Superba to Introduce New Automatic Knotting System KR1 at ITMA

Interview: Dilek Hayırlı

Offering advanced technologies in carpet yarn processes, Superba company will introduce two strategic innovations at ITMA 2023. The first of these is the automatic knotting system KR1, and the other is the MCD3(M), an improved version of the space-dyeing machine. 

Superba company manufactures the world’s preferred heat-setting and steaming lines for the finishing of synthetic and natural yarns. Superba, the world leader in heat-setting and dyeing processes of continuous carpet yarns, manufactures machinery for continuous heat-setting, steaming, and high-bulk production of woven carpets, tufted carpets, rugs (PP, PA, PET, PAN wool and blends), knitwear and hand knitting yarns. produces space-dyeing machines that allow dyeing up to 8 colors.

We interviewed Superba Marketing Project Manager Jérémy Aybram for the ‘France Special Section’ in our Tekstil Teknoloji magazine. We talked with Aybram about export markets, the latest technologies they have developed and the products they will exhibit at ITMA 2023.

What has been your financial growth in the last two years and what are the targets set for the next two?

2021 was an excellent year for Superba, followed by a good year 2022. However, we must acknowledge a reduction in the number of requests for new projects since 2022. This is due to the impact of inflation as well as the rise in interest rates in relation to the cost of credit. In our traditional markets, Superba will continue to support our customers during the economic recovery, which we are already seeing in some markets. We plan to offer new innovations in the field of spacedyeing including new applicator systems and automation systems such as our brand new KR1, which will be introduced at ITMA in June. With the KR1, Superba’s commitment to help customers improve productivity endures, specifically with the use of an industrial robot running 24/7. Suitable for DTY, BCF, Artificial Turf, Tire Cord, Tape & more.

“Our Space-Dyeing Machine Has Achieved Worldwide Success”

What have been the benefits to users of the products Superba has launched on the market in the last few years? Are you satisfied with the customer’s interest in these products?

At ITMA 2019 we successfully launched our B403 winder with the unique feature of winding at constant tension. It was well received and our customers better control on their produced bobbins as well as increased line efficiency. Our last model of space-dyeing machine achieved worldwide success and continuesto be a component of recent projects. This machine produces state-of-the-art color effects on yarns which then create unique and original designs for carpets. We bring a new and improved version of this machine to ITMA Milan 2023 named MCD3M. The changes are based on the particular attention and feedbacks that our customers have given us to offer a more advanced version of our space-dyeing machine.

Which are your major markets?

Historically, our biggest markets are in Turkey and the USA for the Heat-Setting & Space-Dyeing equipment, and automation is already a hot topic in the USA. Over the past few years, we have experienced increased interest in acrylic from countries such as Iran, China, Uzbekistan, India and Egypt. We are delighted to see growth among many companies across the globe and welcome the opportunity to talk to these companies at ITMA Milan. Please visit us in Hall 3, Stand B205.

Which kind of innovations, trends and progress is expected in upcoming years in the heat-setting and carpet yarn sector?

Most of our customers direct their vision towards a more ecological production, in particular with regular use of recycled yarn. Automation is also an important player in future innovations and trends. This is a key aspect for our design office who always strives to develop technology with the aim of improving the productivity of our customers. Finally, thanks to AI, the digital extraction of data from our machines in the cloud makes it possible to reduce waste and optimize performance. (BMS TEXconnect technology)

“We Focus on Limiting Energy Consumption in Our New Machines”

The most talked about topic in the textile industry lately is undoubtedly sustainability and environmentally friendly and recyclable product. What kind of work do you do on these issues as a company?

Today, energy efficiency is an integral part of our development. At Superba, we always try to limit energy consumption when improving our existing machines or developing new ones. This is seen in the practice with the saturated steam pressurized heat setting process for our TVP3, which allows

both a longer life of the yarns produced, and reduced energy consumption. Our R&D department works tirelessly to improve these aspects and we are proud of the way this aspect is developing internally, but also with our customers.

Thanks to more advanced automation and more precise control of the inventory in production, this allows to reduce overall costs, as well as energy and labor. Developing technologies and strengthening offerings in automation confirm Superba’s desire to assist customers in manufacturing optimized products, with a better controlled production cost.

Finally, these constant efforts to design machines with optimization in terms of energy consumption represents an important issue for Superba. It is significant because these efforts allow our customers to reduce their carbon footprint.

We have left behind the first five months of 2023. How did 2023 start and progress for your company? Will you have new machinery and investment projects for the near future?

For now, 2023 is a fairly quiet year commercially, which is often the case in an ITMA year. On the other hand, we are experiencing a relatively intensive first half in preparation of this event, particularly in our R&D and Marketing departments. We are doing everything possible to develop and prepare our new products in time for the show plus all the communication and presentation materials to accompany new products. We invite you to come and see the execution of the hard work in the many improvements made to heat-setting, automation, and space-dyeing.

2023 will be a year with intense exhibitions. What will be the products you will exhibit at the ITMA? Can you tell us about your products’ features?

In the dawn of a new era where artificial intelligence is becoming increasingly prevalent in enhanced digitalization and automation of our companies, harmonization of technology and sustainability are goals.

At Superba, we are convinced these goals go hand in hand. This is why this year two strategic innovations will be introduced at ITMA 2023 in Milano: the KR1 & MCD3(M).

The first one is a brand-new automatic knotting system assisted by a robot. The KR1 system can be used in many industrial branches, enables to handle, pack and label bobbins. It’s suitable for a lot of different type of yarn like DTY, BCF, Artificial Turf, Tire Cord or Tape. This knotting machine able a production line working 24/7, allowing customers to improve their productivity.

MCD3(M) is an improved version of our MCD3 space-dyeing machine, a structure scalable on demand that can be set up in the right size of your dyeing-machine base on your production requirements with the option to add additional dyeing modules to meet your growing needs. We will also present our DHS3, our over-heated steamer (dry heat-set) for carpet yarn. The main interest of this machine is her capacity to get a very even heat-setting effect.