Penn Textile Solutions relies on process control from Bavaria

"Over the past several years, one of the areas Penn has specialized in is the production of custom-fit, close-contour compression knits. These are increasingly being used in the sporting goods sector," describes operations mana-ger Franz Schütte. "Customers can expect a unique design with highly functional wearing comfort from our articles at the same time." The production of these textiles requires the corresponding know-how as well as the appropriate production and process technology for the production of the surfaces as well as for the finishing and quality assurance. In order to continue to meet these high demands, Penn wanted to further optimize its stenter frame processes. 

Many of the products are made from so-called compression knits, in which different constructions are integrated within one quality. Penn produces the compression knitted fabrics on special raschel looms. "The compression zones place accurately in the finished element. The balance of the agents plays an important role here." In the subsequent finishing process, a textile surface with the required stretch behaviour, the appropriate repeat lengths and basis weights should be created, particularly in the drying and fixing process. The measuring and control system in the stenter frame process must realize and guarantee these requirements over the entire length of the section. Not an easy task!

Penn has long relied on Mahlo

To achieve its own high quality targets day after day, Penn has relied on the cooperation with Mahlo, based in Saal an der Donau in Bavaria, for years. The manufacturer of measuring, control and automation systems for web-shaped goods has decades of experience in the field of process control. "We have been using Mahlo systems for more than 30 years and have always been able to rely on excellent results," says Schütte. Until the summer of 2020, the textile manufacturer had been using a basis weight measurement system in the stenter frame outlet with beta radiation and manual control. "When the krypton preparations had passed their half-life, we had to make a decision: Exchange or replace the system right away." They sat down with Mahlo representatives and looked for the best solution. Since the systems had already reached a high operating age and the measurement was limited to the basis weight, a new concept was decided upon. "Mahlo made us the best price-performance offer." The new system should be even more efficient and easier to operate for the special makes.