New Dates For ITMA ASIA + CITME 2022

SINGAPORE — October 12, 2022 — The show owners of ITMA ASIA + CITME 2022 announced today that the combined exhibition will be held November 19-23, 2023, at the National Exhibition and Convention Centre (NECC), Shanghai.

The new exhibition dates, according to CEMATEX and Chinese partners, the Sub-Council of the Textile Industry, CCPIT (CCPIT-Tex), China Textile Machinery Association (CTMA) and China Exhibition Centre Group Corporation (CIEC), has been selected to accommodate the textile machinery exhibition calendar and hall availability.

Exhibitors will be advised of the new exhibition time table and other details by the show organiser Beijing Textile Machinery International Exhibition Co., Ltd and co-organiser ITMA Services in the next few weeks.

For enquiries, please email itmaasiacitme@itma.com or visit www.itmaasia.com.

Posted: October 13, 2022

Source: CEMATEX, CCPIT-Tex, CTMA & CIEC

Oerlikon At The K 2022: Sustainable Solutions For The Entire Process Chain

REMSCHEID/DÜSSELDORF, Germany — October 13, 2022 — The Swiss Oerlikon Group’s Polymer Processing Solutions division will be presenting itself at the K 2022 under the banner of ‘Feel the Flow. Keep Control’. The leading international trade fair for the plastics industry is taking place in Düsseldorf, Germany, between October 19 and 26 this year, with around 200,000 visitors expected.

Oerlikon will be presenting a broad range of products and services focused on manufacturing and processing plastics. Innovative solutions and technologies concentrating on such topics as raw material preparation based on modern polycondensation and extrusion systems, the latest recycling technologies, efficient hot runner systems, innovative coating solutions, sustainable manufacturing processes for filtration applications and high-quality gear metering pumps. Oerlikon’s team of experts is very much looking forward to seeing you at Stand D10 in Hall 1.

Today, innovation no longer means producing ever faster and ever more, but also producing sustainably. The plastics industry is as aware of its responsibility with regards to sustainability as it is of the demands that end users and politicians place on their products. Correspondingly, the focus of the eight K 2022 trade fair days will be on topics such as reducing CO2 emissions, avoiding waste, energy efficiency and the continual expansion of the circular economy.

Climate neutrality, circular economy and digitalization – the focal topics of the K 2022

“We see our technology solutions as enablers of a better world”, states Georg Stausberg, CEO of the Oerlikon Polymer Processing Solutions division and CSO of the Oerlikon Group. “In the polymer processing industry, we have to come to a sustainable, closed circular economy for packaging materials and textiles, for example, while simultaneously intensively expanding the recycling of the materials used. With our current technologies and our future innovations, we support manufacturers along the entire process chain in achieving their own sustainability targets.”

With its technology brands and subsidiaries, the Swiss Oerlikon Group is a solutions provider for numerous applications and stages within the plastics industry. Oerlikon will be showcasing a broad portfolio of innovative products and services at the K 2022 in Düsseldorf.

From polycondensation, extrusion and pumps all the way through to hot runner systems

High-quality melt has a direct impact on the end product. It forms the basis for high-end bottle, film and fiber polyester. The efficient, high-quality Oerlikon Barmag Huitong Engineering continuous polycondensation systems produce homogeneous melt by means of a chemical reaction during which different monomers are joined together to create polymers. The benefits of having your own polycondensation system: non-reliance on external granulate manufacturers, offsetting of short-term raw material market price fluctuations and direct influence on the polymer quality. Topics that the Oerlikon polymer experts would like to discuss in person with visitors at the K 2022. These also include the new application possibilities for processing new, sustainable materials.

Stable manufacturing processes and less waste

“Longer service lives for components and tools increase efficiency in plastics-processing manufacturing. But they also provide for more stable processes and hence less waste”, explains André Wissenberg, Head of Marketing, Corporate Communications and Public Affairs at the Oerlikon Polymer Processing Solutions division. “And all our technology brands and the innovations being presented at the K 2022 have a clear focus on this these”.

Numerous exhibits and virtual experiences

On the occasion of the K 2022, Oerlikon Barmag will be showcasing exhibits including eccentric screw pumps for conveying highly-filled, high-viscosity and abrasive media. Furthermore, there will also be a spotlight on a new pump for conveying high-viscosity, shear-sensitive materials such as adhesives and silicones. Using virtual reality glasses, visitors will even be able to delve into the pumps themselves.

Innovative flow control equipment

Hot runner specialist Oerlikon HRSflow will be showcasing a comprehensive hot runner assortment that is tailored to small shot weights as well as its new Xp nozzle series for use in thin-wall injection molding. Both support the trend towards greater sustainability by helping to reduce energy and material consumption in plastics processing. Oerlikon FLEXflow hot runner technology applications and other progressive hot runner solutions specially developed for PCR materials and biopolymers will also be presented at the stands of several partner companies (see below).

Coating solutions for plastic components and tools

A further Oerlikon Surface Solutions division technology brand will also be attending the K 2022, with Oerlikon Balzers presenting BALINIT MOLDENA, a new coating for the injection molding process, and the extrusion of filled polymers with outstanding abrasion and corrosion resistance. This coating is the optimum solution for processing new and recyclable plastics, for improving energy efficiency and for reducing the consumption of resources. A current application is the fully-electric BMW iXe SUV, which utilizes ePD™ technology (embedded PVD for Design parts) from Oerlikon Balzers – a future-oriented, environmentally-friendly coating process for high-quality, metallic-looking surfaces on plastic parts with intelligent functionalities. Here, Oerlikon Balzers will also be providing information on INUBIA I (Integrated) – the fully-integrated, automated solution for large-scale plastic metallization. The INUBIA I 6 and I 15 are fully-automated, user-friendly systems for applying ePD™-based coatings. The integrated systems, developed in their entirety by Oerlikon Balzers, permit high-volume mass production as demanded by the automobile industry.

Technologies for manufacturing nonwovens and sustainable filtration applications

The Oerlikon Nonwoven meltblown process can be used to manufacture nonwovens made from classical virgin elastomer-based and bio-based raw materials, including PLA and TPU products with recycled content. With its hycuTEC hydro-charging solution, Oerlikon Nonwoven will also be presenting its new technology for charging nonwovens, which increases filter efficiency to more than 99.99% with simultaneous material savings of up to 30%. hycuTEC enables considerably lower water and energy consumption, as this system allows an additional drying process to be dispensed with in the case of many applications.

State-of-the-art systems for recycling plastics

Oerlikon’s joint venture company BBEngineering has been looking at the topic of recycling for many years now and has made it the focus of its presence at the Düsseldorf trade fair this year. In addition to extruders, filters and mixers, BBEngineering offers the VacuFil® – a complete system that enables innovative, unique PET LSP recycling. VacuFil® unites gentle large-scale filtration and targeted IV regulation for consistently-excellent rPET melt quality. The modular system can be used for various recycling applications.

Diverse accompanying program: presentation series and open-house event

In addition to product and technology innovations, Oerlikon will be offering a diverse accompanying program at the K 2022:

  • Visitors to the stand will be shown the company’s total solutions offering in an audiovisual 4D experience: in a 15-minute simulator flight, attendees – by invitation – will be taken on an exciting journey into the future of a sustainable circular economy with technology solutions from the Oerlikon Group.
  • Thanks to the trade fair’s close proximity to the Oerlikon Barmag site in Remscheid, existing and potential customers will also be offered an insight into the world’s largest manmade fiber R&D Center. They can watch how PET waste is processed into high-quality recycled yarn at the BBEngineering Recycling Technology Center. There will be an open-house event running parallel to the trade fair over four days (October 20, 21, 24 and 25, 2022), which will be by invitation only.
  • And there will be numerous presentations on current topics taking place daily at the Oerlikon trade fair stand D10 in Hall 1: these include a report from Oerlikon HRSflow, ENGEL and Borealis on a joint project for a digital process twin project. The current program can be seen in Düsseldorf and online: https://www.oerlikon.com/polymer-processing/en/#!/clp/polymer-processing/en/custom-landing-pages/sustainable-solutions-along-the-value-chain/.
  • Furthermore, Oerlikon technology will also be showcased at the stands of numerous partners throughout the trade fairs grounds:
    • ENGEL (Hall 15, Stand C58, door cladding and smart back panel)
    • Tederic (Hall 15, Stand D40, 2K high-gloss B pillar)
    • Arburg (Hall 13 / Stand A13-B13, multi-component tool box made from PC+ABS and RECOPOUND® – the PET-based recycled material from Leonard Kurz)
    • Haitian (Hall 15, Stand A57, fruit crate made from PE plus Tetra Pak recycled shredded flakes)
    • Wittmann-Battenfeld (Hall 15, Stand C06, 3K coffee cups)
    • Billion (Hall 15, Stand B24, gardening tools)
    • Netstal (Hall 15, Stand D24, thin-wall R-PP cups).

Visiting the K 2022, and the Oerlikon trade fair stand D10 in Hall 1 in particular, is well worthwhile.

Posted: October 13, 2022

Source: Oerlikon Polymer Processing Solutions division

Brenntag Expands Innovation & Technology Center, Industrial & Institutional Cleaning In Barcelona

ESSEN, Germany — October 13, 2022 — Brenntag has expanded its Innovation & Technology Center Household, Industrial & Institutional Cleaning (HI&I) located within the Barcelona University Campus, offering lab services to Brenntag’s business partners throughout Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA).

The lab is equipped with state-of-the-art technology allowing performance tests of a wide range of products as well as the formulation development of cleaning products using specific design tools to achieve the best results.

“Our job is focused on new concepts and ideas for all categories of cleaning formulations from reducing the raw material costs to improving the performance of the products,” said Patricia López, head of Innovation & Technology HI&I EMEA at Brenntag, who oversees the new facility with her team.

Clients will be able to react faster and better to rapidly changing market trends and demands that come with increasing technical and regulatory requirements. Products can also be adapted to consumers’ sensitivity about the sustainability of the detergent that they use.

Franz Fischer, director Industry Market HI&I EMEA at Brenntag, said: “With our Functional Solutions we offer more than just a product. We add value by developing new product formulations for and together with customers using the broad range of specialty ingredients in our product portfolio. Customers appreciate that Brenntag can speed up the process for new product launches by having access to an application lab and experienced technical staff in close proximity to their markets.”

Posted: October 13, 2022

Source: Brenntag

Yiqi Yang Receives The 2021 AATCC Olney Medal For Outstanding Achievement In Textile Science

Yang

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. — October 12, 2022 — Yiqi Yang is the 2021 recipient of the American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists (AATCC) Olney Medal for outstanding achievement in textile science. Yang is being recognized for his work on the research and development of sustainable, greener textiles. He received the medal from friend and previous Olney recipient Gang Sun at the AATCC Textile Discovery Summit in Charlotte, N.C.

Yang’s contributions to textile science include the development of new biobased fibers and textile chemicals from agricultural wastes and co-products, and cleaner productions in coloration and finishing. His pioneering research on new biofibers such as 100-percent protein fibers from poultry feathers, and stereo-complexed PLA fiber with excellent resistance to hydrolysis during high temperature textile processes are examples of his work.

A prolific researcher, Yang spent his career in the Midwest, working with farming communities to take what would be considered unusable waste and transforming it into a clean, sustainable, usable product. Take, for instance, chicken feathers — Yang, along with his collaborators, found a way to transform this large waste product into textile fibers that can be incorporated into fabrics. Yang and his team were able to perform cross-linking using saccharide aldehydes. By modifying the molecular structure and concentration of these aldehydes, they created keratin fibers that were found to be stronger than any other keratin-based fibers. Not only do the keratin fibers from feathers show great promise in holding their strength in fabric when immersed in water or when dry, they also “have excellent dyeability and colorfastness with acid dyes.”1

Yang’s research has also uncovered a way to create plastics that are biodegradable through plant-based alternatives found in the textiles and materials industry. Yang and his lab began to collaborate with researchers from Jiangnan University in China in the early 2000s on this concept. Through their research, they discovered that polylactic acid or polylactide, found in cornstarch and other plants, is a more environmentally friendly alternative to petroleum-based plastics. By heating the plastic with polylactide to a higher degree and allowing it to cool slowly, the researchers learned that the plastic was more durable in hot or cold temperatures, making it more suitable for the textile and materials industry.2

Throughout his career, Yang has worked with his students and collaborators to find ways to create a more “sustainable and environmentally responsible textile industry.” His research in agricultural products and co-products have had far-reaching impacts locally, nationally, and internationally

Career

Yang earned an MS in Textile Chemical Engineering from China Textile University (Donghua University) in 1984, and a PhD in Textile Science from Purdue University in 1991. Soon after receiving his PhD, he began his career as an assistant professor at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. After four years, he joined the Institute of Textile Technology (ITT) as an associate professor. Two years later, he joined Monsanto and worked for one year as a senior research specialist before going back to ITT in 1997. He progressed at ITT to professor and director in the Department of Chemical, Energy, and Environment before moving to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in 2001, where he continues his research as the Distinguished Charles Bessey Professor in the Department of Textiles, Merchandising, and Fashion Design and the Department of Biological Systems Engineering.

Achievements and Awards

Yang has written 285 refereed journal articles and numerous refereed conference and proceeding papers. He authored one book, edited two books, and wrote numerous book chapters. He has eight patents and several patent applications. He has over 190 national and international news interviews and media reports.

Education Awards

In 2018, Yang was recognized with the “Fashion Impact Award” as Educator of the Year from the Fashion Institute Midwest. In 2017, Yang received a Certificate of Recognition for Contributions to Students. This award was organized by the Division of Student Affairs and co-hosted by the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Parents Association and the University Teaching Council. Students and parents nominated teachers who had “made a significant contribution to [students’] lives while at the university.” In 2007, Yang was recognized with the Faculty Student Mentoring Award of the College of Education and Human Science.

Research Awards

In 2011, Yang received the Research Award from Gamma Sigma Delta (The Honor Society of Agriculture) Nebraska Chapter. Yang was recognized with the Charles Bessey University Distinguished Professorship in 2007; it has been renewed in 2012, 2017, and 2021.

In 2007, Yang was also recognized with the “Big 12 Rising Star Award” that is presented by the Big 12 Center for Economic Development, Innovation, and Commercialization (CEDIC) at the Big 12 CEDIC Innovation and Capital Formation Conference held in Kansan City, MO, USA. Only one faculty member of each of the Big 12 Universities was awarded this honor.

AATCC Service

A member of AATCC since 1990, Yang chairs the AATCC Foundation Student Research Support Grant Program and Review Board and has handled this annual program since 2005. He also has served as the faculty advisor of the AATCC Student Chapter at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln since 2003.

Yang served as a member of the following AATCC committees: Publications (2017-2021); Henry E. Millson Award for Invention Committee (2013-2019); AJOR e-journal task force committee and Associate Editor (2013); Chemical Applications Interest Group At-Large Member (2011-2012); member of the AATCC Board of Directors (2010-2012); judge of the Herman and Myrtle Goldstein Student Paper Competition for the AATCC International Conference and Exhibition (2004); AATCC Education Advisory Board (2003)

Locally, Yang was active in the AATCC Midwest Section, serving as Secretary (2003-2004), Vice Chair (2004-2005) and Chair (2005-2011).

The Olney Medal

Established in 1944 in honor of Louis Atwell Olney, the founder and first president of AATCC, the Olney Medal Award recognizes outstanding achievement in textile or polymer chemistry or other fields of chemistry of major importance to textile science. The award consists of a gold medal, a scroll, and an honorarium.

Presentation of the Medal each year is a highlight of AATCC Textile Discovery Summit. This year, the Summit was held October 4-6 in Charlotte, NC, USA. Yang also delivered the traditional Olney Medal Address at the Summit. The title of his talk was “A Small Step Towards a More Sustainable, Responsible, and Profitable Textile Industry.”

1 Schrage, Scott, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, “Process Improves Strength, Fiber of Color-Based Fibers,” 12 January 2022, phys.org/news/2022-01-strength-feather-based-fibers.html.

2 University of Nebraska-Lincoln, “Mass Production of Biodegradable Plastic,” ScienceDaily, 31 August 2017. www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2017/08/170831091454.htm.

Posted: October 13, 2022

Source: AATCC

Mimaki Announces A 3-Liter Maximum Capacity Ink Supply Option

SUWANEE, Ga. — October 12, 2022 — Mimaki USA, a manufacturer of wide-format inkjet printers and cutters, announces a 3-liter External Ink Supply Option complementing its JFX600-2513, a large-format flatbed UV inkjet printer. Global sales of this new optional item are scheduled to begin in January 2023.

This new 3-liter External Ink Supply Option increases the ink tank capacity of the JFX600-2513 to a maximum of 3 liters per color while allowing for the 3-liter tanks to be replenished from 1-liter ink bottles.

The 3-liter ink tank capacity reduces the frequency of refilling inks, resulting in improved work efficiency. In addition, this new option enables ink replenishment even during printing processes, further reducing printer downtime, allowing for longer operating time, and improved productivity.

Automatic white ink agitation functionality is integrated into the 3-liter External Ink Supply Option, eliminating the need for manual mixing, and reducing operator workload. Weight sensors are incorporated as well to detect the weight of remaining inks, enabling a more accurate determination of ink levels.

Mimaki’s JFX600-2513 printers take advantage of the proprietary Mimaki “MDL commands,” allowing customers to control printers from production systems or peripheral devices. The MDL command enables unmanned, labor-saving, automated operation of respective printing processes, such as the transport of print media. In collaboration with this newly announced 3-liter External Ink Supply Option, the MDL command is designed to support extensive continuous automated printing sessions.

The 3-liter External Ink Supply Option is scheduled to be exhibited at both Viscom Italia 2022, in Milan, Italy, from October 13 to 15 and at PRINTING United Expo, in Las Vegas, from October 19 to 21.

With “Newness and Difference” as our management vision, Mimaki Engineering will continue to constantly pursue new technological innovations and realize the “beauty and speed” that our customers demand.

Large-format Flatbed UV Inkjet Printer JFX600-2513

Mimaki’s JFX600-2513 is a large-format flatbed UV inkjet printer incorporating 16 print heads designed for highly efficient printing and high productivity. The maximum output size of the printer is 98.425” x 51.181 x 2.362”, corresponding to 4X8 sheets (48.03” X 96.06”) often used in signboard production. Enabling direct printing on media, the printer can process various mediums, including acrylic, glass, metal, and large-format signboards. The printer can accommodate material up to 2.362” in thickness for direct printing and features 2.5D printing (multiple applications of ink) consisting of layer-upon-layer UV ink print, creating a texture on the printed surface for use in higher value-added printing applications.

The JFX600-2513 has a broad range of applications including sign graphics, such as large indoor/outdoor signboards and advertisements for architectural applications.

Posted: October 13, 2022

Source: Mimaki USA

Ultrafabrics Removes PFAS/PFOA’s In Most Of Its Collections, Achieves High Rating From Mindclick

TARRYTOWN, N.J. — October 12, 2022 — Ultrafabrics  a global supplier of performance fabric across 11 markets, is continuing to break ground on its sustainability journey, by announcing it has removed PFAS/PFOA’s from the bulk of its textile offerings. As well, Ultrafabrics products were awarded ‘achiever’ status from MindClick’s Sustainability Assessment Program, a groundbreaking database of environmental health performance ratings of suppliers and products in architecture and design.

Ultrafabrics promotes safer chemistry in its sustainability journey

Safer chemistry is vitally important to the future of the textiles industry. The use of harmful chemicals in manufacturing can cause safety and health concerns for both humans and the environment.

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, better known as PFAS, are synthetic chemical compounds typically used for water and stain resistance. Studies have recently linked PFAS, which includes compounds like PFOA and PFOS, with a range of harmful effects on both human and environmental health. Many states and countries, including Japan, Ultrafabrics’ manufacturing headquarters, have adopted a ban on PFOA following the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs).

Evolving with people and planet in mind, Ultrafabrics began transitioning away from PFOA over two years ago, ultimately removing it from all Breathable Technology styles, which includes Brisa, Brisa Distressed, Brisa Frontier, Brisa Forecast, and Fresco. The removal of PFOA also allows for most of these styles to now comply with Health Care Without Harms Healthy Interiors Safer Chemical Challenge.

Majority of the Ultrafabrics portfolio is PFAS/PFOA-free

Most Ultrafabrics collections do not contain any type of PFAS compound, with the exceptions being Ultraleather Pro, Reef Pro, and select custom collections. These Ink & Stain Resistant collections contain PFAS, but Ultrafabrics is already working on next-generation innovation to deliver better materials for manufacturers and end-users alike. The brand proudly creates fabrics that are safe for all and will continue to seek out viable alternatives that maintain our high standards while minimizing the use of harmful substances, as they become available.

What is Mindclick?

Mindclick is a resource for architects, designers and specifiers to quickly assess the sustainability credentials of brands and their offering in the marketplace. It provides an Environmental Health Index that meets the demand for product transparency critical to the sustainable journey of any project.

Ultrafabrics is thrilled to announce that its complete library is included by MindClick at the Achiever Level! Design for Health™. The MindClick Sustainability Assessment Program (MSAP) measures all aspects of its Environment, Social and Governance strategy from materials, chemicals, packaging, health, and end-of-use to determine a brand’s ranking.

Nicole Meier, director of Branding at Ultrafabrics, describes this milestone: “In the spirit ofan authentic and honest sustainability journey, we are pleased to share our exciting updatesabout our portfolio and PFAS/PFOA, as well as recently receiving the Achiever Rating in MindClick’s Sustainability Assessment Program. We want to empower our partners with thebest products and information to make their design process successful.”

Posted: October 13, 2022

Source: Ultrafabrics

Knitting, Dyeing And Finishing Specialist Dolinschek Alert To The Diversity Of Textiles With Monforts

The new seven chamber Montex TwinAir stenter range with Montex®Coat coating at the plant.

MÖNCHENGLADBACH, Germany — October 12, 2022 — The identification of profitable new niche markets has been central to the success and continuous expansion of Germany’s Dolinschek, a knitting, dyeing and finishing specialist located in Burladingen in Baden-Württemberg.

“There is so much more to textiles than just clothing,” said Theo Dolinschek, who runs the company with his brother Erwin. “We handle many different technical materials such as automotive components, geotextiles and wallcoverings, but also those for more unusual applications such as inlays for extractor hoods, cut protection fabrics and even wool felts which are employed as insulation on wind turbines.

“We have also recently started to produce compression stockings in a variety of colours, because not everyone wants them black, beige or skin coloured. The most important product areas for us now are in sportswear, corsetry and lingerie, as well as orthopedic and medical products, workwear and protective clothing, but in addition, many other technical applications. It’s very necessary to keep thinking ahead and recognise the full diversity of the textile sector.”

Historic location

The Dolinschek brothers moved their business to the historic site of the former Ambrosius Heim textile company in Burladingen in 2001 in order to expand. At the time, the company — founded by their father in 1980 as a textile wholesaler before moving into dyeing — employed just 13 people. Within a year, the company had bought additional space at the site.

Now, with Theo in charge of technology and sales, and Erwin responsible for production, the company employs almost 100 people and operates on an integrated site of 35,000 square metres.

In 2005, a laminating department was established by the company and since 2012 investment in knitting machines has been ongoing.

“The further we went into vertical integration, the more of our own products we were able to position on the market and so we were also able to make ourselves more independent,” Theo said. “We have continued to develop and today we can produce high-quality fabrics for many fields, with 42 knitting machines, 36 dyeing machines, three stenter frames and many other production and processing machines.”

Theo Dolinschek: “It’s very necessary to keep thinking ahead and recognize the full diversity of the textile sector.”

Proprietary technology

Dolinschek has also developed its own proprietary TMG dyeing machines which have subsequently been successfully sold to many other companies all over the world. There are currently 11 of these machines in operation at the Burladingen site and around 45 installed at other companies.

“There are many general techniques for finishing textile fabrics but it is necessary to constantly look for other ways and solutions,” Theo said. “We do this all the time, if only to save time, energy and other resources.”

For finishing technology, however, the company relies on Monforts, and has installed a new seven chamber Montex TwinAir stenter range with a Montex®Coat coating unit in knife execution, enabling the coating of dimensionally stable knitted fabrics with polyurethane or acrylate. Another unique feature is the Teflon-coated (non-stick) transportation belt through the system.

The Montex line is also equipped with integrated heat recovery and exhaust gas purification to ensure the most resource-efficient processing available on the market. The exhaust air goes from the Monforts heat recovery system into an existing air/water heat recovery system and then into an electrostatic precipitator.

Highly-intuitive Monforts Qualitex visualization software allows all machine functions and process parameters to be assessed and controlled easily, and thousands of article specific settings and formulations to be called up at any time — with 100-percent reproducible results.

“The system was installed quickly and the well-engineered technology was soon put into operation,” Theo says. “We enjoyed a very good cooperation with Monforts from the planning stage and especially during the commissioning. We have also just put a new Erbatech open-width washing machine into operation to round off our new in-house technology and we are constantly involved in staff training and development and the improvement of our products, as well as currently with the stabilization and safeguarding of all processes.”

Posted: October 13, 2022

Source: A. Monforts Textilmaschinen GmbH & Co. KG

Teijin To Deploy Power Cogeneration Facility At Matsuyama Plant

TOKYO — October 12, 2022 — Teijin Ltd. announced today that it will convert the in-house fossil fuel-based power generation facilities currently in use at its Matsuyama plant to a cogeneration system running on city gas. Cogeneration systems supply both electricity and heat on premise, and their high energy efficiency result in significant reductions in carbon dioxide emissions.

The Teijin Group has established the long-term goal of achieving net-zero emissions across its own sites by fiscal 2050. Specific targets include reducing internal CO2 emissions by 30 percent of fiscal 2018 levels by fiscal 2030. Allowing for future business growth, this requires the company to reduce its annual CO2 emissions by approximately 600,000 tons per year; the introduction of this gas-based cogeneration system in its Matsuyama plant is expected to achieve around 30% of this reduction. The gas will be replaced with carbon-neutral energy supplies in the future, further reducing the plant’s environmental footprint.

In January 2021, Teijin introduced internal carbon pricing (ICP) to determine the economic efficiency of investments in new facilities. The company based its decision to make this particular investment on forecasted cost reductions of EUR 50 per ton of CO2 emissions. The total investment is expected to be over JPY 10 billion, including the replacement of existing aging power receiving and distribution equipment, and the generating capacity of the new power plant is expected to be approximately 30,000 kW.

The new power generation facility in the Matsuyama plant will become fully operational in fiscal 2025, in line with Teijin’s objective of becoming the first Japanese chemical fiber manufacturer to realize complete decarbonization of its power generation globally. Going forward, the Teijin Group will continue its adoption of renewable energy supplies and steadily enhance energy efficiency and energy conservation in each of its business domains, with the aim of achieving its respective emission reduction targets by fiscal 2030 and 2050.

Teijin is a people-focused company that develops innovative solutions to enhance the quality of life, and we also work to minimize any negative impact of our business activities on the environment or society.

Posted: October 13, 2022

Source: Teijin Limited

Zero-Tolerance Contamination Control

Uster solution gives nonwovens producers total confidence in demanding applications

TW Special Report

Drylaid nonwovens producers operate to the most stringent quality levels – with zero-tolerance standards for defects bigger than 1 millimeter. In this nonwovens segment, end-product quality depends absolutely on the efficiency of contamination sorting, early in the process. Uster’s exclusive solution ensures best-possible initial inspection and removal of contamination.

Nonwovens applications such as medical, hygiene and cosmetics demand two non-negotiable rules: zero-tolerance and reliability. Contamination control is the supreme discipline in producing nonwovens for sensitive applications. The Uster contamination sorter masters this essential job with ease and security. It ensures customer satisfaction and a perfect experience for the final consumer – whether the end-product is made of natural or synthetic fibers.

Natural and pure                          

Bio-cotton is a trend growing from the sustainability movement. Customers are willing to pay higher prices for ‘all natural’ products. It’s a promising business scenario, but a tricky one! Bales of cotton typically contain various kinds of contamination — none of which should get into the final product, and ideally should be removed at the earliest stage of production.

Eliminating contamination during fiber preparation — and before the contaminants are shredded into smaller particles by the further processes — absolutely improves the quality of the raw material and reduces waste. The Uster Jossi Vision Shield N contamination sorter ensures the best possible detection and removal of contamination, right after the fiber opener.

Conventional camera-based systems cannot match the performance of the top-level spectroscope technology from Uster. The high-end Imaging Spectroscopes in Jossi Vision Shield N are backed by over 20 years’ experience. These spectroscopes can find contamination even within the ‘invisible’ range of IR and UV light.

The same expertise also works with bleached cotton. Fragments of contamination in light pastel colors and white are also no problem. The ‘Quick Teach’ feature automatically learns the correct color of each new raw material, to prevent false ejections when material lots are changed.

Synthetic and clean

Nonwovens producers expect high quality and no contamination when purchasing synthetic fibers. Control is the only secure method when operating a business in highly sensitive applications such as medical textiles. Durable or non-durable, the product must be super clean. Contamination is not acceptable, and snow-white color generally a must. Producers have the security they need with Uster Jossi Vision Shield N. Detection of tiniest contamination fragments, even in light pastel colors and whites is not a problem.

Slim and powerful

Uster Jossi Vision Shield N is the result of surveys, close collaboration with international nonwovens companies and countless hours of field tests. Installation is easy, since the fiber cleaner’s slim design fits perfectly into existing lines. The system readily copes with the pace of standard production environments — up to a capacity of 2,000 kg per hour. Stainless steel inserts, in areas which come into contact with the fibers, guarantee unmatched durability.

The future-oriented graphical user interface gives a quick overview of running performance in real time, on a large high-resolution touchscreen, showing the most relevant data at a glance. User-friendly, quick and intuitive navigation makes data handling easy.

No fault, no risk

Managing quality with Uster Jossi Vision Shield N at the fiber preparation stage gives manufacturers the total confidence that only contamination-controlled products are delivered. The paramount need is to prevent defects from the production processes reaching the end-product — and the Uster system simply does that.

Uster Technologies has built experience and technological know-how over nearly three decades of fiber cleaning in spinning. Contamination is unwelcome in yarn, just as it is in nonwovens! Worldwide, 5,000 installations of Jossi Vision Shield fiber cleaning systems in spinning mills underline Uster’s success.

October 13, 2022

Users Care About Assistive Devices’ Look, Feel And Smell

An adjustable wrist brace. Source: http://sabies.eu/0/Wrist_brace.jpg

By Laura Oleniacz

A new study by North Carolina State University researchers found that people often considered the look, texture and, occasionally, the smell of two assistive devices — compression gloves and a knee brace — in online reviews of the products.

The findings detail key aesthetic characteristics that users care about as well as the language they’re using to describe them — factors that could be important for manufacturers to consider in product development.

“Aesthetics of assistive devices are often not taken into account despite the fact that research shows one reason for abandonment is that users feel embarrassed or stigmatized by their devices,” said the study’s lead author Kate Nartker, assistant professor of textile and apparel technology and management. “There’s also an assumption that users want to conceal their devices, but increasingly some want to express themselves, and need more opportunities for creativity and self-expression.”

In the study, researchers analyzed online reviews of assistive devices on Amazon.com to look for descriptors of the visual aesthetics of the products, such as their color, appearance, style, feel, smell and sound. They analyzed 1,000 reviews of a knee brace posted between Aug. 10, 2019, and March 18, 2021, and 1,082 reviews of compression gloves posted between Dec. 27, 2017, and March 31, 2021.

They found users did comment on the aesthetic qualities of their devices, and most commonly made comments about their visual qualities.

One of the most common words that people used in reference to visual aesthetics was “color,” which occurred 92 times. Some reviewers praised sellers for offering a variety of color options, while others requested more neutral colors, as well as colors not currently available including beige, dark brown, or grey.

“Some users complained about there not being a broader range of browns,” Nartker said. “It’s only recently we’re starting to see different shades of skin color in medical products like Band-Aids. Our findings align with this and suggest that there is a need for more skin tone colors if people want to conceal their devices. Color was also the one aesthetic option for each device, and users appreciated having multiple colors to choose from. I imagine if the device were offered in different patterns or textures, maybe that would have come up more.”

The researchers also noted that some consumers commented on their devices’ style, using that term 18 times, while the word “look” was used 144 times. Commonly, the word “look” was used to praise devices when they looked stylish and not “medical.”  Users liked it when products aligned with fashion trends.

“We had consumers who were excited that they felt the product was not read as a device from others — that the gloves looked like normal gloves and used materials they were familiar with, so they could wear them conspicuously,” Nartker said. “Devices are made to be functional, so they’re often made with industrial materials that might stick out. But consumers responded when they used recognizable materials.”

The word “smell” occurred 18 times in online reviews, primarily in a negative context. Six customers said they found a disturbing smell when they opened the product packaging, which researchers said could be an indicator to designers and developers to allow for off-gassing when packaging materials. Users also responded when the device felt rough, scratchy, soft or stretchy.

“When you’re looking at tactile characteristics, it’s hard to distinguish between aesthetics and functionality,” Nartker said. “Some had a sensation of it slipping — that could also be considered a functionality issue. In terms of smell, some people noticed body odor or off-gassing when you open the product — smell is something designers often don’t take into account.”

In future work, researchers plan to dig deeper into different demographics to find out what it is about the appearance, sound, smell or texture that appeal to product users, or not.

“This study gave us insight into how people talk about aesthetics; the language and terms are different from what is used in the field of design,” Nartker said. “It also told us that visual aesthetics was the most common feature people were concerned with, but users were also interested in texture and smell as well. Overall, this supports the argument that aesthetics need to be a bigger piece in the development of assistive devices.”

The study, “Consumer perceptions and concerns regarding aesthetic attributes of textile-based assistive devices: A qualitative analysis of online retail product reviews,” was published online in the Research Journal of Textile and Apparel. The study was supported by the Wilson College of Textiles Research Opportunity Seed Fund.

Editor’s Note: Laura Oleniacz is Public Communications Specialist at NC State News Services.

October 13, 2022

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