#Weaving

2020-05-28

Fighting corona: DORNIER supports its customers in the change of production to face masks and protective clothing

The world is fighting against the spread of the pulmonary disease Covid-19. The fact is that there is a lack of protective clothing and face masks. As these urgently needed items can be produced on machines and lines of Lindauer DORNIER, the company supports its customers in developing textile alternatives.

In the fight against the corona virus, more and more textile companies switch their line of production to urgently needed protective gear and face masks. As these can be woven on both, DORNIER rapier and air-jet weaving machines, Lindauer DORNIER actively helps its customers to potentially adapt the manufacturing process to the current requirements.

"These are challenging times for all of us. As a family-owned company, we want to work together with our partners as well as customers and find solutions to protect people from Covid-19 and slow down the spread of the disease," Head of the Technology Center in Lindau, Lars Öller says. This has a double effect: in addition to protecting patients, healthcare professionals and citizens, companies can use idling capacities and partially compensate for lost revenues due to the crisis.

Face masks as precise as airbags

The DORNIER system family is suitable for the fast, simple and process-reliable production of face masks made of cotton or polyester for example. On air-jet weaving machines type A1, life-saving face masks can be woven in one piece as “One Piece Woven” and then be laser cut into the desired shape. Two thirds of all airbag cushions worldwide are produced in this way. Identations and structures to insert filters and valves can also be integrated to further increase the effectiveness of the masks. Antimicrobial materials such as silver threads might further increase the protective effect.

Faster certifications, designable fashion

To facilitate placing corona protective equipment on the market, measures have been taken in many places to speed up and simplify conformity assessment procedures. The textile face mask is now even becoming a global fashion trend, possibly even beyond the corona crisis: more and more designers are taking it up as an individually designable fashion accessory.

VIDEO:

"Dynamic markets do not only create uncertainty – they also create opportunities."

Volatile markets, increasingly complex materials and growing demands for flexibility are changing the weaving industry. At the same time, new opportunities are emerging in technical textiles, filtration, composites and many other specialised applications. Since taking over as Head of DORNIER's Weaving Machines Product Line at the beginning of 2026, Yvonne Schuberth has been helping to shape this development. In this interview with TexData, she explains why process stability and customer proximity remain the foundation of innovation, how digitalisation is transforming weaving mills, and why she believes the future belongs to technologically demanding applications.

Fewer pores, greater impact tolerance: Peter Dornier Foundation Prize 2026 honours material research on fibre-reinforced composite components for aerospace industry

Microscopically small pores that form during manufacture, or barely visible impact damage, can severely impair the load-bearing capacity and service life of fibre-reinforced composite components. Two young researchers have presented groundbreaking work in this field and will both be awarded the 2026 Peter Dornier Foundation Prize: Dr.-Ing. Benedikt Neitzel from the Technical University of Ilmenau for his doctoral thesis on pore minimisation in the RTM process, and Johanna Buschmann, M.Sc., for her master’s thesis, completed at the German Aerospace Centre, on the improved impact tolerance of 3D fabrics compared to 2D laminates.

From carbon to canvas: DORNIER presents flexible and reliable weaving technologies for 3D weaving and dynamic markets at Techtextil

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Rohleder is one of Europe’s most modern weaving mills. For over 80 years, the family-owned company has been developing and manufacturing premium fabrics for brands, retailers and private customers – 100% Made in Germany. This success is made possible by a consistent focus on design, quality, and functionality, as well as by continuous investment in state-of-the-art production facilities. Rohleder also relies on innovative technologies in warp preparation and has been collaborating with KARL MAYER for many years. As recently as 2023, a MULTI-MATIC® was delivered to the company’s headquarters in Konradsreuth.

Itema reaffirms its commitment to the Syrian textile industry at NasTex 2026

From July 18th to 21st, Itema will exhibit at NasTex at the Damascus Fairground (Hall 11 – Stand C02), marking its return to one of the Middle East’s historically significant textile markets. Itema will showcase advanced weaving technology designed to support the competitiveness and technological evolution of Syrian manufacturers and announces a new partnership with Growfast Agency as the sole agent of Itema in Syria.

Barmag showcases pump solutions for demanding PU applications at PU China 2026

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Automation, digitalization and new business models are shaping the future of footwear and leather technology

The European footwear and leather machinery industry is facing profound transformations. Global competitive dynamics, technological innovation, automation and digitalization are fundamentally reshaping markets, production processes and business models. This is one of the key findings of the new study “Threads of the Future – Footwear and Leather Technology Edition”, which was presented today by VDMA Textile Care, Fabric and Leather Technologies (VDMA TFL) during a press conference at SIMAC Tanning Tech in Milan.

SHIMA SEIKI to showcase flat knitting and digital design solutions at Egypt Stitch & Tex

Leading Japanese computerized flat knitting technologist SHIMA SEIKI MFG., LTD. of Wakayama, Japan, together with its sales representative in Egypt, TTS (EL MASRIA FOR TRADE & TECHNICAL SERVICES), will participate in the upcoming 24th International Exhibition for Textile & Carpet Machineries, Printing Technologies and Accessories (Egypt Stitch & Tex) to be held in Cairo, Egypt this month.

EURATEX calls for urgent action on industrial competitiveness

EURATEX, the European Apparel and Textile Confederation, welcomes today’s State of the Union Address by European Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen, and in particular her recognition of Europe’s need to rebalance unfair trade, cut red tape, and strengthen its industrial and strategic autonomy.