Quality solutions across the full range of primary textile production – from fiber to finished fabric – are now offered by Uster Technologies, following the successful integration of automated inspection systems from Elbit Vision Systems (EVS) this year.

“The integration of EVS into the Uster Group is recognized as a synergetic acquisition adding value to Uster’s offer of expertise and services. Additionally, EVS is for us an opportunity to explore business in additional textile fields,” said Thomas Nasiou, Uster Technologies CEO at a press conference during ITMA ASIA + CITME 2018.

At the press conference, the company introduced three EVS systems for vision-based fabric inspection, which are now presented under Uster brand. Their new names are USTER EVS Q-BAR (fabric quality monitoring system), USTER EVS FABRIQ VISION (fabric quality assurance system) and USTER EVS FABRIQ SHADE (fabric shade optimization system). They also have a new look – the distinctive and award-winning dark-red and grey Uster design – confirming the identity of the fabric inspection systems at a glance.

Automated inspection from Uster delivers major benefits for fabric producers. The three solutions provide both quality assurance and optimization of fabric yield in the final product. The high-tech inspection technology means fabric producers depend less on human judgment and can produce consistent, reliable quality.

In the mill, the Uster approach starts with the principle of avoiding off-quality at the earliest possible stage. Here, the USTER EVS Q-BAR detects faults during manufacturing, preventing long-running defects. This early control reduces material losses and removes the need for manual inspection after production. It’s the basis for constant and reliable quality, enhancing the mill’s market competitiveness.

For optimum quality, a consistently high rate of defect detection is required. USTER EVS FABRIQ VISION ensures reliable monitoring, using automated control during intermediate and final inspection – eradicating the need for manual inspection. The system’s ability to capture any visible defects allows fabric yield to be optimized and prevents claims.

For dyed fabrics, color consistency is vital – from beginning to end and from side to side of a roll, as well as between different rolls of the same lot. USTER EVS FABRIQ SHADE monitors shade variation in almost any process where color is critical. It allows fabric producers to deliver a constant shade in the end product, preventing second quality and keeping customers satisfied.

USTER EVS FABRIQ VISION and USTER EVS FABRIQ SHADE also provide a number of options for improving process efficiency, while also optimizing fabric yield. Features such as the infrared marker, the cutting-table control and the laser pointer underline the technology of Uster systems. Smart automation, process optimization and user-friendliness all lead to the goal of managing a textile mill with quality in mind.

The launch of USTER STATISTICS 2018 app

At the same time, the company also officially announced the launch of the USTER STATISTICS 2018 app at the press conference.

For the first time, USTER STATISTICS is now offered in an app format – meeting the increasingly mobile requirements of the industry and the world. New quality characteristics as well as extended yarn count ranges and novel yarn types will further thrill the users.

The app is ready to download now for free from the usual app stores. For this new era, the knowledge base and data in the app are portable and quickly accessible any time, even if no internet connection is available.

The easy-to-use concept of the STATISTICS app offers useful search mechanisms with customizable settings. All information, including charts, tables and interactive tables as well as processing data, can be sent or printed, enabling direct communication between business partners via the STATISTICS app.

An outstanding feature of USTER STATISTICS 2018 is a virtually seamless blended yarn range. Users can enter their chosen blend ratio in 1% steps. A graph relating to the input value is then selected in the background. This fulfills requests by many users for more blended yarn options in USTER STATISTICS.

In addition, the app serves users in 11 different languages and the built-in FAQ offers immediate support – which is continuously extended by the addition of new answers.