The four-yearly series of ITMA textile machinery exhibitions has been the benchmark for technological progress since 1951, and the 2015 event in Milan was rated by many observers as the best ever. Richard Hough shared this view, with the group’s latest innovations evoking great interest among visitors and a clutch of actual orders from the eager customers.
“ITMA is always regarded as a technology show, rather than a sales event,” says Hough MD Anthony Ashton. “But this year, we were delighted to have the best of both worlds, with new business signed at the event and the prospects of more to follow.”
Top attraction on the Hough stand in Milan was the new Simtex high-temperature calender bowl, specially designed for calendering of damask fabrics. Destined to be a genuine ‘game changer’ in the sector, the Simtex had earned three orders by the close of the show, with growing interest evinced by stall visitors.
The key features that make the Simtex unique include its combination of resistance to steel roll temperatures of 400oC and full 100mm diameter roll life. The special material configuration also imparts a soft handle in the fabric, thanks to the elastic nature of the nip and microslip friction this creates.
“This soft feel is something that been lost with the recent trend towards resin-covered bowls that are as hard as steel,” says Anthony Ashton. “The Simtex creates a very desirable handle in the fabric, adding even more value to what is already an exclusive product. For damask producers in particular, this is a feature that we are sure will become a ‘must have’ as they start to appreciate the benefits of the Simtex bowls.”
Another star on the Hough stand at ITMA was the latest version of the world-famous Roberto squeezing roll. Visitors were clearly impressed with its high-squeeze capabilities and the resultant energy savings, with orders for three new Robertos signed at the show.