Revolutionizing Textile And Apparel Manufacturing Through Digitization

Companies displayed cutting-edge technologies for 3D garment simulation at ITMA 2023

By Seonyoung Youn

Garment production encompasses three primary manufacturing methods: cut-and-sew, fully-fashioned and whole garment. While cut-and-sew is widely used for its speed, it involves labor-intensive tasks and generates significant waste from leftover fabric pieces during cutting. In contrast, fully-fashioned eliminates cutting by shaping the pieces with finished edges, although it requires assembly. On the other hand, whole garment is an innovative solution that knits the entire garment in one seamless piece, eliminating the need for cutting and sewing while reducing waste yarns. However, it is slower and more suitable for sampling, making it the most expensive option.1

The advent of 3D digital technology has revolutionized garment manufacturing processes. Virtual samples have remarkably reduced material waste and labor-intensive tasks throughout the supply chain, specifically during the preproduction stages, such as 2D pattern design, fabric arrangement, fabric cutting, garment sewing, and fitting.2 Traditionally, these tasks consumed a substantial lead time in garment manufacturing processes. However, virtual sampling allows easy modification and has significantly reduced the average lead time from 37 days to 27 hours.3 Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic underlined the challenges of in-person communication between buyers, manufacturers, and outsourcing contractors during lockdowns. Consequently, digitalization has transitioned from optional to necessity, accelerating the demand for effective communication. This shift is particularly prominent among global brands, outsourcing agents, vendors and contractors.3

This paper investigates the revolutionization of textile and apparel manufacturing through digitization and advanced garment design solutions. Drawing on observations from ITMA 2023, the focus is on digital technology advancements within the cut-and-sew and knit designs including whole garment production. By examining these advancements, the paper provides valuable insights into the impact of digitization on the textile and apparel industry. Figure 1 illustrates an overview of manufacturing types and their phases using digital simulation technology.

Figure 1: Overview of garment manufacturing types and phases with digitized production technology integration.

Cut-and-Sew 3D Garment Design Solutions

Global providers of 3D garment design software catering to both woven and knit garment production include CLO3D from South Korea-based CLO Virtual Fashion Inc.; VStitcher from Singapore-based Browzwear; France-based Lectra’s Modaris and Gerber’s AccuMark; Optitex from the FOG Software Group, Rosemont, Ill.; Japan-based Shima Seiki Mfg. Ltd.’s APEXFiz; Style 3D from China-based Linctex; Audaces360 from Brazil-based Audaces; and Adobe Substance from Adobe Inc., San Jose, Calif.

This paper focuses explicitly on advancements showcased at ITMA 2023 for each manufacturing process facilitated by 3D garment software. The cut-and-sew garment design process using digital simulation can be subdivided into four detailed phases — textile digitization, 2D/3D pattern design, 3D sewing and simulation and design review, or fit evaluation, before physical manufacturing.

Advancements In Textile Digitization

Textile digitization plays a crucial role in the initial stage of 3D garment simulation by providing precise physical property data for virtual fabric representation. This process involves capturing the materials’ visual and mechanical properties for realistic simulation. Typically, textile digitization involves manual measurements of physical properties using standard testing equipment or fabric kits provided by the software. These measurements, such as weight, thickness, stretch, and bending properties, are input data for simulating textiles in a virtual environment. However, this manual process takes approximately 20 minutes to measure each data set for a single fabric sample. For example, software like CLO 3D requires 23 input parameters of physical properties for simulating virtual fabrics. In addition to weight and thickness, users are required to measure stretch properties by testing tensile strength at five constant extensions in different directions — warp/wale, weft/course and bias. Bending properties necessitates measuring the fabric’s contact and bending distances in each direction. Although investing in an accurate representation of virtual material ensures precision, the manual process may not be efficient enough to meet the demands of fast fashion.

Automated textile digitization tools have emerged to address this challenge, focusing on ease of use, speed, reliability, and simplicity through computerized techniques. At ITMA 2023, Linctex, provider of Style 3D software, showcased three automated devices for textile digitization — the Style 3D fabric scanner, Style 3D bending tester and Style 3D tensile tester. These devices are fully integrated with the Style 3D software, enabling them to measure the required physical properties, as depicted in Figure 2.

Figure 2: Computerized textile digitization processes using Style 3D. (a) exterior and (b) interior of the Style 3D Fabric Scanner, (c) alignment of the fabric inside the scanner while exploring the real-time display, (d) computerized Style 3D Bending Tester and close-up view with the real-time monitor, (e) six outputs of AI-generated fabric texture maps, and (f) real (left) and simulated fabric (right) based on digitized 3D files. Captured images were collected from a supplementary document supplied by © Style 3D with permission.

First, users scan the fabric’s texture using the computerized fabric scanner. The fabric scanner incorporates a high-quality Nikon SLR camera equipped with 10 LEDs to digitally capture the fabric’s surface properties. The scanner has a lens that maintains a consistent-controlled light source to ensure accurate results and high-accuracy brightness balance. The fabric scanner eliminates manual data entry and ensures efficiency (See Figures 2a-c).

Additionally, the showcase includes a Style 3D bending and tensile tester that automates the evaluation of fabric’s physical properties, eliminating the need for manual measurement. The tensile tester accurately measures stretch strength up to 0.01 Newton with a precision of ± 0.5%. Meanwhile, the bending tester utilizes laser sensors to detect the fabric’s bending length in the weft, warp, and bias directions (See Figure 2d). The obtained physical properties and AI-generated fabric texture maps can be seamlessly uploaded into Style 3D’s design software (See Figure 2e). These 3D digital files incorporate texture maps and digitized physical properties, enabling comprehensive data for realistic fabric simulation (See Figure 2f). Furthermore, the finalized digital file format, .u3ma,  is compatible with other 3D simulation software.

Another innovative solution showcased at the ITMA 2023 is SEDDI’s Textura™ platform. The platform employs artificial intelligence (AI) technology to revolutionize the process of textile digitization. In contrast to conventional approaches that necessitate expensive equipment, SEDDI’s Textura offers a streamlined solution. By simply scanning a fabric surface with any scanner and entering four essential fabric details — weight, thickness, fabric types, and fiber compositions — Textura automatically generates digitized physical properties resulting in a 3D digital file available for download in various formats such as .zip, .u3ma, and .sbsar files (See Figure 3). The entire process can be completed within approximately five minutes, from scanning an image to downloading the digitalized files.

Figure 3: Textura Platform by SEDDI. (a) captured image of the uploaded scanned image on the Textura™ Platform, and (b) downloading page for the 3D digital file, showcasing the exploration and prediction of drapes.

The AI-powered platform incorporates cutting-edge technologies, including Artificial Neural Network (ANN) and Digital Image Analysis (DIA) algorithms commonly employed in image analysis and computer vision. These algorithms can estimate yarn and fabric properties parameters.4 SEDDI’s Textura is a cloud-based operation, eliminating users’ need to invest in expensive hardware for installation or regularly purchase updates. Instead, they can benefit from automatic updates, ensuring they stay updated with the latest improvements.

Advancements In 2D/3D Pattern Design

Traditionally, the 2D/3D pattern design process involved starting with 2D paper patterns or draping on a 3D mannequin and then transferring the markings from 3D to 2D patterns. However, with advanced 3D design software, designers can now seamlessly and simultaneously explore 2D to 3D and 3D to 2D design approaches using digital technologies.

One notable solution in this field showcased at ITMA 2023 is AUDACES 360® by Audaces. AUDACES 360 presents an all-in-one solution that integrates multiple productive phases of the design process. This comprehensive package includes various platforms designed to streamline different aspects of the workflow. Among the innovative approaches demonstrated by AUDACES 360, two stand out in the context of the 2D/3D pattern design process. The first approach utilizes the Fashion Studio® platform, which enables designers to flatten 2D patterns from a 3D mannequin by dissecting fitted garments (See Figures 4a-b). This 3D-to-2D flatten technology allows for adjustments in length, volume, color/pattern placements and materials (See Figure 4c). This technique is particularly beneficial for users without a background in pattern design, as it facilitates the creation of complicated garments like dresses by allowing them to experiment with individual panel pieces on the 3D mannequin.

Figure 4: Audaces360® Platforms. (a)-(b) Fashion Studio® platform: designing 3D garments directly on a 3D mannequin, (c) Pattern® platform: 3D to 2D flattening technique, (d) easy template reuse through simple photo capture, (e)-(f) Digiflash® platform: automatic detection of notches and grading, (g) Supera® platform: automatic calculation and management of mark queues for optimized fabric usage, (h) Neocut Bravo conveyor cutter. Captured images are from an online demonstration and supplementary documents supplied by © Audaces with permission.

The second approach involves the Digiflash® platform, which efficiently and precisely digitizes pattern paper. By capturing a photo of pattern templates stored by the company, the Digiflash effortlessly captures the 2D pattern details and transfers them into a digital format. Once digitized, the Pattern® platform enables precise modifications and automated size grading (See Figures 4d-f). The Marker® and Supera® platforms also optimize efficiency by automatically generating fabric markers and managing marking queues (See Figures 4g-h). With the comprehensive platform provided by AUDACES 360, designers can seamlessly transition between 2D and 3D design approaches, resulting in a streamlined pattern design process.

Advancements In 3D Sewing And Simulation

At ITMA 2023, SEDDI unveiled Author™, a cutting-edge innovation that introduced several vital advancements including its cloud-native capability. The cloud-native feature enables seamless collaboration among stakeholders such as designers, pattern makers, and buyers, facilitating real-time communication and streamlined workflows. SEDDI Author introduces two game-changing functions: True Seam™ and Digital Twin™. True Seam revolutionizes 3D garment prototyping by accurately simulating the impact of physical properties of seam construction on the garment, such as stitch types, seam types, and the number of folds. Unlike modern 3D design software that overlooks these crucial details, True Seam empowers designers to make informed decisions in real time, enhancing the reliability of 3D simulations for production. The overview of 3D prototyping using True Seam is depicted in Figure 5.

Figure 5: A Cloud-based Platform, Author™ by SEDDI. An overview of the 3D prototyping process (a) assignment of sewing types and orders, (b) draping, (c) True Seam™, (d) inside zoom-in view of simulation using True Seam. © SEDDI.

Following True Seam’s feature, the next level is Digital Twin, bringing the virtual garment even closer to realism. By simulating the dynamic postures of the avatar, Digital Twin represents the physical behavior of the garment construction and how the seams interact when the avatar moves. For example, Figure 6 highlights the difference between True Seam and Digital Twin modes in the real-time Author™ platform.

Figure 6: A Comparison Between True Seam™ and Digital Twin™ in the Real-time Author™ Platform. (a) comparison between True Seam and Digital Twin with pointed arrows showing the differences, (b) decision making of choosing appropriate material based on Digital Twin simulation. Captured images were obtained from a demonstration at ITMA 2023 by © SEDDI with permission.

The Digital Twin technology accurately captures the realistic behavior of fabric, including its stretching over the avatar’s legs and natural bunching, resulting in an authentic representation. In Figure 6a, the technology accounts for intricate details, such as lifting bust darts due to the avatar’s motion, attributed to surface friction and mechanical interaction between the fabric and the skin. This simulation reproduces real-life body movements, enhancing the high-fidelity of the virtual representation. Moreover, as shown in Figure 6b, the Digital Twin enables designers to make subtle adjustments, such as optimizing creases in the crotch area, without modifying the entire 2D pattern, thereby reducing fabric waste. Designers can decide to choose the proper material from the previous single jersey fabric, composed of viscose and elastane at 193 grams per square meter (gsm), to Tricot fabric, composed of nylon and elastane at 198 gsm, based on the virtual simulation prior to physical production. This informed decision-making process is facilitated by the Digital Twin features, which assist designers in selecting the most suitable material throughout garment manufacturing.

Advancements In Garment Fitting Evaluation

Fitting evaluation is the final phase before creating physical samples. Virtual fitting involves objective measurements to assess the garment fit and the wearer’s pressure comfort.5 In this context, simulated stress and strain are essential mechanical properties to evaluate garment fit. Garment stress refers to the internal forces and pressure exerted on the fabric and seams when worn or subjected to movement, measured in kilopascals (kPa). Garment strain, on the other hand, refers to the fabric’s deformation or elongation in response to applied stress, measured as a percentage.6

During ITMA 2023, Style3D design software showcased an advanced feature that introduces further enhancements to fitting evaluation. The new feature lets designers modify the avatar’s body proportions while evaluating the fit through stress and strain. Unlike the traditional approach, where designers work with a fixed avatar shape, cutting-edge technology allows for changes in body sizes — leg, shoulder, neck, height, bust, thigh and arm length — and facial expressions, poses, and animations. By incorporating dynamic body modifications, designers can better understand how garments will fit various body types and sizes, ultimately enhancing the accuracy and effectiveness of fitting evaluations. Figure 7 illustrates how the software can simulate the wearer’s fit with the garment by changing the circumference of her belly to simulate pregnancy.

Figure 7: Fitting Evaluation and Avatar Customization in Style 3D Design Software. A demonstration of advanced features of Style 3D, showcasing (a) simultaneous adjustments of avatar body sizes, facial expressions, poses, and animations for fit evaluation, and (b) simulation of a pregnant condition by modifying the belly size. Images captured from a demonstration at ITMA 2023 by © Style3D with permission.

Knit Design Solutions: Whole Garment; Advancement In 3D Knit Garment Design

Digital technology has transformed garment production, surpassing traditional cut-and-sew methods. An innovative approach is fully-fashioned or whole garment production, pioneered by Shima Seiki. Using advanced computerized knitting machines, Shima Seiki enables seamless construction of complete garments, including sleeves, body and neckline. This eliminates the need for separate fabric panels, reducing materials consumption and manual labor. At ITMA 2023, Shima Seiki unveiled APEXFiz™, its updated software featuring a comprehensive suite of design tools. Tailored to meet diverse user needs, the software includes Design-Knit for flat and circular knit designers, and Design-Weave for weave and towel designers. A centralized data bank called Shima Datamall™ provides efficient storage and search functionality for yarn, knit, design, and 3D pattern data. This integrated approach streamlines knit garment production planning, allowing designers to efficiently locate and utilize necessary resources (See Figure 8a).

Figure 7: All-in-one Solution for Whole Garment Design by Shima Seiki. (a) SHIMA Datamall™ © Shima Seiki, (b) APEXFiz™ design software, (c) virtual simulation with V-bed flat machine, and (d) transferring 3D knit files for production.

Designers can seamlessly incorporate the downloaded yarn, knit design, or pattern data into their chosen design program. The APEXFiz software empowers designers to create technical lines that accurately represent their desired knit structure. By designing these lines alongside the knit structures, users can assign specific stitch types and patterns to each line, thus determining the construction of the knit product (See Figure 8b). Once the knit sample is completed, they can simulate the knitting process in the virtual V-bed flat machine. This step allows them to assess their design’s feasibility and visualize their knit product’s outcome (See Figure 8c). Upon finalizing the design of the knit structure, the software generates output files that contain essential information, including stitch data, technical specifications, and color details. These files are crucial for the technical production process. A notable advantage is a seamless integration between Shima Seiki’s design software and their physical V-bed knitting machines, enabling a straightforward transfer of the knit data files. This streamlined process greatly facilitates physical production (See Figure 8d).

Breaking Barriers: Advancements In Seamless Communication Between Yarn And 3D Garment Simulation

There are distinctions between yarn-level simulation software, such as Shima Seiki’s knitting software, and cut-and-sew 3D garment simulation software, like Style 3D, CLO 3D, for example. Yarn simulation takes a bottom-up approach, simulating yarn properties, including yarn types, denier, density, thickness, weight, stitch density, and knit structures.7 In contrast, cut-and-sew 3D garment simulation software employs a top-down approach, relying on fabric-level physical properties representation, employing techniques like discretization and a mass-spring model.8 When it comes to visual representation of knit construction in 3D garment simulation, scanned fabric images are utilized to generate texture maps, distinguishing it from yarn-level simulation. Because of these fundamental modeling differences, seamless compatibility between yarn and 3D garment simulation software is not attainable. Figure 9 visually illustrates typical issues that arise when knitting files are transferred to external 3D software, resulting in unrealistic stitch transitions, misalignment between rib and body structure stitches, and the absence of stitch decreases and fully fashioned marks.

Figure 9: Comparing yarn simulation for a fully fashioned style using CREATE DESIGN and Cut & Sew 3D Garment Simulation using scanned texture and repeats. (a) high-fidelity yarn simulation showcasing stitch decreases and fully fashioned marks in detail, (b) 3D garment simulation with a lack of stitch decreases and fully fashioned marks. Images were captured from a document provided by © KM.ON.

The lack of integration between virtual sampling and technical production can lead to impractical outcomes that are difficult to knit. To bridge the gap between yarn and 3D garment simulation, Karl Mayer Group has introduced k.innovation CREATE DESIGN and k.innovation CREATE PLUS (KM.ON). This comprehensive digital solution, showcased at ITMA 2023, revolutionizes the textile industry workflow by digitizing every step and addressing the challenges of accurately representing visual knit construction with any 3D external garment design software, as illustrated in Figure 10.

Figure 10: Streamlining workflow from pattern to finished garment. The overall process using the k.innovation CREATE DESIGN program includes (a) 2D pattern design, (b) conversion of 3D shape to knit stitch, and (c) export of knit texture maps compatible with all 3D garment software. Images are captured from the brochure and a displayed final product at ITMA 2023. © KM.ON.

The workflow with KM.ON consists of three main steps. To proceed with knit design, designers can construct a 3D shape based on the 2D pattern design. They can utilize pre-set templates or import a DXF file for added flexibility (See Figure 10a). Then, the 3D shape is converted into knit stitches using features such as stitch libraries, jacquard/intarsia patterns, color reduction, and technical checks. This seamless transition from 3D design to technical data ensures a smooth integration (See Figure 10b). The finalized design can be exported as knit texture maps for external 3D garment design software utilization. The knit data includes a DXF file, Fully Fashioned Texture Map, Alpha Map, Normal Map, and Displacement Map (See Figure 10c). These data elements are crucial for achieving a highly realistic representation of fabric texture in the 3D garment design program. Finally, Figure 11 displays successful examples of knit apparel prototypes, demonstrating their compatibility with various external 3D software tools.

Figure 11: Open Interface to Any External 3D Software. The result of the 3D virtualized garment using (a) CLO 3D, (b) Vstitcher, (c) Blender, and (d) 3D-Vidya, with the k.innovation CREATE DESIGN plugin. Images were captured from a document provided by © KM.ON

Conclusion

ITMA 2023 served as a platform to showcase remarkable technological innovations in digitized garment manufacturing. Companies presented advancements in software, highlighting the importance of digitalization, automation, reliability, versatility, and sustainability on all-in-one platforms. While the industry embraces digital solutions, ensuring reliability and accuracy in virtualized textiles remains a significant challenge due to the absence of standardized testing methods. Thoroughly examining the mechanical and visual representations is essential to instill confidence in the virtualized textile and ensure seamless physical production. The user’s perception of virtual fabric and garments also plays a vital role. Establishing practical correlations between numerical evaluations of garment fit and the wearer’s comfort or perception is imperative. By addressing these challenges, the full potential of digitization and advanced garment design can be realized, enhancing reliability and acceptance within the textile and apparel industry.

References

  1. Larsson, J., Mouwitz, P., & Peterson, J. (2013). Knit on Demand—Mass customisation of knitted fashion products. Textile Journal.
  2. Weinswig, D. (2017). Deep Dive: An Overview of the Digitalization of the Apparel Supply Chain.
  3. Hwang Shin, S.-J., & Lee, H. (2020). The use of 3D virtual fitting technology: Comparison between sourcing agents contractors and domestic suppliers in the apparel industry. International Journal of Fashion Design, Technology and Education, 13(3), 300–307.
  4. Carvalho, V., Cardoso, P., Belsley, M., Vasconcelos, R. M., & Soares, F. O. (2006). Development of a Yarn Evenness Measurement and Hairiness Analysis System. IECON 2006 – 32nd Annual Conference on IEEE Industrial Electronics, 3621–3626.
  5. Youn, S., Mathur, K., Knowles, C., Ju, B., Sennik, B., & Jur, J. (2023). Simulation-based Prediction Model to Optimize Contact Pressure of Knitted Fabrics for Wearable Garments. 9th International Conference on Human Interaction and Emerging Technologies – Artificial Intelligence and Future Applications.
  6. Fabric Kit Manual. (2020, July 17). How Can We Help You? https://support.clo3d.com/hc/en-us/articles/360041074334-Fabric-Kit-Manual
  7. Sperl, G., Sánchez-Banderas, R. M., Li, M., Wojtan, C., & Otaduy, M. A. (2022). Estimation of yarn-level simulation models for production fabrics. ACM Transactions on Graphics, 41(4), 1–15.
  8. Baraff, D., & Witkin, A. (1998). Large steps in cloth simulation. Proceedings of the 25th Annual Conference on Computer Graphics and Interactive Techniques  – SIGGRAPH ’98, 43–54.

Editor’s Note: Seonyoung Youn is a Ph.D. student at NC State’s Wilson College of Textiles. Her major is Fiber and Polymer Science and her area of study is e-textile and wearable garment design using digital technology. She expects to graduate this July.

April 21, 2024

Elevate Textiles Names Jeffrey P. Pritchett Chief Executive Officer And Director Of The Board

CHARLOTTE, NC  — April 19, 2024 — The Board of Directors of Elevate Textiles, a global provider of advanced, high-quality products and mission critical textile solutions, is pleased to announce that Jeffrey P. Pritchett will join the company as Chief Executive Officer and Member of the Board of Directors on April 23, 2024.

Jeff Pritchett, Elevate CEO

“We are all thrilled that Jeff is joining and confident that his diverse experience driving commercial and operational excellence as well as successfully navigating strategic M&A initiatives make him the ideal leader to achieve our business objectives and maximize our impact as a global, consolidated platform”, says Jim Continenza, Chairman of the Board of Directors for Elevate Textiles. “Jeff brings the right combination of leadership experience, passion and expertise to drive the next phase of growth, innovation and sustainability for all of the stakeholders at Elevate.”

Mr. Pritchett added, “I am honored to be joining Elevate and look forward to partnering with the Board and our leadership team(s) to build on the significant accomplishments they have made to date. I am impressed with the differentiated global footprint and integrated platform, customer collaboration, environmental solutions, innovative product development and operational expertise that I’ve seen thus far, and I’m incredibly excited about what we will accomplish together in the future to continue to drive growth and improvement around our delivery of premium, mission-critical textile solutions globally.”

Pritchett joins Elevate with more than 25 years of multi-industry global leadership experience in both public and private companies. He most recently served as Senior Managing Director and Senior Operating Executive of Cerberus Operations and Advisory Company LLC, an affiliate of Cerberus Capital Management L.P. He also held numerous Cerberus portfolio company Board and leadership roles.

Earlier in his career, he served as Chief Operating Officer and on the Board of Directors at Champion One LLC, Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, and Head of Global Operations at InnerWorkings and held senior leadership positions at Vertis Communications, including Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. Before that, he held various leadership positions at General Motors and Delphi Automotive.

Posted: April 20, 2024

Source: Elevate Textiles

Indo Count Acquires US Premium National Brand WAMSUTTA

NEW YORK — April 19, 2024 — Indo Count, the largest global bed linen manufacturer and exporter from India, announces its strategic acquisition of the international home fashions brand WAMSUTTA from Beyond, Inc.. Wamsutta – an industry-leading home fashions brand – has delighted generations of consumers with luxurious bed, bath and other home fashion products. This acquisition, which closed on April 18, 2024, strengthens Indo Count’s brand portfolio, and elevates its position in the premium market segment. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Renowned for its exceptional quality and a brand legacy dating back to 1846, WAMSUTTA is poised for substantial growth under Indo Count’s leadership.

Mohit Jain, Executive Vice Chairman of Indo Count, expressed his enthusiasm about the acquisition, stating, “Wamsutta – with its 178-year brand heritage – resonates strongly in the marketplace. We will explore multiple channels of distribution to reach the core Wamsutta consumer and also introduce an entire new generation to the exceptional quality and luxury of the Wamsutta brand.”

“Our strategic vision is to leverage our operational capabilities to enhance the brand value proposition and fulfill its potential globally. WAMSUTTA’s brand equity, combined with Indo Count’s global reach will catapult the brand to new heights and represents a significant milestone towards our expansion strategy,” Mr. Jain added.

Posted: April 20, 2024

Source: Indo Count Industries Ltd (ICIL)

Providing Turkey’s Visa Facilitation Will Make ITM 2024 A Global Destination

ISTANBUL, Turkey — April 19, 2024 — Leading textile machinery manufacturers, global industry investors and professional visitors will meet at ITM 2024 to see the latest textile technologies. The fact that the textile manufacturers of the countries that have visa problems when travelling to Europe will not have this problem when coming to Istanbul will increase the number of exhibitors and visitors of ITM 2024 Exhibition.

The countdown has started for ITM 2024 International Textile Machinery Exhibition, one of the most important organisations in the world in its field. ITM 2024 Exhibition, which will open its doors to its visitors at Tüyap Fair and Congress Center between 4-8 June 2024; will host textile technology leaders from all over the world in Istanbul for 5 days. Global sector investors and professional visitors will flush to ITM 2024 Exhibition to see the latest technologies closely.

The visa agreement between Turkey and many countries such as India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Vietnam, Egypt, Algeria, Tunisia, Morocco, Iran, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan, which are the shining stars of the textile world with their great potential and production power, will be effective in increasing the number of visitors. Textile manufacturers of countries that have visa problems when travelling to Europe will be able to obtain their visas by applying to the Consulates of the Republic of Turkey in their countries.

İstanbul Offers Great Convenience to Visitors in terms of Transport and Accommodation

On the other hand; the fact that the exhibition is held in Istanbul, which is geographically the closest point connecting the countries to each other, turns ITM 2024 Exhibition into a centre of attraction for both exhibitors and visitors. Located within a 3-hour flight distance to the world’s major trade centres, Istanbul provides easy access to both the surrounding provinces and neighbouring countries by air, sea and land. The fact that Turkish Airlines flies to a total of 340 different destinations in 129 countries is also effective in making Istanbul easily accessible. In addition to European countries; Investors from the Middle East, North Africa, Turkic Republics and Balkan countries will be able to reach Istanbul after a 3-hour flight and visit the ITM 2024 Exhibition.

In addition, Istanbul offers great convenience to exhibitors and visitors coming for the exhibition with its accommodation facilities. Thanks to the proximity of the hotels to the fairgrounds, visitors coming to ITM 2024 from Turkey and abroad will not have any difficulty in terms of accommodation.

Posted: April 20, 2024

Source: Teknik Fuarcilik

Picanol At Techtextil Frankfurt: Presenting Weaving Innovation And Sustainability In Technical Textiles

IEPER, Belgium  — April 18, 2024 — Technical textiles are one of the pillars in the long-term product strategy of Picanol, the world’s leading manufacturer of weaving machines. Techtextil Frankfurt is the most important international trade fair for technical textiles and represents the world’s central marketing and sourcing platform for users and manufacturers of technical textiles.

From April 23 to April 26, 2024, Picanol will be exhibiting at Techtextil Frankfurt in Hall 12.0, Booth C01. On the one hand, the unique combination of revolutionary product platforms in rapier and airjet weaving technology and the digital platform PicConnect, and on the other hand dedicated solutions for technical fabrics offer our customers the best of all worlds: reliability, performance, and flexibility – in the most sustainable way. During Techtextil Frankfurt, Picanol will present its solutions for various applications, including filter fabrics, agro-textiles, carpet-backing, coating fabrics, para-aramides, and tire cords.

The all-new, revolutionary Ultimax rapier weaving machine

Picanol’s all-new and revolutionary rapier weaving machine, the Ultimax, focuses on three main benefits: ultimate performance and high-quality output, readiness for the sustainability requirements of tomorrow, and the greatest ease of use thanks to a maximum level of digitalization. In addition, the classic Picanol exterior design of the machine has been radically disrupted in order to make it clear from the outside just how revolutionary the Ultimax is on the inside. The Ultimax excels in the fields of performance and quality, it has been designed with sustainability as the baseline, and the high degree of digitization results in a previously unseen ease of use.

OptiMax-i Connect rapier weaving machine

The predecessor of the Ultimax, the OptiMax-i Connect rapier weaving machine remains available for specific applications for weaving technical textiles, up to 540 cm.

OmniPlus-i Connect airjet weaving machine

Picanol recently launched a speed increase on its airjet platform, the OmniPlus-i Connect. This is another example of how Picanol sets the benchmark in the industry. With the brand-new leno system, the o-Leno, smart performance, user-friendliness, and intuitive control are combined optimally. Picanol also offers a dedicated version of this airjet machine for tire cord applications, the OmniPlus-i TC Connect.

Digital innovations in PicConnect

With PicConnect, Picanol is centralizing its digital tools and services in one new fully digital platform. Those visiting Techtextil Frankfurt will be able to discover all the benefits and latest features of PicConnect to leverage the full extent of the possibilities offered by Picanol weaving machines.

Picanol has a strong ambition to further grow together with our technical customers – enhancing their market success. We are looking forward to welcoming all our customers, prospects, and partners at our booth during Techtextil Frankfurt.

Posted: April 20, 2024

Source: Picanol

Devan Chemicals Presents “Devan Stain Release”, A PFC-Free Release Technology For Water And Oil Based Stains

RONSE, Belgium  — April 18, 2024 — Devan Chemicals, a global supplier of innovative textile solutions, proudly announces the launch of its latest breakthrough in textile finishing technology “Devan Stain Release”. With a focus on sustainability and performance, the company is proud to launch a release technology that ensures that both water and oil based stains can easily be washed off.

Devan ‘s new release finish prevents water and oil based stains such as ketchup, mud, grass, tea, vegetable and corn oils from adhering deeply to the fibres and allows stains to be washed off easily from the surface. The technology combines both stain release and wicking properties, making it ideal for applications where this dual benefit is required.

Front view of stained t-shirt from left to right of sauce and fruits: left up side to right down: mustard, kitchen oil, ketchup, papaya. avocado, oyster sauce,

“We are thrilled to introduce this release technology to the market,” says Dr. Roberto Teixeira, Chief Technology Officer at Devan Chemicals. “Our team has worked very hard to develop a solution that not only provides exceptional stain release but also aligns with our commitment to sustainability. This technology is PFC-free and has 40% of bio-based content. By offering effective protection against both water and oil based stains, we are empowering consumers to enjoy their textiles with confidence, knowing they are protected against everyday spills and mishaps.”

Thanks to Devan Stain Release, stains can easily be washed off in home laundries, even at low temperature. The solution is most effective for cotton and cotton blends, but will also enhance the performance of synthetics.

Key features of Devan’s release technology include:

  • Sustainable formulation: the technology is PFC-free, and with 40% of bio-based content.
  • Easy to apply: Unlike many PFC-based solutions that require mixing of multiple products, Devan Stain Release is an easy to apply and ready-to-use product that doesn’t necessitate mixing of different products.
  • The finish doesn’t require reactivation after washing at home with high temperature
  • Soft handle is maintained

Devan Stain Release is applicable across a wide range of textile applications, including school uniforms, garments, workwear, apparel, home textiles, bedding accessories and mattress ticking.

In addition, the technology also enhances the longevity of fabrics by reducing the need for frequent washing, ultimately contributing to a more sustainable consumption cycle.

Devan remains committed to innovation and sustainability, continuously exploring new avenues to revolutionize the textile industry and address the evolving needs of consumers worldwide.

Posted: April 20, 2024

Source: Devan Chemicals

NILIT Announces Strategic Expansions, Including A Joint Venture With Shenma In China

MIGDAL HAEMEK, Israel — April 18, 2024 — NILIT, the global leader in high-performance Nylon 6.6 fibers for the apparel industry and leader in sustainability, that owns the broadest line of sustainable Nylon 6.6 products is announcing a new joint venture with Shenma Industry Co., Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as Shenma), a subsidiary of China Pingmei Shenma Group, a global leader in the industrial Nylon 6.6 market and a leading supplier to the automotive industry around the world. This new partnership represents a significant expansion of production capacity within China, also demonstrating NILIT’s ongoing commitment to support the growth of global customers and brands. This expansion is highlighted by multiple investments and cooperation designed to enhance production capabilities and deliver more innovative solutions to the textile industry

“We are pleased to unveil this new greenfield joint venture in China with Shenma to introduce differentiated state-of-the-art technologies to support the local market,” says Ilan Melamed, NILIT Global General Manager. “This collaboration is set to produce premium specialized products in Fully Drawn Yarns (FDY), known for their outstanding strength and smoothness, and Air Textured Yarns (ATY), known for providing unparalleled softness for the textile market, providing quality and performance, all within a highly competitive cost structure. This partnership will open new opportunities in end uses such as home textiles and the automotive industry where strength, smoothness, and durability are essential.” The joint venture will include a new production site in Pingdingshan, the China Nylon City. The facility will be constructed to meet NILIT’s exacting Total Product Sustainability (TPS) standards for environmentally responsible production and is expected to yield a production capacity of 20,000 tons in the next few years.

This strategic partnership brings together the expertise, resources, and networks of NILIT and Shenma, both renowned enterprises in their respective fields. This joint venture combines NILIT’s 50 years of global experience in the production and marketing of high-quality Nylon 6.6 yarns for apparel, and Shenma’s leadership excellence in the Chinese market. “With a shared commitment to excellence and innovation, we are poised to leverage our collective strengths to penetrate new markets and amplify our capabilities across China,” continues Ilan Melamed. The joint venture agreement was signed in a ceremony in Shanghai on April 18 attended by leaders from both parties including Mr. Li Mao, Chairman of China Pingmei Shenma Group, and Mr. Michael Levi, Chairman of NILIT Group.

This model of collaboration showcases the mutual benefits of such alliances, including market access, regulatory navigation, and competitive advantage, emphasizing the market leadership of the NILIT team in China led by Shay Kastoriano, NILIT Asia GM, and Shenma as a strong local partner in China.

Furthermore, in response to the increasing demand for NILIT’s high-end products and the commitment to innovation and sustainability, NILIT is also accelerating its plans to double the production capacity at NILIT’s existing production site located in Suzhou SIP, where Shenma Industrials will be a minority shareholder. This strategic move is aimed at supporting the growing global market demand for NILIT’s products, ensuring customers’ needs for advanced and innovative and sustainable materials are met.

Posted: April 20, 2024

Source: NILIT

Warehousing/Logistics Industry Veteran Terry L. Kiesling Joins Applied Manufacturing Technologies (AMT) As Business Development Manager

ORION, MI — April 18, 2024 — Applied Manufacturing Technologies (AMT), North American supplier of automation engineering, specializing in advanced material handling, system integration, and cutting-edge autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) for warehousing and logistics, today announced the strategic hire of Terry L. Kiesling as Business Development Manager.

Working together with Vice President of Sales Scott Kilpatrick, Kiesling will focus on offering leading-edge robotics solutions to the warehousing and logistics industry that integrate advanced vision technology and AI, autonomous mobile robots (AMRs), conveyors, box erectors, and more.  Kiesling will also offer sales support for ROBiN, developed by AMT, a robotic AI-enabled system designed to improve the process of removing and organizing layers of products on pallets for integration into automated storage and retrieval systems (ASRS).

“We are thrilled to welcome Terry to our team, where her expertise will play a pivotal role in driving the robot revolution forward,” said Scott Kilpatrick, Vice President of Sales at AMT. “Terry’s extensive experience in industrial automation solutions will be invaluable to our clients, especially in the warehousing and distribution sectors where she has deep domain experience and strong connections.”

“I’m thrilled to join this esteemed team at AMT,” said Kiesling. “It’s truly inspiring to collaborate with such a highly skilled group who not only prioritize their customers but also foster a culture that values every member of the team. From internal dynamics to project delivery, attention to detail is paramount, making every initiative a testament to our commitment to excellence. Here, ‘dynamic,’ ‘skillful,’ and ‘fun’ aren’t just words – they’re the ethos that drives us forward, ensuring success at every turn.”

Kiesling is a seasoned global account manager with a strong history in key account growth and strategy development. Her background includes extensive experience in the automation, networking, and test and measurement industries, where she has successfully delivered high-impact solutions. Her strengths include an understanding of international markets, development of revenue-generating strategies, and management of complex negotiations. Her expertise also encompasses key account development, sales territory expansion, market intelligence, and national account management. Prior to joining Applied Manufacturing Technologies, Kiesling served as global account manager at Omron Automation Americas.

A FANUC Authorized System Integrator and three-time winner of the FANUC Sales Growth Award, AMT offers full-service systems integration, specializing in end-of-line solutions, complex material handling systems, and engineering support such as turnkey industrial controls, robotic programming, and automation consulting. Bringing together best-in-class technologies and custom automation, AMT provides high-quality, cost-effective automation solutions.  The company’s solutions have benefited manufacturers in automotive, aerospace, medical, alternative energy, fabricated metal, industrial machinery, rubber and plastics, food and beverage, and many other industries.

Posted: April 20, 2024

Source: Applied Manufacturing Technologies (AMT)

Bio-Based Insulation Textiles Instead Of Synthetic Insulation Materials Are Set To Revolutionize The Construction World

AACHEN, Germany — April 18, 2024 — Using bio-based and bio-degradable, recyclable insulation textiles to sustainably insulate heat and reduce energy consumption and the carbon footprint – the Aachen-based start-up SA-Dynamics has developed a solution for this dream of many building owners together with industrial partners. SA-Dynamics won the second Innovation Award in the “New Technologies on Sustainability & Recycling” category at the leading textile trade fairs Techtextil and Texprocess for this development.

The insulation of various aerogel fibres is illustrated using the example of a cushion, source: ITA

The bio-based recyclable insulation textiles consist of 100 percent bio-based aerogel-fibres. They contain up to 90 percent air, trapped in the nano-pore system of the aerogel-fibres. The bio-based raw material is sustainably sourced and certified. The insulation textiles made from bio-based aerogel fibres are said to insulate the same or even better than synthetic insulating materials of fossil origin like PET, PE or PP and mineral or stone wool.

“By using bio-based aerogels, we are doing away with fossil-based materials and doing something for the environment and climate,” explains Maximilian Mohr, Chief Technical Officer (CTO) at SA-Dynamics. “We are thus meeting the regulatory measures of the EU and the governments of many countries for more climate and environmental protection. By using bio-based, recyclable aerogels, we can revolutionise the world of construction. Come to Techtextil at our booth at the Elmatex joint booth in hall 12.0 D63 and see for yourself.”

The Techtextil and Texprocess Innovation Awards ceremony will take place on 23 April 2024 at 12.30 pm in Hall 9.0 in Frankfurt/Main, Germany.

The Aachen-based start-up SA-Dynamics is made up of researchers from the Institut für Textiltechnik (ITA) and the Institute of Industrial Furnace Construction and Heat Engineering (IOB) at RWTH Aachen University.

The bio-based aerogel fibres originate from the LIGHT LINING research project of the BIOTEXFUTUREinnovation area. The LIGHT LINING research project focussed on sports and outdoor textiles. The research results are transferable to the construction sector.

Posted: April 20, 2024

Source: RWTH Aachen University

BASF At Techtextil 2024: Shaping The Future Of The Textile Industry With Sustainable Solutions

LUDWIGSHAFEN, Germany — April 18, 2024 — At the leading international trade fair for technical textiles and nonwovens, which will take place at Messe Frankfurt from 23 to 26 April 2024, BASF will be presenting numerous solutions and new projects in the field of textiles to customers and partners at booth C11 in hall 9.1. The focus is on sustainability: whether market-leading products or new technologies – the path clearly leads towards a circular economy.

loopamid® – the first circular polyamide 6, based on textile waste

In January 2024, BASF launched loopamid®, the first polyamide 6 (PA6, also known as nylon 6) to the market that is entirely based on textile waste via a segregated production. Inditex has made a jacket exclusively from loopamid; the lining, zippers, velcro fasteners and buttons are also made from the recycled material. loopamid is an innovative solution to recycle PA 6 textile waste and thus promote circularity in the fashion industry. As the chemical recycling technology tolerates all fabric blends, it enables textile-to-textile recycling of industrial textile waste and used clothing. The fibers and materials can be recycled over several cycles. At the same time, the material properties are identical to those of conventional polyamide.

Ultramid® Ccycled® – for more sustainability in the textile sector

With Ultramid® Ccycled®, BASF offers an innovative, mass-balanced product that supports the use of alternative raw materials from the chemical recycling of plastic waste that is difficult to recycle, such as end-of-life tires. The recycled raw material is fed into the beginning of the BASF production network and allocated to the Ultramid Ccycled products using a mass balance approach. Fossil raw materials are thus replaced and saved, while the product quality remains unchanged.

Ultramid® Biomass Balance (BMB) – drop-in concept enables the use of biowaste feedstock

With Ultramid® BMB, BASF has developed a sustainable drop-in concept which enables the use of biowaste raw materials in product manufacturing: Certified renewable raw materials replace fossil resources at the beginning of the production process and are then allocated to the Ultramid BMB products in the appropriate quantities via the mass balance chain. Without compromising on quality and performance, the product carbon footprint can be cut up to more than 50% versus standard Ultramid.

Towards more sustainable solutions with Elastollan®

Due to its high elasticity and excellent mechanical strength, the thermoplastics polyurethane (TPU) Elastollan® is suitable to produce a wide range of materials for the textile industry, especially for producing mono- and multi-filaments, as well as for coating polyester and glass fibers. It can also be worked into nonwoven fabrics. Bio-based and certified biomass-balanced Elastollan grades provide identical material properties to those of equivalent fossil-based products.

Certified Sustainable FiberMax® Cotton (CSF) with a traceable blockchain platform

BASF, in collaboration with CSF partners, all within a 250 kilometers (155 mile) radius in Greece, has introduced a highly transparent and traceable blockchain platform from Seed 2 Sew. The platform, technology by Bext 360° and powered by Hyperledger, allows brands to seamlessly integrate interesting data such as carbon footprint, into their supply chains through an Application Programming Interface (API). Additionally, BASF has partnered with the University of Thessaly in Greece to research and implement regenerative practices for cotton production in Europe. The aim is to provide European fashion brands with certified European non-GMO regenerative cotton, enabling consumers to make informed decisions and choose high-quality sustainable clothing, both now and in the future.

More information can be found on Sustainable Fashion (basf.com).

Fiber bonding technology for upcycling

With BASF’s low-emission fiber bonding technologies Acrodur®, acForm® and Acronal®, reclaimed materials such as denim or discarded materials such as spent coffee grounds and used paper cups can be turned into building blocks for new and more-valuable products. Extending the life cycle of single-use products helps to reduce waste and decrease the reliance on scarce natural resources. The BASF booth will showcase several upcycling exhibits developed with industry partners, including flooring produced with denim, coffee grounds and paper cups.

Further exhibits produced with fiber bonding technology include a lightweight panel made of natural fiber and Acrodur composite with paper honeycomb core, glass nonwovens for exhaust air treatment of lacquer cabins and glass meshes for the reinforcement of plaster and insulation systems.

Posted: April 20, 2024

Source: BASF

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