Cygnet Texkimp’s Multi Roll Stack Prepreg And Towpreg Machine Shortlisted For CAMX Award

CHESHIRE, England — October 6, 2023 — Composites technology company Cygnet Texkimp has been shortlisted in the CAMX Awards for Unsurpassed Innovation with its Multi Roll Stack prepreg and towpreg manufacturing machine.

The Multi Roll Stack is a short-footprint, energy-efficient prepreg processing solution designed to deliver more sustainable, lower-cost thermoset prepreg and towpreg materials. The technology was engineered as part of the UK’s ASCEND collaboration* to develop the technical and supply chain capability to achieve high-grade, composites-intensive components at rate for high-volume markets including mainstream automotive and higher-volume aerospace, and as an enabling technology for the hydrogen storage vessel market.

It was designed and built by Cygnet Texkimp’s prepreg technology specialists as a lower-cost solution in terms of capital investment, running costs and energy requirements when compared to conventional prepreg processing.

“We’re delighted to have been shortlisted in the prestigious CAMX Awards again this year,” says Cygnet Texkimp CEO Luke Vardy.

“Innovation is a major part of our offering to the composites market. The Multi Roll Stack is a great example of our commitment to developing technologies that improve the way composite materials and parts are processed.

“When we began developing the Multi Roll Stack, we believed there was a place for more rigorous innovation in prepreg manufacture that would accommodate the established principles of the process while at the same time offering the industry more in terms of reducing machinery footprint, energy consumption and costs.

“What we’ve achieved is a solution that has been proven to produce low coat weight prepregs at higher than conventional speeds, which in turn enables faster part production. Not only can this lead to high quality prepreg materials and parts being used more widely for the purpose of manufacturing lightweight, energy-efficient and sustainable motorcars and aeroplanes, it also has the potential to play an important role in the development of Type V CFRP hydrogen storage vessels and the broader effort to improve the timeline to implement hydrogen technologies.”

The CAMX Awards celebrate outstanding achievement and innovation that have the potential to truly change the composites and advanced materials industry. Winners of the awards will be announced at this year’s CAMX (The Composites and Advanced Materials Expo) show which takes place in Atlanta, GA, October 30-November 2, 2023.

Cygnet Texkimp will be exhibiting in Building C, Level 1, K9 and in the Awards Pavilion.

*The ASCEND collaboration was created to develop the technical and supply chain capability to achieve high-grade, composites-intensive components at rate for high-volume markets. It is a three-year, £40m program led by Tier-1 aerospace supplier GKN Aerospace with funding from the Aerospace Technology Institute (ATI), Department for Business and Trade (DBT) and Innovate UK. Its creation supports the work of the UK and international governments to achieve zero emissions targets by 2050.

Posted: October 6, 2023

Source: Cygnet Texkimp

Azonprinter’s World Premiere Of The Only 24″ Direct-To-Film (DTF) System That Is Completely Maintenance-Free

ZAGREB, Croatia — October 6, 2023 — Azonprinter stands out on the market as the only Croatian manufacturer of digital printing machines.

Headquartered in Zagreb, Azonprinter operates all over the world and has achieved great success, especially in the EU and the USA. Some of the partners are: ALSO Group, Spandex, RICOH and Kissel & Wolf.

Azon has its roots in the Mros company, that started in 1993. The name of the company changed to Azon in 2006.

In addition to a wide range of UV printers (desktop series and industrial printers – suitable for customization), Azon also produces direct-to-film (DTF) printers.

Azon’s product range includes A3 (desktop) (DTF) printers, as well as 24-inch (more industrial) printers.

As a pioneer, Azon also introduces neon colors in both series. The desktop series can be in a variant with a regular (CMYK + White) configuration (Pronto printer) or neon (neon yellow and neon magenta instead of regular yellow and regular magenta – Pronto Neon). The 24-inch series can combine plain and neon colors.

All Azon’s DTF inks have the Oeko-Tex certificate.

Azonprinter pushed the boundaries of DTF printer technology and brought it to a new level. In the latest series of Azon’s DTF printers, the Primo + Neon X printer stands out (in addition to CMYK+ White, it has 4 neon colors – neon yellow, neon magenta, neon orange and neon green).

Some of the features of the Primo + Neon X printer are built-in ink tank mixing and recirculation systems and automatic nozzle check in a programmable time frame. There is an also automatic system maintenance. The printer has ink tanks of 850 ml. The ink containers are secured with chips. The system is equipped with an industrial signal light for visible status of the DTF system. It has an advanced touch-sensitive color LCD screen. The machines are powered by EFI RIP for fast and accurate color, ICC/Pantone.

It is enough to simply turn on the machine and let it do all the work on its own.

Posted: October 6, 2023

Source: Azonprinter

VDMA: Sales Still On Growth Track, Order Intake Declining

STUTTGART, Germany — October 6, 2023 — The sales of the German manufacturers of Textile Care, Fabric and Leather Technologies remain on a growth path: in the period January 2023 to August 2023, sales increased by 20 percent in real terms, with sales from Germany up 61 percent year-on-year and from abroad up 9 percent. New orders, on the other hand, fell 17 percent short of the previous year’s result in the same period, with orders from within Germany down 7 percent and orders from abroad down a full 20 percent. In the most recent three-month period, June to August 2023, new orders fell by as much as 37 percent.

Rising exports throughout the Textile care, Fabric and Leather technologies sector

German suppliers of laundry and dry-cleaning technology increased their exports by 2 percent to 239 million euros in the first seven months of 2023, with Poland, France and the United States the most important export markets. German sewing and garment technology also saw exports rise by 3 percent to 247 million euros in the same period. The most important customer markets were Italy, the United States and France. Manufacturers of shoes and leather technology in Germany even recorded an increase of 19 percent to 37 million euros in the period January 2023 to July 2023, with the main customer countries being the United States, Mexico and France.

In the previous year 2022, exports of German laundry and dry cleaning technology increased by 15 percent to 421 million euros. Exports in the sewing and garment technology sector weakened in 2022, falling by 5 percent to 429 million euros. German manufacturers of shoe and leather technology, however, increased their exports by a full 25 percent to 59 million euros in 2022. Italian technology suppliers reported growth in exports in all three sectors in 2022. Italian exports in the laundry and dry-cleaning technology sector increased by 2 percent to 442 million euros in 2022 and were primarily shipped to Turkey, Poland and Bangladesh. Exports by Italian sewing and garment technology manufacturers also increased by 17 percent to 317 million euros in 2022. The main customer countries were Turkey, the United States and Bangladesh. Italian shoes and leather technology suppliers increased their exports by 9 percent to 309 million euros in 2022, with the main customer countries being China, France and Spain.

“The mood among European manufacturers of Textile Care, Fabric and Leather Technologies is currently subdued, the outlook uncertain,” said Elgar Straub, managing director of VDMA Textile Care, Fabric and Leather Technologies at the trade association’s industry meeting in Stuttgart. “The continuing tense geopolitical situation, the ongoing labor shortage, as well as the still rising costs for energy and primary products are putting a strain on the entire industry and causing unrest in the markets. However, the resulting steady increase in customer demands for automation, digitization and sustainability, give hope for a surge in investment and thus an improvement in the order situation.”

New board elected in Stuttgart

In the context of the industry meeting in Stuttgart the new board of the trade association for the coming four years was selected. Günther Veit, managing director, Veit GmbH, has again been confirmed in his office as chairman, as has Klaus Freese, managing director DESMA Schuhmaschinen GmbH, as vice chairman. Also elected as vice chairman for the first time was Fabrizio Giachetti, CEO, Morgan Tecnica S.p.A.

Posted: October 6, 2023

Source: VDMA Textile Care, Fabric and Leather Technologies

International Textile Manufacturers Federation (ITMF): Results Of The 22nd ITMF Global Textile Industry Survey

ZÜRICH, Switzerland — October 4, 2023 — According to ITMF’s Global Textile Industry Survey (GTIS) conducted in the middle of September 2023, survey participants exhibited a cautious sentiment regarding the current business situation. The indicator for the business situation stood at -27 percentage points (pp, see Graph 1) because companies in the entire textile value chain were struggling with rising costs and weak demand. Business expectations have remained unchanged since July at around +20 pp (see Graph 2). They have jumped into positive territory in January 2023 based on the assumption that the Chinese economy would give an additional boost, but this hope did not materialize. The analysis indicates that a hard landing of the global economy is not in sight.

Order intake recovered in May 2023, but flattened in July and remained very weak in September (-28 pp). The entire textile value chain is running on minimum levels of orders. As long as brands and retailers do not increase orders, the entire value chain will continue struggling. Order backlog slightly increased globally, from 1.9 months in July to 2.2 months in September 2023. This indicator had been on a falling trend since the end of 2021. The average capacity utilization rate dropped again globally (69 percent). Textile manufacturers expect this rate to remain low in six months’ time as well.

Weakening demand has been the major concern in the global textile value chain for a year. In September 2023, this concern grew even stronger due to high inflation rates measured in the last few months, a phenomenon fueled by high energy and high raw material prices. Nevertheless, participants seem not to be concerned by order cancellations and inventory levels remain average along the textile value chain.

Posted: October 6, 2023

Source: International Textile Manufacturers Federation (ITMF)

Better Cotton And Cotton Egypt Association Inaugurate Renewed Strategic Partnership At Multistakeholder Event In Cairo

LONDON — October 5, 2023 — Better Cotton, the world’s largest cotton sustainability initiative, and Cotton Egypt Association (CEA), the organization responsible for promoting and protecting Egyptian cotton worldwide, inaugurated the launch of their renewed strategic partnership at a multi-stakeholder event in Cairo on Wednesday, October 4, 2023.

Uniting key stakeholders from across the cotton sector in Egypt and beyond, the event brought together representatives from Better Cotton, CEA, Better Cotton’s Programme Partners in Egypt (Alkan, Modern Nile and El Ekhlas), and a number of leading Better Cotton Retailer and Brand Members, as well as these members’ suppliers.

Through a renewed strategic partnership, Better Cotton and CEA aim to further enhance the yields and sustainability credentials of Egyptian cotton while ensuring fair working conditions for farmers and workers.

At the event, participants discussed opportunities to collaborate and what is required to increase the uptake of more sustainable Egyptian cotton.

Attendees also visited a Better Cotton licensed farm in Kafr El Saad, in the north of Egypt, where farmers demonstrated sustainable agricultural practices. Better Cotton Members and others in attendance were able to engage with the farmers and workers, discussing key challenges and opportunities in adopting these practices.

Rachel Beckett, senior programme manager at Better Cotton, commented: “The event was an important moment to reflect on the progress that Better Cotton and Cotton Egypt Association have made through our partnership so far, and the opportunities for further success going forward. It provided the opportunity for direct dialogue between Better Cotton producers, supply chain actors and key stakeholders from the British retail industry, and it is anticipated that it will result in increased demand for more sustainably produced Egyptian cotton.”

Khaled Schuman, executive director of Cotton Egypt Association, said: “I believe that we had a wonderful and fruitful event celebrating years of dedication, collaboration, and hard work that led to where we are today in driving the sustainability of ‘white gold’. The great interest shown today by retailers — and the support we have from all stakeholders in attendance — will pave the way for more success, more production of Egyptian sustainable cotton with Better Cotton’s standards, and more uptake from retailers.”

Posted: October 6, 2023

Source: Better Cotton

Cone Denim Achieves Bronze Status Through Indigood Program From Kontoor Brands

GREENSBORO, N.C. — October 5, 2023 — Cone Denim® has received the Bronze Status through Kontoor Brands Indigood® Program for freshwater savings. With this milestone, Cone Denim is the first textile mill in North America to be awarded the performance status of Bronze or better from the Indigood Program. The honor highlights Cone’s commitment to freshwater conservation.

“This achievement is a tremendous honor for the Cone Denim team and reflects the hard work our employees have put into reaching this milestone,” said Cone Denim President Steve Maggard. “The Indigood Program means a lot to Cone Denim and recognizes an achievement for our employees who work each day toward meeting our sustainability goals.”

The Indigood Program is an initiative by Kontoor that highlights supply chain partners who are actively working to improve their freshwater footprint. Mills participating in the Indigood Program are third-party verified with Cone Denim receiving Kontoor Freshwater Savings – Bronze Status for water-savings achieved during a 2022-2023 timeline compared to a 2018 baseline.

“At Kontoor, we are focused on reducing the apparel industry’s reliance on freshwater, but it is not a challenge we can solve alone,” said Dhruv Agarwal, VP, Sustainability, Innovation, & Development, Kontoor Brands. “Through the Indigood Program, we are identifying, highlighting, and prioritizing the denim manufacturing facilities that are actively working to improve their freshwater footprint meeting the Indigood Program standards. We want to congratulate Cone Denim on their Bronze status under the Indigood Program and for committing to driving change in the industry.”

Cone Denim’s 2025 sustainability goals include a target to reduce water consumption by 25 percent. The company is on pace to meet this goal with 21.8 percent reported water savings at the end of 2022, which has been largely led by its Zero Liquid Discharge effluent treatment system at Cone Denim’s Parras, Mexico mill. Installed in 2021, this state-of-the-art technology plays a key role in reducing the mill’s total water footprint by saving up to 100 million gallons of water a year. The verification process included data from both 2022 and 2023.

The mill uses a customized ultrafiltration and reverse osmosis system to recycle the wastewater and treat 11,000 gallons per hour. The recovered water is recycled back into the denim manufacturing process, eliminating wastewater being discharged into the environment. Over one-third of Cone Denim’s global denim fabric production is made using recycled water from this system.

Cone Denim continues to make significant investments in new technologies and advanced processes that lessen the environmental impact of its denim manufacturing operations. From sustainable finishing technologies to additional metering to measure water conservation efforts at its mills, Cone Denim is focused on a sustainable future.

“We cannot realize a sustainable future alone, nor can any company or denim brand,” added Maggard. “Working collaboratively with customers like Kontoor on initiatives that achieve sustainability at scale is truly exciting. This is where we have the greatest opportunity to move the needle on sustainability and make true progress.”

Posted: October 6, 2023

Source: Kontoor Brands, Inc.

Glatfelter, Mundeo, And Sequel To Vie For Hygienix Innovation Award™

CARY, N.C. — October 5, 2023 — INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, revealed the three finalists that will compete for the Hygienix Innovation Award™. Glatfelter, Mundeo, and Sequel will present their new absorbent hygiene products to senior-level leaders at Hygienix, November 13-16, at The Roosevelt New Orleans Hotel, New Orleans, Louisiana.

Here is a summary of the finalists’ products:

Glatfelter: GlatPure™

GlatPure™ is a range of bio-based absorbent hygiene components derived from renewable materials. This product range consists of a variety of plant-based and natural topsheets, an acquisition distribution layer, an absorbent core, a newly improved backsheet, and a landing zone. Crafted from 100-percent renewable fibers and biodegradable materials, and enriched with bio-based binders, GlatPure stands as the industry’s first fully functional, fossil-fuel free range of solutions.

Mundao: Diap’Earth®

From nature to nature: Mundao brings to market DIAP’EARTH®, an industrially compostable baby diaper. This diaper provides a circular solution to the AHP waste issue. Ecoconception (DIAP’EARTH is a bio-based & plastic free diaper) makes it possible to compost the diaper in an industrial composting facility to turn it into carbon where it can become fertilizer for soil. DIAP’EARTH has been successfully composted in major French cities.

Sequel: The Sequel Spiral™ Tampon

The Sequel Spiral™ Tampon features a proprietary spiral design that is engineered to be more fluid mechanically efficient, meaning it is designed to absorb more evenly and not leak before it’s full. In August 2023 the Sequel Spiral Tampon received clearance from the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a medical device and the company will now begin a series of consumer trials, with broad availability expected in Q1 of 2024.

The winner of the Award will be announced at the end of the event, Thursday, November 16, at 11:30 a.m. Last year’s award recipient was Pads on a Roll™ by Egal Pads. Pads on a Roll is a wrapped super-thin absorbent period pad that dispenses like toilet paper in public bathroom stalls, preventing the personal embarrassment of not having a menstrual product when needed.

Conference Highlights

In addition to the award presentation, the Hygienix conference will focus on consumer-centric innovations, the circular economy, raw material advancements in sustainability, opportunities for advanced recycling in absorbent hygiene, optimizing the packaging footprint, new approaches for odor control, and market trends and drivers. Plus, INDA’s Government Affairs office will be in attendance to provide insights into recent regulatory and legislative issues. Participants can learn about how the current political landscape could affect the nonwovens industry.

For the full program and to register, visit the Hygienix website https://www.hygienix.org/index.html.

Posted: October 5, 2023

Source: INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry

Despite ‘One Thing’ Or ‘Another,’ NRF Economist Says U.S. Economy Still Shows Resilience

WASHINGTON — October 5, 2023 — The U.S. economy is continuing to grow even as labor disputes across the country and uncertainty created by Congress add to the ongoing challenges of inflation and high interest rates, NRF Chief Economist Jack Kleinhenz said today.

”As Gilda Radner used to say on Saturday Night Live, ‘If it’s not one thing, it’s another,’ ” Kleinhenz said. “This is certainly one of those times when that expression fits well with what is going on in the economy.”

“New turbulence from the expanding autoworkers strike and the threat of a government shutdown – which could still happen after Congress’ short-term funding measure expires – have added to the existing headwinds already facing the economy,” Kleinhenz said. “Nonetheless, the economy continues to chug along and defy recession predictions, proving it to be more resilient than anticipated.”

The new challenges come on top of interest rates at the highest level in two decades, gasoline prices on the rise since midsummer, inflation still “biting into” household budgets, backsliding consumer sentiment and the resumption of student loan payments.

Kleinhenz’s comments came in the October issue of NRF’s Monthly Economic Review, which said the final 2.1-percent increase in gross domestic product reported by the Bureau of Economic Analysis for the second quarter came even after revisions that reflected less consumer spending on both goods and services than originally estimated. Consumer spending grew, but only 1.8 percent year-over-year adjusted for inflation rather than the original estimate of 2.3 percent as spending on services like household utilities and vehicle maintenance was revised downward along with spending on goods like home furnishings, appliances and clothing.

“While the data has shown continued economic growth, weaker growth as mirrored in the GDP revisions suggests that higher interest rates and tighter lending standards are working more thoroughly than previously recognized,” Kleinhenz said. “Since higher interest rates typically slow down the economy, the Federal Reserve is most likely pleased to see that higher rates are having an impact on employment, economic output and corporate results.”

High inflation and interest rates are “dimming many households’ outlook” and consumer confidence declined for the second month in a row in September, the report said. The Conference Board’s Consumer Confidence Index fell 5.7 points to 103 and the University of Michigan Index of Consumer Sentiment retreated to 68.1 from August’s already low 69.5 as oil and gas prices continued to rise.

Nonetheless, the low consumer confidence readings did not translate into weaker spending. Year-over-year spending rose 5.8 percent in August, tracking a 7.3-percent increase in disposable income. The increase came even though the Personal Consumption Expenditures Price Index — the Fed’s preferred measure of inflation — was up 0.4 percent from July in August and 3.5 percent year-over-year.

Incoming data suggests that the just-ended third quarter was largely on par with the second quarter and that 2023 could still have a “soft landing” rather than a recession, Kleinhenz said. For example, “With the Fed eager to see job growth weaken without causing the unemployment rate to take off, a number of indicators suggest that the tight labor market is cooling — but in the right way.”

Nonfarm payrolls gained 187,000 jobs in August, up from 157,000 in July but far below the average monthly gain of 271,000 over the past year. Meanwhile, the unemployment rate jumped 0.3 percentage points to 3.8 percent in August as more people looked for jobs.

After falling for three consecutive months through July, job openings rose to 9.6 million in August from 8.9 million in July but were far below the 10.2 million a year earlier. Hiring ticked up slightly from 5.82 million in July to 5.86 million but again was below the 6.5 million a year earlier. Separations, including layoffs, were essentially unchanged in August and have come down after a small surge earlier in the year. Unemployment insurance claims remain at historical lows and show no signs of a pickup in layoffs, which would be a leading signal of a pending recession.

Posted: October 5, 2023

Source: The National Retail Federation (NRF)

Down Care 101: How To Properly Wash Your Down Jacket, Duvet Or Sleeping Bag

MONTEBELLO, Calif. — October 5, 2023 — A clean down jacket, duvet, or sleeping bag will perform at its best and, with a few tips, it is actually very easy to wash your down product. Depending on usage, we recommend washing about once per year.

While we always suggest following the manufacturer’s recommended washing instructions, the following is generally the best way to wash your down product.

Step 0: What Not To Do

The three biggest mistakes people make when laundering down products are

  1. using harsh detergents;
  2. not drying completely; and
  3. overloading home washers/dryers with larger items such as duvets.

Avoiding these mistakes will help your down last longer and perform better.

Step 1: Use The Right Detergent

It is critical to start with a detergent specifically created for down products, such as ALLIED Feather + Down’s Down Wash. Once you have detergent in-hand, the following four steps will have your down jacket smelling fresh, lofting better, and looking like new.

Step 2: Pre-Rinse

If possible, pre-rinse products without detergent. This helps to saturate the items allowing the detergent to penetrate the fabrics more effectively and get to the down clusters to clean them thoroughly.

Step 3: Low Temp Wash

There is a greater likelihood that the fabrics will require a lower temperature than the down itself. This also saves energy when it is not needed.

Step 4: Additional Rinse

This will ensure that all detergent was completely rinsed out of the down and the product. Leaving residual detergent on the down may cause a reduction in fill power.

Step 5: Tumble Dry

Tumble dry on low temperature until completely dry with clean tennis balls or a clean shoe. If you think the item is dry, it is worth running one last dry cycle. Many people assume it is dry by the feel of the textile, but the down inside remains slightly damp. This may take several cycles. And if your product is insulated with ALLIED’s ExpeDRY down insulation, it will dry much faster than traditional down.

Also Worth Noting

It may be obvious, but do not bleach or iron your down filled products. We also generally recommend against dry cleaning, but if that is necessary because of certain trims on the item, it is recommended to use an eco-friendly dry cleaner who has experience with down filled products.

Posted: October 5, 2023

Source: ALLIED Feather + Down

KARL MAYER: HKS 3-M ON Represents The Cutting-Edge Digital Tricot Machine

OBERTSHAUSEN, Germany — October 5, 2023 — The HKS 3-M ON represents the cutting-edge digital tricot machine generation in KARL MAYER’s product portfolio. For ITMA 2023, the model was given an impressive all-round upgrade. The latest version of the HKS 3-M ON combines maximum machine performance with state-of-the-art technologies, thereby providing customers with answers to their challenges. They must focus on profitability despite rising costs, sustainability, being able to respond quickly and flexibly to the market dynamics, new business opportunities and stable value creation processes despite a shortage of skilled workers. Digitalisation particularly offers unique potential for increasing customer benefits.

“We are further developing the overall concept of our HKS 3-M ON. The focus is on digital solutions, for example with regard to patterning or product management, but also on mechanical optimizations and helpful Care Solution offers. We’re on the right track with our approach. Our customers simply loved the new possibilities,” was how Kay Hilbert, KARL MAYER’s Global Product Owner Tricot Machines, summed it up after the ITMA presentation. Rainer Müller, Vice President Sales of KARL MAYER’s Business Unit Warp Knitting, agrees: “For warp knitting professionals, the HKS 3-M ON was THE exhibition highlight.”

The latest innovations include a batching device that provides additional benefits, optimisations for working sequential patterns without speed losses, and energy-data monitoring — all presented in the form of prototypes. Further innovations simplify the handling and ensure a better product quality.

Ultra-speedy Multispeed: Advanced Feeding Control

The HKS 3-M ON is the fastest three-bar tricot machine with electronic pattern drive on the market. The new Advanced Feeding Control (AFC) system now also offers a number of revolutions per minute for sequential patterning that is higher than ever before.

The yarn feeding feature is connected to the cloud and works with the optimum yarn feeding data calculated there. This ensures a maximum machine performance even when producing complex patterns with a sequentially strongly fluctuating yarn consumption. At ITMA 2023, the audience watched in amazement as the prototype solution manufactured plisseé fabrics at an astounding 2,900 rpm. Yarn vibrations during abrupt run-in changes are also prevented. This is particularly helpful when processing sensitive yarns.

The product quality also benefits from an exact, even yarn feed. The warp knitted fabric finish looks exceptionally clean and tidy, especially at pattern change points.

The AFC system is scheduled to be available on the market from next year onwards, initially for the 210” HKS 3-M ON, and subsequently for other machine types and working widths.

Ready to save energy: Energy Data Ready

Energy consumption is now one of the most critical success factors for industrial companies. With its new Energy Data Ready option, KARL MAYER is offering the hardware that is necessary to determine and monitor the electricity consumption of its tricot machines. The respective technology is integrated into the switch cabinet.

After launching the ENERGY MONITORING SYSTEM software, customers can optimise their energy management on the basis of the potential highlighted by the values measured. The software reads the real-time energy data from the KM.ON cloud the machine is connected to, and analyses the results. The customer benefits from unique transparency. A dashboard shows the energy consumption of a machine per day, product and revolutions per minute, for example, as well as the carbon footprint and costs. Cost calculations and the identification of consumption figures make it possible to optimise the energy-efficiency of the production process. It can also issue repair and maintenance alerts. Higher consumption values may indicate machine wear and tear; accordingly, it is then possible to promptly take the necessary countermeasures.

Smooth handling with precision: reproducible sinker positioning

Following on from the development of the Spring Motion Assistant that makes it possible to unhook the guide bars in seconds, there is now another innovation that makes machine handling considerably easier: a new adjustment mimic for precise, user-friendly setting of the sinkers. This used to be a complicated process that called for experienced technicians and handling oily parts. Now, however, it can be carried out easily, comfortably and even in a business suit. Other advantages are a high level of reproducibility and precise settings.

The new feature is available for all models in the HKS 3-M ON family. It is scheduled to be gradually integrated into further machine types.

Additional benefit through process integration: the new batching device no. 55 X Rolling, fabric weighing and documenting – the new batching device no. 55 X can do all of this, and has been equipped with scales and a label printer for its various jobs.

The fabric weight is determined at the end of a batch in a single uninterrupted process, without having to carry and store the batches elsewhere, which takes time and effort. In addition, it is possible to create a label with the determined value and other useful data to minimise the risk of fabric rolls mix-ups and make the processes shorter. It can also include additional information such as the name of the company, product name, fabric length, machine, order number, date and information about the yarn. Further more detailed data can be shared via a QR code on the label, and/or integrated into KM.ON’s Digital Product Management system for example – provided the machine is connected to the KM.ON cloud. The solution is generally available with and without this connection.

The prototype was exhibited at ITMA 2023 and attracted a lot of enquiries. It is scheduled to be market-ready for a specific working width by the end of the year. In the medium term, the multifunctional batching device will be offered for all machine types with both an elastic and non-elastic product portfolio.

Lower costs and less environmental impact: direct drive with synchronous motor

For production processes that are sustainable yet also cost-efficient, the HKS 3-M ON has been equipped with an economical direct drive since its market launch. In contrast to the standard IE3 drive, the latest generation drive system works without a belt and tooth drive belt pulleys – parts that regularly wear out and therefore generate costs and have an environmental impact – and requires considerably less energy. It can lead to electricity savings of up to 8%. The HKS 4-M ON also features this energy-efficient drive technology, which will be rolled out to further models.

More light for fabric-quality monitoring: ICS with transmitted light set-up and a new background light

With its Integrated Camera System (ICS), the HKS 3-M ON ensures a consistently high fabric quality. The proven system has now been optimised with a transmitted light set-up and can thereby monitor the quality of a wider range of fabrics without any set-up changes than ever before. Thick as well as thin, smooth warp knitted fabrics can be monitored with one and the same set-up, i.e. without changing the position of the camera. This universal use has been made possible by integrating an additional high-output light source underneath the textile. The camera focuses on the textile from above. However, the conventional ICS with the camera installed underneath the textile is still recommended for extremely thick, heavy and dense fabrics.

For a closer inspection of the fabric directly on the machine, the textile is also backlit after the take-up – analogue to the principle of fabric inspection table. The backlit check improves quality observation and minimises the risk of defective fabric rolls. The innovative solution is available for the entire HKS 3-M ON range. It is scheduled to be continuously integrated into further model ranges at a later date.

Posted: October 5, 2023

Source: KARL MAYER GROUP

1...394395396...2,619Page 395 of 2,619

Sponsors

Breaking News

Load more

Digital Issue

2026 Quarterly Issue Number I

View Latest Digital Issue

FEATURED ARTICLES

© Copyright 2017 Textile Industries Media Group, LLC.