Features

DuPont is a household name, owing at least in part to its track record of producing innovative products for the textiles industry. However, many of these developments are over half a century old. Now, fresh from its split with Dow, the company is targeting the smart textiles market with its most recent development, Intexar. Adrian Wilson reports.

Technical Textiles International’s preview of ITMA 2019 (in Barcelona, Spain, on 20–26 June) continues with the latest developments in software, and auxiliary equipment and machinery. James Bakewell picks his highlights.

With both Heimtextil (8–11 January 2019, in Frankfurt, Germany)⁽¹⁾ and FESPA (14–17 May 2019, in Munich, Germany) having taken place recently, one would be forgiven for thinking that manufacturers of digital printing machinery might be running short of new products to launch at ITMA (20–26 June 2019, in Barcelona, Spain). However, this is an innovative and fast-moving sector, and there will be a number of interesting exhibits at the show. James Bakewell previews.

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.