#Techtextil 2019

2019-05-11

ITA at Techtextil 2019

The Institut für Textiltechnik of RWTH Aachen University, short ITA, will present its expertise in the field of ambient lighting at Techtextil 2019 on the Elmatex stand in Hall 3.0, Stand D05, with the demonstrator light textiles that shows a new type of energy storage system for furniture applications (model vehicle for fuel cell drive), with efficient textile products (e.g. sports bra) and with new materials for aerospace applications (MoonFibre)

Ambient Lighting - Demonstrator Light Textiles

With the Demonstrator Light Textiles, ITA shows an illuminated textile by using light-guiding fibres and polymer optical fibres (POF). This is ideally suited to design illuminated surfaces in the interior, e.g. in the automotive or home sector. This textile solution offers a flexible, drapable surface with a soft, pleasant feel in a limited space. ITA provides the fibre and process development. The key partner is Mentor GmbH & Co. Präzisions-Bauteile KG in Erkrath, Germany.

Background:

The polymer optical fiber (POF) demonstrator was developed as part of an ongoing cooperation between Mentor and the ITA. This is a research & development model which is linked to a doctorate at ITA and at the cooperation partner. This model offers ITA's industrial partners the opportunity to conduct targeted research in a specific field and to train qualified employees. Further information is available from jan.kallweit@ita.rwth-aachen.de.

Ambient Lighting - Demonstrator Light Textiles (c) 2019 ITA

Novel Energy Storage for Mobility Applications - Remote-Controlled Model Vehicle with Fuel Cell Drive

The remote-controlled model vehicle with fuel cell drive (RC-Car) is an emission-free model car with lightweight tanks and body made of fibre composite plastics (FRP). It consists of kits from Tamiya-Carson Modellbau GmbH & Co. KG and Horizon Fuel Cell Technologies Pte. Ltd.

The pressure vessels (Composite Pressure Vessel-CPV) of the RC-Car were manufactured by ITA with a new winding technology for pressure vessels with carbon fibres on a machine from Murata, Japan. The CPVs are produced by multifilament winding, which promises a higher productivity than conventional wet winding. They CPV can withstand high pressures, e.g. 700 bar, and offers significant weight savings compared to batteries. The CPVs enable emission-free, long-range, hydrogen-based propulsion that can be refuelled quickly and represents ITA's contribution to mobility and energy revolution. The CPVs contribute to a sustainable energy balance, since, for example, rare earths are not required as in battery production.

The target group for the CPVs is the transport sector. In the automotive industry, CPVs provide the basis for a lighter drive concept, as they can be charged more quickly and offer greater lightweight potential than batteries. For the aerospace sector, the new winding technology represents an alternative, faster manufacturing process to wet-willing pressure vessels. Further information is available from tim.moelling@ita.rwth-aachen.de.

Aerospace materials – MoonFibre - From Regolith to Textiles (c) 2019 ITA

Efficient Textile Production - Sports Bra

With ist new sports bra, ITA shows a newly developed innovative process for the highly productive manufacturing of three-dimensional knitted fabrics on large circular knitting machines without additional separating and joining steps. Large circular knitting is significantly faster and more efficient than flat knitting which was previously used.

The garments (here a sports bra) can be tailored seamlessly and individually to size in a single step and are thus an example of a store-factory approach, i.e. customer-specific just-in-time production in a specialist shop on site. This new process is patented and forms the basis for licensing this technology to new business fields and other industries. Further information is available from christoph.peiner@ita.rwth-aachen.de.

Aerospace materials - MoonFibre

Many nations are toying with the idea of setting up a lunar station and to use the moon as a source of raw materials, a research site, a stepping stone into the solar system and a tourist destination. But the transport of the material for a lunar station is very costly: to bring material from the earth to the moon costs up to 1 million € per kilogram. For a lunar station, at least 450 tons are needed.

ITA's solution: produce directly on the moon! A lot of moon rock is very similar to basalt. ITA has already developed a production process to spin mineral fibres based on lunar rock. Within MoonFibre, ITA uses this experience for the production of fibres for the reinforcement of three-dimensional structures on the basis of moon rock and produces the fibres for the construction of the moon station directly on site. ITA's approach is supported by the German Aerospace Center (DLR). In addition, the project is funded by Crowd-Funding. Further information is available from alexander.lueking@ita.rwth-aachen.de.

We look forward to meeting you at the joint stand of Elmatex in Hall 3.0, booth D05!

TERNAfil wins first place at PitchMiUp Night 2026 in Minden

The RWTH spin-off TERNAfil has developed MAXCarbon, a new high-performance hybrid fibre that combines the mechanical performance of carbon with the temperature and corrosion resistance of ceramic materials. For this development, TERNAfil was awarded first prize at the PitchMiUp Night in Minden on 21 May 2026.

Carbon-ceramic hybrid fibre proves its worth – NRW Minister for Science Mona Neubaur congratulates ITA start-up TERNAfil

MAXCarbon technology, a novel carbon-ceramic hybrid fibre developed by ITA spin-off TERNAfil, secured third place at the HIGH-TECH.NRW Demo Day on the TÜV NORD campus in Essen. The technology combines the strength of carbon fibres with the temperature and corrosion resistance of ceramic materials. Mona Neubaur, Minister for Science in North Rhine-Westphalia, congratulated the team on their success and on winning prize money of 4,000 euros.

TCLF: Resilient value chains in times of crises

The textiles, clothing, leather and footwear (TCLF) industry was at the centre of the webinar “Resilient value chains in times of crises”, which took place on 28 April 2026. Global supply chains continue to face increasing pressure, raw material dependencies are growing and economic uncertainties are affecting the entire sector.

Elastic yarns to become more recyclable and environmentally friendly in future

On 29 April 2026, ITA student Tobias Dickmeiß was awarded a sponsorship prize by the Wilhelm Lorch-Stiftung for his innovative approach, to replacing conventional elastane with elastic yarns made from thermoplastic copolyester elastomers (TPC). Thanks to their thermoplastic nature and compatibility with typical polyesters used in the textile industry, elastic TPC yarns offer improved recyclability. Furthermore, the use of the melt-spinning process in yarn production eliminates the need for solvents that are harmful to the environment and human health.

MEL Composites supports ELA Aviation with advanced composite materials

MEL Composites is supplying advanced composite materials and process consumables to ELA Aviation for the production of its next-generation gyroplanes. The collaboration underlines MEL Composites’ growing role in advanced aerospace mobility, providing lightweight materials designed to improve aircraft performance, manufacturing efficiency and structural reliability.

Yarns and technologies in symbiosis: Biella Yarn presents Fall/Winter 2027/2028 collection “New Romance_”

Biella Yarn, the flat knitting brand of Suedwolle Group, launches new Fall/Winter 2027/2028 collection, inspired by the symbiosis of yarns and technologies – elements that blend, adapt and evolve together, forming something new without losing their origin. The name “Neu Romance_” reflects the emotional and neurological dimension of the yarns: a connection that engages the senses, experienced through material, touch and interaction. The collection is further brought to life through design collaborations, featuring selected yarns used in different design approaches.

Bremen Cotton Exchange: Fritz A. Grobien re-elected as President

The members of the Bremen Cotton Exchange have re-elected Fritz A. Grobien as President during the association’s 152nd General Assembly on June 18, 2026. The election confirms the organization’s commitment to maintaining its role as a leading international platform for the cotton and fiber industry amid a period of geopolitical and economic uncertainty.