Cotlook’s Estimates Continue To Indicate A Marginal Reduction In World Stocks For 2015-16

BIRKENHEAD, England — March 19, 2015 — Cotton Outlook’s world production number for 2014-15 has been lowered by 89,000 metric tons, primarily owing to reductions for India and Uzbekistan.

World raw cotton consumption has been raised by 51,000 metric tons for 2014-15 and 45,000 for 2015-16. This increase is attributable mainly to Vietnam.

Global stocks are expected to rise by 2,079,000 metric tons in the current season, and decline by 98,000 in 2015-16.


Please click chart to view larger

Posted March 23, 2015

Source: Cotton Outlook
 

New Smartrepel Hydro From Archroma Keeps Outdoor Clothing Dry And Naturally Cleaner

REINACH, Germany — March 19, 2015 — Archroma, has introduced a true innovation in water repellency for outdoor clothing with the launch of its Smartrepel Hydro line for polyester, polyamide and cotton-based textiles.

Smartrepel Hydro water repellent agents extend the benefits of high-performing, nature-friendlier protection to the full spectrum of fibers used in today’s outdoor segment.

A novel technology that is not based on fluorine chemistry, PFC, PFOA, PFOS or solvents, the Smartrepel Hydro product range supports the increasing adoption of eco-advanced materials and production processes by textile producers and brand owners adhering to industry initiatives such as the Joint Roadmap towards Zero Discharge of Hazardous Chemicals (ZDHC)*, and eco-label standards such as bluesign®** and Oeko-Tex®***.

Smartrepel Hydro achieves a level of performance for cotton and synthetic fibers and blends as yet unattainable with alternative non-fluorine solutions, and similar to C6-based solutions.

Archroma’s micro-encapsulated technology uses a repelling agent and anchoring agent that together create a perfect symbiosis of water protection, breathability and durability. Its high water repellence performance for cotton, polyester and polyamide is tested according to AATCC 22. Thanks to the innovative technology developed by Archroma’s R&D experts, the finish overcomes the limitations of comparable non-fluorine products currently available on the market, and achieves a soft and bulky hand-feel and strengthens the fabric against abrasion and tearing, without any yellowing.

These effects combine to create a durable, weatherproof garment that is flexible, soft to the touch and not sticky. Smartrepel Hydro’s protective properties last for more than 20 washing cycles, reaching the pinnacle of what is technically possible for any non-fluorine solution today.

The range comprises Smartrepel Hydro CMD designed for cellulosic fibers and blends, and Smartrepel Hydro PM for synthetic fibers.

“We are quite excited to introduce this technology to the market. Smartrepel Hydro combines two benefits that were long awaited, especially by the outdoor textile segment: a nature-friendlier chemistry, together with long-lasting, efficient water repellency for both synthetic and cellulosic fibers. With its strong eco-profile, supported by recognized eco-certificates, and unmatched performance Smartrepel Hydro now offers the market a positive alternative to conventional fluorocarbon-based water repellency products,” comments Georg Lang, Global Head of Product Marketing Finishing, Textile Specialties, at Archroma.

Posted March 23, 2015

Source: Archroma
 

AirTrim Introduces The Broadest Line Of Choppers/Granulators For The Textiles And Nonwovens Industry

SPRINGFIELD, Ohio — March 23, 2015 — With inlet openings that range from 3 inches to custom designed in extra wide widths, and the ability to process materials as thin as 8 microns (.00031”), AirTrim has the broadest line of granulators/choppers for the textiles and nonwoven industries. With cast iron or fabricated stainless steel housings, these proven designs are manufactured with 3, 6, 9 or 12 blades, depending upon specific materials and applications. They are ideal for aftermarket/end-user installations or designed into machines for OEM usage. In addition to reduction of textiles and non-wovens, these proven components are  ideally suited for paper, film and foil label matrix, plastics, cardboard and paperboard, tissue, healthcare waste, packaging materials, and many industrial materials.  

An innovative design dispenses a lubricant directly from the cutter shaft, keeping the blades free of debris and ensuring long service life with very low maintenance. The single piece, center-axis rotor includes knives manufactured from a special hardened metal for long life and cutting of very thin materials (down to 8 microns). Bed knife adjustments allow fine-tuning in special applications.  

With processing speeds of 1,700 RPM at 60Hz, AirTrim granulators/choppers maintain a high airspeed to process adhesives efficiently without blockages; a special non-stick coating is available for these materials.  An effective center-axis lubrication system requires little oil, and includes an oil tank with automatic regulation.  

Machined connection points on the chopper ensure fast and easy assembly to ductwork or piping. The center-axis design is efficient, with no additional loss of air pressure caused by bigger blades. Minimal cleaning, maintenance and repair are required, providing years of trouble-free service.

An optional hole shield with customer specified hole diameter to ensure the output size, is available for the security shredding / granulating of sensitive waste trim materials. The hole shields are changeable, allowing a single granulator to process multiple streams or materials.

Posted March 23, 2015

Source: AirTrim
 

Governor McAuliffe Announces McAllister Mills Inc. Expansion In Grayson County, Va.

INDEPENDENCE, Va. — March 18, 2015 — Governor Terry McAuliffe announced today that McAllister Mills Inc., a manufacturer of safe heat-resistant materials for the textile industry, will invest $1.05 million to expand and significantly increase its textile manufacturing operations in Grayson County. The company will purchase and renovate a vacant 33,000-square-foot facility that will house new automation and equipment. Virginia successfully competed against North Carolina for the project, which will retain 43 existing jobs and create 16 new jobs. 

Speaking about today’s announcement, Governor McAuliffe said, “Grayson County continues its economic transformation with the expansion of McAllister Mills’ advanced textile manufacturing operation. The region has built a niche of businesses that are thriving in this sector, and this Virginia-grown company’s continued growth and success is great evidence of the Commonwealth’s top-rate business climate. New jobs in the manufacturing sector help us diversify and build the new Virginia economy, and we thank McAllister Mills for its investment.” 

“McAllister Mills’ expansion furthers Grayson County’s rich tradition in the textile industry,” said Maurice Jones, Virginia Secretary of Commerce and Trade. “The success of Virginia’s existing businesses is a key driver of economic growth, and Grayson County’s superior workforce and great quality of life make it an attractive place for businesses to locate and expand.  We are grateful to the County for its efforts.” 

Headquartered in Independence, Va., McAllister Mills utilizes the most advanced fibers from alumina, silica, basalt, glass, aramids and biosoluble fibers, manufacturing textile products for almost any application. Its thermal solutions cover a full service temperature range from 0°F to 2500°F. Insulation blankets, fabrics, tapes, ropes, and custom fabricated parts are engineered for the most demanding thermal environment. 

“Thirty-five years in Grayson County, McAllister Mills has successfully grown to be a world leader in thermal insulating and fire protection technologies and systems. This growth has been enabled by the strong work ethic and commitment of the employees of McAllister Mills, and we are poised to bring new technologies to the market with our upcoming expansion,” shared Alec McAllister, President and Owner, McAllister Mills, Inc. “We would like to thank the Grayson County EDA, Governor McAuliffe, the VSBFA, the Town of Independence, as well as the Tobacco Commission, Virginia’s aCorridor and the Virginia Port Authority for their support.” 

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership worked with Grayson County and Virginia’s aCorridor to secure the project for the Commonwealth. The Virginia Tobacco Indemnification and Community Revitalization Commission approved $110,000 in Tobacco Region Opportunity Funds for the project. The Virginia Small Business Financing Authority also provided valuable assistance. The company is eligible to receive state benefits from the Virginia Enterprise Zone Program, administered by the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development. Additional funding and services to support the company’s employee training activities will be provided through the Virginia Jobs Investment Program. 

“The county feels blessed to have our second new jobs announcement of 2015 and about what this expansion opportunity is going to mean for both the company and the county,” stated David Sexton, Chairman of the Grayson County Board of Supervisors. “McAllister Mills is one of several thriving businesses that have called our county home for more than 30 years, and we are so pleased that they chose to stay and grow their operations here in our community.”

“The Virginia Tobacco Commission is delighted to be a part of Grayson County’s fifth qualified announcement in just nine months, and to work with one of the state’s most resourceful economic development teams,” said Senator Bill Carrico, member of the Virginia Tobacco Indemnification and Community Revitalization Commission. “McAllister Mills is an innovative company with an exciting growth opportunity, and we enthusiastically look forward to their continued contributions to Grayson County and the region.”

“The Virginia Small Business Financing Authority (VSBFA) is proud to have been a key member of the Grayson County Economic Development team on this exciting project,” stated Scott Parson, Executive Director of the Virginia Small Business Financing Authority. “Thanks to the creative, forward thinking of Grayson County and its County Administrator, Mr. Jonathan Sweet, the VSBFA was brought in to provide strategic debt financing to help McAllister Mills remain in Grayson, and preserve and create new jobs important to the continued vitality of this region.” 

“I’m very excited about the investment to be made by McAllister Mills in Grayson County,” said Delegate Israel O’Quinn. “The company produces very innovative products, and it’s great to have them bringing new jobs to our region. It is an honor to work with county and state leaders to make this project a reality.”

Since the beginning of the McAuliffe administration, 337 economic development deals have been closed in Virginia with more than $6.19 billion in capital investment, more than twice the amount of capital investment brought to the Commonwealth in any Governor’s first 14 months in office.

Posted March 23, 2015

Source: Virginia Office of the Governor
 

FESPA Works With ESMA To Showcase Industrial Print Innovation At FESPA 2015

SURREY, United Kingdom — March 23, 2015 — FESPA 2015 — to be held 18-22 May 18-22, Cologne, Germany — will build on the exhibition’s 50-year heritage as the leading event for the screen industrial sector with the introduction of a new Industrial Showcase Feature, designed to highlight the cutting edge innovations that are taking place in industrial printing using both screen and digital processes.

The feature will occupy 100m² in Hall 8, and is being promoted and delivered by FESPA in partnership with ESMA, the European Specialist Printing Manufacturers Association and organiser of popular conferences on industrial applications including glass, direct container printing, printed interiors and conductive printing.

The Industrial Showcase at FESPA 2015 will create an easily identifiable destination area where visitors with an interest in industrial applications can see what is happening in industrial print. Showcase exhibits will be sourced from across the exhibition community and supporting information will link each displayed item to the supplying exhibitor. This will enable visitors to investigate further any items of particular interest.

The showcase will be supported with ESMA-hosted ‘lunch and learn’ sessions, offering visitors the chance to hear from opinion leaders in the field of industrial printing.

So far, 40% of respondents to FESPA’s ongoing global Print Census report that they are currently producing industrial applications such as décor and laminates (18%), automotive (7%), 3D printing (5%), electronics (3%), biomedical (4%), glass (3%) and ceramics (2%), with all expecting to be producing even more of these over the next two years.

FESPA Divisional Director Roz McGuinness explains: “FESPA’s audience is deeply rooted in screen print, which has traditionally been the default process for industrial print applications. We expect the next few years to be revolutionary in terms of the progress of industrial print, and the adoption of digital production processes alongside screen print to enable smaller production volumes and increased customisation.

“FESPA is the global event for all areas of speciality print, and many of our exhibitors will be using FESPA 2015 as a launch pad for innovations for industrial applications. However, we acknowledge that there are many visitors who will welcome the chance to explore these opportunities without being ready to consider specific products. We hope that the Industrial Showcase will inspire visitors and give them confidence to develop their business ideas in this direction.”

CEO of ESMA, Peter Buttiens comments: “Industrial printing covers an array of applications including automotive, ceramics, glass, textiles, printed electronics, decorative surfaces and packaging. Wherever we look in our everyday lives, we find examples of industrial print, whether on our white goods, in our cars, on our mobile phones, or even integrated within products that have no visible link with ‘print’, such as kitchen utensils and biomedical devices.

“Developments in output technology, media and inks are driving innovation, while consumer trends such as exponential uptake of electronic devices, are fuelling growth. Speciality printers from all sorts of backgrounds are keen to know how they can access these opportunities, or incorporate industrial print thinking into more conventional printed products, and FESPA is the intuitive environment for them to access this information.”

Posted March 23, 2015

Source: FESPA
 

President Obama Launches Competition For New Textiles-Focused Manufacturing Innovation Institute

WASHINGTON — March 18, 2015 — The President has announced nearly $500 million in public-private investment to strengthen American manufacturing by investing in cutting-edge technologies through a new, textiles-focused manufacturing institute competition led by the Department of Defense, and by sharpening the capabilities of small manufacturers through Manufacturing Extension Partnership competitions in twelve states. The White House, as detailed in a new report, is also launching a Supply Chain Innovation Initiative focused on building public-private partnerships to strengthen the small U.S. manufacturers that anchor the nation’s supply chains.

The President’s Fiscal Year 2016 Budget, to create jobs and strengthen America’s leadership in advanced manufacturing technology, provides the resources to double the number of manufacturing innovation institutes nationwide to 16 by the end of 2016 and fulfills the President’s goal of building a network of up to 45 institutes over the decade. In contrast, the House Republican Budget released yesterday entrenches the harmful sequester levels of funding and proposes to eliminate the Manufacturing Extension Partnership, putting at risk critical investments in advanced manufacturing, workforce development and training, and innovation proposed in the President’s Budget.

After a decade of decline in the 2000s when 40 percent of all large factories closed their doors, American manufacturing is adding jobs at its fastest rate in decades, with 877,000 new manufacturing jobs created since February 2010. Ohio alone has added nearly 70,000 manufacturing jobs over that period. Manufacturing production is up by almost a third since the recession and the number of factories manufacturing across the United States is growing for the first time since the 1990s.

In addition to announcing new competitions for nearly $500 million in public and private investment the President is calling on Congress to do its part to make the bipartisan investments needed to strengthen manufacturing across the United States, including in places like Ohio.

Investing Nearly $500 Million to Strengthen U.S. Advanced Manufacturing:
More than $150 Million in Public-Private Investment through a New Manufacturing Innovation Institute Competition

  • The Department of Defense has launched a competition for leading manufacturers, universities, and non-profits to form a new manufacturing hub focused on revolutionary fibers and textiles technologies. The $75 million federal investment will be matched by more than $75 million of private sector resources.
  • This is the ninth competition for a National Network for Manufacturing Innovation institute, and the first of eight new institutes that the President’s budget proposes to fund by the end of 2016. Returning to sequestration levels for appropriations, as the House Republican Budget proposes, would put this expansion at risk.
  • The first institute awarded is in Youngstown, Ohio. Only in its third year, it is already drawing investment to Ohio — including a $32 million job-creating investment in the region from GE — and advancing research that will help accelerate the speed of 3-D printing in metals by a factor of ten.

$320 Million Competition to Strengthen Small Manufacturers in 12 States

  • Non-profits in 12 states will compete for $158 million in Federal funds matched by $158 million or more in private investment over five years to provide technology and engineering expertise to small manufacturers through the latest round of competitions to strengthen the Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP)’s network of centers in these states.
  • Today, the President will tour MAGNET’s Manufacturing Innovation Center at Cleveland State University, the Ohio Manufacturing Extension Partnership affiliate.
  • In contrast, the House Republican Budget proposes to end funding for the MEP, dealing a blow to the 30,000 small manufacturers the program serves, including the more than 450 Ohio manufacturers served by MAGNET, the Ohio MEP affiliate, in recent years.

New White House Supply Chain Innovation Initiative

  • The President will unveil a White House Supply Chain Innovation Initiative focused on building public-private partnerships to strengthen the small U.S. manufacturers and a new report on the need to further strengthen small manufacturers that form the backbone of America’s supply chains and play an increasingly important role in creating and retaining manufacturing jobs and investment in the United States.

More than $150 Million for a New Revolutionary Fibers and Textiles Manufacturing Innovation Institute Competition:
As part of a National Network for Manufacturing Innovation, each manufacturing institute serves as a regional hub for leadership in emerging manufacturing technologies, bridging the gap between early research and product development by bringing together companies, universities and other academic and training institutions, and Federal agencies to co-invest in key technology areas that can encourage investment and production in the United States.

The new competition, kicked off by the Department of Defense is the ninth manufacturing innovation institute competition launched by the Administration to date, joining the eight institutes already underway. The Revolutionary Fibers and Textiles Manufacturing Innovation Institute will ensure that America remains at the leading edge of fiber science, through a $75 million public investment matched by more than $75 million of private investment in researching, prototyping, and commercializing fibers with extraordinary properties. Known as technical textiles, these modern-day fabrics and fibers boast novel properties ranging from being incredibly lightweight and flame resistant, to having exceptional strength and electronic sensors. With wide-ranging applications, technical textiles can forge the foundation of protective gear for firefighters impervious to the hottest flames, replicate the sensing capabilities of a smart watch into a lightweight fabric, or detect when a wounded soldier needs to be treated with an antimicrobial compression bandage.

After a decade of decline in U.S. manufacturing during the 2000s, the American textile industry is adding jobs for the first time in two decades, increasing shipments by nearly a fifth since the recession, and winning globally with a 45 percent increase in exports since 2009. Today’s announcement builds on this momentum in American textile manufacturing and lays the foundation for future leadership in the production of sophisticated fibers and textile technologies.

Posted March 20, 2015

Source: The White House, Office of the Press Secretary
 

Richard Hough’s New China Service Centre Boosts Access To Latest Calendering And Dewatering Technologies

Bolton, England — Mach 20, 2015 — Chinese textile producers now have direct access to Richard Hough’s unique roll technology, after the opening of a new China Service Centre. Growing demand for the company’s special roll solutions for textiles – as well as metal and automotive industries – will be met by the new hub, located in the city of Changzhou, in Jiangsu province.

The new centre is fully equipped with lathes, grinding machines, overhead cranes and a roll press, enabling a wide range of services to be provided for customers in the region. Roll regrinding and the fitting of Hough’s newly-developed Roberto and RoberteX sleeves onto customer roll shafts are among key facilities likely to be popular with Chinese manufacturers.

From its headquarters in the UK, Hough has already established a significant reputation worldwide, including China, and the new Service Centre is seen as a platform for even more rapid growth there. Major producers such as Guangdong Esquel Textiles and OEMs such as Jiangyin Guoguang Calender & Fiber Roller Co. are among existing customers for world-leading developments such as the Roberto high expression dewatering rolls and Syncast polyamide calender rolls.

The new facility will dramatically improve logistics, boosting new business links in the region, which is an important industrial centre for textiles, engineering and high technology. Changzhou is a city of 4.5m people, on the Southern bank of the Yangtze River, near the provincial capital of Nanjing. It is part of the Shanghai-Wuxi-Suzhou area, which now has over 36 million inhabitants.

Posted March 20, 2015

Source: Richard Hough Ltd.
 

The Rupp Report: Techtextil Preview – Trützschler

Last year, Textile World published an article titled, “Flushability – Tomorrow’s Trend For Disposables,” which reported that Trützschler Nonwovens and Voith Paper have developed a flushable solution for disposable nonwoven products.
 
Durables And Disposables
In nonwovens, a basic distinction is made between disposables and durables. Durables are products like geotextiles, roofing membranes and other such products. Disposables are primarily single-use items such as diapers, hygiene products, wet wipes and similar products, produced in very large quantities by companies specializing in such items. They are mainly made of spunlaced or hydroentangled nonwovens, spunbonds, or fiber webs that generally are bonded through needlepunched nonwovens. The big problem with disposables is the waste they create. In many hospitals around the world, getting rid of theses disposables is a big problem. The disposables clog whole line systems and also prevent bacterial action to reprocess the wastewater.
 
What, actually, does flushability mean? Nothing other than the ability to be flushed. After a short mechanical interaction, the web dissolved into its fiber parts, thus allowing clean disposal or disintegration in the wastewater treatment plant. Pulp and Tencel are both products made of wood that do not disturb the bacterial action.
 
On one hand, the production method is an obstacle because the product requires a certain strength for its given application. And on the other hand, the fiber material used is of decisive importance. Both components together form a product that must be strong and at the same time must dissolve through mechanical interaction after its use. This has long been the problem of squaring the circle. Now a solution seems within reach.
 
Paper And Spunlace Technology
Trützschler Nonwovens possibly has accomplished a significant coup that could solve a big problem facing the nonwovens industry: What to do with the waste?
 
Some months ago, Trützschler reported about a new cooperation with the market leader for paper machines, Voith Paper, a subsidiary of Voith GmbH, Germany. Initial talks were held more than a year ago. As with most great solutions, the concept is very simple: The combination of two different production technologies. One technology involves the wetlaid process, which is similar to paper manufacturing technology. Wood pulp, primarily from beech trees, is dissolved in water, passed over a sieve, drained, calendered, and dried. This method also is used for wetlaid nonwovens. The other process uses Trützschler’s spunlace bonding technology. In this process, the fibers are bonded using water jets after web formation. A combination of both technologies could present a breakthrough for nonwovens that can be mechanically dissolved in relatively short time, thus no longer creating problems in reprocessing.
 
Focus On Efficiency And Quality
Now, Trützschler’s participation at this year’s Techtextil sho in Frankfurt is focused on efficiency and quality. Various examples of Trützschler Nonwovens’ complete line concepts and technologies combine these targets. Multimedia and interactive presentations will inform visitors about line layouts, machinery, applications and end products.
 
A special topic will be the cooperation with Voith Paper in the area of wet-laid and spunlaced nonwovens. Although flushable wipes are the main application, tailor-made solutions for other end products will be discussed at the booth, too.
 
With requirements for greater energy efficiency and lower carbon emissions becoming more and more prominent, Trützschler Nonwovens’ second focus is on new and efficient drying technologies. The Streamliner, introduced at the last ITMA show, is a spiral-shaped drum dryer with highest evaporation capacities. The model is used in nonwoven lines producing extremely moist and high density nonwovens — it passed the acid test in a production line last year. Another pillar of the dryer and oven program is the redesigned multi-drum dryer. The new, modular model is optimized in several respects, which results in significant reductions in both thermal and electrical energy consumption.
 
Trützschler Man-Made Fibers will highlight the small but technologically challenging segment of short-staple fibers. One of the most important quality requirements of short fibers with a length of fewer than 3 to 6 millimeters is absolute length uniformity. Here the technologies presented come to full circle since short-staple fibers often are blended with other fiber material for typical wet-laid products such as nonwovens wallpaper, high-quality tea bags and battery separators. 
 
Card Clothing
In the field of technical nonwovens, Trützschler Card Clothing is offering new metallic wires for roller cards application on doffer and condenser.  Especially for medium and coarse fibers, used in geotextiles needlepunched webs, new and already field-tested tooth geometries are available, providing enhanced process stability and low maintenance.
 
Trützschler Nonwovens & Man-Made Fibers, Trützschler Card Clothing and Voith Paper will present new and proven solutions in Hall 3, Booth B03.

March 17, 2015

Sewn Products Success In Mexico City

ExpoProducción successfully concluded its third edition held February 4-6, 2015, in Mexico City, Mexico. According to show organizer Atlanta-based ExpoProducción Mexico LLC, the show was well-supported, which illustrates the need for a sewn products trade fair in Mexico.

“We are extremely pleased with the continued and growing support we received from our exhibitors and attendees that made ExpoProducción 2015 such a success,” said David Audrain, president and CEO, ExpoProducción, Mexico. “The 2015 event showed that Mexico and Central America continue to see growth both for domestic consumption and exports, and that ExpoProducción plays a vital role by providing an event in Mexico that brings together the suppliers and buyers for this emerging and growing apparel and textile market.”

A total of 2,398 attendees walked the exhibition floor during the show’s three-day run. Visitors were global and came from the following countries and regions: Ecuador, Guatemala, Costa Rica, Honduras, Taiwan, Belgium, South Korea, Spain, France, Italy, Japan, Peru, the United States and Mexico.

Attendees — including designers, engineers, educators, plant managers, purchasing managers, quality control managers, research and development managers, and sourcing managers — came from all facets of the textile industry including aerospace, automotive, garment manufacturing, government manufacturing, home textiles, leather and footwear, medical, military and pet products sectors.
 


The collaborative Lean Sewing Lines project was demonstrated at Casa Diaz’s booth during ExpoProducción.

Exhibits
The show featured 115 exhibitors offering products, services and equipment from across the fashion, home and technical textiles industries including computer software and information technology; full package and private label contract manufacturing; cutting and sewing equipment; distributor and wholesaler; fabrics; fibers and yarns; findings and trims; nonwovens; research and development; services and logistics; supplies; textile machinery; associations and academia; and publications.

Feedback from exhibitors about the show and the business climate in Mexico was positive.

“There have been tough years in the apparel industry in Mexico, but we are seeing opportunity and growth in sewing again,” said Alfonso Peláez, Casa Diaz, the exclusive representative in Mexico for leading garment, embroidery and screen printing brands, with more than 80 years of experience in the industry. Casa Diaz had the largest floorspace at the show encompassing booths from many of the companies it represents including Groz-Beckert, Brother, Tajima and Schmetz, among other companies.
 


Frank Henderson (center), president and CEO, Henderson Sewing Machine Co.;


The team from Block Bindings and Interlinings Ltd.
 

“The synthesis of machinery, technology and ideas to provide manufacturers with solutions is where we see opportunity and big changes in the sewing industry,” said Peláez. “We do not see any big developments or innovations in technology.” He mentioned the collaborative Lean Sewing Lines project where workers stand to sew, multitasking and moving from one machine to another to produce a complete product rather than sitting at one machine all day sewing only one component of a garment repetitively. According to Peláez, workers experience less fatigue and fewer repetitive injury problems using this process, among many other benefits. Cary, N.C.-based [TC]2 — participating at ExpoProducción as a special guest in the Casa Diaz booth — organized and trained a Lean Team of sewers from a foundation for single mothers of children with special needs. During the show, the team demonstrated the Lean Sewing process while producing backpacks that Casa Diaz handed out to show visitors. The foundation, sponsored by Casa Diaz and Iberomericana University in conjunction with [TC]2, aims to develop skilled sewing specialists for the industry while providing jobs to women with children with disabilities.

Lonny Schwartz, president, New York City-based Superior Sewing, a wholesale distributor of industrial sewing and cutting machine replacement parts and supply items, views the event as a valuable sales tool for his company. As a wholesaler, Superior is a non-traditional type of exhibitor, but Schwartz said the show provides the perfect platform for Superior to safely meet with Mexico-based dealers. “We’ll definitely be here in 2017!,” Schwartz said.

Seminar Series
A number of companies participated in a seminar series held during the three-day show. New York City-based Fashion Snoops; [TC]2; Burlington Industries, Greensboro, N.C.; Atlanta-based Lectra North America; Jesta I.S. Inc., Quebec; InkCups Now Corp., Danvers, Mass.; Polyfab USA LLC, Manhattan Beach, Calif.; and the Americas Worldwide Responsible Accredited Production (WRAP), Arlington, Va., gave presentations on a variety of topics ranging from fashion trends and sustainable manufacturing to technical developments in fibers and fabrics and software solutions. José Manuel Martínez Cabrera, director general, Cámara Nacional de la Industria del Vestido (CANAIVE), offered a look at the Mexican sewing industry in his State of the Industry presentation.
 

(left to right) Mario Gomez, sales manager, and Jamie Castaneda, after-sales technician, Stäubli Corp. Mexico, and Ludovic Pitrois, Textile Division manager, Stäubli Corp. North America


David Sasso (center), vice president, sales, and PJ McCord (right), director of sales, Buhler Quality Yarns Corp.

Luis Valázquez, director of business development, Lectra North America, in his “Creating Value Through Technology” presentation, talked about the growth in Mexico’s retail market and how it is an attractive market for fast fashion driven by millennials.  Valázquez stressed that Mexico has lots of expertise in making traditional textiles as well as lots of design talent. His suggestion is for Mexico to harness this talent and know-how to establish its own brands that can be manufactured in Mexico for the Mexican retail market versus importing foreign brands produced outside of Mexico.

ExpoProducción is supported by CANAIVE; Clover, S.C.-based Synthetic Yarn and Fiber Association; U.S. Department of Commerce, Office of Textiles and Apparel; and Textile World and its sister publication Textiles Panamericanos.

The next show will be held in 2017, and will continue in a biennial format.

March/April 2015

Loepfe Introduces WEFTMASTER® FALCON-i

WETZIKON, Switzerland — March 17, 2015 — The optical yarn defects sensor WEFTMASTER® FALCON-i for simple and reliable monitoring of all finest knots, filamentation, fluff, smallest thick places or capillary breaks on running threads

In order to monitor an individual thread for finest knots, fluff, filamentation, smallest thick places or even capillary breaks, Loepfe’s newly developed FALCON-i sensor is installed, e.g., before or after a weft feeder. The thread can be monitored by using sensitivity levels, to be set manually or automatically. Automatic mode determines the sensitivity level itself. The sensor is insensitive to vibrations which can be extremely disturbing, especially with laser measuring devices, and which could cause false stops. When contamination is severe, the sensor can also be installed «upside down» which allows most reliable and constant monitoring. The thread is guided virtually contact-free through the optical measuring field by yarn guides before and after the sensor and a stop is triggered for defined faults. The color of the thread to be monitored also has no influence on measurement reliability.

It is therefore possible to monitor the latest high-tech materials, e.g. carbon, without problems with FALCON-i. Monofilaments, multifilaments as well as spun yarns in any material composition can be processed. Conductive materials can also be processed without restriction. The housing of the sensor is made from shielding material so that any existing static or electromagnetic fields will not affect measurement reliability.

The FALCON-i sensor is microprocessor-controlled and therefore provides many options for connection to evaluation modules. The latest findings and experience flow into the design work of our software engineers. Adaptations of the software and individual adaptations to customer requirements can therefore be easily
implemented through software upgrades of already available sensors.

Loepfe is today global leader in manufacturing optical yarn clearers for automatic winding machines. Many years of experience in this field enabled the development of the new optical FALCON-i sensor. Technical support and spare parts availability, even many years after purchasing the sensors, are a matter of course for
Loepfe.

Loepfe’s new yarn defect sensor FALCON-i is not only complementing the various available knotless weaving concepts, but can be used in many different processes down the textile production chain — wherever an individual yarn monitoring should ensure quality.

Posted March 17, 2015

Source: Loepfe
 

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