#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

Nico Pedretti appointed as Managing Director Graf Group

As of June 1, 2026, Nico Pedretti has assumed the role of Managing Director Graf Group. With more than 20 years of international industrial experience and extensive expertise in Operations, Supply Chain Management, Finance and Controlling, he brings a broad range of leadership and business experience to support Graf’s continued success.

Recover™ and Ünteks Group partner to scale recycled cotton in knitwear

Recover(TM), a global producer of low‐impact, high‐quality recycled cotton fiber, announces a new partnership with Ünteks Group, a vertically integrated textile manufacturer based in Turkey. The collaboration focuses on the development of circular knit fabrics and garments, combining Recover’s recycled cotton fiber with Ünteks Group’s integrated capabilities across knitting, dyeing, printing, and garment production.

STEELTOP®: A new benchmark in flat tops for spinning preparation

Modern carding generations achieve higher production performance, placing significantly greater stress on flat tops. Higher cylinder speeds and increased fiber density, combined with tighter carding gaps, create more demanding operating conditions. At the same time, poorer raw material quality and the increased use of recycled materials further intensify these challenges. With STEELTOP®, Trützschler introduces a new full steel flat top series developed for these demanding modern carding processes.

YKK develops concept EXCELLA® zipper tape using nonwoven fabric partially derived from used clothing

YKK Corporation has developed a concept version of its premium EXCELLA® zipper series made from nonwoven fabric sheets created by fiberizing used clothing and other textile materials. Based on a proposal by fashion designer Yuima Nakazato, this item was created as a result of collaboration between Nakazato, Seiko Epson Corporation and YKK. The concept zipper was incorporated as a material component for pieces in the newest YUIMA NAKAZATO Couture Collection, “INFERNO,” which was unveiled in Paris, France on July 8, 2026.

Texworld Apparel Sourcing Paris highlights evolving global sourcing landscape

From 31 August to 2 September 2026, Texworld Apparel Sourcing Paris will bring together more than 1,000 international exhibitors at Paris-Le Bourget Exhibition Centre. This edition reflects the new global balance of textile and apparel sourcing, highlighting a strong diversity of sourcing countries — some unexpected.