More efficient, more digital, more creative

The digital revolution is currently leading to fundamental changes in the manufacture and processing of home textiles. Industry 4.0 and digitalisation are the key buzzwords here, as are individualisation, automation, machine learning, big data, self-organising manufacturing systems and digital printing. At its forthcoming edition, Heimtextil will highlight the opportunities afforded by the current technological upheavals in the industry and present the latest product developments.

In conjunction with an expanded technology offer, Heimtextil is also introducing a new name for the machine area at the impending international trade fair for home and contract textiles: “Textile Technologies” in hall 3.0 with the sections “Digital Print Technology” and “Textile Processing” will present the textile technology of tomorrow – from digital printers, software and the corresponding accessories to machines for textile processing.

Olaf Schmidt, Vice President Textiles & Textile Technologies at Messe Frankfurt:

“With the expanded area, we are improving order options and the information offer for representatives from the industry. In addition to materials and designs, you will also find the latest technology and corresponding accessories from leading international suppliers here – all in one place.”

The “Textile Processing” area for textile processing machines in particular will be expanded with new additions at the upcoming Heimtextil. New exhibitors include Demsan Tekstil Makine and Tunca Teknik from Turkey, Joos sewing machines from the USA, Monti Antonio from Italy and Neenah Coldenhove and Wybenga from the Netherlands. Wybenga will present the complete programme of machines for the manufacture of curtains and blinds in Frankfurt. J. Zimmer Maschinenbau from Austria and ZSK Strickmaschinen from Germany will also present their new products.

ZSK Stickmaschinen

According to ZSK, its presence at Heimtextil will focus on the trends towards individualisation and personalisation. In line with this, the latest embroidery machines with more needles will be presented. The higher number of needles should make the workflow more effective. Sales channels will be optimised and online ordering systems and shops better stocked. Italian Textile Machinery (ACIMIT) will also be represented with a joint stand and will present the technical innovations of its members in the processing sector. In the “Digital Print Technology” area, printer manufacturer HP from Germany, Mtex Solutions from Portugal as well as Aleph, Fotoba International, MS Printing Solutions and Sublitex from Italy will also be represented.

New: Textile Technology Talks

Valuable information about the latest technology and product development is provided by the lecture area “Textile Technology Talks”, which has been set up especially for this purpose in the immediate vicinity of the exhibition space. In cooperation with established institutes and associations, Heimtextil invites participants to attend lectures and expert talks on all four days of the trade fair. For example, the Mechanical Engineering Industry Association (VDMA) will provide information on “Manufacturing on demand – the future of individual and responsible production”.

Industry partners will also support the programme as content partners:

the Institute of Textile Technology (ITA) at RWTH Aachen University, the German Institutes of Textile and Fibre Research (DITF), the European Association of Screen Printing Equipment Manufacturers (ESMA), the Saxon Textile Research Institute (STFI).

The expert centre textil vernetzt

The expert centre textil vernetzt invites participants to a networking breakfast on 9 January 2020. From 8.45–10 a.m., keynotes relating to the topic of digitalisation will be on the agenda: Bastian Baesch from DITF will talk about “Digitalisation in the Smart Home – opportunities for new textile products”. Frederik Cloppenburg from the ITA will explain the question of “How big data from production becomes big business”. And Frizzi Seltmann from STFI will tackle the issue of “Cooperation between humans and robots – mobile and stationary robot systems in the textile production environment”.