Singapore-based Huntsman Textile Effects has introduced Eriofast® Navy M reactive dye for achieving navy and royal blue shades with good wetfastness on polyamide and polyamide/elastane blends including microfibers.
According to the company, the dye — which is suitable for premium sportswear, swimwear and lingerie applications — may be used as a self-shade or in combination with Eriofast Blue 3R or Eriofast Black M to provide intense royal blue, deep dull navy and bluish-black navy shades. Huntsman reports the dye process is short and simple; and that the dye used in combination with Eriofast FX exhausts smoothly and uniformly, providing fast, level and reproducible color. Other reported benefits include good color continuity under different light sources, durability, and the ability to achieve unique color blocking effects for blue and white or color-contrast styles.
Huntsman also reports that because the dye does not require hydrophobic fixing agents to improve fastness, the fabrics have a naturally soft, comfortable, moisture-absorbing hand.
Eriofast Navy M dye is certified to OEKO-TEX®, bluesign®, Responsible Care® and European Union textile standards; and complies with the Restricted Substances List requirements. It also has been registered as a novel dye under the United Kingdom’s Society of Dyers and Colourists Colour Index System and has been nominated for a SDC Innovation Award.
March 11, 2014
Huntsman Introduces Eriofast® Navy M
Wire Reinforced Polyurethane Hose Features Choice Of Four Wall Thicknesses
WARSAW, Ind. — March 11, 2014 — A full line of highly compressible polyurethane hose that comes in four wall thicknesses for applications ranging from light dust collection to very heavy severe service is available from Flexaust.
Flexaust Flx-Thane® Series Polyurethane Hose is reinforced with a bronze coated spring steel wire helix and provides excellent compressibility and flexibility as well as superior abrasion- and chemical-resistance. Offering four styles: Light Duty LD with a .020” thick wall, Medium Duty MD with a .030” thick wall, Heavy Duty HD .045”, and Very Heavy Duty VHD 0.060” wall, users can select a wall thickness that best matches their requirements.
Suitable for a wide variety of applications over a -65°F to 225°F tempera-ture range, Flexaust Flx-Thane® Series Polyurethane Hose is available in black and FDA acceptable clear which permits viewing of the material flow. Sizes offered range from 2” to 24” I.D. (60 to 300 mm) lengths. Uses include fume extraction, dust collection, lawn & leaf collection, concrete and sand transport, grain vacuum, and bulk material handling.
Flexaust Flx-Thane® Series Polyurethane Hose is priced according to size and quantity. Samples and pricing are available upon request.
Posted March 11, 2014
Source: Flexaust
Hohenstein Institute Develops Comfortable, Hygienic Pillow Encasement
As part of a research project, scientists at the Hohenstein Institute — a Germany-based textile research and testing laboratory — have developed a comfortable pillow encasement for use mainly in settings where bed occupancy frequently changes, such as in hospitals, care homes and hotels.
The new type of pillow encasement combines a warp-knitted fabric with a bacteria-resistant membrane on the underside of the fabric. According to the Hohenstein Institute, the fabric construction offers a considerable reduction in noise such as the rustling sound often experienced with conventional pillow encasements; and it also provides improved sweat absorption and wicking, breathability, and softness and suppleness.
The Hohenstein Institute reports it has tested the pillow encasements to ensure the new textile construction is able to withstand commercial processing.
March 11, 2014
Engineer Named AATCC’s Young Entrepreneur Of The Year
RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. — March 10, 2014 — Christina Kay Beauvais, President and founder of EmBraced in Comfort LLC, is the recipient of the AATCC Young Entrepreneur Award. Beauvais is being recognized for integrating her knowledge of engineering with apparel design and merchandising to deliver a niche market of comfortable, functional, and protective garments for patients wearing braces for limb disorders.
An engineer, Beauvais worked with Usha Chowdhary from Central Michigan University for insights into the textile aspects of her project. Beauvais created a garment that was simple enough for a child to manage in the restroom while in-brace, without interfering with the structural integrity and/or gripping strength of the brace. Her small in-house factory began taking undergarment bodysuit orders for children dealing with scoliosis. Her bodysuit design received a US patent. Beauvais expanded her garment line to include t-shirts and shorts designed especially for male and female brace-wearers, and has sold her undergarments to scoliosis brace patients all over the world.
The award will be presented at the AATCC International Conference, which is being held April 1-3, 2014, at the Crowne Plaza Resort in Asheville, N.C.
Posted March 11, 2014
Source: AATCC
Appleton Mfg. Division Delivers Custom Butt Roll Slabber
NEENAH, Wis. — March 3, 2014 — In 2013, Appleton Mfg. Division delivered an integrated, partially automated Slabber XLA to a customer. Soon after, the customer asked the company to help improve what was largely a manual process for recovering material and cores from butt rolls. The customer wanted a manual loading process, but also wanted a powered solution for removing the material in order to improve safety and productivity Starting with the Safe-Slab concept, we designed a custom solution that works by slicing the material longitudinally with a circular knife blade. The entire cutting area and apparatus is contained within an enclosure made of extruded aluminum structural members with PVC-coated steel wire mesh panels. It features a vertical sliding access door for loading and unloading rolls and the door auto-locks when the machine is in use. Worker safety is improved and they are able to recover the core for re-use and the material for recycling at a much higher rate of productivity. In addition to the slabbing capabilities, the custom Butt Roll Slabber also cuts headers in half for easier disposal.
Machine Specifications:
Max Roll Width: 64″
Max Roll OD: 12″
Max Roll Weight: 100 lbs
Core ID: 6.0 & 6.75″
Core Walls: 3/8″, 1/2″, & 5/8″
“The biggest challenge in this project was dealing with the various core wall thicknesses,” according to lead project engineer Bryan Garner. “We solved the challenge and delivered the project as promised.” Appleton Mfg. Division is a fully integrated engineering, design, sales, service and manufacturing firm dedicated to providing innovative products and superior customer service. Appleton Mfg. Division offers a full line of core cutters, custom and semi-custom core handling and finishing equipment, compact battery powered roll and cart movers, Safe-Slab£ Core Recyclers, cleaning showers/systems, as well as parts and service for all lines.
Posted March 11, 2014
Source: Appleton Mfg. Division
Coville Expands As Single-Source Solution To Supply Chain And Reshoring Challenges
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. — March 10, 2014 — Coville Inc., a vertically-integrated domestic provider of innovative knits and apparel, reports increasing demand and orders from fashion and other sewn-products retailers, brands and OEMs as they work to reduce supply chain complexity by reshoring select manufacturing programs back to the USA. By partnering with Coville, these companies gain the visibility, control and convenience of a single source for Made in the USA knit fabrics, cut and sew production, fabric and product development, distribution and order fulfillment services.
According to Coville President Don Trexler, “To meet consumer demands for more rapid product innovation and socially responsible business practices, many companies are rethinking the complexities and risks of their global supply chain strategies. As a vertically integrated one-stop domestic source of design to delivery solutions, we believe that we are uniquely qualified to deliver the full package service, response time and value these companies need right here in North Carolina.”
Coville operates world-class knitting, cut and sew, and 3PL distribution services all in close proximity to its headquarters. The company offers finished and greige fabrics, contract and full package production programs with expertise in a wide range of activewear, military, performance, protective, sportswear, underwear and other sewn products.
Posted March 10, 2014
Source: Coville
Atlas Copco Compressors Introduces New Drive Technology For Variable Speed Drive Compressors
STOCKHOLM, Sweden — March 10, 2014 — Atlas Copco Compressors has introduced proprietary drive technology for oil-injected screw compressors with variable speed drive in the 50-125 hp range. Robust, efficient and reliable, the Neos drive is specifically designed to meet the demands of heavy duty air compressor applications.
“The Neos drive is the result of collaboration between Atlas Copco and our long-time electronics providers, combining years of experience and knowledge of energy-efficient compressor technology,” said Robert Eshelman, vice president, Industrial Air Division, Atlas Copco Compressors. “Since we introduced the first variable speed drive compressor in 1994, we have continued our legacy of innovation with the development of this proprietary drive technology.”
In comparison to traditional drives that are typically designed for light duty applications with quadratic torque curves, the new drive technology was designed specifically for applications that have a constant torque curve, allowing the compressor to meet the demands of heavy duty applications. The Neos drive features an IP5x rated enclosure, which greatly reduces the risk of drive failure by blocking the introduction of outside contaminants into the electronic drive. In addition, the Neos drive features simplified controls and options that cater to the specific needs of an air compressor application.
The combination of simple controls, robust protection against contaminants and increased efficiency makes the Neos drive the preferred drive for all oil-injected screw compressor applications in the 50-125 hp range. The Neos drive is currently available in all new compressors in this range; older Atlas Copco compressors can also be retrofitted with the new drive.
Posted March 10, 2014
Source: Atlas Copco
TenCate Supplies Protective Fabric For Dutch Military Mission In Mali
NIKVERDAL, the Netherlands — March 7, 2014 — TenCate Protective Fabrics supplies the protective fabric TenCate Defender(TM) M for the uniforms of the special units of the Dutch army on its mission in Mali. The new Multicam® combat clothing is fit for military operations under extreme conditions. The new uniforms meet the high demands of combat clothing for special units, such as flame retardancy, insect repellence and optimal wearing comfort.
The Netherlands herewith makes the same choice as did 19 other countries, including the United States and NATO partners like Norway.
The uniforms are manufactured by NFM, a garment maker in Norway, which together with textiles technology company TenCate supplies high-quality protection solutions for, among others, armies.
Posted March 7, 2014
Source: TenCate Protective Fabrics
ICAC Meeting Aims To Strengthen The Global Cotton Value Chain
WASHINGTON — March 6, 2014 — The theme of the 73rd Plenary Meeting of the International Cotton Advisory Committee (ICAC) will be “From Land to Brand: Strengthening the Cotton Value Chain”. This annual event is one of the premier fixtures in the world cotton calendar and will be held in Thessaloniki, Greece, from November 2 to 7, 2014. The suggested theme covers a wide variety of topics, ranging from sustainable production practices, climate change, exchange of germplasm and logistics to value addition and national branding.
Open sessions will be dedicated to:
- Strengthening Responsible Production Practices, in which representatives from producing countries will discuss their experiences with national programs of responsible cotton production, including levels of farmer participation, challenges faced in establishing benchmarks of best practices, techniques of national-level data collection, use of sub-products and impacts on farm income. The desired outcome of the session is an understanding by government officials and the private sector of characteristics of responsible cotton production programs that are common to success.
- Prerequisites for Textile Industry Growth, including information on the elements needed for textile industry growth, such as communications and transportation infrastructure, the availability of electrical power, labor requirements, the importance of raw material quality and availability, the impacts of environmental and labor regulations, access to finance, proximity to markets, trade preferences and other factors. The aim is to develop an understanding of the prerequisites for textile industry growth that will allow government officials to determine whether increased mill use of cotton is feasible in their countries and the measures necessary to support increased mill use of cotton.
- The Importance of Logistics, in which an analysis will be made of the characteristics of land transportation, banking, insurance, port facilities and marketing systems that result in outstanding performance, enabling delegates from countries whose logistics are less than fully competitive to return home with information that will assist with improvement.
- National Cotton Brands, in which the topics to be explored include the differences between generic promotion and promotion of cotton within identity programs or by national industries, techniques of brand establishment and experiences with national demand enhancement programs. A desired outcome is increased understanding among producing countries of the costs involved and likely outcomes of branding. It is hoped that the session will result in increased engagement in demand enhancement activities.
Other activities include a technical seminar on “Identifying and Enhancing the Mechanism of Input Interaction in Cotton Production” and a report by the Secretariat on the outlook for cotton supply and use. In addition, breakout sessions will be held on: Price Risk Management; Climate Change and Cotton; Cotton Classification; Production Practices for the Improvement of Cotton Productivity; and the International Exchange of Cotton Germplasm.
Registration on-line will be available starting in May 2014.
Posted March 7, 2014
Source: ICAC
Autefa Solutions Expands Product Range Into Thermally Bonded Nonwovens
FRIEDBERG, Germany — March 6, 2014 — Autefa Solutions future range of machinery will also include equipment for thermobonding, drying as well as cutting and winding technology. For that purpose, the company Autefa Solutions Switzerland AG, based in Lengwil was founded.
From the holders of the rights of the insolvent Strahm Hi-Tex System AG licenses for the relevant intellectual property rights and the trade mark rights have been obtained. For the new company employees from management, sales and engineering could be recruited, who will enable to continue the innovative technology of the former Strahm Hi-Tex Systems.
“With this strategic expansion of our product program we are now able to offer turnkey lines also in the field of thermally bonded nonwovens and for applications in drying technology. We are very pleased to employ a team of specialists for the engineering and sales of such lines in our new location in Switzerland. Especially with regard to the efficient use of energy resources, we will extend the excellent technology of former Strahm, in order to combine innovative concepts with our proven technologies in the interests of our customers.”, Dr. Stefan Schlichter, CEO of Autefa Solutions Group explained.
In addition to web bonding by needling and spunlacing the application of thermal bonding in the range of medium to heavy web weights and in the hygienic sector becomes a significant alternative. As one of the leading suppliers of complete solutions in the production of nonwovens, Autefa Solutions is in the position now to complete own innovative concepts by this important application field.
On the basis of a license agreement with the owners of the intellectual property rights and the know-how, the technologies developed from the insolvent Strahm Hi-Tex Systems AG in Lengwil, Switzerland can be used and further developed. Besides the brands AUTEFA, FEHRER, OCTIR and FOR, the brand name STRAHM as technology name is continued.
The newly founded Autefa Solutions Switzerland AG offers to a team of experienced development and sales specialists a new basis to utilize the development potential under the roof of the Autefa Solutions Group. In Lengwil (Switzerland) sales, R & D and construction are located, purchase, production and assembly take place in Friedberg (Germany), the headquarters of the group.
“Thus we use the synergies of our group and make sure that the state-of-the-art-concepts of our new sales and development group in Switzerland are reliably implemented from our production and installation specialists in Germany.”, Dr. Stefan Schlichter adds.
The special product range comprises Through Air Thermobonding and Drying Lines for all nonwoven processes (Carded, Airlay, Airlaids, Wetlaids) as well as Festooner, Cutting, Winding and Stacking Machines and Powder Impregnation Lines. Strahm has developed ENREC, a 6-level energy saving concept which substantially reduces the energy consumption of new or existing lines.
“Our global acting sales team is eager to combine these new technologies with our proven and state-of-the- art plant concepts and to present our competence in the range of turnkey plants for innovative and completely optimized nonwoven products.”, Marco Fano, head of sales, explains.
Under the guidance of André Imhof, an established team of experts of the new Autefa Solutions Switzerland is looking forward to the opportunity of offering the development potential of their lines also to long-time customers under the roof of the globally acting Autefa Solutions Group.
Especially in the range of aerodynamic webs and AFL- nonwovens the use of Strahm’s Through Air Thermobonding and Drying Lines presents a perfect combination of the state-of-the-art technologies.
Posted March 7, 2014
Source: Autefa Solutions
