Germany-based Karl Mayer Textilmaschinenfabrik has reissued its HKS 4-M EL tricot machine at a
reduced price point. The machine now features the EL drive system as well as an improved motor and
changes to the Pattern Control function management. According to the company, these changes make
the HKS 4-M EL machine efficient and flexible, and an attractive investment.
January/February 2013
Yadkinville, N.C.-based base layer manufacturer ColdPruf Base Layer, a division of Indera Mills
Co., has selected Repreve® recycled polyester fiber for use in its Eco-Terra and Pro-Tek base
layers for men and women. Manufactured by Greensboro, N.C.-based Unifi Inc., Repreve is made from a
blend of post-consumer and post-industrial recycled polyester content including polyethylene
terephthalate (PET) bottles.
January/February 2013
Austria-based cellulosic fiber manufacturer Lenzing AG, manufacturer of Tencel® lyocell fiber,
reports that Cone Denim, Greensboro, N.C., has added Tencel® Denim fabrics to its Sustainblue™
collection of eco-friendly denim fabrics made using recycled cotton, polyester and sustainable
yarns. The new fabrics offer Tencel’s soft hand, gentle drape and a unique sheen; and include,
among other styles, S Gene Indigo Stretch fabric, featuring Cone Denim’s S Gene corespun stretch
technology incorporating more than one core. The stretch fabric is used in jeans and jeggings.
January/February 2013
Kornit Digital Ltd. — an Israel-based developer, manufacturer and marketer of digital printing
solutions for the textile and apparel industries — has introduced a digital add-on solution for
screen-printing carousels that enables unlimited color possibilities and photorealistic images.
The Kornit Paradigm, an industrial direct-to-garment printer, carries a digital station that
when fastened to an operational carousel enables screen printers to combine printing techniques to
create multiple printing applications. The printer employs screen techniques such as glitter,
cracking, foil, flock and burn-out; and is able to produce dark garment prints with screen
discharge or white ink under-base, complex four-color processes, spot and metallic combinations,
and pure digital applications for short runs.
The solution is compatible with both manual and automatic screen-printing carousels using
Spectra Polaris print heads that are available with CMYK inks. Kornit Digital reports that use of
the digital add-on station can shorten setup time and screen preparation costs.
“The Kornit Paradigm solution is the outcome of a paradigm shift in the direct-to-garment
printing industry,” said Yuval Neria, corporate marketing director, Kornit Digital. “Printers can
now combine the best of two worlds: analog and digital printing, and it’s the best solution for
garment decorators and screen printers that are looking to adapt to the growing needs of the
fashion industry.”
January/February 2013
Glen Raven Custom Fabrics LLC, Glen Raven, N.C., recently launched Sunbrella® Renaissance Unity
awning and shade fabrics made using 50-percent post-industrial recycled Sunbrella solution-dyed
acrylic fiber. The Unity fabrics, which feature the same fade resistance and solar protective
properties as all other Sunbrella fabrics, comprise the third collection in the Sunbrella
Renaissance product line, which also includes braided rugs and upholstery fabrics. The fabrics are
Greenguard Children and SchoolsSM certified for their contribution to indoor air quality.
The Renaissance program engages certain trade partners that are reclaiming and reprocessing
fiber and fabric both internally and from outside sources – including materials collected through
the company’s Recycle My Sunbrella service, under which it accepts post-industrial and
post-consumer Sunbrella fabric waste shipped to its recycling center in South Carolina.
January/February 2013
Eastman Machine Co., Buffalo, N.Y., a manufacturer of cutting machines and cutting systems as well
as related software technologies — is celebrating its 125th anniversary.
The company was founded in 1888 by George Eastman, who developed the first electric fabric
cutting machine — the Eastman, which eliminated the need for manual labor in garment cutting rooms.
The Stevenson family acquired the company in 1898 and has owned it ever since. Eastman today
has a sales office in Hong Kong, a factory in China, and 50 dealers globally. Its product line
includes more than 100 machines.
January/February 2013
Oerlikon Schlafhorst, Germany, reports that Linz Textil Holding GmbH, Austria — a manufacturer of
yarns and fabrics for apparel and technical textiles applications — has installed an Autocoro 8
rotor-spinning machine at its mill in Landeck, Austria. The mill produces open-end cotton yarns.
The machine is the second Autocoro 8 that Linz Textil has purchased.
Christian Ascher, Landeck plant manager, reports increased productivity and energy savings of
more than 20 percent at the plant since installation of the Autocoro 8. He also notes the machine
offers improved yarn quality and more flexible production.
“Thanks to the PilotUnit on the Autocoro 8, we can produce yarn and develop new yarns at the
same time,” Ascher said. “Compared with the older machine technology, the Autocoro 8 is a
logistical marvel. We can now coordinate our lot sizes precisely to our clients’ requests.”
January/February 2013
Kaumagraph International Ltd. — an Ontario-based manufacturer of specialty heat transfer technology
for the textile industry — has acquired heat transfers manufacturer British Kaumagraph Transfers
(BKT), United Kingdom. The acquisition is expected to increase Kaumagraph’s capabilities and
reinforce its position in Europe and the Middle East.
“Purchasing BKT has provided us with much of the infrastructure and manpower to sustain our
growth,” said Ken Dunlop, president and CEO, Kaumagraph International. “We can now turn our
attention toward expansion in developing markets.”
Kaumagraph reports significant growth in business over the past 18 months, specifically with
large denim brands. The company expects continued growth over the next 12 to 18 months and plans to
expand its facilities in Asia and Central America.
January/February 2013
Germany-based nonwovens machinery manufacturer DiloGroup reports that the year 2012 was the most
successful in its 110-year history.
Following the engineering of the 10,000th machine by Oskar Dilo Maschinenfabrik KG by the end
of 2011, the group delivered several wide-working-width production lines for geotextiles
applications. It also reported activity in other application areas including floor covering,
automotive and filtration; and delivered fiber preparation and web-forming lines to be used in the
production of hydroentangled nonwovens.
The group produced and shipped Di-Loom PMF lines weighing more than 900 metric tons, noting
that the machines are the largest in the world.
January/February 2013
LEICESTER, United Kingdom — January 23, 2013 — FORMAX, a leading global manufacturer of carbon
fibre and speciality reinforcements, has entered a knowledge transfer programme with the
internationally acclaimed Polymer Composites Group. The Group operates within the Materials,
Mechanics and Structures Research Division of Nottingham University and focuses on the processing
and performance of thermoset and thermoplastic matrices.
This collaboration between FORMAX and the Nottingham University Polymer Composites Group has
been facilitated through the Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTP) scheme, a UK wide initiative
that helps businesses improve their competitiveness and productivity through the better use of
knowledge, technology and skills. The two year project aims to develop a comprehensive material
characterisation capability and advanced simulation methodology for composites. The programme will
have a strong automotive focus.
“We are always searching for new innovations. To be working alongside such a prestigious and
experienced team of researchers is fantastic. Over the coming year, we intend to invest time and
resource into our product development and R&D functions to ensure we deliver the next
generation of reinforcements to our customers”, comments Oliver Wessely, Managing Director of
FORMAX UK Ltd.
Posted on January 29, 2013
Source: Formax
