Equipment manufacturers weigh in on new trends and technologies. Click on the images for a full slideshow with captions.
ARES PLUS | Welding machine designed for awning, signage and roller blind and shade markets uses electric impulse technology to automatically create invisible overlaps, hem pockets, simple welds, reinforced welds and zipper welds. It features welding capacity up to 6 meters in a single pass; open end design for easy movement of oversized materials through the machine for multiple welds; and automatic or manual working modes with the ability to easily switch between the two. Available in 4-, 5- and 6-meter models.Matic S.A.: +1 301 327 1881; www.matic.es/en
PRO PT-108 PLOTTER/CUTTER | Designed to automate the marking and cutting of textiles 98 inches wide or narrower, it mounts to any table top, and the lightweight gantry allows it to safely run at 30-plus ips in any shop environment. Available as a DIY system or complete turnkey solution, it is recommended for shades, windows blinds, canvas and awnings.Carlson Design: +1 918 438 8344; www.carlsondesign.com
ULTRASONIC X/Y CUT-WELD SYSTEM | Automated cutting system allows manufacturers to cut and seal fabric with ultrasonic technology from a standard drawing (.dxf) file, eliminating the step of surging before sewing and the need to manually turn the material on the cutting table. Recommended for sleeping bags, acrylic shade covers, mesh screens and nonwovens.JTE Machine Systems Inc.: +1 904 278 2388; www.jtemachine.com
GARMENT ABRASION SYSTEM | RevoLaze® laser etching technology is used for localized or all-over garment abrasion at a speed of 2,500 watts, allowing customers to etch up to 1 million garments per year. The three-station mandrel system provides a faster garment rotation and indexing speed to ensure a smooth transition from the front to the back of the jean. A finer laser beam size creates a natural and vintage look. Markets include denim jean cut-and-sew operations and finishing houses that contract with denim jean brands.LasX Industries Inc.: +1 651 407 0011; www.lasx.com
M1 ULTIMATE | Two-axis cutting machine removes the need for skilled operators while implementing two cutting tools—cold knife and ultrasonic. It automatically cuts from four sides with no turning or handling of the fabric by the operator during the cutting process. A motorized unwinding device places the fabric on the cutting surface without pulling or stretching, and a press bar eliminates any movement of the textile. Recommended for PVC, screen fabrics, clear vinyl, blackout fabrics and mosquito nets.Matic S.A.: +1 301 327 1881; www.matic.es/en
INDUSTRIAL SEWING MACHINES | Entrance mat sewing machines attach rubber nosing reducer to the edge of any mat. Built to last a lifetime, the line includes portable and table model units, and is recommended for entrance mat manufacturers, carpet mills and rubber nosing reducer manufacturers.NC Carpet Binding and Equipment Corp.: +1 973 481 3500; www.nccarpet.com
Q-SUN XE-2 XENON TEST CHAMBER | Full-featured weathering, lightfastness and photostability chamber tests all types of textiles, reproducing damage caused by full-spectrum sunlight and rain. It provides precise control of critical test parameters including spectrum, irradiance, relative humidity, chamber temperature and black panel/black standard temperature, with water spray as an option. Requires small amount of floor space.Q-Lab Corp.: +1 440 835 8700; www.q-lab.com
AUTOMATED SAMPLE BINDER | Programmable binder applies binding tape to all four edges of any carpet sample and cuts the tail in seconds. Laser eye immediately picks up the sample and is ready to sew, allowing the operator to simply tap the pedal and turn the sample. Designed to withstand multiple daily shift use.NC Carpet Binding and Equipment Corp.: +1 973 481 3500; www.nccarpet.com
SRY123LP KNITTING MACHINE | Computerized knitting machine features two loop presser beds that improve on the stitch presser by controlling pressdown of individual loops. It features capacity for up to 30 intarsia carriers; an advanced carriage mechanism that uses software programming to achieve quicker carriage returns after each course; and a yarn gripper equipped with a new lint remover for reduced maintenance. Maximum knitting speed of 1.4 meters per second.Shima Seiki USA Inc.: +1 609 655 4788; www.shimaseiki.com
G3 CUTTING SYSTEM | Modular flatbed digital cutting system is designed for both prototyping and high-volume, non-stop production as it can be equipped with semi- and fully-automated material handling, including automatic roll-, sheet-/board-loading devices and robotic off-load systems. Energy-efficient, adjustable vacuum generators provide optimal material hold-down, and any material can be handled, whether thin and flexible or thick and rigid.Zund America Inc.: +1 414 433 6022; www.zund.com
