#Dyeing, Drying, Finishing

2024-07-11

Revolutionizing textile production: Thomas Höpfl discusses Mahlo's cutting-edge Orthopac RXVMC-20

For many decades, the German machine manufacturer Mahlo GmbH + Co KG has been synonymous in the textile industry with straight fabrics and state-of-the-art straightening technologies. The market leader has now further developed its proven straightening concept and adapted it to the challenges of its customers. We are talking about the new Orthopac RXVMC-20 automatic straightening machine, and Sales Manager Thomas Höpfl is on hand to answer any questions.

Question: Thomas, thank you for taking the time to speak with us on the topic of optimizing textile production. Let's dive right in. At the ITMA Europe last year, Mahlo has presented the prototype of its latest product development Orthopac RXVMC-20. Now the first machine is installed at a customer. Can you give us an overview of the new straightening concept?

Thomas Höpfl: Good morning, and thank you for having me. The Orthopac RXVMC-20 is our latest innovation designed specifically for processing textiles with high distortion dynamics, particularly in the knitwear sector. It’s a sophisticated system that combines control and regulation to offer maximum control over the straightening process.

Q: What makes the Orthopac RXVMC-20 stand out from conventional straightening systems?

T.H.: The key differentiator is its ability to handle textiles with highly variable distortions effectively. Traditional methods struggle with the inconsistencies often found in knitted fabrics, which can be influenced by numerous factors such as the sewing together of short pieces and the type of knitted fabric. Our system uses independently controllable and adjustable straightening modules that provide a high level of precision and control, thanks to advanced scanning and evaluation electronics.

Q: Can you elaborate on how the system works?

T.H.: Certainly. The Orthopac RXVMC-20 consists of two straightening modules, each individually controllable and driven. Distortion sensors at the infeed of the first module detect any fluctuations before they reach the straightening rollers. These rollers are then adjusted using stepless hydraulic or electric drives. A self-optimizing, AI-enhanced control algorithm ensures a highly precise and fast response to these detected distortions. Additionally, there is another distortion detection system at the outlet of the second module that catches any residual distortion, ensuring it is corrected.

Q: That sounds impressive. How does this system benefit textile companies in practical terms?

T.H.: The most significant benefit is the ability to meet high-quality standards regarding permissible residual distortion, which is crucial in the textile industry today. This system not only improves the quality of the finished product but also reduces waste and increases efficiency. For instance, lower profits due to non-compliance with residual distortion values are now avoidable. This system ensures that companies can maintain consistent quality, thereby increasing their competitiveness in the market.

Q: Could you share an example of a company that has implemented this system and the results they have seen?

T.H.: Of course. Tintoria Finissaggio 2000, a renowned textile finishing company, recently installed the Orthopac RXVMC-20. They specialize in a wide range of finishing treatments for various fabrics. After equipping their new stenter with our system, they saw significant improvements in quality and efficiency within just a few months. The owners, Dino Masso and Marco Bardelle, mentioned that their expectations were far exceeded by the results.

Q: That's quite an endorsement. What was the feedback from Tintoria Finissaggio 2000 specifically?

T.H.: They were very pleased with the precision and rapid response of the system. Dino Masso and Marco Bardelle highlighted that their high hopes for the Orthopac RXVMC-20 were more than met. They experienced a substantial enhancement in their production process, which is a testament to the system's effectiveness and reliability.

Q: It seems like the Orthopac RXVMC-20 is set to make a significant impact in the textile industry. What are Mahlo's plans for the future with this technology?

T.H.: We are continuously working on innovations to further refine our systems. The success of the Orthopac RXVMC-20 has encouraged us to explore new ways to integrate AI and advanced control algorithms into our products. Our goal is to offer even more efficient and precise solutions to meet the evolving needs of the textile industry.

Q: Thank you, Thomas. It's been great learning about the Orthopac RXVMC-20 and Mahlo's contributions to textile manufacturing. We look forward to seeing how this technology evolves.

T.H.: Thank you for the opportunity to share our advancements. We’re excited about the future and committed to continuing our role as a leader in textile process control systems.

Stefan Moll becomes new CEO of the machinery manufacturer

Starting January 1, 2026, Stefan Moll will take over the management of Mahlo GmbH + Co. KG, the world’s leading provider of measurement and control technology for web-shaped materials. With this move, Mahlo is focusing on the long-term safeguarding of its market position and technological leadership. The current CEO, Rainer Mestermann, will leave the company after 14 years as part of a planned succession arrangement.

Knitex Industries Ltd. (Mondol Group) invests in advanced Mahlo technology

Bangladesh’s Knittex Industries Ltd. is known for its commitment to top-quality knitwear and responsible produc-tion. To further enhance fabric quality, the company has invested in a Mahlo Orthopac RVMC-15 weft straightener. Installed by Tootal Quality Resources, the system ensures perfect fabric alignment and supports Knittex’s goal of continuous improvement.

Intelligent technologies for sustainable textile production

From October 28 to 31, 2025, the international textile industry will gather at ITMA Asia in Singapore – and Mahlo will be present as part of the "German Pavilion Finishing" with innovative solutions for process optimization. Under the motto “More efficient. More precise. More sustainable.”, the Bavarian family-owned company will present forward-looking technologies for resource-efficient and quality-oriented textile production at booth H7-A103.

Mahlo GmbH + Co. KG celebrates 80 years of company history

80 years of experience, innovation, and family spirit – this year, mechanical engineering company Mahlo GmbH + Co. KG from Saal an der Donau is celebrating a very special anniversary. Since its founding in 1945, Mahlo has evolved from a small pioneering workshop into a globally sought-after specialist in measurement and control technology.

AATCC announces 2025 Herman & Myrtle Goldstein Graduate Student Paper Competition winners

The American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists (AATCC) recognized the winners of the 2025 Herman & Myrtle Goldstein Graduate Student Paper Competition. Founded in 1982 to give student members the chance to conduct and present original research, the competition was renamed in 1994 in honor of Herman and Myrtle Goldstein, following their US$60,000 endowment. Their gift is a lasting remembrance of their dedication to young people in the textile industry.

MUNICH FABRIC START: Between Attitude and Sensuality

The future begins where we reimagine it. After seasons of restraint, Spring.Summer 27 marks a conscious counter-trend: optimism, sensuality, and creative freedom are replacing pragmatism and neutrality. Physical presence and individuality are regaining importance – as a response to uncertainty, exhaustion, and algorithmic predictability. The overarching theme of PLEASURE stands for fashion as an emotional space, as an expression of attitude and cultural reflection. Colours, surfaces, and materials become vehicles for self-confidence and joie de vivre.

organIQ seek: smart alternative to potassium permanganate

CHT Group announces new technical findings within its organIQ seek platform that significantly advance the transition toward permanganate-free denim bleaching. Through extensive industrial testing and application research, CHT confirms that organIQ seek can now be used with remarkable effectiveness as a substitute for potassium permanganate in spray bleach, while remaining aligned with sustainability expectations and cost realities in the European market. At the COLOMBIATEX in Medellín as well as at the Exintex in Puebla and the Kingpins Show in Amsterdam the CHT Group will present organIQ seek as an alternative to potassium permanganate.

PERFORMANCE DAYS: Focus topic shifts to the beginning of the value chain

Following the last Focus Topic in October 2025, which placed Textile-to-Textile Recycling at its core, PERFORMANCE DAYS continues to drive the conversation around circularity – this time with an expanded and more upstream perspective. The upcoming Focus Topic, “Textile to Textile: The Role of Collectors and Sorters,” presented during the spring edition on March 18–19, will spotlight one of the most essential yet often overlooked components of a functioning circular textile system: the efficient collection and sorting of post-consumer textiles.

Proven performance, optimised costs – the new RE 6 EL

Nowadays textile companies increasingly need to produce small production runs and respond to market changes with instantaneous pattern changes in order to operate profitably – meaning they require machines that offer maximum flexibility, reliability and cost efficiency. KARL MAYER understands the challenges of the market and is launching its new RE 6 EL. The Raschel machine offers the core strengths of the classic RSE 6 EL and essentially the same performance parameters, but has been further cost-optimised largely due to local production advantages. This makes the newcomer an efficiency champion in production, especially when it comes to frequent pattern changes.