At the forthcoming ITMA Asia + CITME exhibition in Shanghai (June 12-16) Dilo, headquartered in Eberbach, Germany, will be introducing a number of new nonwovens manufacturing innovations.

As a general contractor, DiloSystems – comprising DiloTemafa (fibre preparation), DiloSpinnbau (cards), and DiloMachines (crosslappers and needling systems) – provides complete lines for the production of a wide range of staple fibre nonwovens including geotextiles, housing and roofing, automotive products, filtration, acoustics, artificial leather and medical and hygiene products.

Dilo has also recently added water entanglement lines to its portfolio as a result of its cooperation with SICAM, but is also introducing the Microneedling process as an alternative to water entanglement. Here, optimised kinematics and maximum stitch density generate intense but gentle needling at a high line speed. The resulting fabrics can match water jet products in respect of quality and productivity at weights of 60gsm and more. The main advantage is the comparatively low energy consumption.

Diloline 4.0 smart manufacturing is also now available for use on every line. This system allows numerous information modules to be recalled via mobile apps and cloud data (which allow the user to improve control of the machines and to generate production data to further secure the complex functions within the production system independently of personnel and shift.

The 3D-Lofter technology meanwhile effectively works like a 3D printer with fibres as the ‘ink’. The addition of adjustable amounts in a specific pattern on top of fibre mats or needled felts can produce decorative features, precise reinforcement or improved fibre mat quality.

Steady improvements to the classic needling process include the recently developed 8000X needle pattern which has been designed to generate a new level of homogenous surface based on the even distribution of stitches. At the same time, this needleboard allows a high stitching density at high line speeds, due to the high number of needles.

DiloGroup will be at stand A09 in Hall H7.

www.dilo.de