#Weaving

2020-05-20

Starlinger rounds off portfolio with new circular loom RX 8.1

The new Starlinger circular loom RX 8.1. (c) 2020 Starlinger

The RX circular loom series is produced at the Starlinger plant in Taicang/China specifically for the Southeast Asian market. This series is now extended with the RX 8.1, a circular loom that is particularly suited to the production of lightweight fabrics for 1-loop FIBCs, tarpaulins as well as geo- and agrotextiles made of PP, HDPE, and PET. In combination with the RX 6.0, RX 6.1, and RX 8.2, Starlinger Taicang now offers the ideal circular loom for every fabric width.

The new Starlinger circular loom RX 8.1 produces fabric with a width of 1,200 – 1,700 mm, which is an ideal match for 1-loop FIBCs, tarpaulin fabrics as well as geo- and agrotextiles. The model completes the RX series, which now covers every working width between 300 and 2,250 mm.

Like all models of the RX series, the RX 8.1 is equipped with numerous technological advantages. Due to its special reed and shuttle design, the machine does not have any sliding parts that would require lubrication, and thus leaves no traces of oil on the fabric. This property allows for the optimal adherence of the coating to the fabric and eliminates concerns regarding the use of the fabric in food applications.

Moreover, the RX 8.1 produces fabric of highest quality at lowest production cost per square meter, as the production speed of 800 picks/minute is high while the number of warp breaks is low. Other advantages are the machine’s user-friendliness, the energy-saving motors as well as a low noise level.

The machine will give its official debut at the plastics exhibition Chinaplas in 2021, as this year’s event has been cancelled due to COVID-19. In the meantime, prospective clients will have the opportunity to visit the Starlinger factory in Taicang for live demonstrations of the RX 8.1. The standard execution of the machine with single inlet will show the production of tarpaulin fabric with a double flat width of 1,500 mm and a weight of 70 g/m². A second machine will be equipped with double inlet and a gusseting device, which are available as options, and will produce fabric for 1-loop FIBCs with the same width, but twice the fabric weight (140 g).Another attraction in Taicang is the RX 6.0 L: On this 6-shuttle circular loom, a PE liner is inserted into the woven fabric tube and attached to the plastic fabric. This process is performed fully automatically in the production process and allows the use of the fabric in sensitive applications such as food packaging.

Fewer pores, greater impact tolerance: Peter Dornier Foundation Prize 2026 honours material research on fibre-reinforced composite components for aerospace industry

Microscopically small pores that form during manufacture, or barely visible impact damage, can severely impair the load-bearing capacity and service life of fibre-reinforced composite components. Two young researchers have presented groundbreaking work in this field and will both be awarded the 2026 Peter Dornier Foundation Prize: Dr.-Ing. Benedikt Neitzel from the Technical University of Ilmenau for his doctoral thesis on pore minimisation in the RTM process, and Johanna Buschmann, M.Sc., for her master’s thesis, completed at the German Aerospace Centre, on the improved impact tolerance of 3D fabrics compared to 2D laminates.

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.

Naia™ from Eastman strengthens western hemisphere textile connections at Apparel Sourcing Show Guatemala

As brands and retailers explore more diversified and responsive sourcing networks, the Naia™ brand from Eastman is strengthening its engagement with the textile and apparel value chain across the western hemisphere. From August 18–20, the company will participate for the first time in Apparel Sourcing Show Guatemala, a regional meeting point for apparel sourcing, manufacturing and nearshoring.

Dornbirn GFC 2026 expands conference program with new thematic sessions

For 65 years, Dornbirn GFC has stood for innovation and is one of the world’s leading conferences in the fiber industry. From September 16 to 18, 2026, the international fiber community will meet in Dornbirn, Austria, to discuss current trends, technological developments, and forward-looking solutions. More than 600 experts from industry and academia from over 30 countries are expected to attend. With around 100 presentations by renowned speakers, a 2,5-day conference program, and three parallel presentation rooms with moderated sessions, Dornbirn GFC provides a first-class platform for knowledge exchange, networking, and international collaboration. Together, participants will generate ideas and impulses that will sustainably shape the future of the global fiber industry.

Europe is committed to recycling end-of-life wind turbine blades

Starting in 2026, Europe’s wind energy industry has committed itself to ensuring that wind turbine blades do not end up in landfills once they reach the end of their service life. The EU-funded research project REWIND is exploring ways to reuse this composite waste. The German Institutes of Textile and Fiber Research Denkendorf (DITF) are one of 13 project partners from seven countries.

PERFORMANCE DAYS announces new focus topic & forums for October 2026

With its upcoming October 13–14, 2026 edition, PERFORMANCE DAYS is placing the spotlight on one of the textile industry’s most important transformations: “Bio-Based Materials – From Fiber to Fabric”, a two-part Focus Topic exploring the future of bio-based innovation across the textile value chain. Part 1, presented in October 2026, will focus on fibers and next-generation material developments, while Part 2 at the March 2027 edition will shift the perspective toward dyeing, finishing, additives, and processing technologies.