Patterns for the future

The “SUPERLOOPER” really lives up to the superlative contained in its name with a range of exciting possibilities for structured textiles that are brimming with market potential.

FEHRER is setting new standards in the field of automotive textiles with its “Pitch Pattern” technology, which offers the production of rib velour with close transversal repeats. “Pitch Pattern” is the current result of a development process that started some years ago with 10,000 needles per metre, advanced to 12,000 at the ITMA in Singapore and in Birmingham will offer 15,000 needles per working metre on the basis of “PP 75” needle distribution.

The major advantage of this needle distribution lies in the far sharper definition of the transverse ribs, which provides extremely attractive products. Moreover, “Pitch Pattern” can be employed for the production of classic random velours without the necessity of exchanging the needle boards. A simple parameter alteration is all that is required and as usual with FEHRER technology, this takes place fully automatically through a recipe call-up.

Another new FEHRER development, which allows the manufacture of classic longitudinal ribbing on the “SUPERLOOPER”, but with special rib effects created through a new needle distribution technology, is called “RSL 80”. This operates with between 16,000 and 23,000 needles per metre, which in combination with high production speeds, is certain to cause quit a stir in the branch. Product applications vary between automotive trim to floor and wall coverings, whereby automotive textile manufacturers are certain to constitute the main target group due to their constant search for fresh ideas and designs.

October 2003