Visitors Morph Into Print Superheroes At FESPA Digital 2016

SURREY, United Kingdom — March 8, 2016 — Today witnesses the return of FESPA Digital to its origin, at the RAI Exhibition Centre in Amsterdam. Throughout the week, thousands of visitors from around the world will soar into the city of Amsterdam to discover the latest technology from over 450 exhibitors across digital, textile, signage and printed interior décor markets.

Four events across seven halls
With four events taking place concurrently, FESPA Digital 2016 (Halls 1, 3 and 7) is displaying the latest digital print technology including equipment, consumables, software and applications from international and local manufacturers. In Halls 4 & 5, FESPA Textile, the largest textile print dedicated, garment décor and soft signage solutions event to date, will inspire those with an interest in textile to explore new applications and techniques.

European Sign Expo (Halls 2 and 3) gathers the newest non-printed signage products and software for channel lettering, illuminated LED and neon displays, and architectural/dimensional signage and has experienced 110% in growth since the initial event in 2013, making it the largest ESE event so far. And, in its second year, Printeriors, the dedicated showcase for printed interior décor (Hall 6) has taken the form of the ‘Print Hotel’, enabling printers and interior designers to visualise the latest trends to inspire and engage with digital print. Room sets include a bar, retail space, meeting room, lounge, bathroom, reception, café and even the interiors of an elevator.

Follow the trails
Available onsite for visitors will be bespoke Textile and Signage Trails, designed to showcase exhibitors who offer textile and signage solutions in addition to their digital offerings. The Trails will be available in map form and enable visitors to plan their visit with particular preferences in mind.

Conferences to inspire and educate
Today, 8 March, the Digital Textile Conference is presenting trends, tips and practical case studies on the growth and future of digital textile printing, with textile experts such as keynote speakers Basso & Brooke, pioneers of the digital print process in fashion; David Schmelzeisen, Institute of Textile Technology Germany; and Alan Shaw, MD, Centre for Advanced Textiles, among others.

The Printeriors Conference on 10 March will feature a host of interior décor experts discussing the latest trends, and how to use print as a tool within the interior space, including: Alberto Alessi, head of Marketing Strategy, Communication and Design Management at world-renowned Italian design company, Alessi; Gemma Riberti, previous Editor of Stylesight; Cholakarn Visuitpitakul, Marketing and Creative Director, Bodhi Tree Décor, and many more.

Seminars throughout the four days
Across two theatres on the show floor, the Digital Seminars and Signage Seminars will enable visitors to gain industry knowledge across varied, in-depth topics, as well as participate in Q&A sessions. Experts will be taking part in varied discussions and presentations throughout the four days of the show.

Hands-on, practical training
Within the Signage Seminars demo area, visitors can also try their hand at signwriting and painted lettering workshops, courtesy of Better Letters and Ghostsigns, as well as observe the experts create examples of traditional hand-painted signage.

Watch wrap superheroes    
In addition to all of this show content, the European Heat of the World Wrap Masters competition (Hall 7, S50) is taking place over the next two days, with the World Wrap Masters Series Final happening on 10-11 March. Competitors from across the globe who have pre-qualified in previous events will join the winners of the European final in a battle to be crowned Wrap Master. With items such as clogs, superhero-related objects and Audi A1 sportback vehicles to be wrapped, visitors thinking about diversifying into graphic wrapping must make sure they come along to this iconic event.

Vote for your favourite print applications in the FESPA Awards The FESPA Awards are yet another reason to visit. . With 17 application-led categories, visitors can see the shortlisted awards in Hall 6, next to the Printeriors showcase. The winners, including the publicly-voted People’s Choice Award will be announced at the Gala Dinner tomorrow at Beurs van Berlage.

Roz McGuinness, Divisional Director, FESPA, comments: “The atmosphere at the RAI today is already supercharged, as visitors have more reasons than ever before to explore the exciting opportunities for business diversification, and witness over 50 new product launches throughout the four events. This year marks our tenth anniversary of the digital show, and it has gone from strength to strength, providing visitors the tools they need to become print superheroes, and ultimately improve their business profits. We want all of our visitors to leave feeling inspired to take their digital offering to the next level.”

Thinking of attending this not-to-be-missed event? With a €40 on-site entrance fee, last-minute visitors are welcome at all times.

Posted March 8, 2016

Source: FESPA

Tessenderlo Group And Picanol Group Decide To Withdraw The Project To Merge Their Activities Into One Belgian Industrial Group

IEPER, Belgium — March 7, 2016 — Following the announcement on January 25, 2016, that Tessenderlo Group and Picanol Group had decided whether and how the terms and conditions of the transaction that was announced on December 16, 2015, could be amended with a view to its approval by the shareholders of Tessenderlo Chemie NV, various meetings were held to sound the market on their views on the transaction.

Taking into account the market feedback, both companies have, with the assistance of their respective advisers and in consultation with each other, analyzed whether the terms and conditions of the proposed transaction could be amended to accommodate and reconcile the different views expressed. After proper consideration, the board of directors of Picanol NV (and its subsidiary Verbrugge NV) has concluded that there is currently insufficient market support at terms reasonable for Picanol NV and its shareholders to complete the transaction successfully. Hence, the board of directors of Picanol NV decided not to endorse any changes to the terms of the transaction.

On this basis, the boards of directors of both companies have each decided to terminate their negotiations and to withdraw the proposal to combine. Both Picanol Group and Tessenderlo Group have the means and will continue to focus on an enhanced value creation in each of its businesses.

Although Picanol Group regrets that the proposed transaction cannot be concluded, it intends to continue to support Tessenderlo Group as a long term shareholder.

Posted March 8, 2016

Source: Picanol Group

Six New Printers from EFI Offering Customers Unparalleled New Opportunities At Fespa Digital 2016

FREMONT, Calif. — March 8, 2016 — Electronics For Imaging (EFI) will feature six new EFI™ VUTEk® printers, including one of the world’s fastest production-class hybrid LED printers, a new, flagship high-volume inkjet press, and a VUTEk textile printer making its worldwide debut, at Fespa Digital 2016.

The 3.2-meter wide EFI VUTEk LX3 Pro hybrid roll/flatbed LED inkjet printer making its European debut at the show is a leader in production-class LED inkjet graphics print engine speeds with fast throughput of up to 318 square meters per hour. The printer also offers high-resolution greyscale imaging and its “cool cure” LED technology is a greener solution that reduces energy usage and costs while giving users the ability to print on a wider range of media, including media that cannot withstand the heat of other curing or drying methods.

High Print Quality At Faster Print Speeds

Early users such as U.S.-based customer Nutis Visual Communications Group in Columbus, Ohio, benefit from producing four-color, true point-of-purchase quality output. The printer’s unique benefits provide maximum versatility for businesses looking to profit from higher volumes and shorter lead times.

“The VUTEk LX3 Pro is a terrific addition that complements our other digital presses and enhances our overall capabilities,” said Nutis Visual Communications Group Vice President of Print Production Joey Nutis. “With the new printer, four-color 600-dpi imaging with light smoothing is now our go-to print mode. We have seen improved quality at faster print speeds at that setting on jobs that would have run at 1,000 dpi with heavy smoothing on our previous printer.”

The 3.2-meter EFI VUTEk HS125 Pro UV inkjet press is also making its European debut at Fespa Digital. It builds on the remarkable success customers have achieved on the 100+ worldwide installations of its predecessor, the EFI VUTEk HS100 Pro inkjet press. The new HS125 Pro model — the fastest VUTEk product ever developed — stands as the new flagship of the VUTEk lineup. It delivers true analogue replacement capabilities with quality approaching offset, production speeds up to 125 boards per hour, unique pin and cure UV LED curing, and a variety of automated material handling options, including one for corrugated board.

The newest-version EFI Fiery® proServer driving the 3.2-meter VUTEk printers in EFI’s stand deliver productivity and quality well beyond a typical printer RIP. This upgraded Fiery digital front end platform gives VUTEk customers the power to process print files 60% faster than earlier versions of the proServer, or up to 170-percent faster than alternate systems.

EFI printers and Fiery technology connect into a complete ecosystem for end-to-end productivity on display at Fespa Digital, with technologies on display from the industry’s most comprehensive software portfolio featuring the EFI Midmarket Productivity Suite with the Pace™ MIS/ERP system at its core, out-of-the-box certified workflows, and additional Web-to-print and newly integrated cross media management solutions.

Worldwide Launch Of New EFI VUTEk FabriVU Printers For Soft Signage

EFI also is premiering a new VUTEk printer to help customers capture new opportunities based on surging demand for high-quality, lightweight reusable fabric graphic soft signage used in retail visual merchandising, trade show graphics and other applications.

According to a study from industry research firm IT Strategies, the soft signage market will grow 8-percent annually from 2015 to 2020. EFI is helping signage and display graphics customers capture that growth with new 1.8- and 3.4-meter EFI VUTEk FabriVU® printers developed by EFI Reggiani — a global leader in aqueous-based textile print technology based in Italy that was acquired by EFI in 2015. The printers run environmentally friendly water-based inks and open the door to new, profitable applications.

This family of printers brings high print quality and speed that will help print providers quickly expand their range of offerings. They feature precise unwinding for smooth, reliable feeding and print direct to fabric or transfer paper. A patented ink circulation system in the printer prevents nozzles from drying out, reducing ink costs by up to 15 percent.

According to Frank Mallozzi, EFI’s senior vice president of Worldwide Sales and Marketing, “With this product line launch, we are making EFI Reggiani’s technology and know-how in textile printing available to EFI signage and display graphics customers to positioning them to grow along with — or even faster than — the soft signage market at large.”

Available now, this printer family offers print speeds up to 464 square meters per hour at 600 dpi and ultra-high resolution up to 2,400 dpi. It also features four-level greyscale printing with 4- to 72-picolitre drop sizes. These printers and their environmentally friendly, water-based sublimation inks help users produce stunning soft signage and banner applications.

EFI will broadcast live demonstrations of the new VUTEk FabriVU 340 printer on Periscope during Fespa Digital on 9 March and 10 March at 10:00 am CET.

Other new printers making their European debut at EFI’s Fespa Digital stand include:
The EFI Matan Quantum LXr LED printer, a dedicated roll-to-roll printer offering a superb price/speed/quality ratio for exceptional versatility, the widest range of substrates, and the lowest total cost of ownership in its class. This economical alternative to latex printers has 7-picoliter imaging, and print resolutions up to 1,200 dpi in four colors with optional white for high-quality printing.

Unique productivity options for the printer, including ink and media efficiencies, advanced roll handling technologies, increase productivity, minimize waste, reduced labor and exceptional ease of use with dramatically lower power consumption.

The EFI H1625-SD, an entry-level, 1.65-meter UV hybrid production printer that uses award-winning EFI SuperDraw UV ink for near-photographic imaging direct to thermoformable substrates. The printer runs four colors plus white with high-quality greyscale imaging.

For the industrial textile market, including digital printing for home décor and apparel, EFI also features the Reggiani ReNOIR NEXT 180 at Fespa Digital. This highly versatile product runs fabrics and papers with a common ink set using a 1.8-meter beltless digital printing system.

The printer offers simplified material handling, a compact footprint and lower acquisition cost, making it an ideal entry-level production device for industrial décor and apparel applications.

The printer can be used with water-based dispersed, acid, pigment and reactive dye printing inks, offering users greater flexibility in production applications while providing users with high-speed throughput and some of the lowest total running costs in the market.

“The complete showcase of print workflow, Fiery technology and our broad industrial inkjet portfolio at Fespa Digital provides the innovations signage and display graphics professionals need to distance themselves from competitors using less-efficient or lower-quality technologies,” said Scott Schinlever, senior vice president, EFI Inkjet Solutions. “The combination of high-end imaging, sustainability, and streamlined productivity from the products EFI is showing this year put our customers further ahead on the leading edge of business success.”

EFI’s exhibit is in hall 1, stand E40 at Fespa Digital, March 8-11 in the Amsterdam RAI Exhibition Centre.

Businesses worldwide create a wide range of innovative, high-value and high-quality imaging applications with EFI printers. EFI’s printer portfolio features the industry’s top industrial LED, UV and water-based narrow web, wide- and superwide-format printers, including leading ceramics and textile print technologies. This portfolio gives printing companies profitable opportunities in The Imaging of Things, delivering greater product customization and appeal in everything from signage and packaging to décor, apparel and industrial manufacturing.

Posted March 8, 2016

Source: Electronics For Imaging (EFI)

Clariant Presents ColorForward® Automotive

MUTTENZ, Switzerland — March 8, 2016 — Clariant has released the Automotive Edition of ColorForward® 2017. This is the second year Clariant has formatted its color/trend analysis tool to meet the needs and interests of automotive designers and marketers.

Clariant’s groundbreaking ColorForward trend-analysis and color-design tool has been released every year since 2006 to help plastic product designers and marketing professionals make more informed color choices. It presents four global societal trends that can be expected to influence consumers and then links them to colors that evoke an emotional response related to each trend.

The Automotive Edition is the work of the Clariant Masterbatches European Automotive Team in collaboration with the color specialists at the Clariant ColorWorks® design and technology centers. It presents 20 colors, linked to the four trends, in several different forms:

  • Large, textured plastic plaques
  • Fiber pompons and yarn wrap cards (to illustrate carpet and textile options)
  • Small “concept” cars molded in plastic
  • Leather swatches (new in the 2017 edition)

These samples are packaged in a presentation box and are meant to be handled, rearranged and studied as part of a creative exercise. “We are not trying to teach our automotive customers about color,” explains Laura Carrillo, Head of Market Segment Automotive, Clariant Masterbatches Europe. “They are already experts. We want to start a dialogue with them about global societal trends and, at the same time show them these different materials so they become more aware of possible color harmony issues. In any case it should be fun and inspirational.”

The colors for 2017 are more muted than in years past. People are a bit more fearful, more introspective and reflecting the disconnectedness that many seem to be feeling today. In general the colors are softer, darker and even ambiguous. The trend themes for 2017 are as follows:

ANNOY FIRM OMIT
An anagram of the phrase “my information” is intended to capture the ambiguous, yin/yang nature of the information universe. Data mining, or the systematic sifting of digital information to achieve a specific purpose, is central to this trend theme. The duality of the web-world is captured in the annoy firm omit trend colors. Two of the five are dark and sinister.
DELONELINATION
In a connected world, the last taboo is being lonely. “Delonelination is a wake-up call,” says Judith van Vliet. “It is a warning that loneliness is on the rise, particularly among young people. The five colors representing this trend are generally pale and muted, ranging from a beige to suggest the human need to be handled with care, to a plain brown.

NEBULOVE
This theme can almost be seen as the antithesis of loneliness because it recognizes a trend toward complex connected relationships between multiple people who may be married or not depending on what gives them fulfillment. Colors representing this theme include a light green/yellow like the inside of a cucumber, and a diffuse red. There is a lilac purple and a brownish orange, almost cognac-colored shade.

IT’S A TRAP!
“Life can be a trap,” says van Vliet. “It can be hard and stressful — or just plain dull — if you allow it to become that way, and so people are beginning to seek new ways to break out, to be curious and explore the limits of the human mind. This trend is about escapism and finding new modes of perception.” Not surprisingly, the colors of this trend theme tend toward a funky new aesthetic.

Posted March 8, 2016

Source: Clariant International Ltd.

Change In The Board Of Directors Of Oerlikon

PFÄFFIKON, Switzerland — March 8, 2016 — As was announced on March 1, 2016, the Board of Directors proposes that Gerhard Pegam, Prof. Dr. Michael Süss and Hans Ziegler are to be re-elected as members of the Board of Directors of the Oerlikon Group. In addition, the Board nominates Dr. Jean Botti, David Metzger and Alexey V. Moskov as candidates for the Board of Directors of the Oerlikon Group. Dr. Jean Botti would be an independent Director on the Board of Directors, while David Metzger and Alexey V. Moskov would both represent the principal shareholder Renova. The election of the new Board members and of Board members standing for re-election will take place at the Annual General Meeting of Shareholders (AGM) on April 5, 2016. Dr. Mary Gresens, Mikhail Lifshitz and Johan Van de Steen will not be standing for re-election at the AGM.

Prof. Dr. Michael Süss, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Oerlikon, said: “On behalf of the Board of Directors, I would like to thank Dr. Mary Gresens, Mikhail Lifshitz and Johan Van de Steen for their valuable contributions to the company and wish them all the best for the future. I am pleased to announce the new nominees to the Board. Dr. Jean Botti, David Metzger and Alexey V. Moskov all bring with them extensive know-how and experience in their respective fields and will add further expertise to the Board.”

Dr. Jean Botti (1957, French citizen) was Airbus Group’s Chief Technical Officer since May 2006, and will be joining Royal Philips on April 1, 2016 as its Chief Innovation and Strategy Officer. Before Airbus, Dr. Botti held diverse management positions from 1997 to 2006 with Delphi. Prior to Delphi, he was with General Motors and Renault in various management positions, mostly in the area of managing chassis engineering, components, drivelines and other automotive components. Dr. Botti holds 31 patents. He has two Master’s degrees: one in mechanical engineering from the Institute National des Sciences Appliquees of Toulouse, France, and the other in Science Administration from the Central Michigan University, USA, and a PhD in Mechanical Engineering from the Conservatoire des Arts et Metiers, Paris, France.

David Metzger (1969, Swiss and French citizen) is Managing Director Investments of the Renova Management AG, Zurich, Switzerland. Since 2011, he held various positions at Renova, initially as CFO of Venetos, and later as Deputy Managing Director Strategy and M&A. Prior to Renova, David Metzger worked for Good Energies, a well renowned renewable energy fund, where he was investment manager for four years and during which, he also served as CFO and Board Member of several ventures. Before Good Energies, he was Senior Manager at Bain & Company, focusing on strategy and private equity. David Metzger holds a Master’s degree in business economics from the University of Zurich, Switzerland, and an MBA from INSEAD, Fontainebleau, France.

Alexey V. Moskov (1971, Cypriot and Russian citizen) is Chairman of the Executive Board of the Renova Group. In 2004, he was appointed Chief Operating Officer of Renova Management AG, Zurich, Switzerland. Prior to Renova, he served on the Board of Directors of NGK Slavneft and worked in diverse managerial positions at Tyumen Oil Company and Tobacco Trade Group. Alexey V. Moskov holds a Master’s degree in engineering and development from the Moscow Railway Transport Engineering Institute (Technical Cybernetics Department), Moscow, Russia.

Posted March 8, 2016

Source: Oerlikon 

Milliken Named A 2016 World’s Most Ethical Company For 10th Consecutive Year

SPARTANBURG, S.C. — March 7, 2016 — Milliken & Company has been recognized as a 2016 World’s Most Ethical Company by the Ethisphere Institute, a global leader in defining and advancing the standards of ethical business practices.

This year marks the 10th anniversary of Ethisphere and the World’s Most Ethical Companies® designation, which recognizes those companies that align principle with action, work tirelessly to make trust part of their corporate DNA, and in doing so, share future industry standards by introducing tomorrow’s best practices.

Milliken is one of just 14 companies to receive this honor every year since Ethisphere’s inception in 2007 and one of 21 privately held companies to be recognized this year.

A community of innovators dedicated to finding new ways to solve problems and enhance people’s lives, Milliken makes a conscious effort to instill high ethical values throughout its daily business practices. Corporate accountability, resource preservation and a shared mission to deliver innovations that ‘do good’ for the world are a few examples of why Milliken, a storied 150-year-old company, has earned this high honor for 10 consecutive years.

“The landscape of corporate ethics is changing, driven by an increasing desire for transparent relationships with companies in the industries and local communities in which they operate,” shared Joe Salley, Milliken & Company president and CEO. “Strong ethical values and a passion for meaningful innovation unite all Milliken associates worldwide.”

“Milliken’s 150 years demonstrate what few companies can: a sustainable business advantage supported by their values and commitment to ethics and innovation,” explained Ethisphere CEO Timothy Erblich. “Milliken recognizes the correlation between ethics and performance and the value this creates for their communities, customers and associates. Congratulations to everyone at Milliken for being recognized as a 2016 World’s Most Ethical Company and on your 150-year anniversary.”

Methodology and Scoring

The World’s Most Ethical Company assessment is based upon the Ethisphere Institute’s Ethics Quotient™ (EQ) framework developed over years of research and vetted and refined by the expert advice from Ethisphere’s World’s Most Ethical Company Methodology Advisory Panel. The EQ offers a quantitative way to assess a company’s performance in an objective, consistent and standardized way. The information collected provides a comprehensive sampling of definitive criteria of core competencies, rather than all aspects of corporate governance, risk, sustainability, compliance and ethics.

Scores are generated in five key categories: ethics and compliance program (35 percent), corporate citizenship and responsibility (20 percent), culture of ethics (20 percent), governance (15 percent) and leadership, innovation and reputation (10 percent) and provided to all companies that participate in the process.

Posted March 7, 2016

Source: Milliken & Company

Incotelogy To Present The Latest Basalt Fiber Product Developments For Automotive Industry At JEC World

PULHEIM, Germany — March 7, 2016 — The Incotelogy GmbH – Basalt Fiber Technology and Products Team will exhibit at JEC World Composite Show and Conference March 8-10 at Paris Nord Villepinte in Paris, France.

Incotelogy’s presence at JEC Show 2016 focuses this year on high quality high-performance basalt fiber textiles, non-woven, basalt fiber rovings, basalt filament yarns, geotextiles and basalt microfibers.

“Especially our newest developments such as fabrics with functional coating and laminating, basalt yarns with RFL-dip, core and conductive yarns but also high quality non-woven without adhesive and basalt microfiber are of the particular interest for automotive applications”, explains Georg Kirchgessner, Founder & CEO at Incotelogy GmbH.

Good impact properties, outstanding vibration and shock absorption, electrical non-conductivity, sustainability and easy recyclability are the most important attributes of basalt fiber products, which contribute to properties enhancement by the engineering of functional materials and system in the automotive industry.

“The continues annual increase in demand for basalt fibers shows that the basalt fibers have already found their niche in the market and implies growing market share of basalt fibers in the composites market worldwide in the next years”, summarizes Georg Kirchgessner

Posted March 7, 2016

Source: INCOTELOGY GmbH

Andritz Group: Solid Business Development In 2015

GRAZ, Austria — March 4, 2016 — International technology Group Andritz showed solid business development in the 2015 business year. Sales increased by 8.8 percent, reaching an all-time high of 6,377.2 million euros (MEUR) (2014: 5,859.3 MEUR). All four business areas noted an increase in sales.

Order intake amounted to 6,017.7 MEUR, thus almost reaching the record level of the previous year (-1.4 percent versus 2014: 6,101.0 MEUR). The order backlog at the end of 2015 amounted to 7,324.2 MEUR (-2.5 percent compared to the end of 2014: 7,510.6 MEUR).

The earnings development was satisfactory considering the extraordinary effects in connection with the measures to optimize the value chain at Schuler. To adjust Schuler’s manufacturing capacities to the product mix and business volume, an amount of 78 MEUR was considered in the consolidated income statement, which was partly offset by project-related positive extraordinary effects of some 40 MEUR in the PULP & PAPER business area. Thus, the EBITA amounted to 429.0 MEUR (+13.0% versus 2014: 379.5 MEUR), and the EBITA margin increased to 6.7% (2014: 6.5%). Without these extraordinary effects, the EBITA of the Group would have been 467.0 MEUR and the EBITA margin 7.3%.

Net income (without non-controlling interests) increased to 267.7 MEUR (2014: 210.9 MEUR).

The net worth position and capital structure as of December 31, 2015 remained solid. Total assets amounted to 5,778.0 MEUR (December 31, 2014: 5,995.2 MEUR) and the equity ratio increased to 21.0 percent (December 31, 2014: 17.3%). Net liquidity amounted to 984.0 MEUR (end of 2014: 1,065.1 MEUR).

At the Annual General Meeting on March 30, 2016, the Executive Board will propose a significant increase of dividend to 1.35 EUR per share for the 2015 business year (2014: 1.00 EUR). This is equal to a payout ratio of around 52 percent (2014: around 49 percent).

From today’s perspective, Andritz anticipates continued uncertainty in its main markets and largely unchanged project activity in all four business areas, and expects business development to continue on a satisfactory level in the 2016 business year. Wolfgang Leitner, President and CEO of Andritz AG: “The main focus this year will lie on further flexibilization and adjustment of the Group-wide cost and organizational structure in order to adapt to the unchanged, volatile market environment, as well as on developing new products. By doing so, we want to create a basis on which to continue our long-term profitable growth.”

Posted March 7, 2016

Source: The Andritz Group

Schlafhorst’s New Autoconer 6

ÜBACH-PALENBERG, Germany — February 9,2016 — The Autoconer 6 was delivered to the first customers at the beginning of the year. With its groundbreaking innovations, Schlafhorst’s new automatic package winder caused a global sensation — “The best original ever”. The German textile machinery manufacturer has presented the Autoconer 6 — in a brand-new version geared to E3 — to the general public at ITMA 2015. E3 is synonymous with triple added value in the energy, economics and ergonomics categories.

Energy
Energy consumption reduced by 20 percent. A string of unique innovations has enabled Schlafhorst to reduce the energy consumption of the Autoconer 6 by up to 20 percent compared with its predecessor. A key contributory element here is the new Eco-Drum-Drive System in the selfadjusting winding unit. Thanks to the latest drive and bearing technology, the Eco-Drum- Drive System saves a considerable amount of energy. In addition, the suction system motor and frequency inverter always work at the most effective operating point due to improved performance efficiency. To generate further energy savings on the spot by optimising the winding process, the energy consumption at any moment can be monitored online centrally at the Informator. The Autoconer 6 can be equipped with the new Energy Monitoring facility for this.

SmartCycle and the new intelligent vacuum adjustment system work together according to the “power on demand” principle, i.e. creating a vacuum as required. This lightens the energy demand in the winding mill significantly between yarn end pick-up cycles. SmartCycle is the new, intelligent upper and lower yarn end pick-up function in which the winding unit, the Informator, the suction system and the doffer cooperate optimally and are self-adjusting. The flow-optimised suction tube makes an effective contribution to energy saving too: in one customer’s mill, the vacuum could be reduced by 20-25 mbar while retaining a reliable upper yarn end pick-up.

Economics
2 x 6 percent more productivity. The new Autoconer 6 also achieves a double-digit increase in productivity. Even the basic model is 6 percent more productive than its predecessor. LaunchControl boasts the latest process intelligence for a slip-free, self-optimised start-up. Higher acceleration and faster deceleration of the winding system are possible using the innovative Eco-Drum-Drive System. The advantage is obvious: the Autoconer 6 winds faster at maximum speed and can be decelerated later.

Non-stop productivity is the distinctive feature of the new generation of machines. In combination with the new suction tube, SmartCycle cuts unproductive cycle times. Upper yarn faults are reduced as far as possible, while optimized cycle sequences minimise downtimes. TensionControl, the standard yarn tension control system on the Autoconer 6, prevents unnecessary tension breaks during bobbin unwinding. All these factors signify higher efficiency ratings and productivity right from the start.

With the technologically optimised, high-performance Speedster FX module and the new SmartJet function with which the doffer supports the upper yarn search, another 6 percent productivity can also be gained optionally.

In practical tests with the SmartJet function, the doffer aids the upper yarn search so effectively that “red light periods” are reduced by up to 70 percent.

That’s 12 percent more productivity in all — a unique leap forward.

Ergonomics
Intelligence inside. Intelligent sensor technology and smart process control turn the Autoconer 6 into an automatic package winder that pushes the textile-technology limits outwards of its own accord and winds at the most productive settings virtually without any operator input. The functional design and optimised process sequences minimize downtimes and malfunctions, so that manual intervention by the staff is practically unnecessary. Smart electronics and mechanical innovations complement one another in this design.

Autocalibration of the splicer feeders and suction tubes relieves the burden on the operators substantially, because manual settings are rendered superfluous. The X-Change doffer assumes additional functions too: with Tube Check it detects tubes that are not round via laser and removes them automatically. This not only enhances the package quality, it increases staff safety. And it effectively aids the upper yarn search with Smart-Jet, meaning that operator intervention is rarely required.

Even the time- and labor-intensive consumption measurements for optimising the energy utilisation of processes are no longer required on the new Autoconer 6. The integrated Energy Monitoring and the new operating console supply all the information needed for conserving energy at a glance.

Smarter Splicing

Once again the Autoconer 6 sets the benchmark in splicing with the new SmartSplicer model family. Its completely revised splicer geometry ensures the best splice quality in every application with the simplest handling. The splicing parameters can be entered conveniently at the Informator. The system guarantees spliced joints that are identical with the yarn, maximum strength, outstanding dyeing results and full added value in downstream processing.

The SmartSplicer will splice all common standard, compact and blended yarns. For extreme strength and an even better appearance, especially for denim, linen and OE yarns, the SmartSplicer Injection is used. The SmartSplicer Thermo is recommended for wool and wool-blend yarns, while for elastic core yarns Schlafhorst offers the SmartSplicer Elasto. The splicers are supplied ready for use and can be adjusted very easily in a few simple steps if required and adjusted to the process reliably.

Leading Automation Solutions

The Autoconer 6 has the most intelligent material flow system in the world. Schlafhorst offers its customers automation solutions that lead the way in every respect. With VarioReserve, Intelligent Bobbin Sharing, High Speed Feeding and various automation units, Schlafhorst ensures profit-enhancing process reliability and minimal reliance on personnel in every spinning mill. A new standard has also been created for the Autoconer 6, type RM machine with its unique new circular magazine and the 9+1 bobbin feed concept.

The superb, convenient package handling of the Autoconer 6 is especially important for automation purposes. The X-Change doffer has no equal with its innovative empty tube strategy and practical multitube handling. In Teaching Mode it learns to distinguish between tubes autonomously, and starts up automatically following a lot change. With the new Tube Check and Smart-Jet features the X-Change is consolidating its leading position in automation.

The various machine types (RM, D, T and V) permit the automation of individual stages in every spinning mill.

Added Value In Downstream Processing: Schlafhorst Quality Packages

The Autoconer package is the benchmark for quality and added value in downstream processing. The perfect interaction between the new standard yarn tension control system TensionControl, the unwinding accelerator, the new Eco-Drum-Drive System, effective electronic anti-patterning and optionally the new gate tensioner or the disc tensioner produces a package density of unsurpassed uniformity.

The Autoconer 6 introduces reliability and quality into the production of process-optimised packages through a broad range of package formats: cylindrical and tapered up to 5°57’, with traverse widths from 3″ to 6″. Packages with a diameter of up to 326 mm can be produced on the Autoconer. It goes without saying that a precisely measured yarn length is achieved for all package formats.

FX High-Performance Technology Components

For spinning mills that want to design their winding process to be more efficient and geared to added value, Schlafhorst offers the innovative FX high-performance components. The Autotense FX, Variotense FX, Propack FX, Variopack FX, Ecopack FX, Speedster FX and PreciFX modules hugely boost production performance and raise quality, productivity and cost-efficiency to the most advanced level, both in winding and in downstream processing.

The best original ever: just a year after its market launch, the Autoconer 6 continues to raise the bar in the winding mill with its brandnew functions. That will please customers of Schlafhorst. Once again they will be a decisive step ahead of the competition.

Posted March 7, 2016

Source: The Saurer Group – Schlafhorst 

Johns Manville Invests To Support Growth In Engineering Thermoplastics

DENVER, CO. — February 29, 2016 — Johns Manville (JM), a market-leading manufacturer of glass fiber products and Berkshire Hathaway company, announced today the expansion of its glass fiber operations plant in Etowah, Tenn., to service the increasing needs of the engineered thermoplastics industry is underway and will be finished this year.

The North American composite market needs a strong and reliable supply of glass fibers to translate innovations into steady market growth. JM’s operations in North America are ideally located to reliably serve customers across the growing compounding base in the Midwest and Southeast.

“Current and future trends in the composites industry will continue to drive increasing demand for glass fiber products in transportation, electrical and consumers segments,” said Brian Sapp, Global Fibers Business Director for JM Engineered Products. “We are making this investment to support our customers’ plans for growth, and we are continuing to pursue innovations in technology and product development in fibers to support existing and future customers.”

The expansion in Etowah includes a new furnace to support the launch of the next generation of global products for reinforced thermoplastic composites and further support the drive to lightweight materials use. The new furnace, due to start up in August 2016, will allow for production growth and flexibility within JM’s product families for polyamides, polyesters and polypropylenes.

“This investment shows JM’s commitment to this industry and to our customers,” Sapp said.

Posted March 4,2016

Source: Johns Manville

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