#Other suppliers

2020-02-05

James Heal launches WickView

Global manufacturer of premium textile testing instruments James Heal have launched their latest innovation, WickView, a state-of-the-art instrument that uses an advanced imaging system to track and record the transfer of moisture through fabric and other materials.

WickView helps garment and textile manufacturers in understanding how effective their materials are at dealing with moisture and in predicting real-world wicking behaviour.

A key feature of WickView is its ability to perform both vertical and horizontal wicking testing. Being able to rotate the instrument allows testing to occur in different orientations, providing a new level of understanding into wicking behaviour. Whether for example that fabric is used in elite sportswear (predominantly vertical), or nonwovens or linens deployed on a hospital bed (predominantly horizontal). This is a huge advantage over current market solutions and offers unrivalled insight into performance.

WickView’s water delivery system introduces moisture to specimens in an accurate, controlled way, regardless of whether the specimen is in horizontal or vertical position. Cutting edge high definition cameras are positioned on either side of the material specimen to record the movement of the moisture. These cameras give full visibility of the test, and use Ultraviolet and Infrared light to give a perfect view of the test process, regardless of specimen colour or pattern.

WickView is fully supported with a new version of James Heal’s intuitive TestWise software and shows the wicking process in detail, including a live video capture of the test, wet region boundary comparison and video playback of how the moisture spreads.

TestWise can calculate a range of 9 metrics including maximum wetted area, area boundary, y axis of spread and wicking speed. Outcomes can be presented visually or in graph format, and results templates can be applied to show the user information relevant to them. Analysis of results is easy with Testwise for WickView. Previous tests can be reloaded in to the software and viewed again. Several previous sample files can be compared on screen both visually and in reported results.

Neil Pryke, Innovation Director commented: “At James Heal we are constantly innovating, searching for ways to lead the field and constantly enhance our testing methods to deliver solutions for textile professionals. WickView is the latest innovation in our precision testing instrument range, and has already had a great reception with all of the top brands that have seen it in action. We have already received several pre-orders.

“WickView calculates and records results providing the user with an accurate representation of real life, in comparison to existing available testing methods. By examining the direction, shape, speed and actual wet area of fabric, WickView is accurately measuring how sweat and other liquids behave when in contact with a specimen. Whether being used in R&D to assess the performance of the latest fabrics, or in the supply chain to ensure compliance to standard, WickView has the flexibility and insight that industry professionals have been crying out for.”

For more information and a technical spec on WickView please visit:

https://www.james-heal.co.uk/instrument/wickview/

Asteks to meet the global market at ITMA ASIA + CITME Singapore 2025

Getting ready to take its place at ITMA ASIA + CITME Singapore 2025 with advanced grinding solutions and a wide range of aprons and cots, Asteks is expanding its target for the Asian market. The company, focusing on strengthening relations with current and potential customers, will highlight the “Made in Türkiye” label with its innovative and competitive products.

New impulses for the textile care industry: Texcare 2024 supporting programme

The focus of Texcare International 2024 (6-9 November) will be on the major challenges facing the textile care industry, including automation, energy saving, circular models and textile hygiene. Together with its partners, the leading trade fair has designed a supporting programme that can offer progressive impulses for the future of the sector.

Microfactory for filter bags developed in Sweden

After an intensive few years of development, ACG Kinna Automatic and ACG Nyström – members of TMAS, the Swedish textile machinery association –have delivered the first microfactory for the production of fully finished filter bags to a major international filtration industry customer, in cooperation with JUKI Central Europe.

Sustainable, lightweight, and sound absorbing: Polyester-based front trunk solution for BEVs

As car manufacturers look to further reduce their carbon footprint, Autoneum has developed an innovative front trunk solution for battery electric vehicles (BEVs), made entirely from polyester-based textile. The Ultra-Silent Frunk offers significant weight reduction, improved acoustic and thermal insulation, and uses up to 70 percent recycled material, supporting sustainable and efficient vehicle design. Autoneum, global technology leader in acoustic and thermal management for vehicles, has already received orders for the new frunk from three major OEMs in Asia and Europe to be built in three BEV models. Series production for two BEVs has been underway in China and Germany since last year.

Modern testing methods for raw cotton

The 38th International Cotton Conference Bremen will take place from 25 to 27 March 2026 at the Bremen Parliament. This conference has traditionally stood for in-depth expertise and international exchange. The program will focus on technical innovations, market trends, and regulatory frameworks across the entire value chain – from agriculture to the circular economy. With high-profile speakers, the conference is regarded as the key meeting point for the global cotton industry. Today’s focus: Cotton quality and testing methods.

Rieter responds to higher raw material prices

Global political and economic developments have been leading to rising raw material and energy costs for some time. The textile machinery industry is also affected by this trend. Rieter machines and components consist to a large extent of steel, copper, aluminum and electronics. These materials in particular have seen higher demand and higher prices in recent months.