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#Research & Development

Laser + textile engineering = faster CFK production

The combination of the individual technologies in one robot cell now enables just-in-time production of CFRP components regardless of component geometry and batch size (c) 2020 ITA AACHEN
Ultra-short pulse lasers and robots accelerate the production of CFRP components

In the CarboLase project, the ITA, together with four project partners from research and industry, succeeded in shortening the production of components of carbon fibre reinforced plastic elements (CFRP).

Please find further information in the press release "Photonics meetes textile engineering - faster CFRP component manufacturing with an ultrashort pulsed laser and robot" of our CarboLase research partner Fraunhofer Institute for Laser Technology ILT.


The results of "CarboLase" will be shown at the JEC World from 3 to 5March 2020 at the AZL joint stand. We are looking forward to your visit in hall 5A, booth L97!

More News from Institut für Textiltechnik of RWTH Aachen University (ITA)

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Aachen Summer School: Textiles become smart through 3D printing and origami

From 21 to 29 September 2026, the Aachen Summer School will transform Institut für Textiltechnik (ITA) of RWTH Aachen University into a laboratory of the future: over the course of a week, students will use origami folding techniques and 3D printing to develop active textile structures capable of performing programmable movements. This interdisciplinary event combines theoretical foundations with practical prototyping – from digital modelling right through to functional textile prototypes.

#Research & Development

ITA has developed a washable digital smart jacket with real-time feedback and an AI-powered app for rehabilitation

As part of the PhysioTaix research project, the Institut für Textiltechnik (ITA) of RWTH Aachen University is developing a digital smart jacket with integrated sensors. The jacket is washable and reusable; it tracks movements during rehabilitation exercises in real time and transmits the data to an app.

#Recycling / Circular Economy

2. RETRAKT EU Conference - „Join the Circle“: Turning challenges of the textile sector into chances

On 19 November 2026, the second RETRAKT EU Conference – “Join the Circle” will take place in Brussels. The event, which focuses on the transformation of the textile sector towards a circular economy, will be held under the motto: “Turning Challenges in the Textile Sector into Chances.”

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From smart jackets to laser technology: Mona Neubaur explores Textile Factory 7.0

As part of her summer tour, North Rhine-Westphalia’s Minister for Economic Affairs and Climate Action, Mona Neubaur, visited Textilfabrik 7.0 in Mönchengladbach to experience the project’s innovations first-hand. Under the motto “smart and clean”, the visit focused on innovative technologies and sustainable alternatives for textile production - from smart jackets to the decolourisation of textiles using fungal cultures.

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25 years of medical devices: ITVP combines experience with innovation

ITV Denkendorf Produktservice GmbH (ITVP) is celebrating its 25th anniversary. On October 1, 2001, ITVP was founded as a subsidiary of the German Institutes of Textile and Fiber Research Denkendorf (DITF), Europe’s largest textile research center. This spin-off company made it possible to consolidate expertise in medical technology and significantly expand production, which had previously been initiated mostly in the DITF’s cleanrooms.

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An eco-friendly alternative to fluorocarbon treatments

Protective and outdoor clothing derives its durable water-, dirt- and oil- repellent properties from the application of fluorinated polymers or per- and polyfluorinated low-molecular- weight chemicals (PFCs). The beneficial properties thus achieved on textiles are offset by environmental and human health risks. For manufacturers of sports, medical, protective and automotive textiles, researchers at the Sächsisches Textilforschungsinstitut e.V. and the Leibniz Institute for Polymer Research have developed liquid-applied dispersions and solutions to functionalise textiles without the use of fluorine.

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180 years of TESTEX: From Zurich silk testing to global certification

For 180 years, TESTEX has developed alongside the textile industry while maintaining the same underlying purpose: creating trust through independent and reliable measurement. Founded in Zurich in 1846 as the Zurich Silk Conditioning Institute, TESTEX has grown from a local institution serving the silk trade into an international Swiss testing and certification institute for textiles and leather.

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#Spinning

Rieter reports higher sales and order intake but lowers 2026 earnings outlook

Rieter achieved an order intake of CHF 951.4 million in the first nine months of 2026 (2025: CHF 559.3 million), up 70.1%. This growth is attributable to the first-time consolidation of the Man-Made Fiber Division. On an organic basis, order intake was 10.5% lower than the previous year.

#Recycling / Circular Economy

PURE LOOP's DynaShape® automation increases recycling productivity by up to ten percent

The intelligent automation solution for the ISEC evo recycling machine automatically adjusts operating parameters to changing input materials, improving throughput, melt quality and process stability while reducing operator workload.

#Denim

Wrangler introduces debris-repellent sherpa fleece technology Hay Away™

The patent-pending fabric technology prevents hay, straw, mulch and grass from clinging to high-pile fleece. The development received a category award in Fast Company's 2026 Innovation by Design Awards.

#Natural Fibers

Woolmark and Hyosung TNC develop Merino wool blends for performance apparel

The collaboration combines Merino wool with regen™ BIO Spandex and recycled functional fibres to develop fabrics offering comfort, breathability, stretch and shape retention. Future development will focus on recovery wear applications.

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