Techtextil Preview

Techtextil 2011 will be held May 24-26 in Frankfurt, Germany. About 200 exhibitors from 45 countries will showcase their company’s capabilities to more than 24,000 trade visitors from 85 countries.

Industry, research, retail and wholesale will find a whole gamut of topics relating to technical textiles and nonwovens in all their different disciplines on a platform for innovation that is unique in the world. Taking place in parallel to Techtextil are Material Vision, trade exhibition and conference on materials for product development, design and architecture, as well as, for the first time, Texprocess, the leading international trade fair for the processing of textiles and flexible materials, May 24-27, 2011.

Here is a preview of what some of the exhibitors will be showcasing:

Asahi Kasei Fibers CorporationHall 3.1 Booth G23
At Techtextil Asahi Kasei Fibers Corporation is showcasing a variety of nonwovens with unique advanced technologies under the tagline,“The world’s only nonwovens.”

Eltas: Standard and high-performance nonwovens, 100% pure spunbond polyamide 6, polyester or polypropylene; Superior quality, function, and performance in a rich spectrum of fields and applications.

Precisé: A multifunctional nonwoven fabric with an ultrafine fiber layer providing high barrier performance for the applications of membrane substrate, filter, filtering bag, medical and adhesive tape.

Smash: Heat-press formable thermoplastic nonwoven fabric for the applications of food containers, air-permeable containers for various agents, molded filters, plant pots, home interiors and automotive materials.

Decob: An environment-responsive, bag-type filter cloth for dust collectors, designed for energy-saving operations and long-life with achieving increased filtration area and improving dislodging action through its unique three-dimensional shape.

Pulshut: Thin, high performance noise suppression sheet.

Bemliese: The world's only cellulosic continuous-filament nonwoven, which has ultralow lint generation, superior liquid absorbency, thermal stability, pick-up, purity and biodegradability—all inherent in its 100% cupro continuous-filament composition. Typical Bemliese applications include wipers for cleanrooms, other ultraclean environments, automobile and aerospace, agricultural and horticultural mats and covers, filters for tea bags and other food products, cosmetic pads and cloths as well as cloths and pads for hospitals and clinics.

Lamous: A distinctively fine, soft, luxurious suede-like fabric – qualities inherent in its unique nonwoven structure of polyester microfibers and interstitial polyurethane. Its structure and qualities invite innovation and stimulate variations that meet emerging needs and lead to new concepts of application and design in fields ranging from apparel and personal accessories to furniture, interiors, and industry – embodying and advancing the art of innovation.


BASF Plastic Additives Hall 3.0 Booth B79
As a key supplier of pigments and additives, BASF offers the fiber-producing industry a range of high performance organic pigments for mass-coloration of fibers and tapes as well as specially selected polymer soluble dyestuffs.

For demanding fiber applications such as Buildtech, Geotech and Hometech, BASF provides a broad range of high performance pigments and preparations as well as a comprehensive portfolio of heat and light stabilizers such as Uvinul, Chimassorb and Tinuvin. The halogen-free flame retardant Flamestab NOR 116 combines flame retardancy and light stability in one molecule.

At this year’s Techtextil in Frankfurt, BASF will present the innovative technology Irgatec CR 76 for nonwoven production. “This technology enables converters to adapt material properties to the specific requirements, for example to make use of more cost efficient raw materials or to convert in-house nonwoven scrap to high-quality nonwoven,” said Sebastian Heitkamp, marketing Textiles & Fibers, Plastic Additives Europe.


BekaertHall 4.1 Booth D53
Discover Bekaert’s wide range of carding products and services at Techtextil 2011. With a special focus on the nonwovens industry, the company will show how you can lift you carding process to a whole new level.

Bekaert offers a wide scope of wire types to accommodate any roller card and process requirements. Depending on the desired performance Bekaert card wires come with a specific shape of tooth, profile, structure or surface finish. Through its long experience in creating and producing card wires, Bekaert can offer a thorough understanding of the carding process. This knowledge enables Bekaert to advise customers on their choice and use of wire to achieve their production goals.

To keep up with the markets’ evolving needs, Bekaert works closely with its customers as well as with universities, research centers, etc. This means faster innovation and the discovery of complementary knowledge and skills, ensuring R&D at a lower cost. Bekaert’s latest innovation: SiroLock worker and doffer wire range is a fine example of the merits of such cooperation. This revolutionary new card wire is designed and developed in cooperation with the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) and involves adding a unique step at the front angle of the wire that will significantly enhance both your web quality and productivity of your cards.

Bekaert is the reliable partner for card clothing needs. Bekaert Carding Solutions is part of the Bekaert group, a Europe based company that seeks sustainable profitable growth through its two core competences of advanced materials and coatings and a market leader in drawn wire products and applications.


BrücknerHall 3.0 on Stand
The trend towards technical textiles and high-quality coating constantly goes upward. With know-how and innovative technologies, Brückner is able to reach the top position of the systems suppliers for finishing lines for technical textiles.

At Techtextil, Brückner will present a new type of modular system for the bonding and finishing of water-jet bonded nonwovens. The new flow-through dryer Supra-Flow BH is particularly energy saving and is characterized by alternating construction which is typical for Brückner machines. This provides for an absolutely homogeneous air circulation around the fabric during the complete drying process.The temperature distribution remains constant over the complete fabric length and width. The users benefit from the constantly high quality of the products and of the rentability of the line itself. This new system was installed and successfully put into operation at the end of last year.

Brückner has already successfully launched a new technology which allows coating of knitted fabric, not with the transfer process but directly. In this process a rotary printing screen is integrated in the entry area of the stenter. The fabric is centered before entering the coating unit and is pinned-on directly after the coating process. The rotary printing screen allows you to apply pastes as well as stable and instable foams in a direct coating process.

Compared with the classical spread coating with knife-over-air or knife-over-cylinder, with this process there are absolutely no fabric distortions or damages (for example abrasions) at the fabric surface. The application quantity and the application position can be set exactly. It is possible to make full-surface and dot coatings. The application of instable wet foams can replace, in many cases, the classical padder application with full bath impregnation and thus offers completely new possibilities to reduce the consumption of energy and chemical agents in the textile finishing processes.

In the meantime another new function for this coating unit has been developed which allows an application from above and from below in only one step.

Solvent coating units are required for the production of a great variety of technical materials. Glass mesh fabric is for example coated with resins to produce grinding discs. Seat covers are often laminated with coated membranes or foils to ensure the breathability. For the production of sailing cloth or artificial leather made of PU a solvent coating application is used. The highest precision and technical knowledge is required for the development of such lines.

Bruckner lines provide for an intelligent exhaust air system which charges the exhaust air with solvents up to the maximum acceptable limits. Thus, enormous energy savings can be achieved by reducing the exhaust air quantity. A system for the monitoring and control of the exhaust air burden provides for failure-free operation and the meeting of legal regulations. An absolute temperature accuracy during the drying and cross-linking process is an obligatory prerequisite for the high quality of such coatings. Bruckner’s typical countered construction ensures a uniform temperature distribution across the complete fabric length and width.

Bruckner lines allow direct coating on textile webs and foils, reverse coating on transfer paper, impregnation and submerged coating as well as dry and wet lamination of membranes and textile webs.


ClariantStand 3.0 B33.
“Performance that protects–Protection that performs” is Clariant’s key theme for the 2011 Techtextil show.

In many instances, technical textiles are about protection – whether for people, for vehicles, for buildings or for the environment. Clariant has the advanced solutions to ensure that these materials provide exactly what’s needed when it’s needed – whether strength, resiliency, antimicrobial performance, fire retardancy, repellency or barrier performance.

Firefighters, the military and others working in extreme environments and all weathers require performance that protects not just against the elements but against hazards including fire. They welcome the reassurance provided by Clariant’s latest halogen-free flame retardants.

Clariant's continuous research and development is illustrated by the latest C6 fluor chemistry which is a further improvement in respect to an expanded product range with a much wider scope of application. Whether release, repellency or barrier, Clariant has the latest technology in place.
rnIn addition to uniforms and workwear, the company’s know-how in coatings and flame retardants also makes the seats and carpets of planes and trains safer too, and this is not the only benefit Clariant technology can bring to vehicles.

The advanced composites based on technical textiles which are now adding strength while making the bodies of cars lighter and more fuel efficient, for example, can also be improved through chemistry with an improved environmental profile for moulding processes, employing specific Clariant products.

In the medical technical textile sector, effective barrier performance in nonwoven disposables for hospital workers is a critical issue being addressed. Here, Clariant technologies are complemented by the sanitized ranges of antibacterial additives which fight against the threat of infection.

As a result of its broad portfolio and ability to offer tailor-made solutions for specific sectors, Clariant is the system supplier of choice for many textile mills and nonwoven manufacturers. And with its global competence and reach it is well positioned to support its customers in achieving short time-to-market and a competitive edge.

At Techtextil 2011, Clariant’s impressive stand – with its striking Cubist design – will showcase the full range of Clariant’s innovations and experts will be on hand to provide help and advise on all that’s possible with advanced solutions for technical textiles that perform and protect.


ColbondHall 3.1 Booth D61
Colbond will be showcasing the entire product range – from nonwoven filter support through three-dimensional monofilament matrixes for various industrial uses.


DiloGroup Hall 3.0Booth H31
The DiloGroup companies DiloTemafa, DiloSpinnbau, DiloMachines and DiloSystems will highlight new equipment components to improve web quality and uniformity applicable to all bonding processes.

DiloTemafa has introduced the DON dosing opener as a link between the opening/blending operation and card feeder. This ensures that fiber flow to this feeder is both consistent and continuous.

DiloSpinnbau offers the MultiFeed card feeder in widths which can exceed five meters. This unit is equipped with a twin fiber delivery system in the upper chamber which provides a more regular fiber flow. A two roll opening stage allows fiber into the lower chamber with further compaction by mechanical means and air movement derived from the permeable delivery apron.

Such a unit can deliver over 400 kg/m/hr of 1.7 dtex fibers with a cross direction evenness CV of 2-3 % immediately prior to the card. Changeover times with this MultiFeed system are fast thus reducing downtime and web reprocessing requirements.

Machine direction evenness is controlled by a weighbelt scale linked to the card infeed. MultiFeed can be used with all DiloSpinnbau card types in crosslapping applications or with high speed cards in series for hydroentanglement web formation.

This card range has been recently extended by the MultiCard which offers roller infeed, a breast cylinder with three worker/stripper pairs and a 1500mm main cylinder with further five roller pairs. This is a double doffer system with the possible activation of condenser rolls for heavier webs. Such a card will handle the full range of fiber fineness and length with a web speed potential up to 200 m/min and offers an economic solution for cross laid nonwovens production.

DiloMachines offer both vertical (HL series) and horizontal (DL series) crosslappers with the former arrangement providing infeed speeds up to 200m/min. The Dilo DL crosslappers operate in an infeed speed range of 80 - 160 m/min depending on application and the specific model used. In addition to high infeed speeds new apron arrangements have been used to give high layering precision based on excellent web control. These machines have been supplied up to ca. 14 m in width for papermachine clothing applications.

DLP crosslapper features a 14.5 meter working width without safeguards. The further development of needlelooms continues. Elliptical and circular needlebeam movements are used to control drafts in the needling zone and also provide high speed felt production in the 30-80 g/m weight range.


Freudenberg NonwovensHall 3.1 Booth D62
Freudenberg Nonwovens, a leading manufacturer of nonwovens will exhibit numerous innovative products at Techtextil in Frankfurt. Highlights include eco-friendly developments.

Freudenberg Nonwovens will showcase a broad range of products varying from nonwovens for apparel to material for industrial applications such as lithium ion batteries and submarine cables.

Freudenberg Nonwovens has been developing an extremely thin nonwoven which by its specially coated surface meets all requirements of battery separators for electric vehicles. The separator isolates the two battery poles and has to avoid any uncontrolled discharge. By its high penetration and temperature resistance the separator prevents melting processes and therefore is the key element for the safety of batteries.

Based on recent market trends for automotive carpets towards weight reduction, competitive pricing and sustainable products, Freudenberg Nonwovens started a new generation developing Lutraflor for the automotive industry. Lutraflor’s sandwich construction consists of 100% recycled content in staple fibers and spunbond and is latex free. The main characteristic of Lutraflor is excellent abrasion performance and a luxurious appearance. Lutraflor is used for full floor molded carpets, throw-in-mats as well as in cabin and door trim.

Visitors to Techtextil will also get an impression of the ecofriendly product line Lutradur ECO. Lutradur ECO has all well known Lutradur key attributes like high product quality, excellent dimensional stability and superior mold and mildew resistance. Lutradur ECO is a 100% polyester spunbond nonwoven using post consumer recycled polymer chip from reclaimed plastic bottles and is used for tufted automotive and object carpets, as well as in the building and construction industry. Lutradur PET Fine Denier completes the Lutradur product portfolio.

Catering to the trend towards fitted men’s jackets combined with high wearer comfort, Freudenberg Nowovens is showing new interlinings which provide the best fit.Freudenberg stretch canvases belong to those innovations and offer excellent wear comfort with the desired stretchability, while at the same time still preserving the formal appearance of perfect drape. The new 3D shaping canvas is a real technological milestone: coated with high-performance bi-component coatings, it enables the production of 3D Canvas construction which keeps perfectly to the body shape even after the dry cleaning process. In addition, in the segment of nonwoven interlinings new innovative and elastic products will be shown.
rnSpecial swelling nonwovens complete the product range: they are used in sea cables connecting offshore windparcs. Key component in engines, generators and transformers is Freudenberg’s Viledon for phase and layer isolation.

Soundtex, an extremely thin nonwoven to be used in wall and ceiling systems reduces noise and provides a comfortable acoustic atmosphere. Nonwovens for special surface coating of glass fiber material as well as for wind engines are rounding the broad product program.Viledon Fireblocker, a fire resistant nonwoven is used in airplane seat cushions as well as in protective clothing.

Materials like Evolon microfilament textile, which Oeko-Tex is certified, are best suited for allergic persons. Produced without any chemical additives Evolon can be used for antimite bedding and various other applications. Evolon is also applied in bakery pads by the food industry. For the printing industry, Freudenberg booth design demonstrates the high quality print on its decoration material on Evolon-printed with water based inks.


General NonwovensHall 3.1 Booth H76
General Nonwovens is a producer of polypropylene and polyester spunbond nonwovens.
General Nonwovens produces spunbond nonwovens in a range of 12 -200 gsm up to 3.30 meters wide for hygiene, automotive, filtration, agriculture and technical applications. General Nonwovens’ brands include HyGen for hygiene and personal care products, FilterGen for filtration products, TexGen for coated and laminated fabrics as well as home textiles, AutoGen for the automotive industry, AgriGen for agriculture and horticulture applications, IndiGen for industrial and technical textiles and MediGen for medical and surgical media.

General Nonwovens’ technology and spinning process has state-of-the-art downstream equipment. The multi-beam line includes sophisticated process controls and versatile fabric finishing capabilities, where fabric characteristics and performance can be optimized to specific needs.
rnIn terms of technological capabilities, unique fiber spinning and a uniform lay-down system allow General Nonwovens’ customers to substitute fabrics with lower basis weight products while achieving the same or better performance. Features such as hydrophilicity, ultraviolet stabilization, antistatic, antibacterial and flame retardancy can further enhance the nonwoven fabrics.

Being flexible, dynamic and a diligent supplier with passion for quality, General Nonwovens’ vision is to exceed the expectations of nonwoven and composite users worldwide by utilizing their state-of-the-art technology as well as providing the best value to their customers.
General Nonwovens will promote nonwoven roll goods for automobile applications, technical textiles, carriers for extrusion coating, lamination and layers for composites at Techtextil.


J.H. Ziegler Hall 3.1 Booth C32
Nonwovens manufacturer J.H. Ziegler GmbH will be exhibiting at Techtextil for the first time in six years.Ziegler has experienced very strong growth since the last time it exhibited at Techtextil. The turnover has almost tripled, passing the €30 million mark for the first time in 2010. Despite the recession, 2009 saw further growth, with another 30% in 2010.

The company opened a new plant in 2006 in Bábolna, Hungary, and also increased its capacity at the Achern site with the construction of another nonwovens plant in 2007-2008. The ongoing corporate development now requires further capacity extensions: in the third quarter of 2011, Ziegler will be opening another production unit at the Bábolna site to supply the rapidly growing market in Central and Eastern Europe with locally produced goods covering almost the entire range produced at the German site in Achern. This investment will considerably expand the Hungarian site to a capacity comparable to that of the parent plant, producing and customizing thermally and mechanically bonded nonwovens made of staple fibers. The logistics department in Achern will also be upgraded at the same time.

In addition, Ziegler's product portfolio was extended by the acquisition of facilities to manufacture natural-and glass-fiber nonwovens in Lambrecht in early 2010. The product range now includes nonwovens made of bast fibers (hemp/flax/kenaf) or glass, with and without synthetic fibers.
State-of-the-art production facilities ensure that even complex nonwovens can be manufactured extremely cost-effectively and flexibly. Lamination, product conversion and CNC-controlled cutting round off the product portfolio.

Ziegler will be showcasing new products for a number ofapplications at Techtextil. Ziegler is an experienced supplier of comfort products for seats and interior trims, sound absorbers as well as natural- and glass-fiber nonwovens for automotive interiors. It is one of the leading manufacturers of nonwoven-based solutions in this sector.

There are interesting innovations that facilitate handling, allow further weight savings and provide additional benefits for all application fields.
The range has recently been extended with products for exterior applications, such as textile wheel arch liners and underbodies. Thanks to the integration of the new plant producing natural and glass fibers in Lambrecht, Ziegler can now offer a wider program of transport-related solutions.

Products for the building sector include novel materials for thermal and acoustic insulation that are marketed as Hacobond. In addition to traditional insulating applications in the roof area, Ziegler also supplies such materials for heat storage units. The excellent acoustic insulating properties of the new products will be demonstrated. A new environmentally friendly development is a Hacobond insulating material made of PLA fibers. In addition to its excellent technical properties, this material is completely recyclable and compostable.

For the hometech sector, Ziegler has an ever expanding range of nonwovens with added value. Examples include nonwovens with climate-regulating properties, e.g. Hacosoft clima with PCM fibers or Hacosoft PES/Tencel for bedding and mattresses. Laminated leather is becoming increasingly popular in the furniture sector, which is why Ziegler has some innovative solutions in its program. Leather-protecting lamination with Hacoflex reduces wrinkling during use and makes the seat much more comfortable.

Recycling properties are also gaining importance in all sectors.Ziegler is now able to offer novel nonwovens made of glass-fiber/PP-fiber blends from industrial scrap that can be used in fiber-reinforced plastics. Ziegler is also continuously developing technical nonwovens for the strictest requirements as well as solutions tailored to individual customers. Ziegler’s strengths include a comprehensive range of fibers and flexible manufacturing processes for all fiber thicknesses, from fine to coarse.

Last year’s initial certification in accordance with DIN EN ISO 13485 demonstrates Ziegler’s commitment to the medical industry with its range of padded bandages and other products for this market.

Thanks to the newly acquired production facilities for natural fiber nonwovens in Lambrecht, Ziegler Natural Nonwovens can now supply products for sprouting fleeces that are completely compostable.


Johns Manville E79Hall 3.1
Johns Manville (JM), a manufacturer of glass and polyester nonwovens, will welcome visitors with a state-of-the-art, newly designed booth.The modern, open and transparent booth design reflects JM’s self-conception and offers the visitors an informative and pleasant experience.
rnIn addition, two new products will be displayed for the first time: a glass nonwoven, consisting of glass fibers, and bio-soluble micro fibers offering a smooth and dense surface, even structure and excellent haptcial properties.

A hybrid nonwoven will also be introduced. It ismanufactured with glass- and synthetic fibers, showing a significantly higher flexibility and lissomness compared to a standard glass nonwoven.

Besides the introduction of these innovative products sustainability will be a core theme for JM. Four segments will be highlighted: The use of raw material, the production process, the products and “green” applications fields.


KNHHall 4.1 Booth E89.
Kang Na Hsiung Enterprise(KNH) Co., Ltd. was established in 1969, and is the first manufacturer of feminine and children’s sanitary products in Taiwan. From 1999 to 2009, KNH was ranked among the top 40 leading manufacturers worldwide by Nonwoven Industry. The Company securedISO-14001 certification in recent years. “Quality, Service, and Innovation’’ is our motto. We support the well-being of our living environment and continue to strive with our suppliers and customers to bring to the world a “Cleaner, Nicer, and Healthier” tomorrow. With production bases in Taiwan and China, KNH products are being distributed to Asia, Australia, North America, Europe, Africa, and the Middle East.

KNH is the first Taiwan manufacturer of sanitary napkin and started air-through bonded nonwoven production in 1988. Since then, nonwoven technology of calendar bonding, airlaid, circular needle punching, meltblown, water-jet entangling and spunbonding were developed. Development of industrial products and air filtration products started in 1998. Water treatment products and medical care producdts were initiated in 2000.

At Techtextil, medical care products and water treatment products will be exhibited. In medical care products, medical face masks, silver sputtering medical antibiotic bandages, and anti-infection alcohol wipes will be on display. In water treatment products, the company will present KNH membrane bioreactor — (MBR) module, biomass carrier —and fine bubble diffuser for wastewater treatment.


Norafin IndustriesHall E32 Booth 3.1
Norafin focuses on its new technical nonwovens for composite structures. The company recently ventured into the processing of flax fibers and is offering innovative technical nonwovens made of flax to the composites industry and various technical markets. The flax nonwovens combine the natural characteristics of flax fibers - robustness, resistance to UV radiation, lower weight and its positive eco balance - with the beneficial texture of spunlace nonwoven materials. It is the smooth surface, as well the wood-like optical appearance that allows the application of flax nonwovens in various fields such as alternative energies, the construction industry or innovative interior designs.

Norafin’s carbonized or pre-oxidized nonwovens can be used in the composites industry wherever conductivity or antistatic properties are an important asset.

Thanks to the company’s in-house after treatment line, Norafin has the ability to guarantee a perfect combination of nonwoven and performance enhancing finishes. Foulard application technology enables treatments such as flame-retardant, hydrophobic or oleophobic finishes to be applied to the nonwoven. In combination screen printing technology allows Norafin to apply surface patterning effects, dots and logos. Norafin aims to furnish its technical nonwovens with additional functions while offering a high level of flexibility.


NSC nonwoven Hall 3.0 Booth B17
NSC nonwovens designs, builds and supplies turnkey nonwoven lines for needlepunching, spunlacing, thermobonding, air-through bonding and chemical bonding. NSC nonwoven is a worldwide, major supplier of Excelle & Axcess cards, crosslappers, drafters, needlelooms, high speed Monomatic winders and slitters-rewinders.

At Techtextil, NSC nonwoven is releasing its latest innovations: the T.T Excelle card and the ACS system. The T.T Excelle card technology is revolutionary in its performance and consistent reliability: it provides the ability to obtain MD/CD strength ratios under 3/1, even at high production speeds, such as 250 m/min. In addition, Bonding Index values are improved. This good news opens new market opportunities to the wipes and ADL industries as well as many more nonwoven industries for all kinds of applications.

Available on new Asselin crosslappers, the ACS drastically boosts the whole nonwoven production line productivity, even with literally no draft (difference of speeds) between the card and crosslappers infeed speed.


Oerlikon Neumag
Oerlikon Neumag is the market and technology leader for complete turnkey lines for the roduction of BCF carpet yarn and synthetic staple fiber. Neumag is the first supplier for major nonwovens processes: carding, airlaid and spunbond.

With an approximate 65% marketshare, Oerlikon Neumag is the first supplier of advanced BCF carpet yarn machines. With continuous development efforts Oerlikon Neumag focuses on improvements on the machines, the components and the processes. This knowledge is applied to new solutions such as the new S+ machine for an improved performance in BCF.

With its proven technology in polyester staple fiber and more than 25 established production lines of 200 tons per day capacity, Oerlikon Neumag has taken the next step in increasing the capacity. The 300 tons per day line generates various scale advantages as reduced operation costs.
rnOerlikon Neumag offers a comprehensive nonwoven technology portfolio which includes spunbond, meltblown, airlaid and carding technology. In addition to the traditional machine supply, Oerlikon Neumag offers customized solutions consisting of different web forming processes.

Staple fiber equipment consists of spinning and fiber line. A production capacity of up to 300 t/d to produce commodity applications can be realized with Neumag. Specialty fibers such as PET recycling, acrylic, bicomponent and aramid can be processed on Neumag’s one and two step plants.

rnIn spunmelt Oerlikon Neumag is focusing on competence in spinning to address the need for technical applications through advanced processes like bicomponent technology. Oerlikon Neumags’ advantages in spinning a wide range of alternative polymers such as PLA and PET have been further strengthened by constant development efforts in the pilot line in Neumünster. In meltblown development efforts are focused on fine denier material for high quality filtration products.

With Oerlikon Neumags’ superior carding technology a wide range of nonwoven material can be processed. In the pilot line in Linz new products are developed to help customers enter the markets with new products more quickly. Latest examples come from carbon, PTFE and PP/glass layered products. Furthermore, Oerlikon Neumag optimizes correlation of fiber properties from varied staple fiber settings with nonwoven properties i.e. in geotextile applications.


Radio Frequency Co.
At Techtextil, Radio Frequency Co. Inc. is introducing a new Macrowave radio frequency drying system. The system provides greater efficiency than conventional web dryers and enables the high-speed drying of water-based patterned glue and coatings at line speeds previously reached only with solvent-based coatings. The Macrowave RF Drying System, in patterned coating applications, selectively heats only the coated portions on the web leaving the bound moisture in the substrate intact, thus preventing over-drying, discoloration, distortion, and shrinkage.Capable of operating at web speeds up to 1500 FPM, this system needs one-fifth to one-third of the floor space required for hot air and IR dryers, permits lower web temperatures and provides up to 50% energy savings.

Eliminating the long dwell times associated with conventional drying methods, the Macrowave RF Drying System reduces make-ready time because RF power is instant “on/off” and energy is only consumed in proportion to the load in the system. The Macrowave RF Drying System can be configured to handle webs up to 120 inches wide and meets OSHA safety regulations and FCC standards on communication non-interference.

The Macrowave RF Drying Systems are priced from $60,000 up, depending upon configuration.Feasibility studies and quotations are available on request.


Saint-Gobain Performance PlasticsHall 4.1, Booth D11
At Techtextil Saint-Gobain Performance Plastics is launching the Coretech barrier membrane technology platform.This technology enables the creation of engineered barrier materials which are versatile and lightweight composite membranes that are made by combining different polymers, elastomers and woven and nonwoven substrates. Saint-Gobain will showcase a range of materials developed using patented Coretech technology that resist the permeation of a wide range of hazardous chemical, warfare and biological substances in both liquid and vapour form.

Applications of the membrane technology include Saint-Gobain’s ONESuit line of hazmat suits; protective shelter materials; petro-chemicals storage and transport systems; and portable water containment.

Coretech barrier membrane applications will be showcased.

Saint-Gobain Performance Plastics (SGPPL) is a subsidiary of Saint-Gobain, one of the top 100 industrial companies. Saint-Gobain, the world leader in the habitat and construction markets, designs, manufactures and distributes building materials, providing innovative solutions to meet growing demand for energy efficiency and for environmental protection. Saint-Gobain Performance Plastics manufactures the ONESuit line of chemical protective “hazmat” products and other high performance protective equipments such as gloves and chemical protective shelters.


Sandler AG Hall 3.1 Booth C29
Sandler AG will present its extensive product range.From nonwovens for hygiene and wipes applications to functional materials for the automotive, filtration and construction industry – Sandler products give proof of their future viability time and again and also outperform other materials with regard to sustainability.

With its wide range of highly efficient fibrous absorbers, Sandler AG meets the requirements of the automotive industry: they contribute to lightweight construction, thereby reduce fuel consumption and preserve valuable resources. In exterior applications, for example in the engine compartment, Sandler absorber nonwovens slow the cooling-down of the engine and adjoining units. In this way, cold starts are reduced and fuel consumption as well as wear and tear are lowered. Furthermore, these materials feature excellent sound insulation properties. They reduce engine noise and dampen road noise. Highly efficient fibrous absorbers, which can be processes to permanently hydrophobic and durable moulded parts for exterior applications are among the latest developments for this market. They offer 100% textile alternatives to currently utilized materials.

For seat upholstery, Sandler AG also offers materials, which represent functional alternatives. These lightweight nonwovens are breathable and feature a very high recovery rate and excellent elongation properties and very good compression hardness Thus, they are able to carry all loads and also contribute markedly to a good microclimate of the seat. In leather seats, Sandler nonwovens stabilize the cover material, prevent overexpansion and thereby prevent creasing. The quality of the leather seat is improved and long-lasting comfort is provided.

Sandler carrier materials for molded parts as well as materials for cover nonwovens and processing aids complete the product spectrum. Moreover, Sandler puts its products for the filtration industry on display: filter media for classes G3 to H11 for applications ranging from heating, ventilation and air conditioning to filtration in the automobile to synthetic vacuum cleaner bags.

Synthetic Sandler pocket filter media contribute to reducing the lifecycle costs of the filter from energy efficient utilization to disposal. The media’s low average pressure drop allows them to lower energy consumption during the operation of the filtration plant. Progressively structured filter media contain finest fibers of less than 1µm and achieve high efficiencies and high dust holding capacity. Special product lines are equipped with an integrated pre-filter which prolongs the operating life of the filter. Latest developments in this segment combine cost- and energy-efficiency with long-lasting filtration performance by featuring high efficiencies even after discharge and maintaining the criteria of their filter class throughout the operating life of the filter. These nonwovens can fulfill the requirements of future testing standards. Pleatable Sandler nonwovens address the issue of decreasing installation space in industrial as well as household applications and simultaneously increasing demands on the filter’s performance. 100% polyester media combine the filtration properties of a pocket filter with the suitability of a cassette filter for small installation spaces.

Single-polymer textiles for technical applications will also be presented to the professional audience: From façade renovation to the insulation of interior walls, from roof insulation to footfall sound insulation – nonwovens offer versatile solutions for the construction industry and technical insulation.

Soundproofing and heat insulation gain in importance with regard to comfort in living and working spaces as well as environmental protection and energy savings. Synthetic Sandler nonwovens increasingly prove themselves as a durable multi tasker. In the interior they are acoustically highly efficient; ensure quiet rooms with a pleasant ambiance. With low thermal conductivity Sandler nonwovens prevent heat loss through walls as well as cold penetrating into the room. The heat output can be reduced; both energy and costs can be saved. Nonwovens for footfall sound insulation and de-coupling materials offer excellent dampening characteristics for permanently undimmed living comfort. In addition, they are breathable and absorb only a low amount of moisture. Optimal air circulation is thereby ensured and the growth of mold is prevented. Sandler insulation materials are also resistant to ageing and thus durable. Their low flammability is an additional safety factor. During processing, these nonwovens cause neither itching nor skin irritation and therefore are generally suited for persons suffering from allergies.

rnIn the technical applications segment Sandler AG also utilizes its know-how in various markets and production technologies in order to generate synergies and develop functional product solutions. For example, spunlaced nonwovens are increasingly applied in multi-layer composites for the construction industry. Here, Sandler materials fulfill a multitude of different functions: they reinforce, seal protect the other components of the composite, and ensure excellent resistance to ageing and above all to alkali.

From heating and installation engineering with buffer vessels, or insulation materials for pipelines and pipes in solar plants to sound insulation for electric appliances – in technical insulation Sandler nonwovens dependable reduce the noise level and efficiently store heat. Thereby, they also contribute to the conservation of energy. These materials flexibly adapt to every contour. Owing to their high resistance to temperature, UV-radiation and aging, they ensure permanent sound and heat insulation.

Softness, elasticity and care are the themes under which the company will exhibit nonwovens for hygiene, wipes and medical applications.

In the wipes substrates market, Sandler offers nonwovens in even lower basis weights. With these materials raw material usage, CO2-emissions resulting from energy consumption and waste are reduced, well-proven Sandler quality is maintained. In 2008, Sandler AG launched its “Less is Best to Nature” project, focusing on low basis weights in wipes applications. A new development takes this project to higher levels: bio textile by Sandler is made of 100% viscose fibers and is therefore fully biodegradable. The fibers utilized are of European origin and, just like the nonwoven itself, are certified according to PEFC. This standard stands for a sustainable handling of wood and products made of it. Sandler qualities will also be presented: industry, household and all-purpose wipes commending themselves for the varied demands of the wipes market.

rnIn various stretch applications for diapers and other hygiene products Sandler AG will show a new, utterly soft nonwoven which offers high elongation, but also high tensile strength in low basis weights. A newly developed, very soft and highly extensible thermo bonded material complements the range of qualities available for this application. On the medical side, Sandler presents carrier materials for wound dressings and nonwovens for other wound care products. These nonwovens offer excellent elasticity and allow the skin to breath due to their air-permeability.


SpoolexSAS Stand E 10 and Booth 31 Hall 3.0
Spoolex will present its new development and accessories for its Calemard machinery department. Our slitter rewinders are proven solutions, synonymous with quality and highly technical for major players in technical textile market. This market is always looking for new developments to follow the evolution of its needs. To respond to these evolutions, we have developed some accessories to improve our machines.

On unwinding modules we could propose various options for easy loading and handling of bigger mother rolls: integrated lifting systems directly from ground, new unwinding construction allowing easy loading with cranes. We are expert in cutting technologies and now to respond to your needs of perfectly perpendicular edge cutting on thick nonwoven product. We also propose burst cutter: a sharpened blade comes to cut between two counter tools.

On rewinding modules we have increased our rewinding diameter capacities, allowing 800 mm on Vega N slitters (even 1000 mm on Orion N slitters). We could also fit our machines with cantilevered shafts to ease unloading operation, with lay-on arm on center winders to increase rewinding quality. We have also equipped our machines with numerous cameras and cells to measure diameters, web widths, or to guide. We will exhibit our precision tools ready to run.

Decoup+ has developed new equipment for ultrasonic slitting and sealing of technical textiles on off-line machines at high speed. On light open meshed fabrics for which the number of yarns per inch is too low, it is necessary to perform a track welding to obtain a good edge resistance, thus to ensure enough links between weft and warp. The DUO 300W equipment allows customers to achieve 20m/min and ultrasonic sealing is followed by an ultrasonic cutting on light open-meshed fabrics or nylon tyre cords. One of the main advantages is to obtain perfect, clean and high resistant edges. You could also discover or rediscover the wide range of our famous ultrasonic cutting and/or welding devices for industrial or handheld applications.

The company’s Roll Concept brand will be presented with its patented Alveotube product line of industrial rollers. Specially engineered to improve process performance and increase line speed on web handling and converting industry, the company’s lightweight precision rolls and winding cores ensure easy installation, easy handling and durability.


Textilgruppe Hof AGBooth 3.1 E 42
Textilgruppe Hof AG, a partner in industrial textiles will showcase the following products: woven fabrics, technical yarns, nonwovens for various industrial applications such as automotive, filtration, lamination, geotextile, roofing and wire harnessing.


Thrace Nonwovens & Geosynthetics S.A.Hall 3.1 Stand D88
Thrace Nonwovens & Geosynthetics will show its range of woven and nonwoven (needlefelt and spunbond) products, used in various fields and applications, including building and construction, packaging, agriculture, filtration and protection. The company will showcase itsgeosynthetics range of woven, nonwoven geotextiles and geogrids. The company’s range of industrial nonwovens for filtration, roofing, furniture and bedding, carpeting applications will be exhibited along with its nets and groundcovers for agricultural use.

Thrace Plastics Co SA was founded at 1978 in Xanthi (North-East Greece) and has grown rapidly to become one of the leading groups of companies in the plastic – synthetic textile product industry worldwide.

The Group has manufacturing facilities in Greece, the U.S., the U.K., Ireland, Romania, Bulgaria and Turkey as well as sales offices in Scandinavia and Serbia and distributors in more than 80 countries, employs about 1600 people while converts annually more than 100,000 tons of polymers resulting to an annual turnover of approximately 230 million Euros. Since 1994 Thrace Plastics Co SA is accredited with ISO 9001.


TreviraHall 4.1 Booth B19
At this year’s Techtextil show, Trevira is presenting its extensive range of fibers and filament yarns for use in technical textiles. These include polyester and PLA fibers for nonwoven applications, flame retardant and antimicrobial fibers and yarns, standard and microfilament yarns, together with spun-dyed yarns for technical purposes.

Together with fibers made from Ingeo Biopolymer (PLA), introduced in 2010, the focus is on further development and on the search for new end uses for hybrid yarns for bonding textiles, as well as for other special products of the company.

One current issue is bicomponent yarns, which feature the special properties to open up possibilities of versatile end uses in technical fields. Trevira NSK (low melt component) is a modified polyester that is used to create hybrid yarns in combination with standard polyester, or also with flame retardant yarns.

Stiffening of textile fabrics by hybrid yarns with low-melt component.

The low melt component causes a stiffening of the material, and in the process the proportion of the NSK element in the fabric controls the degree of stiffness. At the finishing stage this component causes the textile fabric to stiffen. It is not only possible to dye and print on the product but also to pleat or crush it, while it can practically be shaped at will according to the desired aim.

Along with the design, the technical possibilities and the textile look, there are important economic and ecological reasons for the use of hybrid yarns.

The textile material can be finished in a rational and energy-saving manner. The partial plasticization that occurs in the finishing stage can render a coating superfluous (e.g. acrylate). Products made of these yarns constitute a single-material substitute for technical textiles, since they enable end products in 100 % polyester that can be recycled without difficulty.

Examples of end uses are certain special applications, for instance as a stiffening agent in combination materials for the automotive industry, snowboards, windmill vanes, filtration engineering, refrigerator counters and storage space covers. Many further applications are feasible.

Where Trevira CS comes in as the second component, the resultant hybrid yarn is permanently flame retardant and makes it therefore, suitable for the contract sector. Until now, such special flame retardant yarns have largely figured in interior sun protection applications (sliding panels, roller and vertical blinds), as well as in room dividers and wall coverings. With the stiffening the article gains in stability and hangs better in flat panels than conventional materials.

Further end uses for flame retardant materials include soundproofing textiles and textile air conditioning systems (textile hoses).

rnIn addition, Trevira offers bicomponent staple fibers for thermal bonding, e.g. for insulation and filtration materials, in the automotive sector, but also for hygiene textiles and construction materials. The range comprises the most varied raw material combinations of core-sheath systems: PET/PE, PET/Co-PET and PET/PBT. There are also plans for a PLA/PLA bicofiber that is currently at the development stage.

With staple fibers the focus is on customized product developments that are specific to the customer, a business model which is to be expanded in the future. Standard elements in the delivery program are short-cut fibers for airlaid and wetlaid applications, for instance in hygiene products or the paper industry and they are used in both homopolymer types and bicofibers. Flame retardant fibers are also increasingly to be found in nonwoven products.

Within the large range of products for technical applications the highlight with filaments is on flame retardant yarns for the construction of exhibition stands and print base materials (Trevira CS), on antimicrobial yarns for use in medicine and hygiene textiles and on textured filament yarns as a basis for transdermal patches and bandages.


Trützschler NonwovensHall: 3.0; Booth: B03
Trützschler Nonwovens will present the latest innovations in man made fiber and nonwoven machinery. Newest innovations in the field of manmade fibers technology include cotton like fibers: Trützschler Nonwovens has been able to increase line speeds on the Fleissner Fiber Lines: Ready to go for line capacity 300 tons per day with one-side roller suspension; line capacitiesof more than 300 tons per day; with two-side roller suspension compact tow drawing consisting of rollers with individual torque motors.

The new Fleissner Tow Drawing Unit was recently developed and shows that Trützschler Nonwovens is Innovative on its Fleissner Fiber Line concepts. The advantages of the new system are the following: less rollers for better performance; more flexibility in adjusting fiber properties; no wraps on rollers—higher production efficiency; no gear boxes; compact - half length of conventional line;better heat transfer - less energy consumption; assembled unit on common platform; consistent torque of rollers, speeds up to 500 meters per minute and economic for line capacities up to 80 tons/day.

Newest innovations in the field of nonwoven technology: Double Roller Unit for smoothening and calibrating - Uniform line pressure, in combination with a uniform gap width, ensures optimal results.

rnIn its constant efforts to adapt the products of Trützschler Nonwovens Group to the requirements of the market, the calender, the foam padder and the calibration unit of our production program have been redesigned. The target was to unify the double roller unit to a common constructional base and at the same time adjust the single aggregates to our customer’s needs today.

The result is a machine consisting of two rollers which can be used as a calibration unit, calender, foam padder, squeezing unit or printing unit. Depending on the requirements of the process the rolls can be installed horizontal or vertical. The diameter of the roller is chosen based on standard roll diameters according to the actual pressure needed and the process requirements. The pressure is generated pneumatically; an electro mechanical pressure generation is foreseen only for calibration units with special requirements.