A leading position in testing, instrumentation and machine control continues to be driven forward by members of the British Textile Machinery Association (BTMA), who are preparing to showcase a range of innovations at ITMA Asia + CITME in Singapore from 28–31 October 2024.

“Many of our members are currently developing new technologies, either in-house or increasingly through joint projects, and there will be much to reveal by the time of ITMA Asia in Singapore,” said BTMA CEO Jason Kent. “Some of the most recent developments are really going beyond what has previously been possible.”

Among them is the newly launched Sentire fabric handle tester from Roaches International, aimed at tackling one of the textile industry’s most subjective and elusive qualities: fabric handle. This refers to the tactile sensation experienced when handling fabric, which remains difficult to quantify or communicate across the global supply chain.

Roaches International managing director Sean O’Neill explains: “No two people will describe how a fabric feels in the same way, and the lack of a common language to describe fabric tactility poses communication challenges.” In collaboration with the University of Leeds, the company developed the Sentire system to objectively define tactile properties using a haptic spatial model. Similar to how colour is standardised digitally, Sentire captures and communicates fabric ‘fingerprints’, enabling remote partners to evaluate samples without needing physical swatches.

According to O’Neill, this system has attracted considerable attention not just from textile producers, but also online retailers looking to convey how fabrics drape digitally: “It has the potential to impact the supply chain in a similar way to the spectrophotometer.”

Elsewhere, Shelton Vision has enhanced patterned fabric inspection with its WebSpector system. Building on its core technology for plain fabrics, the company’s patent-pending image processing techniques now adapt to complex patterns such as camouflage, and maintain accuracy even when fabric is distorted during production. WebSpector creates a clean image in real time, identifying faults at high speeds across various applications—from performance wear and automotive textiles to carbon fibre composites.

WebSpector received a positive reception at ITMA 2023 in Milan and will be making its Asian debut at the Singapore show.

Meanwhile, textile testing specialist James Heal has unveiled Martindale Motion, a modern take on its classic abrasion and pilling tester. The new nine-station unit features independent lifting heads, allowing simultaneous testing of different fabrics. It automates evaluation points and ensures each sample is preserved at the end of testing, reducing the need for re-runs. Additional updates include quick-change drive pins and enhanced accessibility.

This new model builds on James Heal’s history of innovation, following the launch of the DurAbrasion multi-function machine and the AquAbrasion wet abrasion tester in recent years.

“These BTMA companies continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible in the area of textile testing,” said Kent. “They are each making solid contributions to the quality and performance properties of today’s textile products, and just as importantly, enabling manufacturers to prove their claims. We look forward to meeting customers old and new in Singapore.”

Founded in 1940, the British Textile Machinery Association promotes UK textile machinery manufacturers and supports their global engagement through events, advocacy and collaboration.

www.btma.org.uk