#ITMA 2019

2019-06-20

ITA student Mathias Zidda receives the ITMA Research & Innovation Excellence Award 2019

Award presentation: Fritz P. Mayer (CEMATEX), Mathias Zidda, Professor Dr Thomas Gries (ITA), Martin Kolloch (ITA), Dr Johannes Sackmann (ITA) Markus Beckmann (ITA GmbH), from left to right, source: ITA

Mathias Zidda, master graduate of Institut für Textiltechnik of RWTH Aachen University (ITA), won the ITMA Research & Innovation Excellence Award on June 20, 2019 for his 3D braiding machine, which was rebuilt according to the 4.0 industry standard.

During his master thesis "Development of a gear-driven 3D rotational braiding machine and its control concept", Mathias Zidda was supervised by ITA doctorate candidate Martin Kolloch.

Fritz P. Mayer, President of CEMATEX and the German Engineering Federation (VDMA), handed over the prize money of 10,000 € with certificate to the lucky winner at ITMA 2019 in Barcelona, Spain.

The 3D braiding machine consists of an existing conventional mechanical system. It has now been digitised and rebuilt according to industry 4.0 standard. With the help of the digital control, eg. three-dimensionally reinforced ceramic turbine components can be manufactured as prototypes and subsequently produced in series. Together with the company ark industrie AG, Aachen, Germany, and 2C-Composites GmbH & Co. KG, Heinsberg, Germany, the control system was completely redesigned so that the machine can be mon-itored and operated from anywhere.

"Every machine manufacturer is looking for ways to update its existing machinery before replacing it. We provide him with a good solution in the field of digitisation and Industry 4.0," says Professor Dr Thomas Gries, Head of ITA.

At ITMA 2015, ITA doctoral candidate Jan Jordan had already won the R&I Excellence Award for his master thesis "Development & assembly of a test bench for the analysis of magnetic weft insertion".

The ITMA Sustainable Innovation Award was created by CEMATEX to recognize the joint efforts of the global textile industry to promote corporate sustainability through innovative solutions and outstand-ing industry-specific research.

The award comprises two categories: an Industry Excellence Award for textile and apparel manufacturers and a Research & Innovation Excellence Award open to Master's students.

Texprocess 2026: Automation, digitalisation and AI redefine textile processing

Making investment decisions in textile processing has become significantly more demanding. Increasing energy costs, a shortage of skilled labour and ongoing geopolitical uncertainties are compelling companies to focus on technologies that deliver clear gains in efficiency and process reliability. This applies equally to apparel manufacturing and to the processing of technical textiles and high-performance materials. As a result, modernisation initiatives are assessed more carefully – even as the need to upgrade production systems continues to intensify.

Techtextil 2026: Between innovation pressure & market reality

From 21 to 24 April 2026, Techtextil in Frankfurt am Main will once again become the central meeting point for the international technical textiles and nonwovens industry. Running in parallel, Texprocess will focus on the industrial implementation of textile processing technologies as the leading platform in this field. Together, the two trade fairs form a closely integrated presentation and working platform along the entire textile value chain – from material development to finished applications.

Between geopolitical pressure and industrial resilience

In this interview, Dr. Janpeter Horn (VDMA) discusses the current challenges facing textile machinery manufacturers, shaped by geopolitical tensions, regulatory developments and subdued investment. He also outlines why innovation strength, integrated solutions and strategic positioning remain key to global competitiveness.

Eastman Naia™ debuts at Kingpins Amsterdam, transforming Denim from the inside out

At Kingpins Amsterdam (April 15–16, 2026), Naia™ by Eastman Chemical Company makes its debut, presenting its approach to circularity and comfort in denim at Stand 1, Ground Level (Blue Area). The brand also highlights its growing global ecosystem, connecting mill partners, designers and brands working to expand denim possibilities through fiber innovation.

ISKO introduces a new chapter of denim innovation at Kingpins Amsterdam with FW 27/28

At Kingpins Amsterdam, ISKO presents its latest FW27/28 collection, a forward-looking exploration of denim that merges advanced color technologies, innovative fabric engineering, and contemporary finishing techniques. Designed to meet the evolving demands of the industry, the collection reflects ISKO’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of authenticity, performance, and responsible innovation, while also embracing a strong lifestyle perspective.

Asahi Kasei Advance to showcase high-performance non-woven and fibers at Techtextil 2026

Asahi Kasei Advance will present its portfolio of high-performance nonwovens, flame-retardant fabrics, and advanced textile and fiber solutions designed for various industries during its first-ever exhibition at Techtextil 2026. Techtextil is the leading international trade show for technical textiles and nonwovens, taking place from April 21-24, 2026, in Frankfurt, Germany. Asahi Kasei Advance will highlight 14 brands, with special focus on four key materials as its debut at the exhibition in Hall 12.1 at booth C35.

VEIT Group presents product highlights and innovations at Texprocess 2026

At Texprocess 2026 in Frankfurt am Main (April 21–24, Hall 8.0, Stand A18), the VEIT Group presents its latest solutions and product highlights for the industrial production of clothing and the processing of technical textiles. The focus is on efficient technologies for ironing, pressing, fusing, laminating and textile refinishing processes, covering applications from the apparel industry through to technical textiles as well as interior and automotive sectors.