The textile manufacturing landscape, both in India and abroad, is changing rapidly. We are in the midst of a digital transformation, while several technological innovations have (or are likely to) disrupt this sector. With the demand for ‘fine’ fibres escalating, spinning mills from across the world are integrating these new & innovative solutions, to make their operational processes more agile, productive, efficient, and qualitatively superior. From OEMs to manufacturers of spinning cans and their accessories, all stakeholders are doing their bit to make textile production progressively smarter.

Rise of Smart Fabrics
Technologies like radio-frequency identification (or, RFID) and near-field communication (NFC) are enabling textile manufacturers to produce so-called ‘smart fabrics’. These products typically have micro-chip computing devices and/or nanotechnology in them – and come with powerful heat regulation, adaptability to environmental fluctuations, and other characteristics. Going forward, the demand for smart fabrics will keep rising.

More Reliance On Artificial Intelligence For Better Customization
The importance of quality control and customization is paramount for the textile industry in general, and spinning mills in particular. This is precisely where AI-powered technologies, computer vision, and related innovations are proving to be of assistance. Right from detecting quality glitches & defects, to ensuring optimal resource utilization and shortening product turnaround times, AI algorithms are driving the textile sector.

IIoT-enabled Sliver Management For Last-Minute Traceability
Digitalization is changing the game for the textile industry worldwide. With mills trying to upgrade themselves to Industry 4.0 standards, the demand for solutions powered by the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) is rising sharply, with the Ji+ Spinning Cans developed by Jumac,leading spinning cans manufacturer in India, also coming into the mix. With data-driven automation and centralised control, IIoT-enabled sliver handling does away with yarn mixups, lost productivity, and other mill uncertainties.

Role Of Automation In Spinning Is Rising
The potentials for leveraging smart automation tools to make textile production more efficient and seamless are endless. Material handling processes, in particular, are becoming increasingly automated. The usage of fully automated machinery (e.g. sewing and cutting tools) is becoming mainstream. Textile manufacturing has moved on from its traditional, labour-intensive tasks, with automation being extensively used for repetitive jobs. This, in turn, ensures better allocation of skilled manpower too.

Rising Popularity of Novel Textiles
The diversity in textile sector innovations is typified by the surge in popularity of ‘novel textiles’, which have components like antimicrobial elements, polymers, hydrophobic cotton, & more. As ‘alternative fibres’, these lightweight textiles can be easily handled & processed, and do not have any ill-effects on the environment either. Over the next few years, we are likely to witness these novel textiles being produced at scale.

Cutting-Edge Product Testing Processes
In order to ensure that textile & yarn products meet the desired quality standards, advanced testing methodologies – like test units, simulated environments and ‘intelligent’ machines – are being integrated. In addition, through automated testing, the entire manufacturing process is becoming more controlled and consistent. Quality issues, if any, are being detected at an early stage and resolved.

Nanotechnology, Material Pleating & More
Another noteworthy development related to textile manufacturing is the growing use of nanotechnology. Since this helps in preparing fabrics with special qualities (e.g., self-cleaning, fire-resistance, etc.), sustainable textile production is facilitated. With the advent of smart spinning machinery, the pleating process is also becoming automated. Laser printing is helping the textile industry move forward as well.

In addition to improving fabric quality and productivity, innovative technologies are playing a critical role in ensuring the sustainability of spinning operations, maintaining cost-efficiency & viability, and bolstering overall profitability. The role of robotics and automation in spinning has grown rapidly in the last few years, with the trend expected to further gain momentum in the foreseeable future. Technology is indeed spinning a new future for the textile industry, and it will be interesting to track how things continue to evolve.

About Jumac:
For 50 years, Jumac Cans has been a globally recognised manufacturer of sliver handling solutions. Spinning cans by Jumac are trusted by 1900+ mills across 28+ countries, and are preferred by leading machine manufacturers, like Trützschler, Rieter, LMW, Marzoli, & more. With an ‘innovation-first’ approach and unwavering quality promise, Jumac is committed to make the sliver management ecosystem progressively stronger.