Industrial fabrics sector set to hit Charlotte
Posted October 11, 2016
The IFAI Expo returns to the Southeast next week for its annual run, and eTextileCommunications.com will be on the show floor to bring you the latest and greatest innovations in this sector.
The event, organized by the Industrial Fabrics Association International (IFAI), will take place Tuesday through Friday at the Charlotte Convention Center in Charlotte, N.C., kicking off with the Advanced Textiles Conference. For a full schedule of events, please click here. The expo features makers of specialty fabrics, advanced textiles or shade and weather protection, along with their suppliers.
In partnership with sponsor PA Group of Chattanooga, Tenn., we’ll be debuting eTC TV. This entails video interviews with pre-booked exhibitors. These spots will be uploaded to our website, our eTC TV YouTube channel and social media channels each day the show floor is open.
Following are previews from those exhibitors who responded to our questions. If you would like to be included in previews to be published early next week, please contact us here by email.
American & Efird
In booth 1839, American & Efird (A&E) of Mount Holly, N.C., will be highlighting the Sunstop® product line, a premium polyester thread specifically engineered for use in marine and outdoor markets.
This specialty product contains advanced UVR protection technology against fade and degradation, keeping colors looking brilliant.
These innovative products bring superior colorfastness and weather durability to outdoor industrial stitching markets. The possibilities for this unique product are endless and they are used in everything from outdoor furniture to awnings and tents to boat tops, according to Jacob Blackburn, Global Marketing coordinator.
“It's a very versatile, durable product,” he said. “If you are in those markets, you should definitely give it a try.”
A&E has expanded its presence at this show, he added.
“We fully expect this year's traffic to be better than ever and have expanded our booth's footprint accordingly,” Blackburn said. “This will allow for two things: additional space for the great amount of foot traffic brought from our A&E customers and potential customers; and secondly, additional room to showcase our A&E Sunstop® product line.”
Apex Mills Corp.
Apex Mills Corp., based in Inwood, N.Y., will highlight warp knit mesh, tricot and 3D spacer fabrics at the expo.
“We will be showing new spacer designs incorporating multiple patterns within a single knit run that we were able to achieve through our new seven-bar, double-needle knitting machine,” said Pamela Siegel, chief marketing officer.
She added that greater attendance in Charlotte compared to recent IFAI Expos and expects to generate new sales leads.
Contacts in booth A1229 will be Simon Krawczyk, Roy Rizzo, Eileen DeNicola and Shandin Thompson.
Coats
At booth A828, Coats will highlight products that are utilized in end-use applications such as boats, sails, tents and awnings.
Some of its most popular products are Coats Dabond, a bonded polyester thread; Coats Nylbond, a bonded nylon thread; and Coats Polymatic, a polyester monocord thread. All are best suited for outdoor applications, providing excellent UV resistance, and can be coated with Coats Protect, an antimicrobial treatment that will prevent the growth of odor and stain causing bacteria around sewn seams, keeping them clean and fresh.
Coats is also an automotive education sponsor at the show.
Primary contacts in the booth will be Leah Perkins, marketing specialist, Industrial; and Tim Ladd, vice president, Marketing,
Coats, based in London, has attended the IFAI Expo for many years. This year’s location in Charlotte is home to one of its offices and many of its customers, according to a Coats' spokesperson
“We also have our Sevier manufacturing site nearby in Marion, N.C.,” the spokesperson said. “We look forward to having time with our customers as well as meeting new prospects.”
DNA Technical Fabrics
DNA Technical Fabrics, a division of DNA Textile Group, has introduced a new of Inherent Plus + FR Denim fabrics that it will highlight at the IFAI Expo (Booth A1438).
DNA's Inherent Plus+ FR denim collection utilizes a patent-pending dual FR technology to provide layered FR protection with comfort, performance and premium styling.
"DNA's Dual FR Technology was developed in response to customers' requests for an innovative FR denim that can be laundered in premium fashion washes and maintain the same level of flame-resistant protection currently offered in the market," said Marty Odum, vice president of Technical Fabrics.
Inherent Plus + FR Denim can be enhanced through premium laundry applications, including hand sanding, whiskers, enzymes and stonewashing to achieve a range of fashion wash effects. Products in the new collection contain 13 percent to 20 percent stretch, from 11 to 13.5 oz., with added moisture wicking and improved drying to increase comfort.
DNA's Inherent Plus + FR Denim fabrics are compliant with NFPA 2112, NFPA 70E, and ASTM F1506.
The collection will also be shown at the NSC 2016 Expo in Anaheim, Calif., October 17-19.
EVS, U.S., Inc.
Greenville, S.C.-based EVS U.S., Inc. will highlight its IQ-TEX4 Automatic Fabric Inspection System, its SVA Shade Variation Analyzer and its iBar On-Loom Inspection System.
“We will have a fully functional inspection system in the booth (A446),” said John Belew, EVS, U.S., president.
The company also will be presenting its on-loom/knitting machine inspection system for the first time at the IFAI Expo.
Gehring Textiles/Tweave LLC
Based in Garden City, N.Y., Gehring Textiles will highlight warp and circular knits using specialty yarns for a variety of markets, and a representative of its Tweave Division will be on hand to highlight stretch woven fabric offerings, particularly the newly introduced lightweight options.
“We believe the location being in the heart of the textile community will yield a greater audience and potentially the opportunity to meet with many more small mills that may not have the time to be away from their business when the show is further away, but who may be able to take an afternoon to walk the show and explore,” said Bill Christmann, vice president of Sales and Marketing for Gehring Textiles.
In addition to Christmann, contacts in booth A738 will be George Kelnhofer, vice president Circular Knits for Gehring Textiles; Dale Wagner, sales for Commission Dyeing and knitting for Gehring Textiles; and Mary Reardon, vice president of Sales & Marketing for Tweave.
George C. Moore Co.
George C. Moore Co., Westerly, R.I., will be exhibiting its wide range of plain, printed, woven and knit narrow elastics for the following end-uses: underwear, intimate apparel, performance compression and active apparel, medical and orthopedic apparel and accessories, ballistic protection, work apparel and uniforms.
“Our value added services include cutting and looping, fabricated waistbands, silicone applications, technical performance finishes, permanent fire resistance, water resistant finishes, among other assorted offerings,” said Elisa Torres, Marketing and Innovation manager.
In addition, a large variety of elastics and non-elastic webbing will be available as samples in booth 2600. If you have a physical sample that you like, Torres’ asked that you please share it at the expo. Our Specialty Products Manager Brad Pack will be available to hear your ideas and answer your questions.
“George C. Moore is looking forward to showcasing its large variety of elastics and non-elastic webbing for goggles, elbow pads, shin guards, shoulder pads, gloves and helmets with properties of durability, moisture management and antimicrobial treatments, among others,” Torres said. “If you need latex-free, hook-receptive elastic or plush surfaces for comfort, George C. Moore Company is your source. Our design team is prepared to help you achieve the look, function and feel you desire by using a combination of fibers and finishes.”
Gerber Technology
Tolland, Conn.-based Gerber Technology will highlight its new AutoMatch™ system for furniture applications used in conjunction with our GERBERcutter® Z1.
The GERBERcutter Z1 with AutoMatch is a stripe, plaid and five-star pattern-matching solution that aligns patterns across cut parts with unsurpassed accuracy, according to Leonard Marano, director of Product Marketing.
“Unlike other solutions that rely on the operator to manually make these adjustments, our AutoMatch system uses vision technology to make the adjustments to bows, skews and repeat variations automatically – improving throughput up to 75 percent,” he said.
Also in booth 1529 will be the GERBERcutter Z1, which can be used as an intelligent, high-performance, standalone cutter that is customizable for a wide range of specific applications. The Z1’s distributed control system allows for adjustments to optimize cutting parameters to maximize speed and accuracy on a specific job – while reducing energy consumption by up to 20 percent, Marano said. Whether you’re cutting printed apparel, composites, upholstery or other technical textiles, the Z1 can be configured with many powerful options, he added.
“Due to the high concentration of furniture manufacturers located in North Carolina, we expect that market segment to have large presence with the show's attendees,” Marano said.
Primary booth contacts include Marano and Jamie Bibb.
Herculite Products Inc.
Herculite Products Inc., Emigsville, Pa., is a manufacturer of PVC textiles engineered for awning, marine, graphics, healthcare, tent and industrial applications in a wide range of styles, weights, colors and widths up to 98 inches.
At IFAI Expo in booth 1609, it will highlight its brands, including Coastline Plus®, Patio 500®, Excel M Series®, Herculite Natura®, Weblon Vanguard®, Riviera Marine Fabric®, Weblon Regatta®, Bantex®, Printers Choice®, Architent®, WideSide®, Showtime®, Sure-Chek® and Microvent Soft®.
In 2015, Herculite acquired Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.-based Strataglass LLC, an industry leader in coated and non-coated, clear press-polished polyvinyl sheet products for more than 20 years. These premium coated press-polished clear vinyl sheets are engineered to be scratch-resistant and durable and block out nearly 100 percent of the spectrum of harmful UV light. Crystal Clear 20/20 is the clearest and most consistent sheet vinyl ever produced, according to the company.
These press-polished clear vinyl sheets feature a new and improved clarity and sets the standard for uncoated press-polished sheets worldwide.
Primary booth contacts include Craig Zola, vice president of Marketing and Distribution; and Chad Twombly, vice president of Direct Sales.
ITEMA America
ITEMA America of Spartanburg, S.C., will highlight its range of products, focusing on the P7300HP projectile weaving machine, the R9500 rapier weaving machine and the A9500 air jet Weaving Machine.
Exhibiting in booth A1448, The company also will showcase its Sulzer/ITEMA spare parts, technical services and its electronic and mechanical repair services.
“We will be promoting a wide variety of weaving machines and services available from ITEMA America,” said Werner Mendler, area sales manager.
Jason Mills
In booth A1136, Jason Mills of Milltown, N.J., a manufacturer of custom netting, polyester and nylon mesh fabrics, will be highlighting two styles of its products.
Style 413 has been developed for the outdoor retailing industry. This no-see-um construction prevents mosquitoes, flies and tick nymphs from penetrating the screen. It is ideal for tents and protective clothing.
Additional features are UV resistant (resists fading), fire resistant to CPAI84 and Consumer Safety Apparel Part 1610. The water-repellant finish allows for airflow and yet the water will bead up and not penetrate the netting.
The second style is its style 280LPAM designed for the healthcare industry. Constructed using UNIFI’s antimicrobial yarn (AMY), this fabric has silver ion technology embedded in the filament, which will last for the life of the product and inhibits the growth of odor causing bacteria. This helps the material maintain freshness and longevity.
Tested to meet FR CA117, it is soft to the skin, using micro-denier polyester to the top surface.
“We always look forward to each IFAI Expo with new and exciting opportunities,” said Brenda Stamboulian, director of Sales and Marketing. “With the launch of two new technical fabrics and displaying in the Advanced Textile area, we look forward to moving ahead in the ever-growing technical textile industry.”
Primary booth contacts include Michael Lavroff and Stamboulian.
Luwa America
First time IFAI Expo exhibitor Luwa America, Greensboro, N.C., offers customized air filtration, air conditioning and waste-handling systems that meet the challenges of textiles and nonwovens manufacturing. The company also helps create cost-effective and sustainable manufacturing environments.
Product offerings shown at IFAI will include air washers with TexFog, axial and radial fans, LoomSphere / RotorSphere conditioning systems, Luwair prefabricated air-handling units, Uniluwa modular air-handling unit, rotary air filters, automatic panel filters, rotary pre-filters / pre-separators, fiber and waste separators, screen condensers and screw compactors, bale presses and Briquetters, TexPac prefabricated filter units, SpinTravClean / LoomTravClean travelling cleaners for spinning and weaving, central vacuum systems and Circulaire oscillating cleaning blowers.
Primary contacts in booth A1053 include project managers Ty Daurity and Saravanan Palani.
McCoy Machinery Corp.
McCoy Machinery Corp. of Monroe, N.C., will feature its Model 300 Tricot Warping Systems in booth A417.
“We expect more interest in new or reconditioned machines from the warp-knitting sector, with the increase in domestic sportswear programs being revitalized and re-shored,” said Kevin Ahlstrom, sales director.
The company is expected to break big news during the IFAI Expo, so stay tuned.
PA Group
The IFAI Expo will be important for Chattanooga, Tenn.-based PA Group, according to Josh Davis, the company’s marketing director.
“We’re very excited to be at IFAI Expo one week after the official release of Microsoft Dynamics 365,” he said. “We’ll also be in Tampa, Fla., the week before for the actual Microsoft launch event, and will have all the information ready to share with everyone at IFAI Expo. Any company interested in the future of Cloud-based ERP and business systems built on a single, unified data platform should come by our booth to find out the scoop.”
In booth 2912, PA Group also will showcase the latest enhancements to its Mill Products Accelerator for Dynamics AX and the latest, amped up version of its Machine Monitoring and Planning components of its MES Suite.
“Any company that would like to see a 10+ percent increase in production efficiency needs to hear about our MES Suite that can be integrated with virtually any major ERP system,” Davis said.
PA Group also has partnered with eTextileCommunications.com on a unique new project to generate show excitement.
“We’re also very excited about our new eTC TV sponsorship,” Davis said. “We’ll have Barry Carpenter, Digital Content specialist at PA Group, travelling the show with Devin Steele of eTC to record and post live news and interview segments from some of the exhibitors. I think this is a great way for IFAI Expo exhibitors to capture the excitement of the show on video so that they can share it online across all of their social channels.”
This will mark PA Group’s second appearance as an IFAI Expo exhibitor.
“We had a great time at the Anaheim show last year, but we’re looking for this year’s event to be even bigger and more engaging,” Davis said.
Booth contacts include Tom Wengler, vice president of Sales; Bob Buechel, Dynamics AX presales architect; and Davis.
SDL Atlas
Exhibiting at the IFAI Expo for the first time, Rock Hill, S.C.-based SDL Atlas will show its Vortex M6, MMT, FTT, Tinius Olsen ST, Martindale, PnuBurst, PowerTear, AirPerm and HydroPro.
A highlight product in booth A852 is the new Atlas Vortex M6 Washer, the first time the instrument will be exhibited at a trade show. AATCC has recently approved the machine to meet the parameters for home laundering test methods.
The Vortex M6 is the only commercial grade washer that is specifically designed to address the most recent revisions of the monograph developed by the AATCC Research Committee RA88, Home Laundering Technology in 2013, according to Melissa Nypaver, Marketing Communications.
Designed to meet the latest top‐loading table of the Monograph, the instrument is a commercial grade washer and is supplied with a controller, a heavy-duty variable speed motor and custom water temperature and flow controls. This construction allows the Vortex M6 to not only perform wash sequences in tight compliance of the Monograph, but also give users the ability to program custom washes with durations running up to 1999 minutes.
Additionally, the instrument comes with alarms for out-of-spec water temperatures and fill volume. The temperature alarm can be individually overridden one test at a time or, in climates where the cold water temperature is never able to be reached, the alarm can be turned off for all cold water tests, while the volume alarm will eliminate a possible overflow.
Primary booth contacts will be John Crocker, Rick Stanford and Mark Graham.
Shima Seiki USA
WHOLEGARMENT knitting machine manufacturer Shima Seiki USA of Monroe Township, N.J., the U.S. arm of Japan-based Shima Seiki Mfg., Ltd., will display its SWG091N2 3D knitting machine along with its textile design CAD system Apex3-3.
In addition, it will showcase in booth A935 many samples using various 3D samples that are used in the industrial, safety and medical markets.
“We will promote our latest equipment that has no material waste by knitting three dimensionally and, significantly reduces labor by eliminating sewing,” said Matthew Llewellyn, vice president. “By promoting these benefits, we hope to help re-shore USA manufacturing by making competitive pricing and shortening the supply chain to end users.”
Primary booth contacts will be Sam Ming, sales manager of Shima Seiki USA; and technical sales representatives Carter Jones and Ford Bowden.
Shima Seiki USA has additional facilities in New York and Los Angeles.
TSG Finishing
TSG Finishing, Hickory, N.C., will have two demos running in its booth (A1238):
-
Embossing – a rotary machine will show embossing of fabrics;
-
Defend® – a Durable Water Repellent trial showing the high-performance treatments it can apply to fabrics. The company will have a mock awning/gutter made out of treated fabric with water constantly pouring over it and into a tank.
The IFAI Expo in Anaheim last year was the first time TSG Finishing has ever exhibited in a trade show, according to Brian A Rosenstein, CCO.
“It was very positive, which is why we went with a much bigger booth this year,” he said.
Rosenstein added that he expects an even bigger turnout in “Textile Country.”
“Given this show is in the backyard of majority of textile companies, including ours, I am fully expecting a HUGE turnout of not just regular attendees but also companies and people who would not normally attend a trade show,” he said. “It’s just a car ride for most of these people. In addition to my team running the booth, I also have quality representatives, engineers and chemists attending the show just to walk around.”
