At a press conference at ITMA, five VDMA member companies presented their innovative solutions for sustainability, circular economy, digitization, efficiency improvement and resource saving.
At ITMA 2023, VDMA member companies are demonstrating innovative solutions for sustainability, circular economy, digitalisation, efficiency improvement and resource saving. Solutions include water-saving processes, digital ecosystems, spinning and twisting solutions for recycled yarns, CO2-neutral energy production and advanced fabric dyeing.
André Wissenberg, chairman of the exhibition and marketing committee of VDMA Textiles and vice president, marketing, corporate communications and public affairs at the Oerlikon Polymer Processing Solutions Division, presented the launch. world at ITMA as the EvoSteam process. This process allows, for example, annual water savings of up to 10 million liters. With regard to digitization, Wissenberg highlighted Oerlikon’s Digital Ecosystem, a solution that provides real-time alerts, condition monitoring, machine learning, predictive maintenance and control of all operations. of the factory. “At Oerlikon, we contribute with our innovative technologies on display at ITMA Milan 2023 for the economical use of resources in most man-made spinning mills in the world. Our promise for the future is to continue expanding our waste-free, more efficient, digital and circular production methods, while also taking care of our customers’ sustainability goals and our own,” Wissenberg added.
Dr Uwe Rondé, board member of VDMA Textiles and CEO of Saurer Group, highlights Saurer’s efforts to serve the world in a sustainable way by providing spinning solutions and twists for yarns made from mechanically recycled or chemically regenerated fibers. “Saurer has been driving the transformation of the textile industry for over 170 years. We support the textile industry in the areas of sustainability, digitization and automation. As trendsetters, we anticipated the need for short yarn processing early on. Today we have a portfolio optimized for spinning and twisting recycled or regenerated yarns,” said Ronde.
“The challenges of the textile industry are driving the machine manufacturing industry to develop into new dimensions to accomplish a lot of related goals such as increasing productivity, quality, continuous innovation in a very dynamic environment. and rapid changes related to digitization, and at the same time to ensure the best interests, human life and the preservation of our natural habitat. These are the goals to which Dornier has been so committed over the past 70 years, successfully serving our customers around the world,” said Wolfgang Schöffl, Lindauer Dornier, head of loom product line and member member of the extended management board, said.
Dr. Janpeter Horn, President of the VDMA Textile Machinery Association and chief executive officer of August Herzog Maschinenfabrik, pointed out that the loom is a CO2-neutral energy generator. “Herzog, as a global technology and market leader in braiding, winding and rewinding equipment, is at the forefront of transforming the textile world in an efficient, digital and circular way. for braiding applications. Not only did Herzog develop braiding and winding technology that took this transition into account, but Herzog also enabled the development of braided products needed for the circular economy, without CO2, such as extra-long and sturdy ropes. replacing steel wire bearing components for wind power and deep sea exploration,” explains Horn.
Verena Thies, vice president of VDMA Textile Machinery and managing shareholder of Thies, explains how circularity is addressed in the dyeing process. She notes that Thies’ Signature Series allows for enhanced post-processing, “Thies is opening a new chapter in fabric dyeing. Signature’s innovative ultra-low solution ratio greatly enhances dye effectiveness, reducing dye consumption by up to 20%. By incorporating Thies’ cutting-edge advancements, water use is reduced by 52 percent.”
The digital network of machines paves the way for many possible applications, such as a central overview of the status of all machines, order management, and exchange of process information. At the press conference, Dr. Harald Weber, executive director of VDMA Textiles, presented a web-based demonstration of the digital networking of machines using the OPC UA standard. Standardized interfaces facilitate the integration of different devices. In a first project, VDMA Textile Machines developed an interface specification known as OPC UA for textile inspection devices. At ITMA, devices from exhibiting companies, among them VDMA member Textechno, will use this specification to send data directly to the performers.
ITMA has traditionally been an event for young engineers. With the financial support of VDMA and under the guidance of faculty members, 320 students from 9 technical universities have the opportunity to see high-tech living in Milan. “Our financial backing in the amount of €95,000 is an investment in the future of our industry. Highly qualified engineers are a prerequisite for developing marketable technologies for the textile industry,” says Weber.
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