating system with a unique heat-recovery. This system saves energy and prevents the yellowing of elastic fabric despite using a gas heating. If the producer does not want to invest in a completely new line, we offer a modification of the heating system, for example, from oil to indirect gas heating.

Strauch: Energy is a big topic for textile finishing companies. What else does your company offer to minimise energy consumption in the textile finishing process? And besides energy, which other resources and materials can be saved?

Pieper: For textile finishing we have developed a new application unit for chemicals in liquid state. It features the following advantages:
a) very low system filling of < 5l and thus minimum residual waste
b) minimum application of liquor – less water to be evaporated in dryer – significant energy savings
c) versatility in use: both impregnation as well as single sides application possible

Strauch: Is it always necessary to invest in a completely new line in order to increase a finishing plant’s efficiency or are there other possibilities, too?

Pieper: Many energy saving systems can be retrofitted on existing BRÜCKNER–lines.We can upgrade existing machines with heat-recovery systems, new heating systems (e.g. indirect gas-heating) or new application units. In order to meet strict environmental regulations, we can also retrofit air-purification systems. It is also possible to modify the entire drive and control system of a machine to enable our customers to run more sensitive fabrics on the machines. Another innovation is a co-generation plant, which we have integrated into our dryers / stenters. The core is a micro gas turbine, which generates both heat for the drying process as well electricity at the same time. The micro gas turbine is powered with natural gas or LPG. The electrical output of the micro gas turbine is sufficient to power the entire stenter. The great advantage is that the stenter needs no external electrical power supply – all we need is gas! This system is not only interesting in terms of energy savings, but also for those countries, which suffer from frequent power failures. With our heat-recovery systems, the producers can save additionally energy depending on the process and fabric type by recirculating exhaust air to the drying process or generating warm water for wet finishing. Such systems are generally available as upgrade even for textile machines which are not made by Brückner. To comply reliably with environmental regulations, we offer different exhaust air cleaning systems which can be used in most cases combined with heat-recovery units.

Strauch: Gentlemen, thank you very much for this well-founded overview of resource and energy efficiency that can be realized with the technology of VDMA member companies. I think with these solutions on hand you are well prepared for ITMA ASIA + CITME in Shanghai, since the Chinese five-year plan is paying highest attention to ecological production — a topic that is on the agenda of many other countries, too.

World champion technology at ITMA ASIA + CITME – VDMA booth in hall 1

Almost 100 German exhibitors will be present at ITMA ASIA + CITME in Shanghai. They cover nearly all different machinery chapters with a focus on spinning, nonwoven, weaving, knitting, warp knitting and finishing. The VDMA booth (H1F81) is the first contact point for visitors interested in German Technology. Visitors get a compact overview of German manufacturers and their products:

  • The useful pocket guide lists all exhibiting VDMA members by halls and shows their stand location in the hall plans.

Another little helper for the fair visit:

  • Buyers guides textile machinery and nonwoven machinery.

Know-how to take home:

  • An updated edition of our publication, describing energy saving potentials of complete chains for the production of t-shirts, textile billboard, architectural fabrics and hygienic nonwovens thanks to German Technologies: “World Champion Technology: Higher Energy Efficiency – Higher Profits”
  • Energy efficiency guide textile machinery (available on a USB stick)

Posted October 14, 2016

Source: VDMA 

ITMA Asia + CITME 2016: Shima Seiki

WAKAYAMA, Japan — October 13, 2016 — Flat knitting innovator Shima Seiki will show its latest technology in Shanghai this October at the international textile machinery exhibition, ITMA Asia + CITME 2016.

With “Open Your Future” as its exhibition concept, emphasis is placed on bringing the future closer to within reach of the present, with help from the right partner and the right technology. Shima Seiki offers its partnership and technological expertise for the benefit of knitting industries in China, Asia and beyond by anticipating upcoming needs in each of those markets.

WHOLEGARMENT Revolution

Because of the capability to produce an entire garment without the need for sewing or linking, WHOLEGARMENT® knitting machines realize quick response production with on-demand capability thanks to reduced lead times, and offer reduced dependence on labor as well as associated cost reductions, not to mention sustainable production using the minimum amount of yarn required to knit a single garment. Introduced over 20 years ago for such markets as the U.S., Europe and Japan as a countermeasure against the wave of inexpensive imports from China at the time, Wholegarment knitting has been the source of many a small revolution within individual markets and factories that were determined to survive some trying times in the history of modern textiles. Ironically enough, Wholegarment knitting is now considered an immediate answer to the current needs of a highly evolved Chinese knitting industry that must now cater to a domestic market with increasing demand for more fashionable items, while dealing with high wages and a diminished workforce. The time is right for China to undergo its own Wholegarment revolution.

At ITMA Asia Wholegarment knitting is represented by the flagship MACH2XS machine featuring Shima Seiki’s original SlideNeedle™ on four needle beds and spring-loaded full-time sinker system, introduced to much acclaim at ITMA 2015. MACH2XS is shown in ultrafine 15L and mid-to-coarse 8L gauges. In addition, the compact SWG061N2 demonstrates its flexibility for knitting a wide range of fashion items and accessories, as well as technical textile applications.

Equally important in taking advantage of Wholegarment knitting, the SDS-ONE APEX3 3D design system that proposes revolutionary changes to the knit supply chain. At the core of Shima Seiki’s “Total Fashion System” concept, APEX3 offers comprehensive support of the entire process of knitwear production from planning and design to production and sales promotion, as well as capability for Virtual Sampling. Ultra-realistic simulation capability allows Virtual Sampling to minimize the costly time- and resource-consuming sample-making process while enhancing presentation quality. Ultimately, APEX3 functionality combines with on-demand production capability of Wholegarment knitting to form a synergy that provides game-changing flexibility in knitting and distribution. To further enhance the planning and design capability of APEX3, Shima Seiki’s recently launched fashion web service “staf®” (Shima Trend Archive and Forecast) will also be demonstrated.

In order to manage the knit supply chain even further, Shima KnitPLM® offers comprehensive management from material sourcing, production planning and monitoring, factory and machine allocation, inventory control, and shipping, cus- tomized especially for the knitting sector. Along with SDS-ONE APEX3, demonstrations will be held at ITMA Asia to show how KnitPLM® can provide smooth and efficient workflow through each stage of the knit supply chain.

Shaping Evolution

The means for steady evolution is available to customers who are ready to take the next step in conventional flat knitting with the latest offerings in shaped knitting technology. Especially of note are two machines with differing needle bed architecture; each with varying degrees of capability; and both with great potential for assisting growth in Asia with its diversified market needs.

The first is a machine that borrows heavily on Shima Seiki’s unique experience with four-bed knitting, featuring a pair of loop presser beds mounted above a conventional V-shaped needle bed. The SRY machine offers full control over press-down of individual loops for unprecedented capability in flechage and inlay patterns, opening doors to new possibilities in knit fashion with unique patterning potential. At ITMA Asia SRY183LP will be shown with a 72-inch/180cm-wide needle bed for supporting garment-length production and an available maximum of 30 intarsia carriers for full intarsia patterning capability, in ultrafine 16 gauge.

The second machine is the brand new SVR123SP featuring a single loop presser bed located above the rear needle bed. Making its debut at ITMA Asia in fine 14 gauge, SVR123SP is capable of a wide range of knitting from fashion to technical textiles. Based on the industry-benchmark SVR-series, its triple knitting system is capable of highly productive knitting of complex structures such as inlay.

Next Stop, Shima Seiki

Whatever the level of technology of individual factories, whether they be in China, Asia or any other region, one thing is clear. Almost everyone in the industry is looking for something new to help distinguish their products and services from others and to help take them to a new level of business. Whether they are looking for an evolutionary extension along a familiar course, or an outright revolution, Shima Seiki is their one-stop source. The next stop is at ITMA Asia, in Hall 4, Stand C33.

Gruppo Mastrotto Accelerates Digital Transformation With Lectra

PARIS — October 13, 2016 — Lectra is pleased to announce that Italy-based tannery Gruppo Mastrotto, has turned to Lectra for its digital transformation in leather cutting.

Gruppo Mastrotto employs more than 2,200 people worldwide. For its customers, it produces a total of 21 million m2 of leather annually at its 20 production and logistics plants, four of which are located outside of Italy. Drawing on a longstanding tradition of leather tanning, the family-run company takes pride in innovating value-added customer service solutions. The tannery is equipped with one of the industry’s largest just-in-time leather delivery hubs, guaranteed on-premises in 48 hours or less.

To keep up with the larger volumes of leather seats and interiors required
by its end-customers, Gruppo Mastrotto is once again driving innovative
change, by digitalizing its leather cutting value chain. Consumers today expect a broader array of choices for a more personalized vehicle interior, which entails greater supply chain complexity due to a wider range of product variants and faster product changeovers. By equipping its cutting rooms and digitalizing its processes with Lectra’s automotive leather expertise and Versalis® leather-cutting solution, the tannery aims to gain greater flexibility and agility to meet evolving consumer demands and become even more responsive to vehicle manufacturer end-customers.

Lectra’s Versalis leather cutting solution enables uninterrupted hide cutting with an unparalleled level of quality and material gains impossible to achieve using die presses. In addition to reducing costs by eliminating retooling and enabling significant material savings, Versalis improves flexibility and agility by removing the need for foam-model development, saving eight to 12 weeks of development time in the process.

To equip and digitalize its leather-cutting rooms, Gruppo Mastrotto has acquired the Versalis cutting solution to expand the tanner’s leather-cutting capacity.

“Supplying automotive parts is not just a matter of filling orders,” observes Alberto Silvagni, Automotive General Manager, Gruppo Mastrotto. “It is also about meeting the customer’s changing requirements, both in terms of styling and volume. The die cutters we once used would never have allowed us to keep up with the OEMs’ new demands the way our new digitalized solutions do.”

“We are pleased to be able to support Gruppo Mastrotto as it expands its manufacturing footprint in these high-growth markets,” states Céline Choussy Bedouet, Chief Marketing Officer, Lectra. “Consumers are demanding more and more options in leather seating, which is becoming one of the most critical components enabling OEMs to differentiate vehicles. By helping Gruppo Mastrotto manage flexibility in their cutting process, we can help them reduce time to market and meet customer demands faster.”

Posted October 13, 2016

Source: Lectra

SPGPrints To Demonstrate Inkjet Innovations For The Wallcovering Market While Hosting IGI Technical Conference 2016

BOXMEER, the Netherlands — October 13, 2016 — SPGPrints will host the IGI Technical Conference for the wallcovering industry at its global headquarters in Boxmeer, the Netherlands, on 17th and 18th October 2016.

The IGI Technical Conference is an annual two-day event that brings together senior managers from the wallcover manufacturing companies around the world, to learn about trends and technologies affecting the industry and to exchange ideas. It is organised by IGI, the Global Wallcoverings Association. This year, SPGPrints welcomes over 120 delegates to attend presentations on topics including legislation, sustainability and the latest developments in print processes.

One of the papers focuses on advances in digital inkjet printing — an area where SPGPrints has assumed a leadership position, through significant R&D investments in the past 20 years.

Bas Hoijtink, commercial manager Industrial Applications at SPGPrints, comments: “Digital printing technology has proven to be a game-changer, opening up opportunities for short runs, greater design flexibility, fast turnarounds, simplified supply chains and cost reductions. At SPGPrints, we have enabled textile printers worldwide to exploit these opportunities by launching a precision inkjet technology that rivals the speed, color gamut and quality of analogue processes. As visitors to the IGI Technical Conference will discover, we are working to bring this technology to the wallcovering industry, too.”

SPGPrints’ new inkjet technology has proven performance in the textile industry, following a series of successful, ground-breaking machine and ink launches in the last 12 months. These include the single-pass PIKE® printer with production capacity of 13 million meters per year, the JAVELIN® printer, with an annual capacity of two million meters, and a range of inks, all manufactured in-house.

Both PIKE and JAVELIN feature SPGPrints’ unique Archer® print head technology, providing controlled, clean ink delivery. The nozzles are 4mm from the substrate, compared with the more usual 1.5mm nozzle-fabric distance. This means a wider range of substrates can be run, a reduction of the chance of print head damage. Archer technology enables a gamut wider than the HD-gamut of other digital textile printing solutions.

The printers use an array of Fujifilm Dimatix Samba print heads to cover the 1850mm width with sharp image production. Fine line details, smooth gradients, blotches and geometrics can be accurately printed thanks to variable drop-size capability (2pL – 10pL) at resolutions of up to 1200 x 1200dpi.

SPGPrints is preparing to make this technology accessible to the wallcover industry also. During the conference, there will be working demonstrations of the PIKE printer, giving visitors the opportunity to appreciate the performance innovations of SPGPrints’ inkjet technology at first hand.

SPGPrints’ range of NEBULA inkjet inks for textile applications offers a broad colour gamut, optimised drying and excellent runnability, with all digital printers using Kyocera print heads.

SPGPrints secured its reputation as the industry leader over 50 years ago with its invention of the rotary screen process that quickly became the dominant technology in textile and wallcover printing.

Bas Hoijtink concludes: “The IGI Technical Conference is a vital forum for exchanging ideas, making the industry better placed to meet market needs and remain at the forefront of competition. As this year’s hosts, we are delighted to be promoting the discussion about the industry’s next steps, at a time when the emerging digital process opens up new, exciting opportunities. We hope delegates find the visit to both the conference and our Boxmeer mill a valuable and memorable experience.”

Posted October 13, 2016

Source: SPGPrints

Shima Seiki To Participate In IFAI Expo

WAKAYAMA, Japan — October 13, 2016 — Leading computerized knitting machine manufacturer Shima Seiki Mfg. Ltd. together with its U.S.-based subsidiary Shima Seiki U.S.A. Inc., will participate in the Industrial Fabrics Association International (IFAI) Expo in Charlotte, N.C., this month. Exhibiting in the Advanced Textiles section of the Expo, the company will display its latest technological contributions to the field of technical textiles.

Known for its pioneering WHOLEGARMENT® knitting technology wherein a knitted item is produced in its entirety without seams, Shima Seiki will show its SWG091N2 compact WHOLEGARMENT® knitting machine that features the company’s original SlideNeedle™. Capable of producing small knitted items from safety gloves and compression socks to more sophisticated advanced industrial textile applications such as tubular shields and harnesses, SWG091N2 can knit all of these items in 3-D in their entirety without seams.

Also exhibited is the latest version of the SDS-ONE APEX3 3-D design system. APEX3 offers comprehensive support of the entire process of knit production from planning and design to production and promotion, as well as its capability for Virtual Sampling. Ultra-realistic simulation capability allows Virtual Sampling to minimize the costly time- and resource- consuming sample-making process while enhancing presentation quality.

Posted October 13, 2016

Source: Shima Seiki

North Thin Ply Technology Launches New Composite Tube Manufacturing Process With A First Application In The Field Of Olympic Medal Winning Golf Shafts

RENENS, Switzerland — October 13, 2016 — North Thin Ply Technology (NTPT) has launched a unique new composite tube manufacturing process. The patent pending process effects a unique fibre placement capability that has enabled the first real major technological development in golf shaft manufacturing since the mass adoption of graphite golf shafts in the 1980s.

The fully automated tube winding process enables perfectly concentric carbon golf shafts that are set to take the golfing world by storm. The shafts were recently launched under the brand name TPT Golf™ at Evian 2016, having been successfully used by professional golfer Lydia Ko to win her silver medal at the Rio 2016 Olympics.

TPT Golf™ shafts are manufactured using NTPT’s Thin Ply Technology lightweight prepreg plies in combination with the new manufacturing process.  The result is a perfectly centered and near homogenous shaft giving golfers greater stability during their swing and a better feeling impact that imparts lower spin to the ball – resulting in higher yardage and a lower shot dispersion.

The micro-structure of a thin ply laminate results in higher mechanical properties. Within a golf shaft, or any other tubular product, the use of thinner plies offers nearly unlimited options for fibre angles and fibre type combinations. NTPT’s novel process ensures that each of the carbon plies are laid concentrically, resulting in a symmetrical shaft (or tube) with no spine, unlike the traditional table rolling production methods that have dominated the golf market until now.

The process also enables a precise control over the ratio of longitudinal plies to off axis plies along the length of the shaft.  The resulting uniformity of wall thickness and control of fibre alignment provides a smoothly changing flex profile exactly matching the specific design.

The NTPT technology and TPT Golf™ shafts have already been adopted and endorsed by leading names within the sport. Biomechanical specialist Jean-Jacques Rivet has been instrumental in the development of the range and its performance validation. World leading golf coach David Leadbetter has also provided technical feedback during the development of the shafts.

David commented, “In a sport where feel is everything, TPT shafts offer a level of feel to golfers that is completely unique. This is undoubtedly the most technically advanced golf shaft for distance and direction.”

NTPT’s novel composite tube manufacturing process sees its first commercial application on the golf course but the overall potential of this innovative manufacturing technology is considerable. Automotive drive shafts, aircraft struts, windsurf masts, as well as other sports equipment shafts and frames are just a few example applications with the process being ideal for any tubular structures where weight, performance and cost are critical factors.

NTPT’s CEO, James Austin, comments: “We are hugely excited to launch our unique composite tube manufacturing process at Evian 2016 and to bring a truly revolutionary product to the golf market.  This is just the beginning of the journey for us, and one in which we can start to see our manufacturing technology being applied to a wide spectrum of performance critical tubular structures.”

Posted October 13, 2016

Source: North Thin Ply Technology (NTPT)

Huntsman Set For Success At K2016 With Line Up Of TPUs For Sports Applications

OSNABRUCK, Germany — October 13, 2016 — Sports clothing and equipment manufacturers attending K2016 next week should visit Huntsman’s stand, where the business will launch a brand new thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) for the highly competitive sports footwear market.

The new ultra lightweight, high cushioning, 100-percent recyclable material will be unveiled on the first day of K2016. With tunable rebound properties this special TPU can be used to create soling systems with improved energy return — a highly desirable trait in sports footwear, particularly running shoes.

During K2016, Huntsman’s latest material innovation will be promoted alongside other specialist IROGRAN® and AVALON® TPU grades, which are renowned for improving the comfort, performance and durability of sports clothing, footwear and equipment.

Huntsman’s TPUs are widely used in the manufacture of sports and leisure goods, helping fitness enthusiasts lead an active, healthy life, and professional athletes train and perform at world-class events. Elastic, durable, and easy to color and print on, they can be injection molded to create a variety of items from specialist soles and inserts for running shoes, to tactile, soft touch, wearable, electronic fitness trackers. Equally, TPUs are ideal for extruding to create protective films for skis, snow and wakeboard surfaces; water bladders for hydration packs; and lightweight stretchable fabrics for athletic clothing.

Specific grades available for the manufacture of sports and leisure goods include:

  • AVALON® 95 AHT TPU – commonly used in the creation of soling systems for soccer shoes where a high degree of transparency and UV protection is desired
  • IROGRAN® A 60 E 4902 TPU – a long standing product that is proving increasingly popular in the lamination of fabrics for garments such as running and cycling tops where excellent adhesion, elastic properties and a soft feel are important
  • IROGRAN® A 85 E 4993 TPU – an incredibly durable TPU that can be used by sports equipment manufacturers to create belting systems for treadmills

AVALON® 85 AE TPU – a flexible, soft touch material that can be used to make wearable fitness trackers, which are comfortable to wear while working out.

Dr. Anja Weismann, Global Technology & Innovation Manager at Huntsman said: “Whether you work out in a gym, keep fit outdoors, or just like wearing sports clothing because it is comfortable, you probably come into regular contact with some form of TPU. The versatility of this material makes it incredibly popular across a range of sectors, including the sports and leisure market, where form and function are closely intertwined, and where materials must look good but must also be high performing. All of our TPUs for this specialist market are designed with those requirements in mind and we look forward to discussing potential projects with existing and new customers at K2016.”

Posted October 13, 2016

Source: Huntsman Corp.

Hexcel Announces Contract Amendments And Extensions With Airbus Group

STAMFORD, Conn. — October 13, 2016 — Hexcel Corp. today announced that two key contracts to supply advanced composites to Airbus Group have been amended. Hexcel expects these contracts to generate total sales of $15 billion for the duration of the contract.

The existing contract relating to Hexcel products supplied for commercial aircraft, helicopters, space and military programs has been amended. Specific commercial programs covered include the A350XWB secondary structures, A380, the A320 and A330 family, and ATR commercial aircraft. The NH90, Tiger and EC135 helicopter programs are also included, as are the A400M military transporter and Ariane launch vehicle. Hexcel supplies a wide range of composite materials for these programs including fabrics, resins, prepregs and adhesives.

A second contract to supply HexPly® M21E/IMA carbon fiber prepreg for the primary structures of the Airbus A350XWB aircraft has been extended through 2030. This contract covers the entire family of the A350XWB aircraft including the A350-1000.

Hexcel Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President Nick Stanage, said, “As an advanced composites industry leader, we are extremely proud to continue our long and rewarding partnership with the Airbus Group and are excited to take our relationship to a new level. The contract amendments and extensions are the result of years of product innovation, operational excellence and hard work by Hexcel employees and our partners. We look forward to our continued partnership with Airbus Group to develop innovative solutions to maintain their competitive objectives.”

Posted October 13, 2016

Source: Hexcel Corp.

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