Impressions of IT MA 1979 (Hanover)

Abstract

Little of intrinsic novelty for either the textile dyer or printer was on exhibition at Hanover, Refinements to existing machines were many, particularly geared at reducing energy requirements, conserving resources and/or increasing the versatility of substrates handled.The manufacturers of jet dyeing machines (both atmospheric and high–temperature) were noteworthy in this respect, and although there were several exhibits of mercerizing machines for knitgoods, there was no–one yet tackling the fully continuous coloration of them.Washing ranges was another sector where everyone was exhibiting improved machines, usually featuring dwell chambers, counter–current and very low water usage per treated kg of fabric. So/vent washing ranges were featured for preparation and for washing–off of printed synthetic fabrics.Printing machinery, with the exception of the Penta–screen (Stork), showed no novelty.Two suppliers offered indigo dyeing ranges and reported still buoyant interest. Radio frequency, with the exception of Pegg's Electrodry and Stray field's Fastran, received scant attention, whilst dyehouse control systems were more prominent. Finally, three machines (two based on foam techniques) were exhibited which have minimum liquor pick–up as alternatives to padding mangles. Whilst the two foam applicators (Gaston County and Kuster) are both currently being developed for resin finishing, their extension into dye application will be almost inevitable. The third machine, based on centrifugal sprays of droplets (Farmer Norton), looked more speculative with respect to its future adoption. It is not possible in this review to fully describe all the machines which were on display. Accordingly, we have concentrated on machines which were new or novel in some respect, particularly where we felt that these could have an impact on the trade.