NOTES TECH

Swedish Focus on Automation at ITMA

The Textile Machinery Association of Sweden (TMAS) will focus on automation at ITMA 2023 in Milan in June. “Technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning and automation are becoming increasingly important in the textile industry and Swedish companies will showcase new machines and software that can help streamline production and improve efficiency,” says TMAS secretary general Therese Premler-Andersson.

Among exhibitors are ACG Kinna and its refined robotic pillow filling system, which drew considerable crowds back in 2019. The system has been further developed to include new features such as QR codes with production details. Eton Systems which specialize is automated handling and thereby minimizing waste by efficient transportation within production will launch its new software platform, ETONingenious™ which is a real-time system used to manage, control and follow up on production in the Eton system. ETONingenious™ continuously gathers, processes and presents powerful, value-adding product information to operators, supervisors, quality control personnel and management. www.tmas.se

British Focus on Sustainability at ITMA

An extensive range of technologies and services related to textiles from the UK will be on display at ITMA 2023 Milan, with over 30 members of the British Textile Machinery Association (BTMA) in attendance. “Sustainability, circularity and Industry 4.0 have been the primary themes coming from the market for some time now and our members have responded with innovations spanning the entire supply chain – from fibers to finishing – and with a specific emphasis in many cases on improved software and digitized control solutions,” said BTMA Jason Kent.

Fibre Extrusion Technology (FET), which recently opened the new Fibre Development Centre will showcase its ability to accelerate new fiber trials and product R&D.

Tatham, known for its established machinery for the processing of natural staple fibers – and most notably, its technologies for the decortication, fiber opening and fabric forming of hemp, will showcase its ability to help companies that are entering the field of natural fibers, such as hemp production.

Optima 3D will show its further development of 3D weaving machines, and digital control systems.

Synthetic Opioid Safety (SOS) Kit, with Nonwoven Wipe

FedEx has selected First Line Technology (FLT) of Virginia as one of its Top 100 Small Business entries in the Small Business Grant Competition. FLT was selected for its development of Synthetic Opioid Safety (SOS) kit, which consists of Dahlgren decon formulation and FiberTect decontamination nonwoven wipe. First Line Technology designs and manufactures disaster preparedness and emergency response equipment taking ideas from the lab to lifesaving products. www.firstlinetech.com

Cygnet Texkimp will showcase its extensive portfolio for handling fibers like carbon and glass.

Roaches International, which supplies a range of autoclave and thermosetting technologies, will showcase its well-known textile performance testing instruments, and its innovative machines that can be integrated with existing manufacturing plants.

Alchemie Technology will display its Endeavour, waterless, low energy dyeing and Novara, low energy textile finishing technologies, that seek to disrupt manufacturing processes that are responsible for over 3% of global CO2 emissions and 20% of global water pollution. “Our solutions both dramatically reduce the environmental impact and the cost of dyeing and finishing, which has proven to be a compelling combination,” said Alchemie founder and CEO Dr. Alan Hudd. www.btma.org.uk