Page 44 - TEXtalks. January-February 2023

44 Mahlo Headquarter: Every Mahlo machine is produced in the German headquarter 45

A unique innovation, this is no longer the case.

Fully automatic
TMAS member Automatex has developed a fully
automatic tote/consumer bag sewing unit which can
product created produce fully finished bags in heights of between
35-80cm and widths of 30-80cm. The machine is
configured to carry out all the necessary automated
operations including hemming, handle insertion,
cutting, labelling, bag forming and gusset forming,
with Swedish which previously had to be carried out manually. Its Coloreels rapid colour formulation software and high-speed drive technology allow a single needle
output is some 540 units an hour, introducing a
completely new cost paradigm.
to carry out what it previously required many multiples of them to do
innovation The technology enables the high-quality and instant

dyeing of a textile thread while it is actually being
used in embroidery production. It can be used with
any existing embroidery machine without
modifications. Additionally, this technology makes it
possible to produce gradients in an embroidery
design, as demonstrated by the TMAS logo and the
Digitalisation and highly automated new technologies legislation to encourage an 80% reduction in the use text in the image.
are enabling companies in high wage countries to of conventional single-use plastic carrier bags
by 2025. Advanced rapid colour formulation software and
high-speed drive technology allow a single needle to
The initiative immediately had broad public support, carry out what it previously required many multiples
effectively encouraging a basic and widespread The Automatex unit carries out all operations including hemming, handle insertion, cutting, of them to do – and with much more consistent stitch
labelling, bag forming and gusset forming automatically.
change in consumer behaviour. As a result, the quality.
consumption of disposable plastic bags has fallen The resulting bags, however, are still plain and
significantly, along with a corresponding reduction in uniform at this point, and with products that are By instantly dyeing a recycled white thread during
the waste they create. intended to be used for as long as possible, production, the system enables complete freedom to
personalisation is the key. Unique designs work to create unique decorations and embroideries without
ensure purchasers are likely to become more any limitations. Colour changes along the thread can
There has also been a swing towards durable woven attached to their products – and are happy to pay a either be made rapidly from one solid colour to
shopping bags which in the past have been little more for them in the first place. another, or gradually, to make smooth transitions or
labour-intensive to produce cheaply, as a result of the any colouring effect desired. This provides big
Coloreels rapid colour formulation software and high-speed drive technology allow a single needle cutting and sewing involved. Thanks to Swedish Instant colouration benefits when it comes to both sustainability and
to carry out what it previously required many multiples of them to do In order to add decorative appeal, another TMAS design creativity.
member company, Coloreel, became involved in the
competitively thrive in textile markets that for many project. Coloreel continues to secure multiple orders Potential of Swedish innovation
years have been closed to them. for its instant thread dyeing technology for “Coloreel’s designs on the batch of bags produced
high-speed decoration and embroidery – notably with on the Automatex machine are truly outstanding and
Just as significantly, these technologies are providing the fast-rising new generation of online have been turning heads wherever they appear,”
the tools to differentiate in highly competitive fields, merchandisers and brands for whom mass says TMAS secretary general Therese
as is demonstrated by a recent project initiated by customisation and produce-on-demand sales are the Premler-Andersson. “The collaboration really
TMAS – the Swedish Textile Machinery Association – key. The addition of a distinctive embroidered design emphasizes the positive potential of the latest
for the highly automated production and decoration to the tote bag using Coloreel’s technology took the Swedish digital textile technologies which are
of a unique tote bag. product to a new level of attractiveness, as a further enabling companies to generate new revenue
showcase for Swedish innovation. streams wherever they happen to be located.”
Plastic reduction
Back in 2015, the European Parliament reinforced Coloreel technology makes it possible to produce gradients in embroidery designs

January/February 2023 January/February 2023