Monforts says new processes can help denim makers stand out
Germany-based textile machinery maker Monforts will outline its latest dyeing technology advances the International Textile Machinery Association (ITMA) show in Italy this summer.
More than 900 Monforts Thermex hotflue dyeing systems are operational in textile producing countries, with around 150 of them using the Econtrol and EcontrolT-CA processes.
Econtrol is a continuous process for the dyeing of woven cotton and cellulosic fabrics in which reactive dyestuffs are fixed into the fabric in a one-step dyeing and drying process and has proved a particularly versatile route for denim manufacturers, according to the company.
Monforts head of denim, Hans Wroblowski, said: “Differentiation is the key in the highly-competitive denim fabrics industry, whether that is through the successful incorporation of new fibres, accommodating new fabric constructions or exploring the many options for how to treat them at the finishing stage, to gain a market advantage.”
He has worked with denim makers to develop solutions in this field, and said the latest Monforts lines allow users to be versatile and respond quickly to market demand, while allowing very short production runs.
The pad-dry process takes two-to-three minutes at a temperature of between 120-130°C and a relative humidity volume of 25-30%. No salt is used and no steamer is required for a separate fixation step. The process is urea-free and no smoke or deposits are generated. Direct feedback of the dyeing results eliminates batching time to guarantee good reproducibility from the lab to bulk production and an immediate wash off is also unnecessary, allowing for flexible production planning.
Monforts textile technologies engineer Jonas Beisel explained the focus of the industry is very much on cleaner processes to meet brands’ sustainability commitments and with further regulations anticipated.
“This is calling for new investments that enable a significant reduction in resource consumption to be achieved, but that are easy to integrate into existing production systems,” he said.
“Econtrol ensures excellent reproducibility of all colours, improved dye penetration on difficult fabrics and no risk of the browning of the fibres due to the low fixation temperature."
ITMA takes place in Milan from June 8 to 14.
Image: Monforts textile technologies engineer Jonas Beisel (left) and head of denim Hans Wroblowski.
