SPGPrints’ global debut of JAVELIN® digital printer

At ITM 2016, SPGPrints [at stand 805A] introduced the JAVELIN® digital inkjet textile printer. Featuring the company?s acclaimed Archer® print head technology, this multiple-pass solution combines precision geometrics with low running costs, and is ideal for medium volume requirements. The company also exhibited its NEBULA® digital inks that offer productivity and an expanded colour gamut for virtually all textile applications. SPGPrints also reinforced its commitment to optimising the rotary screen workflow, by showcasing the bestLEN 7412 laser engraver and its long-life, high-resolution NovaScreen® programme, including 245 mesh.

?The launch of JAVELIN moves digital textile printing firmly into the mainstream by enabling smaller companies to enter digital textile production while enhancing the options for larger ones,? said Jos Notermans, Commercial Manager ? Digital Textiles, SPGPrints. ?Visitors to our stand will see that we have new solutions across the board from screen technologies, to universally compatible digital inks and printers. These developments reaffirm SPGPrints? position of leadership in this industry.?

JAVELIN printer debut

Taking centre-stage at the SPGPrints stand, the new JAVELIN® inkjet printer enables textile printers to take the first step into digital or for existing digital printers to enjoy exceptional quality and productivity levels. Designed for annual production levels of up to two million metres, JAVELIN® features the same ground-breaking Archer print head technology as that of the recently launched high-volume PIKE printer. Daily live demonstrations of the JAVELIN also took place at the stand in English and Turkish.

The JAVELIN® printer?s array of Fujifilm Dimatix Samba print heads are incorporated in a highly accurate but user-friendly print-bar technology, including specialised electronics as well as an ink conditioning and ink delivery system, called Archer technology.

Archer has an ink conditioning and delivery system that offers both precision and a significantly greater jetting distance than is possible with other heads widely used in current digital textile printing applications. Head plates in the Archer system are situated 4 mm away from the substrate surface, compared with the typical 1.5 mm nozzle-fabric distance offered by alternative print heads. The longer jetting distance significantly reduces the risk of print head damage. As a result, SPGPrints offers the ?Archer Print Head Program?, which provides a two-and-a-half year guarantee on the print heads in combination with the use of accredited inks.

In addition, Archer technology assures fine line detail, blotches, geometrics and gradients, thanks to its capability for variable drop-sizes ranging from 2pl to 10pl in resolutions of up to 1,200 x 1,200 dpi and high jetting frequencies of 32 kHz. The JAVELIN® uses specially formulated reactive inks that eliminate mist.

PIKE® sets the standard high

Featuring the same Archer technology and using the same inks as in the JAVELIN®, the PIKE offers the same precision and operational simplicity, for the highest volume requirements. With industry-leading speeds of 40m/min, PIKE® is capable of up to 13 million metres? output per year. Its Archer print bar contains 43 print elements, giving a printing width of 1850mm.

Since its launch at ITMA Milan, the response to this printer has been tremendous and installations are underway at a number of major textile printers. The first of these are six-colour configurations, but its modular design allows up to nine to be specified.

Universally compatible digital inks

SPGPrints invests heavily in developing digital inks that offer the widest colour gamut and optimised drying, compatible with all commonly used textile print head technologies. At ITM, SPGPrints showed how it provides ink solutions for all digital textile printing applications. These comprises high-density (HD) reactive, direct disperse and sublimation inks. The range?s HD inks offer a colour density that is 20 per cent higher than industry alternatives, as well as superior ink yields and excellent runnability. Nebula® Disperse Inks, for polyester fabrics, cover the widest colour gamut available for textiles today and offer high brilliance. They are specially formulated to offer contamination-free drying and mist-free production.

The 245 mesh NovaScreen

SPGPrints sets the standard for quality and reliability in conventional textile printing with its NovaScreen programme of rotary screens. NovaScreen screens offer high open areas, thanks to a high mesh count with minimum spacing between holes. This maximises paste transfer, enabling higher printing speeds and paste yields. Because of its robust nickel construction, NovaScreen offers stability at high speed, long life and easy handling, providing a perfect complement to a cost-efficient, sustainable process.

The latest edition to the range, NovaScreen 245 mesh offers exceptional definition and resolution. With hole-sizes of 41 micron, it features an exceptionally high mesh count, resulting in two significant quality advantages. Firstly, it enables perfect halftones and tonal degradations, with a smoothness previously unseen in rotary screen printing. These are possible because of fine rasters, which generate homogenous shade impressions on the printed substrate. Furthermore, fine linework and smaller dots are possible, thus widening the scope for creativity in geometric pattern and shirting design.

SPGPrints also exhibited its RandomScreen®, a screen that supresses moiré effects in halftones. The holes are arranged out of line with each other, thereby eliminating the risk of undesired patterns becoming visible in printed results. Thanks to its streamlined hole-shape it is possible to print on the surface of the substrate. This can lead to paste savings of between 10 and 15 per cent compared with PentaScreen®, especially in pigment printing. RandomScreen 125 mesh has a 79 micron hole-size.

Furthermore, SPGPrints has introduced an updated version of its 155-mesh screen. Named 155 XT, this 115-micron thick screen has a higher wall thickness, resulting in improved flexibility and longer life. In addition, it has roughly 9 per cent more open area than the standard 155 mesh screen.

bestLEN 741X laser engraver

For 30 years, SPGPrints has pioneered the development of laser engraving systems for imaging textile rotary screens. The result is a pre-print technology that offers unbeatable quality, productivity, operational cost and sustainability, compared with alternative processes. The company has developed and delivered over 400 engraving systems globally for textile applications.

Direct laser engraving is a single-step dry process: simply engrave the desired design and print. This eliminates costly consumables such as film, ink or chemicals, and time-consuming processes like exposing and washing. With minimal process steps, the chance of human error is greatly reduced.

For further information:
SPGPrints
Maike Kanters
Tel: (0) 485 599555
Email: maike.kanters@spgprints.com

Saurer and Zinser guarantee triple added value

With their E3 label, the German textile machinery manufacturers Saurer Schlafhorst and Saurer Zinser offer their customers a guarantee of triple added value in the spheres of energy, economics and ergonomics. The spinning and winding machines of the market and technology leaders that bear this label clearly increase the production and profitability of textile companies all over the world.

Rotor spinning from Schlafhorst

The new Autocoro 9 with its intelligent individual spinning position technology sets new records for energy consumption, productivity, efficiency, ease of operation and quality. The machine outperforms its legendary predecessor with sensational output data: 25 per cent lower energy consumption, 19 per cent reduction in spinning costs, proven rotor speeds of 180,000 RPM, take-up speeds of 300 m/min and a 60 per cent lower servicing outlay. The Autocoro 9 is thus the production platform of the future.

The semi-automatic BD 6 machine is also in a league of its own, producing packages in Autocoro quality across the entire range of yarn counts and with package sizes of up to 320 mm in diameter. Its low energy consumption, rapid take-up speeds of 230 m/min and high piecing reliability cut spinning costs and increase the profitability of spinning mills.

Ring spinning machines from Zinser

At a length of 2016 spindles, the new Zinser 72 ring spinning machine breaks the 2000-barrier and sets new standards for efficiency in the commodity business.

The machine is super-long, super-economical and extremely user-friendly. It lowers production costs by up to 11 per cent and has a footprint that is up to 21 per cent smaller compared with shorter rival machines. The new two-end TwinSuction system saves two-thirds of the energy consumption in combination with the sensor-controlled OptiSuction yarn break suction system.

The ZinserImpact 72 compact spinning machine is equipped with the self-cleaning Impact FX unit and guarantees top productivity and optimal raw material utilisation. The new ZinserSpeed 5A speed frame boasts an energy-saving mode for suction and flyer table blowing that shaves 20 per cent off the total energy consumed.

In 220 gauge the speed frame is also up to 17 per cent shorter than its predecessor. With a doffing time of less than two minutes, the ZinserSpeed 5A ensures maximum production efficiency.

Winding machines from Schlafhorst

Intelligent sensor technology, smart process control, autocalibration and functionally optimised processes turn the new Autoconer 6 into an automatic package winder that pushes the textile-technological limits, winding at the most productive settings virtually without the need for operators. Innovations such as LaunchControl, SmartCycle, SmartJet and Speedster FX boost productivity by up to 12 per cent compared with the previous model. The new Eco-Drum-Drive system, SmartCycle and the intelligent vacuum control system ?Power on demand? reduce the energy consumption on the Autoconer 6 by up to 20 per cent. The machine maintains its considerable lead in value creation with the Autoconer package remaining the benchmark for quality and added value in downstream processing.

Plant operation centre Spinning mills with plant operation centre (POC), the Schlafhorst and Zinser Plant Control System, can use their production and quality data to improve efficiency. Service intervals can be optimised and production downtimes and quality problems avoided by prompt intervention when using the new off-standard analysis.

With the innovative SUN – SERVICE UNLIMITED service concept, Schlafhorst and Zinser offer their customers support in their day-to-day operations that is unmatched by any other manufacturer. Over 500 service staff in 20 service stations and three technology centres advise customers all over the world with regards to productivity and quality increases as well as energy conservation.

With their unique know-how they help customers to master textile-technological challenges and to gain a lead over their competitors. The e-commerce platform SECOS 2.0 guarantees minimum response times in the delivery of original spare parts. And in SUN-PLAN Schlafhorst has developed a new service concept that is unique within the industry: Individual service at a fixed price.

For further information:

Schlafhorst

Zweigniederlassung der

Saurer Germany GmbH & Co. KG

Carlstrasse 60, 52531 Ãœbach-Palenberg, Germany

Tel: 49 2451 905 1000

Email: Info.schlafhorst@saurer.com

Web: www.saurer.com

Picanol presents rapier & airjet innovations

Picanol displayed one airjet and two rapier weaving machines at ITM in Turkey. The OptiMax-i and the TerryMax-i machines were presented for the first time in Turkey. In order to ensure it places maximum emphasis on its weaving machines? capacities, Picanol?s new machines were displayed in a brand new booth design at the ITM fair.

OptiMax-i

Picanol has an outstanding track record with regards to the production of high-tech rapier machines. ?In 1975, we launched our very first weaving machine with a rapier insertion. Since then, we have installed over 90,000 rapier machines throughout the world? explained Johan Verstraete, VP ? Sales, Marketing & Services at Picanol.

?With industrial speeds of up to 750 RPM, the new OptiMax-i is now unquestionably the fastest industrial produced rapier weaving machine in the world. Highlights of the new rapier include the increased performance, redesigned and even more rigid construction, new applications, intelligent energy efficiency, improved ergonomics and user-friendliness. The OptiMax-i is available in reed widths ranging from 190 to 540 centimeters. Furthermore, thanks to its optimised rapier drives, it remains the fastest rapier machine on the market with the Guided Gripper system (GC) and through its Free Flight system (FF) it is also the most versatile one,? he said.

The Guided Positive Gripper (GPG) system has been developed for dedicated technical fabrics. Meanwhile, additional features that have been developed to respond to an ever increasing demand for versatility include, among other things, the Electronic Filling Tensioner (EFT), the SmartEye filling detector and the SmartCut filling cutter.

TerryMax-i and TERRYplus Summum

The ITM fair also saw Picanol presenting its new TerryMax-i rapier, which has been developed for terry cloth production. The direct electronic drive of the cloth fell mechanism guarantees a perfect pile formation and enables weavers to not only program the pile height loop by loop, but also to programme the pre beat-up distance of every single filling yarn, which in turn enables endless design possibilities. Special features include OptiSpeed, pile height monitoring and needle roller control. Besides the TerryMax-i, Picanol also has an airjet for terry production: the TERRYplus Summum weaving machine. This means that Picanol is the only provider on the market offering both airjet and rapier terry machines.

OMNIplus Summum

The OMNIplus Summum is Picanol?s latest generation in airjet weaving machines. It succeeds in combining the latest available technology with over 30 years experience in airjet weaving. By introducing state-of-the-art technology in hardware and software, the OMNIplus Summum offers the latest next upgrade to meet new market demands in terms of quality, performance and energy consumption.

Built on the new BlueBox platform, the OMNIplus Summum is packed with new features that enhance weaving performance and enable Picanol to continue to add further improvements in the future. The OMNIplus Summum is equipped with fully electronic pressure regulators, a separate built-in air tank for each weaving channel and a unique triple air tank configuration for the relay nozzles. This improves the user-friendliness and flexibility of the machine and significantly reduces energy consumption.

Let?s grow together

?Picanol offers the best mix of machines and services that enable weavers to create almost every type of fabric imaginable. In line with our marketing campaign, ?Let?s grow together?, everyone at Picanol endeavours to ensure that our machines have a higher performance, are more energy efficient, more versatile, more user-friendly and easy to set.

This means that we can continue to demonstrate that we are the technology leader for both airjet and rapier weaving machines,? explained Verstraete.

Picanol weaving machines represent a synthesis of technological know-how and experience that has been built up over eighty years and has resulted in more than 3,50,000 machines being produced. Picanol is proud to confirm that it currently has more than 1,75,000 weaving machines running in some 2,600 weaving mills across the world.

For further information:
Erwin Devloo
Tel: (0)57 222 090 | Email: edv@picanol.be

Frederic Dryhoel
Tel: (0)57 222 364 | Email: fdrh@picanol.be

Web: www.picanol.be

Groz-Beckert highlights at the ITM

Groz-Beckert showcased the products and services of its product areas knitting, weaving, nonwovens and carding. The product area knitting put the emphasis on the interaction of needles and system parts. Transparent knitting and warp knitting machines gave the visitor unique insights into the interplay of all components.

The ?CircularKnit? exhibit, a circular knitting machine replica made of acrylic glass, visualised 14 different knitting technologies from gauge E10 to E50. The transparent ?WarpKnit? exhibit presented the warp knitting modules that are new in the Groz-Beckert portfolio.

A special highlight from the product range was litespeed® version ?litespeed® plus?. Its optimised needle geometry reduces the machine temperature and leads to significant energy savings in the knitting process. The acrylic model ?litespeed® plus? showed the needle ?live-in action? in an extraordinary way.

In the product area weaving, Groz-Beckert presented the quick and universal knitting machine KnotMaster AS/3. An advantage of the high-performance knotting machine is its service and maintenance friendliness. Touch screen control makes operation easy. With four tying methods, single knots, automatic repetition, doubles detector and yarn break detector the AS/3 provides many useful features and, with its widespread range of applications, it is one of the bestsellers among the standard versions. In addition, the knotting machine is capable of handling a large variety of different yarns like cotton, wool, synthetic as well as blended and elastic yarns.

In the product area felting, special needle solutions for different applications in the nonwovens industry occupied the center stage. As the individual needle types of the Groz-Beckert range of products vary in terms of barb size and shape as well as working part gauge and cross-section, the correct needle can be offered for each application. To obtain a high surface quality, the use of GEBECON® and EcoStar® felting needles is recommended. GEBECON® is characterised by an increased stability combined with a high bending resistance and ensures a good surface structure in the pre-needling process. In the intermediate and finish needling, the EcoStar® needle guarantees a high surface quality of the end product. For products where a high tensile strength is required, the Twisted needle is the right choice. Its twisted working part makes for a particularly efficient needling.

It is used, for example, in the production of automotive textiles or geotextiles. For the mechanical web bonding, among others used in the production of items for the hygiene and medical sector, Groz-Beckert offers jet strips. At the exhibition, jet strips made of three different materials was presented: HyTec® Standard, HyTec® D and HyTec® GEBEDUR®.

The product area carding highlighted SiroLock® as well as EvoStep® doffer and worker wires. Together they guarantee a homogeneous fibre distribution and minimised fibre consumption in the nonwovens process. SiroLock® and EvoStep® wires feature a pronounced step undercut on the tooth front and a distinctive tooth shape. The optimised geometries of these wires allow an up to 30 per cent higher fibre take-up and retention. This significantly improves the fibre control and prevents fibre fly in spite of high production speeds. The higher degree of fibre control significantly improves the fibre transfer from the main cylinder to the worker or doffer, avoiding unnecessary fibre recycling around the main drum. The reduced maintenance effort facilitates a faster and smooth restart. SiroLock® and EvoStep®, therefore, guarantee a clearly improved fibre blending and thus higher quality of the web than with conventional card clothing ? and at the same time reduce fiber consumption.

For the spinning industry, the product area carding also showcased a special doffer wire for synthetic fibers with a rib of 0.70 mm and 520 PPSI for the processing of microfibers. In addition to that, Carding will exhibit revolving tops, stationary flats, and cleaning fillets.

Itema’s weaving solutions

Itema, the world?s largest privately held provider of advanced weaving solutions, including best-in-class weaving machines, spare parts and integrated services, exhibited at ITM 2016.

The only manufacturer in the world to offer the top three shuttleless weft insertion systems: rapier, airjet and projectile, the Italian-headquartered weaving machine major presented at ITM with the largest booth in the weaving hall (Hall 2, Booth 213). Itema displayed four weaving machines, more than any other textile machinery exhibitor: one airjet and three rapier looms. A must-see display of innovations and technological prowess, Itema?s booth is the same avant-garde, modern and stylish design as at ITMA last November.

Carlo Rogora, CEO, Itema, commented: ?Turkey and the surrounding area represents for Itema one of the most strategically important regions in the world. We have been in these markets for more than 30 years and our technology is very well represented and loved by our Customers. ITM follows closely in the footsteps of our Itema Innovation Roadshow in Bursa last April, where we presented first-hand the very latest developments to our Customers, and not only. We look forward to get another occasion to demonstrate to the widest audience possible why Itema technology is deservedly enjoying such a boom.?

Rapier R9500 and R9500p

On display at ITM were the R9500 ? the most successful rapier machine in recent years ? and the R9500p ? the latest evolution launched at ITMA 2015, engineered for high speed and maximum performances. Both R9500 and R9500p are born out of half-a-century of expertise, know-how and excellence in rapier weaving technology of historic Somet, Sulzer and Vamatex brands.

R9500

The market demands improved versatility to produce increasingly innovative, cutting-edge fabrics using brand-new yarns. Itema Rapier 2.0, available in both SK (with guided hooks) and FPA (free positive approach), is designed to enhance flexibility and to simultaneously guarantee unparalleled versatility, as well as greater ability to weave the widest range of weft yarns.

The motorised weft cutter, an Itema innovation designed more than 15 years ago ahead of any other textile machinery supplier, ensures superior textile efficiency due to the possibility to set independent cutting times for each weft, leading to utmost versatility and reduced fabric waste. Itema Rapiers 2.0 coupled with the motorised weft cutter make the R9500 the most versatile and flexible rapier machine on the market.

The R9500 can weave the widest range of applications and, since 2015, is available in weaving widths from 170cm to 540cm, with the wider versions specifically developed to match demanding technical fabric market requirements. The R9500 on show at ITM, sporting all the newest rapier developments by Itema, including the Rapier Weft Transfer 2.0, will weave one of the most popular applications in Turkey ? shirting fabric with an exclusive design.

R9500p

ITM was the official debut in Turkey and Central Asia of the R9500p, the premium rapier machine by Itema first seen at ITMA in Milan. Running at real production speeds of 750 rpm, the R9500p offers the ultimate and unmatched solution in terms of machine speed, performance, efficiency and fabric quality. The R9500p is equipped with SK Rapiers 2.0 for improved flexibility at the highest speeds and with the patented Itema Quick Frame Connection for a quicker and easier style change. A new main motor with oil cooling enables heat recovery thanks to the reduction of the motor temperature, making the R9500p more efficient. Last, but not least, the R9500p, like its sibling R9500, is the most compact rapier loom on the market, saving from 12 per cent up to 27 per cent floor space compared to competition ? a significant advantage enabling textile companies to maximise the weaving space by installing more Itema machines.

Itema R9500terry

The third Itema rapier loom displayed at ITM, and one destined to be a real star of the show, is Itema?s new R9500terry, an instant best-seller carrying on the rich heritage and reputation in terry weaving of historic Sulzer, Vamatex and now Itema brands. The Itema positive pile back rest roller, unique in the market, guarantees a significant optimisation of the pile warp tension, drastically reducing the friction during cloth displacement. Driven by a single motor, the new pile formation unit ensures an easy pile height setting directly from the user interface, guaranteeing superior fabric quality due to the pick-per-pick loop adjustment and cloth displacement up to 28mm (the most advanced in the market), leading to endless creative possibilities. The new ground back-rest roller, equipped with light weight cylinders and a load cell to control the tension, perfectly drives the yarn movement facilitating the shed formation. This innovative winning trio of advanced devices featured on the R9500terry provides unparalleled textile quality and utmost versatility.

The airjet A9500: a rising star

The A9500 on display at ITM enjoyed a worldwide boom in demand due to growing number of enlightened customers who understand and appreciate the unique winning characteristics of the Itema airjet machines.

The A9500 is designed for high productivity, whilst ensuring reduced levels of energy consumption and guaranteeing air savings, as well as top machine reliability.

A popular recent trend to weave stretch and super stretch fabrics with dedicated weft yarns, inspired Itema to create and patent the innovative BLC ? Brush Lycra Clamp ? nozzle to weave elastic weft yarns. Thanks to the BLC nozzle, the weft is held without movable parts to ensure superior fabric quality and reliability. Another Itema patented feature ? the ELD Electronic Leno Device ? with its innovative design, self-cleaning and no need to wind the leno spools, provides a perfect leno binding even at highest speeds, whilst reducing significantly operational costs.

Thanks to the electronic NCP New Common Platform, the new benchmark for reliability and easy control of all the technical parameters, the A9500 provides immediate, easy and perfect control of the weft insertion parameters.

Itema: Better, Smarter, Faster

?At Itema innovation is a must,? adds Rogora. ?We are the only company in this sector to have two R&D departments. We remain focused not only on meeting and exceeding weavers? needs, but on going beyond, anticipating future market requirements. We continue to concentrate our extensive R&D efforts on offering better, smarter, faster solutions, increased performances, unparalleled flexibility, reduced consumption and enhanced user-friendliness.?

During ITM, Itema demonstrated the new Online Spare Parts Portal ? MyItema ? an immediate, easy-to-use tool dedicated to orders of Itema original spare parts. Piero Colombelli, Itema Regional Head of Sales and in charge of Turkey market for more than 25 years, commented: ?Original spare parts can substantially increase machine life span and efficiency, guaranteeing the highest return on investment. Itema supplies a substantial local spare parts stock in Turkey, in order to serve and accomplish in real time every customer?s request.?

Itema weaving machines at ITM 2016

* Rapier R9500terry – 260cm – Terry
* Rapier R9500p – 220cm – Super Stretch Denim
* Rapier R9500 – 220cm – Stretch Shirting
* Airjet A9500 – 220cm – Apparel