Vandewiele Pioneers the Establishment of Smart and Digital Factories
Vandewiele, one of the leading companies in carpet and rug weaving machines, exhibited many new technologies including the latest model RCE2 + digital carpet weaving machine at ITMA 2019.
As a leader in complete carpet manufacturing systems-including BCF extrusion lines, heat setting systms and carpet weaving and tufting machines- Vandewiele has rapidly responded to the evolving needs of the textile industry for smaller and customised production runs, the most challenging of designs, and faster and more sustainable manufacturing. Recently, all technologies of the company, which has focused on digitalization and Smart Factory concept, are being equipped for machine-to-machine interaction and learning, as part of the company’s comprehensive.
During the ITMA 2019, we interviewed with Kris Pools, Vandewiele Marketing and Communications Coordinator. Stating that they want to give the message to the world that they can offer machines in different segments for all companies in the sector Pools said, ” We aim to establish smart and digital production facilities.”
What is the message that Vandewiele, participating at ITMA 2019 with a wide product portfolio?
We want to give this message to the world. We are able to offer machines in different segments for all companies in the sector and we are sure of that. We have complete carpet solutions for our customers from granules to finished carpets. Vandewiele’s product portfolio includes BCF extrusion lines, heat setting systems, tufting and jacquard machines, carpet weaving machines.
One of the most popular products of the Vandewiele booth was the latest model RCE2 + digital carpet weaving machine. What innovations does this machine offer?
The new RCE2+ Rug and Carpet Expert weaving machine is a truly digital workhorse, with all yarns continuosly controlled and measured and the difficult bobbin changes of the past completely eliminated. This is as a result of Vandewiele’s latest Fast Creel, with the feed and tension of each pile yarn controlled by individual servomotors.
The pile yarns are now fed directly into the machine withut having to pass pile –stop motions, to both increase efficiency and eliminate any waste yarns, while achieving previously unreachable industrial speeds.
As a company, you aim to establish ’Smart and Digital Factories. What kind of steps are you taking for this?
All Vandewiele Technologies are now being equipped for machine-to-machine interaction and learning, as part of the company’s comprehensive TEXconnect programme. The company’s sensors, software programmes and servers have become increasingly sophisticated as part of the TEXconnect program, and the real- time data from different machines – across connected manufacturing sites and across different countries and even continents- can be collected and shared. Digital models of both machines and production processes can be created and analysed for the optimisation of production settings, to vastly improve scheduling and planning and also make considerable savings in raw materials and energy consumption.
How does Vandewiele strive to deliver reliable and new machines for the sectors?
We listen to our customers and identify their needs and develop customized solutions. We are always aware of their needs by following the process. It is very important for us to continue working in this way. Otherwise no one would buy our machines. Digitalization and machines that can communicate with each other are of great importance.
What have been your company’s biggest achievements over the past 12 months?
We have achieved several great successes. Today, there are new solutions that we are still in development and we are constantly following. Textile is a very difficult area and sometimes we face difficulties because of political problems like everyone else. It is also a success to overcome all these difficulties.
If you assess in terms of export market, what is the importance of Turkey for your company?
Of course, Turkey is a very important market. everyone knows that the importance of carpets in Turkey’s market and the size of the market volume. So Turkey is one of our main markets too.
What are your customers requesting in terms of carpet machinery?
Our customers are constantly request new possibilities, faster solutions and lower yarn costs. As in every sector, we aim to meet these expectations and ensure that they can earn more with more production.
Interview: Dilek Hayırlı
