The 2-year wait period for the apparel technology industry came to an end with GARTEX 2021 in Delhi and the wait was worth it. The show exhibited a number of technologies ranging from digital and screen printing, embroidery, sublimation, sewing, ERP, laser cutting and 3D software.
Of all technologies, what stood out was digital printing segment. COVID-19 has changed the way consumers purchase garments and they now look for more exclusive prints…The increasing demand for printed textiles is there and rise in per capita disposable income in major apparel markets coupled with rapid change in fashion trends and a sense of individuality with new printed garments are furthering this growth.
In the quest for giving what today’s consumer wants, technology companies such as ColorJet India, Mimaki India and DCC Print Vision, amongst others, offered digital printers for textiles, signage, home textiles, etc. ColorJet – the largest ‘Made in India’ digital printer manufacturers – showcased its new offering VastraJet K2 during the event that has come following the success of VastraJet that has seen over 350 installations worldwide.
The new model has productivity of more than 5,000 sq. meters of fabric printing per day and is equipped with 32 latest advanced inkjet print heads from Konica Minolta.
According to Smarth Bansal, GM, ColorJet, the company is extensively looking at increasing footprints in the apparel and textile industry and VastraJet K2 is the ideal choice for the fabric processing mills and garment export houses. “The crowd turned up here was ecstatically visiting for newer digital printing technology and our VastraJet K2 impressed many of them. We are committed to giving what industry actually requires and look forward to convert enquiries into business,” commented Smarth.
Another company that was proudly showcasing its ‘Made in India’ products was Ahmedabad-based Gayatri Machine Products that offers new generation steamers for digital prints. Jayshil Shah, Proprietor, Gayatri Machine, informed that the machines they provide are used for colour fixation on fabrics and this becomes a key necessity when digitally printed fabrics are used. These steamers are equipped with a unique sturdy chamber made of SS/CI materials, with inbuilt bottom water bath to produce moist steam for process. Smooth transportation of fabric loops supported on SS rollers, positively driven by AC motors accurately synchronised by invertors, ensures tension-free fabric passage.
Embroidery has also been a key segment in GARTEX since the event’s inception and this year wasn’t an exception. However, the embroidery players like AURA and BABA didn’t come up with huge multi-head machinery and showcased only their key products from overall portfolio as they wanted to observe the market’s sentiments during these tough times.
As far as sewing technology is concerned, the visitors got few new-age options in EH Turel’s booth…The company found the visitation was of utmost quality and they came from all over India to enquire about sewing machines available for a number of garment categories, especially the seamless garments.
Of all products, what caught visitors attention the most was BROTHER’s S-7180A – a single needle direct drive straight lock stitcher with thread trimmer, electric feeding system and presser foot lifter. Neville Turel, Director (Sales), EH Turel, told that the event turned up as a satisfactory one as the companies were waiting for a reputed technology event to happen for almost 2 years. “Visitors from Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and Rajasthan showed up on our booth with serious enquiries and we are taking our discussions forward now,” averred Neville.
