Unifi and Oerlikon display new texturing machine at ITMA

24 Jun '19

3 min read

Pic: Unifi

Unifi and provider of global surface solutions and technologies, Oerlikon, are displaying the new eAFK Evo texturing machine at ITMA 2019 exhibition. The leading textile and garment technology expo is being held from June 20-26, 2019, at Barcelona, Spain. Unifi is a leading innovator in manufacturing synthetic virgin and recycled performance fibres.

Oerlikon’s new eAFK Evo texturing machine has proven to be a breakthrough in the manufacture of yarns. This is evidenced by leading global yarn producer, Unifi, who has placed a significant order for these revolutionary machines yesterday, the first day of the trade fair.

Unifi collaborated with Oerlikon to develop a specially-designed eAFK Evo pilot machine that has been operating for the last eight months, using it to manufacture various Unifiber virgin and Repreve-branded recycled polyester and polyamide yarns. Unifi has obtained exclusive rights in the US to their unique design, which enables the new machine to operate at considerably higher texturing speeds, delivers consistently high-quality yarn across a broad range of products, and enables new, innovative performance yarns, Unifi said in a press release.

“Unifi is proud to collaborate with Oerlikon Barmag on its innovative new texturing technology that is positioned to revolutionise yarn manufacturing. True innovation starts in the fibre, and the new eAFK Evo texturing machine will allow us to continue our history of manufacturing excellence and provide our customers with an expanded portfolio of performance products with broad market appeal,” Tom Caudle, president and chief operating officer of Unifi said.

Additionally, Oerlikon is exhibiting a configuration of the eAFK Evo texturing machine at ITMA designed for the cost-efficient production of commodity yarns. At just 4.7 metres in height, this compact machine still comes with a four-deck winding system. The most important foundation for both machines is the 300-millimetre-long EvoCooler with its active cooling technology. The EvoCooler’s controllable cooling unit opens a huge production window, with titers ranging from around 30 to 300 denier and including microfilaments; combining it with the EvoHeater increases texturing speed by about 20 percent. The EvoCooler also enables extremely even yarn dyeing and provides significant benefits using no additional energy compared to current offerings. With the optimised, extremely energy-efficient EvoHeater and its connected peripherals, the machine offers up to 25 percent energy savings.

Oerlikon is exhibiting Repreve yarns produced on the eAFK Evo pilot machine, along with fabrics made from the yarn, at the Oerlikon stand at the ITMA trade show in Barcelona. Among other areas, these sustainable yarns are used in the products of numerous companies operating in the apparel, outdoor, home textiles, and automotive sectors. (GK)

Fibre2Fashion News Desk – India

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