#India ITME 2016

2016-11-11

Graf at ITME 2016 in Mumbai

The company Graf, located in Rapperswil near Zurich, is the leading manufacturer of clothings for flat cards, roller cards and combs for combing machines. As a complete system provider, Graf offers a comprehensive package from the product and technical advice through to service and service equipment. Graf will introduce several innovative solutions at ITME in Mumbai.

Competence as a complete system provider Flexible clothings are one of the key components in a carding machine. To ensure an evenly high quality of the carding sliver, they have to be replaced regularly. When the personnel are doing the replacement, the carding machine has to be stopped. To keep these down-times as short as possible, Graf now offers a new flat system, which can reduce the stoppage time by 70%. The so-called EasyTop is used for flat clothings with magnetic adhesion technology. The flats, equipped with a metal carrier, are attached securely and precisely by a high energy magnet. They resist even high carding forces and guarantee for a high reliability in operation. The replacing of the flat tops is very simple: They can be removed and reattached manually. There is no requirement for additional special tools. After placing the EasyTop on the flat bar, the high energy magnets automatically assure the correct positioning. The flat bars are mounted on the carding machine, which can continue the production immediately after setting. The reduced stoppage increases the cost-effectiveness. The flat tops do not have to be equalized in a flat workshop, which reduces the costs even further. The EasyTop system can be used for flat bars with magnetic attachment from all manufacturers. The flat tops are currently available for working widths of 40“and 51” (60” in progress) and in the well-known setting patterns for all major applications.

Graf presents its new product for the combing process. The exchangeable combing segments are suitable for all combs requiring this technology. The quick and safe installation with the innovative, self-locking fastening system guarantees an absolutely firm seat without wearing out and the constant tightening force on all points of attachment respectively prevents the deformation by prevailing centrifugal forces. Individual segments can be exchanged resulting in improved economy efficiency. The metallic wires used for the production of the segments undergo the proven and tested surface treatment – developed by Graf, leading to optimal running-in properties and long service life.

Pic: Easy Top

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.

Naia™ from Eastman strengthens western hemisphere textile connections at Apparel Sourcing Show Guatemala

As brands and retailers explore more diversified and responsive sourcing networks, the Naia™ brand from Eastman is strengthening its engagement with the textile and apparel value chain across the western hemisphere. From August 18–20, the company will participate for the first time in Apparel Sourcing Show Guatemala, a regional meeting point for apparel sourcing, manufacturing and nearshoring.

Dornbirn GFC 2026 expands conference program with new thematic sessions

For 65 years, Dornbirn GFC has stood for innovation and is one of the world’s leading conferences in the fiber industry. From September 16 to 18, 2026, the international fiber community will meet in Dornbirn, Austria, to discuss current trends, technological developments, and forward-looking solutions. More than 600 experts from industry and academia from over 30 countries are expected to attend. With around 100 presentations by renowned speakers, a 2,5-day conference program, and three parallel presentation rooms with moderated sessions, Dornbirn GFC provides a first-class platform for knowledge exchange, networking, and international collaboration. Together, participants will generate ideas and impulses that will sustainably shape the future of the global fiber industry.

Europe is committed to recycling end-of-life wind turbine blades

Starting in 2026, Europe’s wind energy industry has committed itself to ensuring that wind turbine blades do not end up in landfills once they reach the end of their service life. The EU-funded research project REWIND is exploring ways to reuse this composite waste. The German Institutes of Textile and Fiber Research Denkendorf (DITF) are one of 13 project partners from seven countries.

PERFORMANCE DAYS announces new focus topic & forums for October 2026

With its upcoming October 13–14, 2026 edition, PERFORMANCE DAYS is placing the spotlight on one of the textile industry’s most important transformations: “Bio-Based Materials – From Fiber to Fabric”, a two-part Focus Topic exploring the future of bio-based innovation across the textile value chain. Part 1, presented in October 2026, will focus on fibers and next-generation material developments, while Part 2 at the March 2027 edition will shift the perspective toward dyeing, finishing, additives, and processing technologies.