#ITM 2016

2016-04-14

Graf shows innovations in clothings, combs & service machines at ITM

The company Graf, located in Rapperswil near Zurich, is the leading manufacturer of clothings for flat cards and roller cards. Graf will introduce several innovative solutions at ITM in Istanbul.

Flexible flat clothings are one of the key components in a carding machine. To ensure an evenly high quality of the cardingsliver, they have to be replaced regularly. For this process the card needs to be stopped. To keep these down-times as short as possible, Graf now offers a new flat top system, which can reduce the stoppage time by up to 70 %. The so-called EasyTop is applied on flat bars designed for magnetic attachment. The flat tops, equipped with a metal carrier, are attached securely and precisely by means of a magnetic connection.

They resist even highest carding forces and guarantee for a high reliability in operation. The EasyTop system can be used for aluminium flat bars with magnetic attachment technology from all manufacturers. EasyTop are available for working widths of 40“, 51” and 60” in a selection of the well-known and proven types of flat clothings.

Pic: Graf X-Comb

Graf will also present new products for the combing process. The X-Comb segments can be used on comb-bodies requiring individual segments from other manufacturers and thus now make the leading Graf technology also accessible for these conventional combs. The combing segments made from metallic clothings that undergo a special surface treatment, which substantially reduces the running-in period.

The new circular comb series FlexComb, with height adjustable geometry, a detachable spoiler and a 130° combing surface has been developed for high-performance combers of the latest generation. A short running-in period thanks to the special surface treatment as well as efficient trash removal with optimal fibre selection guarantees cost effectiveness.

Pic: Graf DABM

In addition Graf will present the DABM flat striping machine for the first time in Istanbul. The DABM allows gentle and correct removal of worn flexible flat clothings from the flat bars. Quick clamping with pneumatic clamping device and the maintenance-free three-phase AC motor without toothed belt are merely two advantages of this service machine. Applicable for flat bars with working widths from 40” – 60”, the DABM allows a Straight-forward and efficient mechanical removal of the worn flat strips from the flat bars.

Pic: The new Graf circular comb series FlexComb

Selenis to double capacity in Portugal by Q3 2027 - Accelerating the Global transition to circular and low-carbon polyesters

Selenis, a global leader in high-performance specialty polyesters and part of the IMG Group, has announced a transformational expansion of its industrial headquarters in Portalegre, Portugal. This strategic investment is set to double the site’s production capacity by the third quarter of 2027, significantly accelerating the industrial scale-up of bio-based, medical-grade, and circular co-polyesters.

Independent testing confirms no detectable PFAS in Milliken firefighter turnout gear fabrics

Independent laboratory testing has confirmed that Milliken fabrics used in the manufacturing of firefighter turnout gear contain no detectable PFAS, based on third-party analysis conducted by Forever Analytical, an independent laboratory specializing in screening products and environmental samples for the presence of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).

Intertextile Shanghai Home Textiles returns in August as global sourcing hub and trend barometer for home textiles industry

Following the conclusion of Heimtextil last month, the flagship fair in Messe Frankfurt’s global home and contract textiles portfolio, Intertextile Shanghai Home Textiles – Autumn Edition will return 18 – 20 August 2026 at the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai). Building on the momentum generated in Frankfurt, the Shanghai fair will reinforce its position as the foremost home and contract textile platform in Asia – successfully bridging the gap between East and West, and connecting global product trends, supply-chain shifts, and buyer demand in one marketplace.

Express Print boosts production using an expanded fleet of Mimaki technologies

Express Print, a fast-growing Bulgarian provider of visual communication and soft signage solutions, has significantly enhanced its production workflow with a comprehensive portfolio of Mimaki digital printing systems. Based in Varna and active for more than 10 years, the company maintains a strong focus on the advertising sector. Over the years, it has steadily expanded its operations, driven by a clear vision to bring the full spectrum of large-format printing services in-house, avoiding outsourcing and ensuring complete control over production quality.