By Jürg Rupp, Executive Editor

The first Rupp Report of this year was titled “2015 – A Busy Year.” If we take a look back one can say, indeed it was a quite busy year. As China always plays a major role in the game of the global economy, the Chinese Lunar year was also mentioned. It was, and still is, the year of the sheep. “Sheep are said to be friendly, calm and moral people,” reported The Rupp Report. “Sheep years are traditionally years without major ups and downs.” However, it wasn’t always a harmonious year. Though, some positive results were achieved.

Examples of some concerns in 2015 include the crisis and the worries about the future of Greece and the crash in oil prices. Greece succeeded, but with a lot of pain for its people. On the other hand, oil prices are still down and continue to shake the global economy. The Rupp Report thinks that this situation will not change that much in the near future.

Techtextil

One of the highlights for this year was certainly Techtextil in Frankfurt. From May 4-7, 2015, the biggest Techtextil of all time took place. The event recorded some 42,000 visitors from 116 countries. Techtextil showed with its 1,389 exhibitors an increase of 4.4 percent over the previous event. It was an event “close to the perfect exhibition” as the Rupp Report mentioned.

The most important point of Techtextil was the fact that — finally — the machinery industry has awakened. Hall 3.0 was somewhat a mini ITMA with so many companies that play a major role in the technical textiles and nonwovens segment; and all participants were more than satisfied with their participation. Peter D. Dornier said: “if you want to build new markets, you have to find the right machinery manufacturer.” Technical textiles as well as nonwovens will certainly increase their importance too in the year 2016, and Techtextil will probably bigger next time in 2017.

ITMA 2015

Then, the most important event held every four years arrived. For the first time in its history, ITMA took place in November because of the World Expo schedule. Despite rumors about the current value of an ITMA Europe, the floor space for the show was sold out. Of particular interest at ITMA was sustainability, or more precisely water and energy savings. Every supplier that showed new equipment that consumes less power, less water or produces at a faster speed was very happy with the feedback from visitors.

The recent Rupp Report, “Who Owns And Leads ITMA?,” received some feedback. The Rupp Report asked “How many exhibitions are needed for the global textile machinery industry?” To clarify the situation, questions were asked at the press conference at ITMA Europe. No answer to the questions. Then some 15 top suppliers from around the world were asked if they liked that ITMA Asia is held every two years instead of the four year rhythm of the two firsts shows? Everybody said “no.”

This report provoked some unanimous feedback from the industry.

Busy Year

Nevertheless, let’s look at 2016, which will be quite a busy year. There are many events to come, beginning with Heimtextil, Colombiatex, maybe the Inlegmash in Russia, and certainly Techtextil North America in Atlanta, as well as IDEA, the nonwovens show in Boston. If Turkey is an important market, and for many companies it is, one should go to ITM in Istanbul. There are many more important shows for the industry next year, but one focus will be ITMA Asia in Shanghai, to be held October 21-25, 2016, as well as the India ITME to be held December 3-8, 2016.

In 2016, some economic and environmental problems are desperately waiting to be solved. The World Trade Organization agreement risks to be ignored and abandoned, and the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) is another big question mark.

Think Global, Think Sustainable

Currently, if one takes a look at modern Beijing everybody knows it is high noon for our grandchildren and the planet. But there may be some light at the end of the tunnel. At a symposium on the 13th Five-Year Plan from 2106-2020, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang mentioned the new growth concept that highlights innovation, coordinated and green development, opening up and inclusiveness. He said: “The formulation of the plan should be based on global and domestic economic conditions to strike a balance between growth and restructuring. More should be done to address industrial overcapacity, the aging population, fragile social security system, and insufficient public services.”

Structural reforms at both supply and demand ends should be continued. The government will also seek to expand effective investment, upgrade consumption and pushing new types of urbanization. “The five-year plan should focus on growth quality and efficiency to increase innovation’s contribution to economic expansion,” Li added. The symposium at the National Development and Reform Commission was attended by analysts and economists from China and abroad. What a signal! For the first time, the State Council invited foreign experts to offer advice for a five-year plan.

Not only is China a big polluter of the world — the United States and India, as well as countries with coal-burning power plants such as Germany, should not only have nice gatherings in Paris, but also do their homework.

With the outcome of ITMA in Milan, the future for the textile industry looks promising. Some suppliers already have delivery times in the second half of 2016.

Thank You All

To close this year of The Rupp Report, I’d like to thank indeed all the readers around the globe for feedback, by email or by personal meeting somewhere in this world. Also the whole staff of Textile World, Textiles Panamericanos and Textile World Asia wishes readers a happy, successful, and most of all, healthy New Year. Thank you very much indeed for all signs of appreciation in the past year. We’ll see you around, cheers.

December 15, 2015

By Jürg Rupp, Executive Editor

Every year, the international textile events calendar begins in Frankfurt, Germany. There is no doubt: For decades, Heimtextil, organized by Messe Frankfurt, is by far the largest international trade fair for home and contract textiles for manufacturers, retailers and designers. It always takes place in January, this year from January 12-15, 2016. However, this year, there is a change in the schedule. For the first time, the fair will start on a Tuesday and run until Friday.

Successful 2015

For many years, the sector of home textiles is a secure and steady business segment of the global textile manufacturers who are involved in these products. This was confirmed last year with another increase of some 3 percent in the number of visitors. Heimtextil in 2015 was a success. The 2,759 exhibitors from 68 countries welcomed some 68,000 trade visitors from all over the world. According to Messe Frankfurt, the exhibitors were very pleased with the orders placed by the visiting buyers.

Successful 2016?

Also for 2016 the organizers report a significant growth in exhibitor numbers despite the current economic issues around the globe. For Messe Frankfurt, “This is a clear indication that Heimtextil remains the most important platform in its sector in 2016 and that the themes are very much in line with the sector’s current preoccupations.” The show will assemble more than 2,700 exhibitors, and the range of products covers the world’s largest international selection of contract textiles for the hotel trade, architectural use and interior design.

Contract Business

Still the most important part of this sector is the contract business with its particular requirements in terms of soil release, washability, durability and flame resistance and other properties. More than 350 of the Heimtextil exhibitors will be presenting their portfolios under the Contract Creations label.

The range of contract products and services covers a large number of materials and suppliers of all qualities and all pricing levels. One of the advantages for the visitors is the fact that potential and experienced partners are present to support new ideas and projects. Guided tours at the fair and a lecture program specially dedicated to hoteliers and architects will provide more valuable input.

Special Program For Hotels And Architecture

On top of that, in the inspiring showcase for trends — the so-called “Theme Park” in hall 6.0, where visitors can see a broad overview of current and future trends — is second to none in interior design around the world. Visitors can also see and take a glimpse into the future of Hospitality as well as stimulating showcases.

As a meeting place for architects and hoteliers, the “Salon Interior” in Foyer 4.0 provides an inviting venue. It offers a comfortable atmosphere and a meeting point for trend scouts, as well as for the guided tours for architects and hoteliers and it is where attendees of the lecture program can find out about the subjects to be covered by the speakers.

Clear Sections

The huge range of products at Heimtextil is subdivided into clearly identifiable sections. Contract logos at the booths indicate that the exhibitor carries a range of contract textiles and/or solutions for furnishing hotels, restaurants and other commercial or public spaces. The Contract Guide offers lots of help to the visitors to find its way around the show and includes an overview of all the suppliers of contract textiles. This index is directed to architects, hotel managers, planners and interior designers. The guide will be available free of charge to both exhibitors and visitors.

Furthermore, Heimtextil presents the results of a recent study about the importance of textiles for the high-quality hotel sector in form of a Management Report, which will be published at the beginning of the fair. The Management Report will be available on the Heimtextil website.

Lecture Program

In collaboration with an architecture magazine and the IHA hotel association, Heimtextil offers a varied program of lectures for architects, interior architects, designers and hoteliers. All lectures will take place in the Europa Room in the Foyer of Hall 4.0 on January 13 and 14. In addition on the afternoon of January 13, all sessions will come under the umbrella of “compact.good.exclusive – the new luxury in residential construction.”

On the morning of January 14, 2016, the German Hotel Association will report on trends and developments as they relate to sustainability in the hotel industry. Specialist speakers will give details of sustainable hygiene solutions and technologies in the hotel trade. Issues include “Outsource or do the cleaning yourself?,” and “What challenges does a modern environmental management system bring?”

Finest Interior Award 2015

There is no exhibition without an award Heimtextil is a partner in this year’s “Finest Interior Awards,” and together they will honor the creative work of interior architects, interior designers, interior decorators and furnishings consultants. The Netherlands is the official partner country for this year’s Awards. The winning exhibits are there to be discovered in a special display in Hall 11.0.

Guided Tours

Not only on a holiday trip can guided tours make a lot of sense by economizing a lot of time and money. Heimtextil will offer guided tours tailored to the needs and interests of architects and hoteliers. The meeting point for all tours is the Salon Interior.Architecture.Hospitality in Foyer 4.0.

Additionally, from 11:00 a.m. onwards on both Wednesday, January 13, and Friday, January 15, product innovations for contract furnishings on offer from well-known manufacturers will be presented. Both tours will be accompanied by specialists, and will take some two hours. On January 14, also at 11:00 a.m., trend scouts will offer a tour that takes in the 15 products selected by architects and interior designers.

On top of that Heimtextil will invite decision-makers from the hotel industry to a conducted tour of the trade fair. Participants will get an overview of furnishing trends in the hotel and contract industries. The tours start at 11:30 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. on January 14.

So, there is a lot to see and to do at Heimtextil — the trends, colors, patterns and new materials shouldn’t be missed. Heimtextil is calling!

December 8, 2015

On November 19, 2015, ITMA closed its doors. As the Rupp Report mentioned last week, it was an unexpected success, as declared by most of the questioned exhibitors. ITMA saw the highest number of exhibitors in its history — 1,691 exhibitors from 46 countries. This is a 25-percent increase from ITMA 2011 held in Barcelona. Also, the net floor space increased by some 20 percent, to more than 108,268 square meters. According to the organizers, the 17th edition of the world’s most important textile machinery exhibition attracted 123,000 visitors from 147 economies.
 
Before going into details about the experience of some exhibitors, the Rupp Report takes a look at some strange outcome or one thing that is not easy to understand what happened during the survey at ITMA Europe. The reason is, however, some of the questions where not answered in a very positive way: like the one “Do you feel comfortable that ITMA Asia is every two years instead of the original four year rhythm?”
 
A Look Back
To get the full picture of this story, one must take a look back at the history of ITMA, as far back as the early 1990s. At that time, two things happened that turned the global textile industry upside down: On the one side, the Chinese textile industry started its race to the top of the textile world, quickly becoming the largest and most potential market for the textile machinery suppliers in Europe. On the other hand, the number of textile exhibitions around the globe soared. With this in mind, the author — at that time working as editor-in-chief of another publishing company — started a global survey among its readership with a few questions such as how many textile exhibitions do you know of? And how many of them are you attending; as an exhibitor or a visitor?
 
Too Much Of Everything
The results were staggering. A total of 145 textile exhibitions around the world came in the list of events. 145! And some 50 percent were considered to be important for one or another company, depending on its product portfolio. Most of the replies complained about the fact that with the inflation of events companies will spend more money, time, and, last but not least, much more manpower almost every year. Another outcome was that many countries or exhibition organizers started new fairs here and there. The most important exhibitions at that time in Asia were OTEMAS in Japan, as well as two Chinese exhibitions — CITME in Beijing, and Shanghaitex, obviously in Shanghai, alternating every year. Also not forgetting ATME-I in Greenville, S.C.
 
So this is the environment during which the idea of a rotating ITMA started to materialize in Europe. Of course in the brains of the European Association of Textile Machinery Manufacturers (CEMATEX) members, and at that time the undisputed leader of all textile fairs, and, very importantly, the owner of the ITMA brand. And it certainly was the right time to enlarge ITMA to other market places. There were a lot of ideas. One of them was to rotate ITMA between Europe, Asia and the Americas, but where? Maybe in Miami, where many people speak Spanish, keeping Latin America in mind. At the end of the discussions and round tables, CEMATEX finally decided to enlarge ITMA only in Asia.
 
ITMA Asia
That was in 2001 — the year ITMA Asia (+ CITME) came into being. The idea was to eliminate a lot of local Asian shows to save money, time and manpower. OTEMAS disappeared, CITME in Beijing merged with ITMA, and Shanghaitex was supposed to be eliminated. But it didn’t work out that way. The very clever idea was to place ITMA Asia in a neutral country, accessible for all, and that was Singapore. The CEMATEX committees firmly decided to do an ITMA every two years, once in Europe and then two years later in Asia. That would leave enough time for the machinery producers to develop new equipment before the next event.
 
ITMA Asia 2001 in Singapore and the following edition 2005, were great successes with no problem at all. Everybody — exhibitors and visitors — were more than happy. MP Expositions as a newcomer in this business did a great job. The halls and the logistics were perfect, with access to the country no problem at all.
 
Eliminate ITMA Europe?
Some suggested that because of the rising importance of Asia, ITMA in Europe would become obsolete and most probably would disappear very soon. Happily, some cool-headed people said no to this absurd idea, mentioning that Europe will always remain the center of research and development.
 
In the meantime, ITMA Asia moved to Shanghai for the reason that “China is the most important market for textile machinery.” This move was accompanied with a lot of noise, both positive and negative. Nobody knew then, and still don’t know now, how and who did all this.
 
A New Rhythm
Then, the next surprise occurred: The four-year rhythm of the show was moved to every two years. Since 2008, every two years there is an ITMA Asia. Sometimes, the bizarre situation occurs where there is an ITMA Asia, next year an ITMA Europe and next year an ITMA Asia again. In the meantime, Shanghaitex increased its presence from a two-year rhythm down to every year. And the Europeans are moaning again that there are too many exhibitions.
 
Finally, the press conference at ITMA in November 2015 hosted some 50 international journalists. There were a lot of words about ITMA, but no news about ITMA Asia, new rhythm, four years again? Nothing. A question was posed to the podium to clarify the situation: Who owns ITMA Asia? Answer from the CEMATEX President: we own the label. That’s it. And then the lady from MP Expositions said to stop asking questions about other issues than ITMA in Milan. How funny is that at a press conference, organizers would stop people from doing their job? But it gets even better …
 
Who’s The Boss?
As mentioned above, The Rupp Report questioned some 15 top suppliers from around the world and asked, “Do you feel comfortable that ITMA Asia is every two years instead of the 4-year rhythm like the first two shows? Everybody said, “No, we would prefer to go back to the four year cycle to have time to develop new products.” And now the question again: Who owns ITMA Asia and who has a say in this? One could be forgiven for thinking it is not CEMATEX, because this organization is supposed to belong to the industry. And every organization should do what its members want to do, right? Well, one could say we are talking about ITMA Europe. No sir, the wrong heartbeat of ITMA Asia will beat again in October 2016. And that’s only 10 months away!

December 1, 2015
 

A Doubtful Preparation Stage

Prior to the show, clouds covered the ITMA skies: With the recent economic problems and the current situation of China in mind, many people in the industry wondered if everything would go well. The Rupp Report voiced its doubts about the event in several reports some months ago.

Many exhibitors questioned by the author at this years’ ITMA confirmed that they had problems during erection of the booth with the providers of the fairground, Fiera Milano, however, only few with MP Planners.

However, despite the very confusing layout in the halls with its areas without naming the alleys with “zones” instead of alleys from A to Z, this event turned out to be enormously successful. Here some overall impressions from various interviews during the last few days of the show.

Happy Exhibitors

The total visitor frequency was more than ok for all people interviewed; some even mentioned that their booth was overrun with visitors, particularly during the first five days. The same can be said about the quality of the visitors. There are no more tourists anymore at the ITMA Europe, “just top people and decision makers” as most of the exhibitors happily mentioned. And, yes, some exhibitors recorded sales during the show. Not only contracts “ready-to-sign,” but true sales on the spot. One exhibitor told us that he has sold all exhibits from the booth. That is not bad if one thinks about shipping costs. And, one wonders, if expectations were more than fulfilled.

Global Visitors

Of outstanding interest was the question “from which countries or regions did the visitors come from to see your products?” The answers were somewhat surprising. India (yes!) was at the top along with Turkey, Bangladesh and Pakistan. But also visitors from Europe — particularly for nonwovens and technical textiles — and Italy for fashion, as well as Iran, Brazil and the United States were mentioned. For obvious reasons, only a few visitors from China were in Milan.

Markets

Despite of the importance of the Asian markets, for most of the exhibitors, Europe is still a very important market, and above all, still the place to develop and test new equipment in the market. “Europeans like to work with their supplier developing a new machine,” said one exhibitor. “Then they feel involved and are the most potential customer for the new product.” On the other side, the Asian markets, and above all, China, are the places where the music is still playing.

Products

Without any doubt, Europe is still the market where new equipment is to be seen for the very first time, despite all rumors and stories about the powerful Asian markets. At last year’s ITMA Asia many European exhibitors told The Rupp Report that they would wait one more year to show their new products in Milan, and that’s exactly what happened.

Of particular interest is sustainability, or more precise water and energy savings. Every supplier that showed new equipment that consumes less power, less water or produces at a faster speed was very happy with the feedback from visitors.

More than ever, so the majority of exhibitors, it is important listening very carefully to the customers’ requirements and one has to focus even more on service and after sales service. “Only if you have the solution for every customer’s requirement, you can survive on a long-term base”, said one manufacturer.

The Future

The forecast for 2015 is deliberately positive, if one takes the positive ITMA into consideration. Some markets are still very volatile with strong political turmoil and influences from local governments. However, most of the companies see a promising future for their products. Some suppliers have already delivery times in the second half of 2016.

“For sure”, said one exhibitor, “the TTIP will strongly influence future markets, particularly the one with China.” The Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) is a free trade agreement (FTA) in negotiation between the United States and the European Union. It should promote multilateral economic growth. From the U.S. side, this agreement is considered to be an amendment to the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), and the United States is pushing to get to the final conclusion with the Europeans. Though, a European initiative called “European Citizens’ Initiative” against TTIP and the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) has been established. CETA is a FTA between the European Union and Canada. This story isn’t yet written to its end.

Some exhibitors think these agreements are good for Asia, but not so good for China. Nevertheless, all questioned exhibitors will participate at the ITMA Asia next year.

Barcelona Again

Prior to ITMA 2015, the curtain was lifted about the venue for the next ITMA Europe in June 2019. The event will be held in Barcelona again after that country hosted in 2011 — for some people quite a surprise. Munich was very much the frontrunner before the announcement. However, everybody likes the Catalan capital and will participate in 2019. Rumors say that Munich even didn’t join the race for the next ITMA Europe because of the costs.

Costs and service were other hot issues at the event. But that’s another story to be discussed in the near future, along with the fact that none of the questioned exhibitors support the fact that ITMA Asia is organized every two years instead of the same rhythm like Europe. We’ll see.

November 24, 2015

ITMA 2015 in Milano is getting closer: It starts November 12, 2015. All exhibiting companies are performing their final homework. One of the companies that did their homework was Switzerland-based SSM Schärer Schweiter Mettler. Here is its preview for ITMA.

SSM will launch eight new products and a total of 14 applications will be showed. The company claims that “a totally new platform will be presented to the public for the first time.”

SSM claims it is the inventor of the electronic yarn traverse system. With the introduction of the new Xeno-platform, SSM wants to demonstrate its leading position on the market. Six new product launches in the winding and doubling segments and two in false-twist and air-texturing are showed for the first time. Machines for the following applications will be on display:

• New Dye Package Winding/Rewinding;
• News Assembly Winding (doubling);
• New Air Texturing;
• New False Twist Texturing;
• Sewing Thread Finish Winding; and
• Conventional Covering.

Modular Winding Machine Platform

The new SSM modular winding machine platform Xeno is said to combine dye package winding, rewinding and doubling applications with three different winding technologies. The machine is available with counter rotating blades — Xeno-BW — with friction drive system — Xeno-FW — and with high quality SSM yarn guide system — Xeno-YW. With the new platform, SSM claims to be able to offer the three winding technologies for assembly winding as well — Xeno-BD, Xeno-FD and Xeno-YD. Complying with the growing automation demand due to increasing labor costs, all the Xeno machines can be equipped with an automatic doffer system. Another advantage and benefit of the Xeno platforms is the enhanced Digicone 2 winding algorithm, which is said to enable a 10-20 percent increase on dye package density with the same dyeing recipe. SSM point out that the platform will be manufactured 100 percent in Switzerland for highest demands and quality.

Technical Yarns In The Focus

The unique characteristics of tailor-made high performance yarns are helping such yarns to substitute other classical materials in large range of applications, says the company. Thereby the usage of technical textiles and consequently their consumption are continually increasing. The SSM Duro-TW precision winder for all technical yarns up to 50,000 dtex claims to offer “a new level of flexibility and winding quality in one machine; thus ensuring the fulfillment of all customer requirements.”

The assembly winder Duro-TD allows the plying of multiple ends/yarns; independently of them being of the same type or completely different. Optional intermingling is said to guarantee loop-free twists as well as optimal unwinding during twisting. The ability to run closed precision winding enables higher package densities, thereby increasing the knot-free length.

More New Equipment

From SSM Giudici the brand new TG2 machines will be shown. The TG2 platform is the next step of the well introduced TG1. It comes with an individual, frontal doffing system to allow double-sided concept of the machine, which means one full package and one empty tube in the cradle whilst a package is being processed.

The SSM Giudici TG2-FT false-twist texturing machine is said to combine a proven texturing path along with a spacing saving machine design. The result is a machine for the cost efficient production of high quality polyamide (PA) — down to 7 dtex — polypropylene (PP) as well as fine count polyester (PET) yarns. In combination with the TG2-FT the TG2-AT will be shown as well.

The SSM Giudici TG2-AT air-texturing machine is designed for the cost efficient production of high quality air texturized yarns made of POY or FDY PET, PA and PP, ranging from fine to medium final counts.

Sewing Thread Finish

The SSM TK2-20 CT/KTE will be exhibited for Sewing Thread Finish Winding. It claims to set market standards in combining the established performance of the well-known Thread King series with the functionality and operational comfort of modern control and drive technology. The TK2-20 says to “stand for first-class unwinding properties and fulfils the highest yarn processing requirements.” Besides of the cone winding (CT) the latest technology for Kingspools (KTE) will be shown. The TK2-20 KTE is a fully automatic Kingspool winder which certainly is the most flexible sewing thread finish winder for bonded filaments in the market. Thanks to the fastflex electronic yarn guide system, customers can change the traverse length, the spool size as well as the crossing ratio without big efforts.

The SSM Giudici NOVA-CS will be shown for the first time in Europe. It claims to “take the advantage of the disappearance or difficulties of European CCY machine producers to become niche leaders in the high-end segment.” The single covering machine is designed for the production of high quality elastic single- covered yarns ranging from fine to medium final counts.

Besides of the presented application, SSM offers the new X-Series (PSX-W/D, PWX-W and TWX-W/D) for Dye Package Winding/Rewinding and Assembly Winding as well as the well-known machines for Air Covering, Draw Winding and Yarn Singeing.

SSM Schärer Schweiter Mettler AG will present its products in Hall 2, Booth A101/102.

November 3, 2015

The Switzerland-based company is a global leader in machinery for all kinds of woven and knitted tapes and webbing, ropes, labels and technical textiles, printed narrow fabrics, dyeing, make-up, and winding machinery. New equipment and existing equipment will be shown at the ITMA.
 
Label Productions Systems
For the first time in Europe the MÜJET MBJL6 – air-jet label weaving machine will be seen. It is said to represent the latest generation of MÜJET air jet technology and was “specially developed to provide high productivity and flexibility in combination with proven top quality label weaving.” The new machine has a working width of 120 centimeters (cm) and a constant production speed of 950 revolutions per minute (rpms), which the company reports results in a 20-percent increase in output. Further features include:
 

• Optimized weft insertion system, stable and gentle;
• Compressed air in the left and right relay nozzle sections individually adjustable;
• Retention air that can be separately switched on and off in order to reduce air consumption;
• C-Series MÜDATA touch screen machine control for machine speed, weft thickness, warp tension and weft insertion, equipped with LAN and USB interfaces; and
• 120 newly developed TC2 cutting elements for smooth and uniform cut quality. 

The new label weaving machine represents the newest generation of the MÜGRIP machine series. These rapier looms are exclusively developed and manufactured for label weaving and the Müller claims that this is “the world’s most frequently used machine in this field.” It is equipped with an additional sixth repeat, which increases the rated working width of the machine to 120 cm. A spatial crank gearing provides that “the rapier drive and its speed are transferred gently to the weft yarn to be inserted. The speed of the five-repeat machine is retained, but output is 20-percent higher. Shedding takes place via an SPE jacquard machine with 1,536 hooks and the machine has 1,152 jacquard functions. The machine is available in 4, 6, 8 and 12 weft color versions and suitable for a great range of yarn qualities beginning with 22 dtex.
 
(New) Textile Printing Systems
Müller will present its new MÜPRINT MDP3 E ink-jet machine for the direct printing of narrow fabrics and belts, which as far as productivity and reliability is concerned, claims to be a major addition to the existing product program. This printing system says to employ a high-precision printing head, which has been specially designed for the use of sublimation inks and is considered to be a significant improvement in printer reliability.
 
Depending on the required print resolution, the new system with a printing width of 2 x 410 millimeters (mm) and new printing head “facilitates an increase in production output from approximately 8 square meters per hour or even more.” At the same time, the maximum printing resolution has again been doubled to 1440 x 720 dpi. Textile tapes in the CMYK color range can be printed beside one another with differing designs in a parallel process. An integrated and easy to refill 1.5l ink system allows uninterrupted production sequences with minimum maintenance times. Thanks to its reliability and productivity the system is claimed to be ideal for the printing of medium-sized production batches and thus expands the market for the direct printing process. Fields of application include lanyards, barrier tapes, vertical blinds, decorative ribbons, zipper chains and elastic tapes. In particular, crochet tapes with asymmetric structure and uneven surfaces are also possible to produce on this machine.
 
New Technical Textiles Make-Up
The UV60-RS automatic cutting and winding device is designed to be “a flexible and fully automatic winding system for a variety of applications.” In particular, technical textile winders often require special design adaptation due to issues such as the level of winding tension, thickened edges, asymmetric selvedges, adhesive properties, the friction properties of the material surface and cutting options. The flexibility of the device is reported “to match the respective winding requirements to perfection.” It also covers a wide range of winding dimensions up to roll/bobbin diameters of 500 mm. The main features are said to be:
 

• Possibility of a wide variety of different winding formats;
• Roll winding between side discs in a fully automatic mode for the uniform distribution of winding tension across the winding diameter and even tape tension control;
• Tapes with thicker or asymmetric edges can be wound onto flat rolls between the side discs;
• Deformation and the pushing out of the roll centre can be avoided;
• Precise bobbin winding up to the bobbin winding point using a tape guide with precise traverse control and automatic height adjustment;
• Fully automatic winding operation, including the supply of empty tubes/bobbins up to the stacking of wound-up rolls and spools;
• Wide and flexible applications for rolls and bobbins up to an outside winding diameter of 50 cm, and a maximum bobbin width of 27 cm; and
• High levels of process stability, maximum flexibility and short set-up times through the extensive use of stepper motor technology, and recipe management. 

Based on long-term experience in the design of winding, cutting and make-up machines, the device offers “high levels of process reliability and avoids typical textile problems such as knots, roll/bobbin deformation, tension variations, loops and distortion.”
 
New Narrow Textiles Dyeing System
The new MFR1.5 50/100 dyeing machine claims to combine the compact design of a spiral concept with the advantages of a straight through fixation chamber. In the combination chamber (steamer/oven) and the drying oven the tape runs twice straight through the chamber. This principle has several advantages:
 

• More security in color evenness;
• Easy handling (The tape runs twice straight through the machine, the thread up is much easier than with a spiral system);
• Designed/suitable for large and smaller dye lots; and
• No accumulation of tension (each control zone is driven by an individual motor). 

The remaining modules of the complete machine are 150 cm wide and are built very compact and user friendly. The width allows for smaller tanks resulting in lower energy and water consumption. The use of lightweight pneumatic dancers through the whole machine enhances the reproducibility of all tension related settings.
 
Narrow Fabric Weaving Systems
The NH2 53 6/27 S2 SNO2B – electronically controlled narrow fabric weaving machine is suitable to produce elastic and non-elastic narrow fabrics. Electronically controlled shedding takes place via linear motors mounted directly on the harness frames. These replace pattern chains and cam drums and permit both unlimited repeat lengths and pattern changes in minimum time. The weft and auxiliary thread transport, as well as the narrow fabric take-off and main drive are also all electronically controlled and infinitely adjustable. As compared to conventional needle looms, the NH2 53 is fitted with considerably fewer mechanical parts, which results in less wear and a reduction in energy consumption of around 35 percent, or maximum 1 kilowatt.
 
The machine on display is used for the production of “Easy Bow” ribbon. This is a gift ribbon with a woven-in cord that is also manufactured on an NH2 53. Weft exchange technology (SNO2B) facilitates the simultaneous processing of two different weft colors. In addition, the ribbon is pushed evenly along the cord thus automatically forming a loop.
 
The NHJM2 53 6/42 Z4 — electronically controlled narrow fabric loom is based on the successful NH2 53 and is fitted with an electronically controlled SPE3 384 jacquard machine. It is said to be ideal for the production of elastic and non-elastic tapes with woven, warp effect motifs such as names, logos and fashionable decorative elements. The main drive unit consists of a brushless servomotor, which is located directly on the jacquard machine and powers both this and the loom via a toothed belt.
 
Warp Crochet Knitting Systems
Also exhibited is the COMEZ ACOTRONIC 8B/600 — an electronic crochet knitting machine using compound needles is a high-efficiency, electronic crochet knitting machine that employs compound needles for the production of a wide range of ribbons, lace, technical and medical textiles, both elastic and non-elastic.
 
Furthermore to be seen is the COMEZ TESTRONIC 1600/EL — an electronic crochet knitting machine for the production of fabrics for outerwear and technical uses. The versatility of this machine is said “to create enormous long pattern repeat capacity using yarns of all types and counts.”
 
At ITMA, Jakob Müller AG can be found in Hall 3, Booth D110.

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Rieter writes, “In addition to the key issues for the competitiveness of spinning mills, the company is offering value-adding innovations at the ITMA 2015 such as Internet usage for optimizing the entire system, new machine generations for preparatory and end spinning as well as corresponding spare parts and after sales services.”
 
All three Rieter business groups are showing their product and service innovations for complete systems, spinning preparation and end spinning process under their trademarks Rieter, Bräcker, Graf, Novibra and Süssen.
 
SPIDERweb Mill Control System
The Rieter SPIDERweb Mill Control System is said to be “the only system on the market which uniformly covers the entire spinning mill from fiber to yarn and for all four spinning technologies – not only for new machines but also for older generations.” The system is configurable for individual requirements. It stores and monitors the quality and production of all Rieter spinning systems. Subsequent enhancements can be upgraded.
 
For the first time, Rieter is showing a mobile solution that “not only provides an overview of the data of the spinning mill, but also offers a configurable alarm function. With six new modules respectively functions, it opens the door to an Internet-based, intelligent spinning mill control.” Rieter reports the system offers the following advantages:
 
permanently monitored sliver and yarn quality
incorporated expertise
optimal allocation of operating personnel
support for systematic preventative maintenance
fact-based and quick reaction to deviations,
increase in plant availability and productivity. 
Rieter is presenting new After Sales service products at the ITMA such as audits for comprehensive system analysis and improvements. It offers spinning mill audits that identify feasible short-term opportunities for improvements and create measurable results for customers.
 
New Functions Of The High-Performance Card
The C 70 high-performance card claims to achieve excellent yarn quality at the highest production rates for all yarn applications. The carding gap is controlled by means of precise flats guidance and with the working width of 1.5 meters achieves the largest active carding area on the market.
 
New Package For Man-Made Fibers Processing
The new, very easily removable web bridge in a special package for the processing of man-made fibers is said to “allow trouble-free cleaning and an immediate restart of the card.” The second function in the package is the unique chute control with air pressure, which simplifies the processing of man-made fibers. This enables the C 70 card to achieve high carding performance with synthetic fibers and as a result, good running properties in spinning.
 
New Combing Set
The new combing set consists of a new combing preparation machine, E 36 OMEGAlap, which is able to feed six new E 86 combers. With an output of 540 kilogram per hour and therefore the supply of almost 25,000 ring spindles, Rieter claims that the set reaches the highest production output on the market. A new function simplifies setting and optimization of the noil rate. This is made possible by the new FlexComb circular comb from Graf.
 
Comber Conversions
For older generations of combers, Rieter offers conversion kits that improve the productivity and yarn quality and make a reduction of the noil rate possible. Rieter is demonstrating how quickly such a conversion can be realized and what economic advantages the customer can in consequence achieve.
 
New Double-head Autoleveller Draw Frame
All autoleveller draw frames from Rieter use the same dynamic autolevelling system for sliver uniformity, even at high delivery speeds of 1100 meters per minute. The ECOrized” suction system on the new RSB-D 24 double-head autoleveller draw frame claims to lower the energy consumption. On the other hand, older draw frame generations can also be retrofitted with the suction system. A new sliver sensor, patent pending, makes a high quality in sliver coiling already possible from the first meters following a can change.
 
Together with the SB-D 22 double-head draw frame without levelling, a double-head line is said to require 50 percent less space and therefore — compared with a line of single-head draw frames — also saves costs.
 
New Automated Rotor Spinning Machine
Rieter is presenting the new R 66 rotor-spinning machine which is said to make yarn production even more economical.  A higher yarn production per square meter is obtained with longer machines. Rieter now produces a length of up to 700 spinning positions possible. The new machine length should reduce the costs for the entire rotor spinning system.
 
New Spin Box
The new S 66 spin box is the heart of the new R 66 rotor-spinning machine. Compared with the S 60, the S 66 claims to achieve higher speeds for improved economy at the same yarn tenacity and yarn uniformity. The new replaceable CHANNELpass simplifies the optimization for different raw material. New functions also simplify operation and accelerate the replacement of technology components. The new electro-mechanical yarn traverse simplifies the setting of the winding angle for a wide range of applications, for reliable package flanks and good unwinding behavior.
 
With the ANTIstatic TWINdisc, the CHANNELpass, the clip-on opening roller or complete sets for box modernization, the Swiss manufacturer offers solutions that “allow a quick response to changed market requirements. Time and energy savings as well as production increases lead to a better return.”
 
Optimized Air-Jet Spinning Machine
With the J 26, Rieter extends the application range for air-jet technology and presents an additionally optimized machine.
 
With the processing of polyester, the challenge lies in the deposits of spinning finish and co-polymers. For this reason, Rieter now offers the option P 26, which it says significantly extends the time between the necessary cleaning operations. A new option is the application of six robots on the machine. This allows applications that imply a higher rate of ends down or quality cuts to be processed.
 
The majority of air-jet yarns are later processed to knitted fabrics that require a softer touch. To this end, new technology components and setting parameters were developed.
 
Yarn Clearer Option For Air-Jet Spinning
The Q 10 A yarn clearer in rotor spinning has been further developed for air-jet spinning. Based on an accurate monitoring of yarn structure, hairiness and yarn diameter, it interprets “not only the standard functions but also the yarn tenacity.”
 
Options For Compact Spinning
Now with 1,824 spinning positions, the K 46 Com4 compact spinning machine increases the production per square meter in the spinning mill. The system range enables optimal machine layout and process workflows from the fiber to the finished yarn, even with these long compact machines. Also a quality package for better yarn quality for the K 46 that leads to a significant improvement of the quality parameters CVm and IPI is available. It is said to be “an ideal supplement for spinning mills with high quality requirements.”
 
New Suction System For Long Machines
Rieter says that the energy consumption per kilogram of spun yarn from its compacting system with suction drum today already lies far below that of apron systems. The new double-sided suction system ECOrized for long compact spinning machines now claims to further reduce the energy consumption.
 
Optimized Ring-Spinning Machine
The G 32 ring-spinning machine is now available is a revised version with a maximum length of 1,824 spindles and with the innovative suction tube ECOrized. In addition, a quality package for improvement of the yarn quality, a flexible change between S and Z twist and a special package for the processing of polyester are available. The best fit for this package says Rieter, is the new traveller STARLETplus from Bräcker. Moreover, the reliability of the machine has been further improved.
 
Also the G 32 ring-spinning machine can now be retrofitted with the suction tube ECOrized. This also applies to the machines G 33, G 35, G 36. The conversion with the suction tube ECOrized claims to allow “sustainable energy and cost savings.”
 
At ITMA 2015, the Rieter Group will exhibit in Hall 2, Booth A106

October 13, 2015

Over the past 10 years, the name Saurer has in the headlines again and again. Since its new (Chinese) owners took over, things seems to be on the right track again. The group includes the spinning brands Schlafhorst and Zinser, the twisting brands of Allma and Volkmann, pre-spinning brand Jintan and the Saurer Embroidery brand along with the Saurer Components division consisting of the brands Accotex, Daytex, Fibrevision, Heberlein, Temco and Texparts. This large group requires an ITMA preview that is longer then the previous reports.
 
“E³” Labeled Machinery
The Saurer Group will reveal all new E³-labeled machinery with the triple added value for the customers is to “showcase new standards in energy savings, production flexibility, highest productivity and the most complete automation processes.” Saurer is also bringing customer service to the next level with SUN — Service Unlimited — to ensure maximum efficiency during the whole product life cycle, plus the latest innovations in components for both filament and staple yarn processing for optimum yarn quality and production efficiency.
 
Schlafhorst
Schlafhorst will present the next generation of the Autocoro that has been awarded the E3 label. It is said to offer spinning mills a triple added value in the areas of energy, economics and ergonomics. Compared to the previous model, the new Autocoro uses much less energy — the savings are in a two-digit percentage range. Longer machines, higher rotor speeds, intelligent automated processes and minimized maintenance costs quickly increase efficiency, productivity and profitability.
 
The BD 6 is equipped with patented high-speed technologies from the Autocoro; the BD 6 claims to surpass the qualitative and economic standards of other semi-automatic rotor spinning machines on the market. A new, “even more productive, energy-efficient and user-friendly generation of the BD 6 will be presented.” Take-up speeds of up to 230 meters per minute (m/min), two-digit energy savings, an LED signal system for fast checking and an ergonomic machine operation are some of the improvements.
 
Zinser
The latest ring spinning machines from Zinser have also the E³ label. A fully-automatic linked system solution, from the roving frame to the winding machine will be exhibited. It is said to be the “interplay of a highly integrated automation solution for the greatest possible energy savings, maximum economic efficiency and optimum user-friendliness.”
 
New Service Concept
Schlafhorst is presenting the new SUN service concept, which claims to set a new standard in the sector. More than 500 service employees in 20 service centers and 3 technology centers advise customers all over the world on questions relating to the increase of productivity, quality and energy savings. The company says to create technical innovations that can be retrofitted in existing machinery. With improved original parts, modernization kits, technology kits and service kits, Schlafhorst wants to take the responsibility of innovation for the entire product life cycle.
 
Allma Volkmann
With the CompactTwister, Allma and Volkmann are presenting high performance twisting machines for staple fiber yarns, which also have the E³ label. Energy savings of up to 40 percent can be achieved with the eco-drive concept and the eco-spindle technology with adapted spindle combinations. The productivity of the CompactTwister is 30-percent higher, thanks to the high delivery speeds of up to 120 m/min. Operating costs drop because of the low energy, space and maintenance costs. The ergonomic benefits include greater ease of use due to the improved take-up geometry, central settings and handling aids, which result in an up to 10-percent reduction in operating times. The CompactTwister covers all yarn materials as well as count ranges.
 
The new generation of CarpetTwister and CarpetCabler was awarded the E³ label too. Spindle and spindle pot versions as well as drive and storage technology enable very high energy savings of up to 40 percent. With delivery speeds of up to 120 m/min during uptwisting, reduced space requirements due to smaller spindle gauge and the adaptation of the spindle speed, productivity is said to be increased by up to 45 percent. Operating times can be reduced by up to 8 percent, thanks to the pneumatic creel, threading aids, new pneumatic centrally adjustable creel yarn brakes and ball yarn brakes. A new feature is the computer controlled drive system, for a quick changeover to new yarn lots and the change of production parameters.
 
After cabling, BCF carpet yarns are heat set in a second process step to stabilize the shape. Volkmann integrates this process step in the cabling machine — cabling and heat setting in one process run. Interim storage and handling are no longer needed at all, process costs are clearly reduced and “a significant contribution to economic efficiency is achieved with the faster order turnaround times, shorter process sequences and greater system utilization,” said the manufacturer.
 
The E³ label awarded TechnoCorder TC2 has a 400 m/min delivery speed and a 25 percent higher package density. Productivity is said to be up to 30 percent higher and energy costs drop by up to 10 percent. It features developments such as the new FlexiPly equipment for the production of hybrid yarns and the new larger 830 millimeter spindle spacing for the processing of coarse yarn counts. Energy-optimized modern drives and a lean yarn balloon, thanks to the optimized balloon geometry and height-adjustable balloon yarn guide, lead to low energy costs. The independently driven spindles enable limitless possibilities for the creation of new twist constructions. Two spindle gauges cover a large range of yarn counts, from 235 dtex to 33,000 dtex.
 
Saurer Embroidery
The newly developed E³ label Epoca 7 embroidery machine has energy savings of up to 5 percent, and customers can benefit from an increase in productivity of up to 20 percent. The machine should achieve an embroidery speed of 700 revolutions per minute (rpm), and is thereby up to 18 percent faster than the previous generation. Along with the increased production speed, other processes were optimized to achieve an overall performance increase of up to 20 percent. The new electronic yarn monitors detect yarn breaks quick and precisely. The new precise thread cut is said to ensure trouble-free production of high-quality embroidery.
 
The EmStudio CAD/CAM system integrates all the procedural steps from the drawing, punching and visualization to the production optimization, up to the analyses of the operating data and the archiving of designs on a platform. With the new iSed — an intelligent editor — the production and quality can be easily and efficiently optimized.
 
Components
This unit will introduce a new yarn technology. Accotex AccoSmart is a new sandwich cot based upon a completely new technology platform. It has been developed from two individual tailor-made high quality elastomer layers; a softer inner layer and a harder outer layer. The cots feature a larger contact area compared to conventional soft rubber cots that result in an improved and stable yarn quality over the lifetime of the cot.
 
Compact systems of well-known suppliers found in the market can be retrofitted to the well-established weighting arms PK 2630 SE and PK 2630 SEH. The latter is a complete substitute of weighting arms for ring frames with hexagonal support rod. This means that the front roller load can be set optimally and fully independently from the nip roller load which provides no interference between nip and front top roller.
 
Texparts says that more than 6 million spindles with its Zero Underwinding (ZUW) systems have been installed worldwide consistently preventing excess underwound yarn ends. A new yarn cutter has been introduced to provide long service when processing challenging yarn materials, such as Modal yarn. The new yarn cutter generation is available for all yarn count ranges.
 
The new updated Heberlein WarpJet boasts performance improvements of between 10 percent and 50 percent thanks to higher operating speeds, lower air consumption, and higher nip numbers. Its modular design allows a choice between a cost optimization and high-end performance solution.
 
The new updated KF Jet Insert guarantees there are no imperfections in the fabric such as pinholes, teardrops or stripes. It provides a 15 percent to 30 percent increased unwinding speed compared to non-interlaced yarn together with improved energy efficiency.
 
The latest Heberlein PolyJet SP-2 HP has the full range of jet inserts for producing all yarns including finer denier (<50 denier) with 0.9 air orifice. It claims to offer high performance with interlace numbers, fewer broken filaments and reduced air consumption. It has been fully optimized for yarns less than 2.5 denier per filament and microfilaments operating at lower pressures, it’s possible to replace the jet pack on the existing SP-2 housing.
 
The latest Fibrevision Fraytec FV2 claims to “boast increased trigger optics with software selection of fault size.” Broken filament faults are measured with fault size options available for 3mm, 4.5mm and 6mm from the yarn. It also has improved noise immunity and connectors, includes central optic for denier variation and interlaces measurement. The system is capable of handling up to 12 end winders and allows integration with Fraycam 2.”
 
Temco will show the new covering spindle type USU for 5.5-inch and 6.5-inch bobbins with a package weight of up to 2.5 kilograms. This universal spindle with a shaft diameter of 16.65 mm says to cover the whole speed range of 0 – 30,000 1/min without restrictions. The USU is feasible with spindle bores of Ø3 to Ø9 mm and also newly allows installation in a spindle rail bore of Ø42 mm. Also to be seen is the roller-bearing high-speed separator roller VR50300- 00-HS. These separator rollers can be applied for a wide variety of spinning processes, and in the hotbox with a maximum yarn temperature of 190°C and a maximum yarn speed of 5,500 m/min.
 
All Saurer companies are present in Hall 2, Booths 109 and 104.

October 6, 2015
 
 

More and more ITMA 2015 previews continue to arrive in the mailbox of the Rupp Report. This report will highlight Italy-based Savio, one of the leading companies in yarn forming equipment, and Switzerland-based Lab-Pro GmbH, a company working in the finishing sector.
 
New Savio Winder Generation
After 20 years, an ITMA exhibition will be held in Italy once again. As an Italian company, Savio said it feels “the importance of this event and looks forward to meet visitors in Milan.” Since 1911, the company has specialized in the yarn-finishing segment, and is a leading supplier of winding, twisting and rotor spinning machines. Manufacturing plants are located in Italy, China, India and the Czech Republic.
 
Savio reports it will highlight its advanced innovations in the winding segment, which the company describes as its core business. The following new products will be highlighted at the ITMA: PulsarS, new generation of automatic winders; drumless Multicone technology; and Volufil Multicone automatic winder for continuous shrinkage, bulking and heat setting. According to Savio, all the innovations represent “high-end and niche products with important technological content.”
 
The PulsarS is the highlight of Savio’s ITMA exhibit. It represents the fifth generation of Savio winding machines after the models Ras, Espero, Orion and Polar models. This generation of winding machines is reported to be equipment with a sustainable eco-green advantage, “especially replying to market demands in terms of energy efficiency, productivity and air conditioning savings in the winding room.”
 
The R&D team of Savio said that is has, “developed a revolutionary concept of the winding process to reply to the needs of the market for new solutions and utmost flexibility, towards on-going demand of high quality yarn package and energy savings; as well as energy saving and recovery, reductions of noise, pollution, water consumption and electro-magnetic emissions.”
 
Digital Yarn Layering Technology
Multicone is a new technology in Savio’s product portfolio. This new drumless digital yarn layering technology is now available for Polar winding machines, and is especially targeted toward customers producing packages for dyeing and very fine counts. Savio wants to provide a complete Polar range in order to meet all customers’ requests in terms of flexibility and productivity. The system is said to allow the tailoring of packages for different end uses  — dyeing, weaving, knitting for example — with simple settings on a computer.
 
Volufil Multicone combines thermal treatment and the winding process on a single machine. According to Savio, the consolidated success of the Volufil and the new demand of different yarns for diversified fabric applications, required several new developments for the machine’s technology. The new system represents the proper reply to the markets requirements. The technological process is extended to material such as acrylic heat set yarns, on special yarns (chenille and polyester) and on traditional HB Acrylic fibers, also blended with wool and elastomeric filaments. The new winding system is said to be suitable for any yarn type and package format with different traverse take-up.
 
Savio can be visited in Hall 4, Booth B101.

Centrifugal Dyeing Machinery For Open Width Knit Fabric
Mainly in the business of jet-dyeing machines, Lab-Pro GmbH five years ago extended its product range with the JigMaster, which debuted at ITMA Barcelona 2011. The company claims that this machine, available as a high temperature as well as an atmospheric machine, is “still the only jigger being able to save water and energy by applying the counter flow rinsing principle to discontinuous dyeing machines.”
 
Now a new type of discontinuous dyeing machine, Dyewa, for open-width knit goods is able to reduce consumption of water, energy and chemicals by applying centrifugal dewatering and will be presented at ITMA Milan.
 
The Novelty Product
Now in the market for 12 years, Lab-Pro produced and tested in 2014 and 2015 the first centrifugal dyeing apparatus for open width knitted fabrics. The machine is said to be able to bleach and dye (reactive) cotton knits with less than 20 liters of water per kilogram of fabric. The consumption of energy and chemicals is claimed to be reduced by nearly 40 percent compared to processes executed on jet dyeing machines. Elastic open-width knits and also blends with polyester and polyamide can be processed as well.
 
The Process
How does it work? According to explanations from Lab-Pro, each time before the machine is refilled prior to rinsing the fabric, it is hydro-extracted so that a big portion of colored water inside the fabric is drained out. As rinsing is a dilution process, less colored water means less clean water to get the same result.
 
Further advantages of the new process are said to provide dyeing results similar to cold pad batch dyed fabric namely no pilling and hairiness, and no crease marks.
 
When compared to cold pad batch, Dyewa is said to be not limited to process cotton or viscose fabrics only. It is also able to process man-made fibers and their blends as well thanks to the high-pressure machinery. All process steps such as bleaching, dyeing, washing and dewatering are done in the machine, whereas cold pad batch dyed fabric requires processing on various different machines. The manufacturer is convinced “that Dyewa will bring advantages for dye houses looking for a greener and a much cheaper way of bleaching and dyeing open width knitted fabrics.
 
Patented System
In 2013, Lab-Pro acquired the rights and know-how of the Rotowa from Switzerland-based W&S Engineering. Rotowa is a machine to efficiently bleach medical gauze made from cotton. Understanding the advantages of the Rotowa and combining the Rotowa know-how with the dyeing machines expertise, Lab-Pro patented an all new discontinuous dyeing machines named Dyewa.
 
Lab-Pro products can be seen in Hall 14, booth D106.
 
September 30, 2015