Features

For its latest edition on 20–26 June 2019, ITMA returns to Barcelona, Spain. James Bakewell continues Technical Textiles International’s preview of the show by selecting his highlights from the latest developments to be exhibited by machinery manufacturers for the production of high-performance nonwovens.

Producers of fibres, filaments and yarns are increasingly having to cope with price pressures, skill shortages, and stringent environmental regulations and legislation. At ITMA (20–26 June 2019 in Barcelona, Spain), manufacturers of machinery for this sector will present innovative solutions to these problems. James Bakewell selects some of the most interesting developments.

At ITMA (to be held in Barcelona, Spain, on 20–26 June 2019), suppliers of chemicals and builders of machinery for the finishing, coating and laminating of technical textiles will present technologies designed to minimize the environmental impact of manufacturing processes. James Bakewell picks out some of the most important developments.

Manufacturers of machinery for knitting and weaving save their big announcements for ITMA (to be held in Barcelona, Spain, on 20–26 June 2019) and while many will trumpet developments in software for the automation of their machines and their connection over the Internet, developments in hardware remain key, according to James Bakewell.

In the bid to commercialize self-driving cars – which will be preceded by a move away from the internal combustion engine towards electric and other methods of propulsion –  established car brands and their tier-1 suppliers are forging all kinds of new partnerships, including with users and manufacturers of smart textiles. Adrian Wilson reports.

Nick Butler previews the exhibits at Texprocess, where the industry will reveal its vision of the future for textile production.

Testing, and quality assurance and control are vital elements for manufacturers of technical textiles. Fortunately, Techtextil will offer attendees plenty of opportunities to find the latest equipment and instruments to help them maintain and prove the standards of their products. Nick Butler provides a few tips as to where to begin looking among the crowded halls.

There are many finishing, and coating and laminating technologies that are applied to textiles to add a diverse range of properties. Techtextil will once again be the place to visit to find out the latest developments for adding functionality.

Innovation by manufacturers of knitted, woven and laminated fabrics continues to flourish. Nick Butler provides some examples to look for during Techtextil.

Following the recent IDEA exhibition (held in Miami Beach, Florida, USA, on 25–28 March 2019), which principally catered for hygiene markets, Techtextil now offers nonwovens manufacturers the chance to show a range of technical applications for their products.