At ITMA ASIA + CITME 2018, the highlights of exhibits in Hall 3 & 4 include weaving, tufting, knitting and hosiery machinery, auxiliary machinery and accessories, etc. 

BMSvision (Booth: H3 C16)

BMSvision will focus on Industry 4.0 and smart textile manufacturing at ITMA ASIA 2018.

Through intelligent wireless networking of all production equipment in the mill, the BMSvision Manufacturing Execution System (MES) turns the huge amount of data originating from various production machines and processes into meaningful information for managers.

The BMSvision MES suite for the textile industry includes software modules for real-time monitoring, reporting, scheduling, preventive maintenance, fabric inspection and traceability.

The Management Dashboard allows the combined presentation of data from these different software modules into one single web based report showing important KPIs at a glance. As such, the manager can have all information related to efficiencies, quality and energy consumption displayed in real-time in one single screen, either on PC, tablet or smartphone.

Visitors will also see the premiere of two new products: MyMES and Argus. MyMES is an App available for both Android and iOS devices and includes a cockpit and an alert module. The cockpit shows the KPIs and important production data of the plant while the alert module highlights problem areas that need immediate attention.

With its Cyclops system, BMSvision has been a pioneer in the field of on loom quality control for weaving mills. With its new product Argus, the company again pushes the boundaries of automatic on loom inspection. A system capable of inspecting unicolor jacquard fabrics is now available for weavers of high quality products, such as OPW airbags and mattress ticking.

 

BTSR (Booth: H4 D13)

BTSR will present new yarn feeding solution for hosiery and knitwear production. Based on worldwide Top Seller ULTRAFEEDER success, ULTRAFEEDER2 represents a unique and advanced yarn tension control feeding solution technology on the market, a further step ahead in terms of performance and benefits to customers.

ULTRAFEEDER2 offers a new ergonomic design and is made from more advanced materials, including aluminum, magnesium and carbon fiber, to which has optimized space around the wheel to make it easier for yarn threading, and also increased the robustness and lightness of the device.

It also includes a new processor which improves the input yarn tension feeding control and offers an improved performance during the feeding of yarns with high absorption discontinuity. Overall, the new processer has increased the response time of ULTRAFEEDER2 by 10 times and has higher acceleration dynamics control.

Further benefits of the new version include a new display position on top of the wheel which simplifies the process for the operator, a new high resolution load cell sensor for improved accuracy, and both clockwise and anticlockwise rotation so the yarn can be fed from either side.

In addition, it encompasses a new, BTSR-patented Quality Index system which means that feeding/process yarn quality issues or other anomalies can be monitored in real time.

Groz-Beckert (Booth: H4 D25)

Groz-Beckert will introduce innovative solutions in six product areas, which include knitting, weaving, felting, carding, tufting and sewing, at the show.

This year, at the knitting product area, a new acrylic exhibit of a sock machine will round off the glass insights into the different knitting technologies. The exhibit demonstrates a wide range of products in different gauges – with needles and system parts for 10 different models from the fields of socks and seamless hosiery.

Whether cleaning, drawing-in, tying or weaving, the company will offer a unique product variety with its weaving division. The high-performance tying machine KnotMaster will be presented in the field of weaving preparation. It is characterized by a wide variety of functions, ranging from single and double knots and short knot ends, through to four knotting types and thread breakage monitoring.

Heald frames and healds, as well as warp stop motions, drop wires and the PosiLeno leno system will be available for customers to experience in action in the WeavingLoom, a replica weaving machine made from acrylic glass. In addition, illustrative hand samples of the weaving accessories harness frames and healds will also complete the weaving exhibition.

For the field of felting (nonwovens), visitors are allowed to experience the staple fiber needle punch line live at the booth and the 3D-printed model in 1:18 scale willimpress them with its wealth of detail. The division will also be presenting its patented GEBECON Felting Needle, which offers improved surface quality and optimal bending resistance. The EcoStar Felting Needle is a real highlight for all applications with high demands for surface quality. It is characterized by its special working part cross-section, which has been reduced by 13% compared with the standard needle.

In the field of tufting, the Gauge Part System from Groz-Beckert will impress visitors with its controlled and coordinated selection of materials and adherence to the narrowest tolerances. The precise dimension coordination between all individual tools used forms the basis for a smooth interplay between the various components within the system.

A perfectly coordinated interplay between the clothing in the field of carding achieves an optimal carding result both in the revolving flat card and in the roller card. The use of special clothing geometries in the nonwovens industry, like the worker and doffer wires SiroLock and EvoStep leads to better fiber control and a more even web. The SiroLock card clothing also impresses with increased performance of the roller card, while EvoStep card clothing focuses on saving raw material.

The sewing product area will be showing how the different stitch formation types work in detail. There will be an opportunity to experience the stitch type 605 (cover chain stitch) at the fair. It consists of three needle threads, one looper thread and a covering thread and is used for sewing bindings and fancy seams onto items of clothing made from knitted fabric. The acrylic replica of a sewing machine and an impressive animation bring the interaction between the machine, needle and threads to life at the booth.
 

KARL MAYER (Booth: H4 B 11)

As a pioneer in textile machinery building, KARL MAYER is following a broad digitisation strategy. The company will present first time its own solution for networking its machines. This digital solution will provide its customers with transparency in real time regarding the performance of their machines, and can be used in the company’s own network with very little modification.

Concerning the topic of sustainability, KARL MAYER will provide versatile solutions under the motto “Cleaner.Productions” at ITMA ASIA + CITME. These include new warp knitting machines which have lower energy consumption due to their intelligent technology, and application concepts with increased advantages for the environment.

One of the highlights will show how it is possible to replace formerly mainly woven articles by warp-knitted textiles as an ecological alternative. An example in this respect is TERRY.ECO for the manufacture of terry articles.

For the first time, one of the widest high-speed tricot machines in the world, the HKS 3-M, 280", will be demonstrated to the public in operation at the exhibition. This new machine delivers maximum flexibility for the usual product repertoire. Unlike previously, articles of different widths and also more fabric webs can be produced simultaneously on just one machine.

The warp preparation business unit will display a sizing machine with minimum resource consumption. Less demand for water, energy and sizing agents also means less cost and, thus, even more advantages for the customers. The technical core of the machine with focus on the ecological aspect will be presented during the trade fair. Besides, a new direct beamer with improved price-performance ratio will also be premiered at the show.

For the production of technical textiles, the company will demonstrate its comprehensive expertise in Shanghai, especially in the building and construction industry.

Moreover, guests are invited to take part in an in-house show at its plant in Changzhou. Visitors will have the opportunity to see a performance show of the new COP 5 EL equipped with five guide bars, as well as lace raschel machines featuring an excellent price-performance ratio, and new developments in the double-raschel and terry-fabric fields.

Visitors will also have the chance to see market-oriented developments for the warp preparation business, especially for the players in the shirting and sheeting market, and in the denim sector.

 

LGL (Booth: H4 F02)

LGL ELECTRONICS, a leading Italian manufacturer of electronic yarn feeders, will showcase a complete range of advanced and sustainable yarn feeding solutions at the booth.

The feeders for knitting feature SPIN 1, ECOPOWER, ECOMPACT and the MINI series that include the new model made by LGL HANGZHOU. Among them, MINI CB (CAN BUS) is suitable for all types of knitting machinery. MINI feeders can perform in many different applications like seamless, socks, large diameter and flat knitting.

Meanwhile, the feeders for weaving include ECOSMART, PROGRESS VECTOR, TECNICO as well as the new model made by LGL HANGZGHOU.

The ECOWINDER has a new design, reduced dimension and weight (4.8 kg), along with a new optical sensor on the feeder drum for input missing yarn and winding count. In order to reduce yarn stress, the yarn angle inside the new feeder is smoother. It provides remarkable reduction of power consumption compared to other feeders in market. In addition, it provides maximum torque at both high and low speed.

 

Mayer & Cie. (Booth: H4 F01)

This year, Mayer & Cie. (MCT) will focus entirely on electronic machines. All three machines scheduled to be on show in Shanghai – the Spinit 3.0 E, the OVJA1.6 EE

3/2 WT and the OVJA 2.4 EC – come in this category.

It will be the first time the Spinit spinning and knitting machine and the OVJA1.6 EE 3/2 WT, designed especially for knitting shoe uppers, have been exhibited in China. And it will be the first time ever that the OVJA 2.4 EC has been on show. It is an electronic jacquard machine that Mayer & Cie. China (MCN) has added to its product line.

With its 2.4 systems per inch, the new OVJA 2.4 EC is a full jacquard machine that outperforms Chinese manufacturers’ conventional models in productivity. Thanks to its three-way-technology, the machine offers great variety in design patterns. It is aimed at discerning Chinese customers who produce fabrics for outer garments, sports and leisure wear.

Its design is borrowed from that of the successful OVJA 2.4 SE mini-jacquard machine and its functionality is based on that of the OVJA 2.4 E full jacquard machine. The important difference between it and the two machines on which it is modelled is the implementation of the needle selection.

The OVJA 2.4 E relies on electronic individual needle selection on one track via control board and the Chinese model uses 16 athermal electromagnetic actuators on eight tracks. It has advantages in terms of user friendliness because gauge changes are faster and easier.

The OVJA 2.4 EC is the first electronic machine to be finally assembled at Mayer & Cie. China. During the past years, the Chinese works have continually expanded their portfolio. The first Chinese model is the MSC 3.2 II single jersey machine and its double jersey counterpart the MDC 2.2.

For the spinning and knitting sectors, the Spinit 3.0 E offers benefits in the manufacturing process. To produce single jersey, it requires much less energy, time and space than the conventional process, and that recently won spinitsystems the German Environment Ministry’s Innovation Prize for the Climate and the Environment (IKU).

Moreover, the new OVJA 1.6 EE 3/2 WT machine uses three-way technology in the cylinder and two-way technology in the rib dial. That ensures a very wide range of patterns for the multi-colour jacquard machine, which can at the same time produce a hole structure look by means of multiple tuck loops.

In addition to the OVJA 1.6 EE 3/2 WT, the Mayer & Cie. portfolio includes several machines that are suitable for making shoe upper fabric, especially OVJA machines. The Technit D3, in contrast, is a spacer specialist. It knits with three threads on the cylinder side and produces spacer structures with four needle tracks.

 

Stäubli (Booth: H3 E01)

Stäubli Textile will present its machinery range and new solutions at two booths this year. Among them, at Deimo’s knitting solutions booth (H4 D14), Stäubli will show the recently launched D4S device on two circular knitting machines. This automation solution allows closing the toe of the sock directly on the knitting machine. It significantly shortens the sock production process.

A brand new automatic drawing-in machine SAFIR S30 will be introduced at the show. Featuring a new 16 frame/rod capacity, this setup is ideal for high-density warps with fine filament yarns. The SAFIR product range features state-of-the-art AWC (active warp control) technologies such as double-end detection, colour repeat, and S/Z-yarn management.

As a world premiere at ITMA Asia, Stäubli will unveil the new BEAMPRO yarn repeat reading-in machine, an automation aid at the sizing machine for sizing coloured warp sheets.

As another novelty, the new high-position rotary dobbies for water-jet applications, the S2658 and S2678 series will be demonstrated. The S2678 will be on display in combination with the new de82/83 har­ness motions for high mounting, featuring an ingenious design incorporating valuable features such as maintenance-free bearings. These machines can be installed in the high position on the weaving machine, supporting the production of quality patterned fabrics.

In addition to the electronic rotary dobbies, Stäubli’s S1300 and S1600/S1700 series of cam motions will also be exhibited. These machines are available for high-speed weaving using every type of weft insertion system.

Visitors will also see two complete Jacquard installations featuring different kinds of weft insertion. These installations are equipped with the LX and LXL Jacquard machines, designed for the production of terry and large-format clothing fabrics. Dedicated to large formats, the LXL setup is equipped with 19,584 harness cords (format of the machine exhibited is 10,240 hooks). The display will show the heavy payload capacities of this machine when weaving dense clothing fabrics. The LX setup (format of the machine exhibited is 4,096 hooks) will be shown producing terry fabric, operating 6,652 harness cords with two repeats.

Meanwhile, two different examples of jacquard weaving will be shown: the CX 172 and the UNIVALETTE electronic Jacquard machine. The latter features an individual warp-thread control, opening vast possibilities for a wide variety of applications. Both machines allow weavers to apply added value to their woven fabrics.

For carpet weaving, exclusive samples woven on ALPHA carpet weaving systems will be shown, exhibiting binding technologies and patterns ranging from extra-high-density carpets with traditional patterns to ultra-modern designer carpets.

 

STOLL (Booth: H4 C06)

STOLL will showcase the new ADF member ADF 830-24 W for the first time at the show.With the ADF 830-24 W and a working width of 84 inches, various textiles for fashion or technical textiles, including large textiles, oversize, unusual cuts or long patterns, can be realized. In addition, the machine is equipped with the innovative STOLL-weave-in technology. This allows knitting of textiles with weave-like optics and properties.

A product advantage that directly affects form, comfort and flexibility: unlike traditional knitwear, weave-like textiles are more stretchable and more comfortable depending on the type of knit. In addition, they can already be preformed in the machine and provided with 3D elements.

Based on the successful ADF technology, themachine also scores with the yarn carriers, which are independent of the carriage and allow a particularly high degree of flexibility. Each pair of them is mounted on a total of 12 tracks on the ADF 830-24 W and can be moved both horizontally and vertically, can be easily programmed and quickly equipped with yarn.

The EKC operating system completes the modern equipment. It facilitates the operation, since it is intuitive and can be learned without much training effort. The machine represents a user-friendly gain for textile production - from day one.

 

Superba (Booth: H3 C01)

Superba, amember of the Vandewiele family, is one of the leaders in space dyeing and heat setting for carpet yarn (PP, PES, PAN, Wool & blends). The company has entered Chinese market since 1992. It set up a subsidiary in Shanghai (SSRO) to ensure a high level of service to local customers.

In China, the number of Superba heat-setting lines sold has increased, not only to existing companies that extended their production capacity, but also to new prospects.

Currently, the Chinese carpet market focuses on the use of polyester and polyamide fibers to manufacture rugs. One of the market favorite is the tufted printed carpet for domestic market. This kind of carpet requires a well-defined pin-point effect to get a precise printed drawing.

Superba TVP3 heat-setting line offers high pin-point definition with its saturated steam process. The recent improvements in Superba’s space-dyeing technology, such as bicolor printing, or polyester yarn dyeing, will become great interest among the Chinese manufacturers who are looking for innovative technologies.