With Texprocess barely a week away, the visitors from Asia are fully geared up for an experience of their life. Although there is an ongoing apprehension regarding the commercial feasibility of technology being displayed at the fair among Asian manufacturers, there always are some very interesting and valuable takeaways, says Dr. Prabir Jana, Professor, NIFT Delhi and a veteran of four IMB exhibitions. Another apprehension is that technology displayed at Texprocess is not for clothing, but is rather more tuned towards European prevalent industry sectors like technical textiles. However according to Michael Jänecke, Head of Brand Management Technical Textiles and Textile Processing, “The registrations have increased considerably in four product groups: Design, Product Development and Automation Technology; Stitching, Joining and Fastening Technology; Fusing, Setting and Manufacturing Preparation; and Product Processing and Finishing, in particular. Thus what the exhibitors are offering, reflects more closely what trade visitors want.”
Concentrate on the automation and generate ideas for frugal improvisation
“There should be two objectives for visiting Texprocess: First concentrate on the automation, and generate ideas for frugal improvisation; and second, spot those value adding small parts/consumables to take the best out of your existing machine,” says Dr. Jana. He rightly reasons that not everyone visiting the fair may have immediate plans and/or requirement to buy any machinery or solution. The idea is to keep a positive and open mindset when reviewing the various technologies on display (don’t ask the price and become judgmental). “Try to understand the list of benefits, and then prioritize which all benefits will fit your requirement and then do a live check of the solution with actual material and scenario. If you are checking suitability of any sewing machine, then check with actual fabric that you intend to use, and actual operation you plan to perform. Last, but most important to remember, if you are impressed by some technology but the cost is prohibitive, then only think about frugal improvisation of same features back home,” advises Dr. Jana.
Apart from just selling the machines for commission, the agents in Asia will have to add value by customized engineering services, which none are offering. From the likes of erstwhile Bellow Machine Co. in UK to Konrad Busche Gmbh in Germany, to the new generation Rexel from Poland is a model to watch out for by the agents.
Auto-jig workstations are becoming very popular since CISMA 2013, the most complex and expensive mechatronics/pneumatics of the whole process is auto-sensing and pivoting the templates. One may decide to keep template pivoting manual thus shedding cost and still accrue maximum benefit of jig-sewing. Rather, by some frugal innovations a manufacturer may covert to tandem operation of template, increasing productivity manifold. A considerable benefit of automatic serging workstations can be accrued by improvising the existing machine bed to large submerged type and using start/stop sensors. To see automation at its best, Dr. Jana suggested visitors to take a look at the booths of Duerkopp Adler, Juki, PFAFF, Typical, JAM, ASS, all of which are well known in Asia, and also lesser known brands like AC Costura, Habraken BV, P.A.M.I. di Tomaselli s.r.l., Sicama, Texcentrum spol.
New exhibitors to watch out for…
Not everyone visiting the fair may have immediate plans and/or requirement to buy any machinery or solution. The idea is to keep a positive and open mindset when reviewing the various technologies on display, but if impressed by some technology and the cost is prohibitive, then one can always think about frugal improvisation of same features back home.
Among the new exhibitors to watch out for are Anita B, who will display cutting machine, puller, LED light, and screw for presser foot. Then there is Astron Technology that will display decorative sewing automat with EXTRA LONG cylinder arm for processing tubular leg sections of the finished jeans. Action Potential from UK and Audaces from Brazil will show pattern digitising software-based on simple clicking of images by ordinary camera. Colour communication and management solution based on objective measure from Caddon Printing and Colour Digital will make colour approval process revolutionary simple. E-Nygma will display new generation rhinestone setting machines, combining high efficiency with low cost. Epa Teknoloji from Turkey will display pressing equipment and accessories.
Also present at the show, IECHO Science Technology and Kunz Textil will showcase compound artificial materials and material bonding technology. Mind Software will showcase CAD solutions for footwear and bag, Seripress will display customized heat transfer printing solutions for all kinds of textile to be decorated and Durak Tekstil Pazarlama from Turkey will showcase industrial sewing thread including embroidery. ZEBRA matching system from Parmel s.r.o is a new generation image recognition system to replace the intervention of man. In almost all practical applications of pattern-matching cut automatic processes can be realized in industries like apparel, automotive, upholstered furniture. Proliner from Prodim International BV is a measuring instrument for flat or 3D products. The measured data is directly translated into a digital CAD file (DXF). With the proliner, one can measure straight, curved and very complex shapes in an instant. Teseo from Italy will showcase a whole range of software and hardware product for creation, conception, product engineering, raw material optimization and management control.
Spot those value adding small parts/consumables to take best out of existing machine
When visiting Texprocess, try to spot the suppliers for quality consumables (German and Italian made) like pads and fabric covers for ironing tables, PTFE-Coated Glass fabrics for fusing press, bristles for CAM, ceramic knives for overlock machine, wavy blade for your straight knife machine, and other such items which will add tremendous value to your output quality from your existing machine. Trecolan Handels GmbH, VOMATEX GmbH, ASM and Strima are some of the interesting stalls to explore. With sustainable practices high on agenda a visit to FCEM Feiras, Congressose Empreendimentos Ltd., from Brazil, Yazici Dikis Mak. San. Tic. Ltd. from Turkey and Primula S.A. from Italy is ‘a must’ for energy, light, disposal, recycling systems.
