#Dyeing, Drying, Finishing

2020-07-16

UTT prepares for the future - together with MENZEL and BRÜCKNER

Finishing line for airbag fabrics at UTT (c) 2020 Brückner

UTT/ Krumbach/ Germany, a subsidiary of the Thai chemical group Indorama Ventures (IVL), is a renowned manufacturer of technical fabrics and has recently installed a state-of-the-art textile finishing line for airbag fabrics. The original weaving mill was founded at its current location in Krumbach in 1850. Over the years the focus of manufacturing has shifted from the initial production of parachute fabrics to that of technical textiles, especially airbag fabrics.

This is a multi-stage, precisely coordinated complex process, ranging from warp production to laser cutting. UTT's own high standards demand the highest quality, finished with state-of-the-art technology.

In order to develop its key role in this important and innovative market of the automotive industry, UTT has significantly expanded its production capacity for technical dobby and jacquard fabrics at the Krumbach site. Not only was an investment made in an additional production building with new weaving machines, but also one of the world's most modern and innovative textile finishing lines for airbags has recently been installed. UTT chose two very experienced and reliable partners for this project: two German, owner-run machine and plant manufacturing companies, MENZEL in Bielefeld and BRÜCKNER in Leonberg, Together with UTT's project managers, the requirements for the line were refined and developed by the experienced technologists of all three companies.

The successful cooperation is based on the specialization of MENZEL and BRÜCKNER to work out and implement individual customer-oriented solutions. The challenge here is to implement the multiple technical requirements of the line concept. The aim of this project was the production of a high-performance air-bag OPW fabric. Therefore a new process for the multi-stage in-line finishing of OPW fabric was developed. For continuous production, the line is equipped with the necessary elements for non-stop fabric change over. BRÜCKNER's stenter system is equipped with a newly developed indirect gas heating system. This system completely separates the circulating air of the dryer from the hot burner exhaust gases so that no contact with the sensitive fabric can occur. In addition, the system has an integrated heat-recovery system for heating up fresh air in order to achieve the highest possible energy efficiency. This heat-recovery system enables a saving of approx. 30 m³ of natural gas per hour for the entire system and significantly reduces CO2 emissions compared to other systems.

The stenter has a horizontal return, low-lubrication fabric transport chain, which is equipped with width tension sensors. With the help of these sensors the fabric tensions occurring in the production process are controlled to ensure that the fabric does not exceed its quality critical parameters. If the pre-set tension values are increased, the machine will react and alter the fabric width accordingly. The process control system allows continuous monitoring of all relevant parameters and data exchange with the customer's own PDA system.

The realization of this innovative system was a demanding challenge but also a very successful cooperation of all participating companies. Together, a common success could be implemented according to the motto "Quality Made in Germany".

Tradition and Innovation – Phoenox Textiles Ltd. relies on state-of-the-art carpet back-coating line from Brückner

For more than 70 years, Phoenox Textiles Ltd. has been synonymous with quality, reliability, and inno-vation in the textile industry. Founded in 1954 in Huddersfield (Yorkshire, UK), a region with a long tradition in textiles, this family-owned business has continued to evolve without losing sight of its roots. Today, in its fourth generation under the leadership of the Mosley family, Phoenox successfully combines decades of experience with a clear, forward-looking corporate strategy.

BRÜCKNER will be demonstrating what modern textile finishing looks like today at ITMA ASIA

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Inauguration of the branch office in Coimbatore, India

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SETEX turns dyeing and finishing data into daily production control

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Reju opens its first R&D Center in the U.S. in Conshohocken, Pennsylvania

Reju, the company specializing in textile regeneration, today announced the opening of a Research and Development (R&D) Center in Conshohocken, Pennsylvania, the company's first proprietary research center in North America. Located within Technip Energies' existing Advanced Materials and Catalysts research center, the lab will allow Reju to accelerate the rollout of its recycling technologies and develop its next-generation circular solutions.

Itema reaffirms its commitment to the Syrian textile industry at NasTex 2026

From July 18th to 21st, Itema will exhibit at NasTex at the Damascus Fairground (Hall 11 – Stand C02), marking its return to one of the Middle East’s historically significant textile markets. Itema will showcase advanced weaving technology designed to support the competitiveness and technological evolution of Syrian manufacturers and announces a new partnership with Growfast Agency as the sole agent of Itema in Syria.

KARL MAYER's HKS 2-SE Expands Possibilities for Premium Stretch WARP KNITS

Warp knitted fabrics with a woven look are more in demand than ever in the fashion and apparel industries. Stretch WARP KNITS, in particular, impress with their freedom of movement, breathability, and virtually wrinkle-free wear – thereby opening up new style worlds such as smart casual or business casual. When it comes to the highly efficient production of premium-quality stretch WARP KNITS, the HKS 2-SE has long been the machine of choice. KARL MAYER’s best-selling tricot machine produces standard elastic fabrics characterized by high gauges, smooth, delicate surfaces, and a soft hand feel.