“In order to achieve what is the possible, impossible has to be attempted again and again!” (Hermann Hesse) a member of gruschwitz textilwerke ag Innovation results from dialogue… Consistent customer focus is the key for common success of all parties to us. We do not only want to produce but also inspire and learn at the same time. The fact that many innovative and internationally renowned customers provide us with their ideas makes us proud. Therefore we would like to put the focus of this brochure on our customers and the challenges which they face in an accelerated world. In place of all our customers, these are: Hans Werner Seliger, J.H. Andreas Seyler, Robin Schaller, Horst Schubert and Dr. Christoph Walther. Thank you very much at this point for enabling us to realize this idea. Marc Lorch, CEO of Gruschwitz Textilwerke AG General manager of Gruschwitz GmbH Tech Twists “We have been learning together.” Dr. Christoph Walther, Ethicon on the cooperation with Gruschwitz. “We can discuss innovations at the same level here.“ J.H. Andreas Seyler, Veritas AG on the cooperation with Gruschwitz. “New products always result from give and take.” Hans Werner Seliger, Statex Produktions+Vertriebs GmbH on the cooperation with Gruschwitz. “I am fascinated by the innovations and applications in so many significant fields.” Horst Schubert, Contitech AG on the cooperation with Gruschwitz. the willingness “I appreciate to do what it takes to get the best possible product.” Robin Schaller, W. L. Gore & Associates GmbH on the cooperation with Gruschwitz. Hans Werner Seliger, Sales Manager Statex GmbH The electrical conductivity of silver-coated fibers. Company facts: Statex GmbH, based in Bremen, metallizes nylon yarns, nylon fabrics, nylon knitted fabrics and nylon fleece with 99% pure silver. The silver is “rooted” in the fiber by a chemical process using a special production technique. In addition, silver/copper, silver/copper/tin, silver/copper/nickel coatings are used. Further information can be found at: www.statex.de “Why should a truck driver not be warned glove.” Resistancein inOhhm/m ohm/m Widerstand by his 600 500 400 300 200 100 0 6 16 26 36 46 56 66 76 86 96 106 Silver is antibacterial and anti-static – silver is one of the best electrical conductors. Therefore fabrics from silver-coated yarns of the company Statex are used for shielding high-frequency radiation and waves, e.g. in PCs or switch-boards, and as “shielding wallpaper” in hospitals or in protective clothing. Statex has been doing research in the field of “smart textiles” for some years. Statex utilizes the electrical and textile properties of silver for new innovative fields of application: T-shirts which take the pulse… muscle stimulation for bedridden patients… underwear which independently informs the emergency doctor by mobile in case of heart problems… or a glove which warns truck drivers of microsleep, namely by a sensor which measures the fine electrical fields on the skin which change when sleeping or awake. The information is passed on by the fabric of the glove and triggers an alert… For an optimum conductivity, a thread structure of several silver threads is necessary which can be thermally shrunk at a temperature exactly specified. By many tests, Gruschwitz not only determined the optimum temperature but also developed the thread technology in such detail that not only the conductivity is significantly higher but also the resistance, i.e. the ohmic values, of the entire yarn is absolutely constant. 20 years of experience with silvercoated fibers are a good basis for visions which probably soon will no longer be visions. Meter Apart from specifications on the mechanical, thermal and chemical stress, for elastomer hoses there are also acoustic requirements in view of the improved features of vehicles: The background noise in the inside of the vehicle has been reduced meanwhile, so things can be heard which were not heard before due to the relatively loud road noise, i.e. the pumps in the fuel tank or the turbocharger which pulses into the charge air line with relatively high pressure… Therefore Veritas AG, for example, integrates a Helmholtz resonator into the hoses which eliminates certain ranges of frequency. The thread and the textile carrier structure of the hoses also plays an important role for silencing: The actual technical performance is mainly provided by the knitted fabrics. J.H. Andreas Seyler, Area Manager Pre-development Fluid Technology, Veritas AG The type of thread and the way of its integration into the rubber matrix determines the mechanical and acoustic properties of the hoses. Veritas AG develops all this and adapts it individually to each vehicle. The acoustic behavior is, for example, optimized in a special acoustic studio; the behavior during driving on a fuel test bench and the emission of fuels with a gas chromatograph… Acoustics is just one example for the constantly changing demands on automobile line systems – and thus also on the thread: new motor developments, new drive systems, alternative fuels, new emission limits… permanently require new solutions. Acoustics of fuel and charge air lines. “A relatively Company facts: Veritas AG, based in Gelnhausen, is a company operating worldwide in the automotive supplier industry. Core competencies are fuel line systems and charge air lines. Further information can be found at: www.veritas-ag.de new challenge is that fuel, unfortunately, can be heard now.” Different forms of the textile carrier structure of motor line systems. S = π ∙ D ∙ tan ß = L ∙ cos L S ß π·D 1. 2. 3. 1._ Hose structure with braided layer 2._ Hose structure with two spiral layers 3._ Hose structure with knitted layer Inguinal hernias are the most common type of hernia worldwide with a percentage of 80%. For such operations, mesh implants, such as developed and manufactured by Ethicon, have become established worldwide. Laparoscopic techniques operating with probes in the abdominal cavity, for example, become only possible by these implants. Handling features, such as gliding over soft tissue, the geometry and biocompatibility of the meshes, are critical parameters. For further reducing possible complications and troubles, Ethicon is developing more and more lightweight partially absorbable Textile implants for surgical operations of hernias. “The surgical technique, the meshes having ever larger pores, which partially dissolve in the body within a specified period – an elastic and stabilizing skeleton with a very small content of foreign substances is left. Absorbable and non-absorbable plastics are twisted with an accurately defined technique. The way of twisting also influences the gliding characteristics and the flexibility of the mesh. The entire process demands a great deal of cleanness and documentation. Every product in this field must be meticulously traceable for 30 years. abdominal wall dynamics or the patient's subjective perception Dr. Christoph Dr. Walter, Walther, Ethicon Ethicon of pain are bench-marks for us.” Measurement of the motor function of the abdominal wall after mesh implantation with 3D stereography (example “Vypro”) Light projector Licht-Projektor Camera Kamera b ß S1 S2 Partially absorbable mesh for implantation in case of inguinal hernias (Ethicon) 4 2 0 2 2 0 0 -2 -2 Company facts: Ethicon (a company Unternehmens-Telegramm: Ethicon of in the Hamburg Johnson ist &Marktführer Johnson Group) in dermarket is Entwicklung leader und in the Produktion development von chirurgischen and production Nahtmaterialien, of surgical suture medizinischen materials and textile Implantaten medical und implants. operativen Therapieverfahren. Weitereinformation Further Informationen: can www.ethicon.de. be found at: www.ethicon.de Reinforcing materials in hoses. Horst Schubert, Manager Reinforcing Materials R&D Materials, ContiTech AG Company facts: ContiTech Group is an independent division of Continental AG, comprising 7 specialized strategic business units and over 22,000 employees. ContiTech is a specialist for rubber and plastics technology. With its high-tech products and systems, ContiTech is a development partner and original equipment manufacturer for the automotive industry and many other industries throughout the world. Further information can be found at: www.contitech.de “What we actually do is Forcein in N N Kraft curve and interface design.” 100 80 60 40 20 5 4 3 2 1 0 0 Extension in % Textiles act as reinforcing materials for air springs, hoses, actuators, conveyor belts or elastomeric coatings. Contitech AG uses them as length limit and as reinforcement for a rubber or plastic matrix; for example, for technical hoses: In order to develop an accurately “breathing skeleton” for the hose, apart from the constantly growing demands on temperature and pressure resistance, the force/extension diagram is of utmost importance for the stability, functional capability and life of the product. Strength and elasticity must result in an ideal curve – also at higher temperatures – which a standard fiber partially alone cannot achieve. Therefore fibers with different properties are twisted to a hybrid. The speed used for twisting is also crucial for establishing the required “force closure” of the fibers. The basic demand of the automotive industry on technical developments is “better and more cost-efficient“. Therefore materials research and the business units of ContiTech are constantly working on new solutions being more productive and efficient. Together with Gruschwitz, different material combinations with different thread techniques and technologies are tested and optimized in the field of reinforcing materials. Because the ideal curve is never ideal enough. PTFE for industrial applications. UV stability, temperature resistance and resistance to chemicals, the low sliding friction coefficient… turn PTFE into a technically advanced, multifunctional-material suitable for an extraordinarily broad range of application: As architectural membrane for delicate, resistant roofs, e.g. above sports stadiums, for artistic design ideas in the third dimension, for huge shading structures. For medical implants, for functional clothing… In addition, hoses of PTFE are also used for hot gas filtration – for dedusting flue gases in waste incineration plants. High-tech needle felts serve as filters for reducing pollutant emission and must withstand extremely high temperatures and aggressive chemicals. In order to be able to use the PTFE of GORE for industrial applications and textile processing Gruschwitz twists the PTFE threads to a uniform, homogeneous yarn according to defined criteria and corresponding high quality standards. GORE is constantly trying to develop further innovative ranges of application. Therefore the unit Business Development is considering an expansion and/or specialization of the material properties: by the combination of PTFE with other fibers. Gruschwitz here acts as constructive sparring development partner who also considers feasible bold ideas until the opposite has been proven. Robin Schaller, New Business Development, W. L. Gore & Associates GmbH “There is only one direction don't think: backwards.” in which we Company facts: In 1957, Bob Gore “discovered” polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) as the ideal material for insulating cables. The company became generally known by the GORE-TEX® membrane, an innovative functional membrane for outdoor clothing and sportswear. Today, W.L. Gore & Associates is operating throughout the world and has 10,000 employees. There are altogether four business divisions: medicine, electronics, functional textiles and the division of industrial applications. Further information can be found at: www.gore.com How to convert ideas into successful products. The development of products is one thing – ensuring the solutions, high quality standards for production and a professional documentation are other indispensable requirements for our customers' success. Therefore we use all relevant twists technologies, therefore we can provide our twists with additional functions, apply finishes or coatings… Better has many facets. And it never stops. Machines cannot listen: As manufacturers and service providers one thing is particularly important to us: that our customers can rely on us. Personally. For us, customer relations is more than just reliable order processing. Customer relations means communicating, understanding, caring for others and feeling responsible. CEO/General manager: Marc W. Lorch General manager: Robin Hefter DIN EN ISO 9001 : 2000 In a continuous improvement process, we are permanently working on perfecting our comprehensive quality management system, our environmental management and our workplace safety management. DIN EN ISO 13485 : 2003 High Tech with High Touch The “fine thread” of the 21 Buildtech Protech Mobiltech Medtech Sporttech Sewtech Geotech Indutech Packtech Agrotech Hometech Clothtech st century… Oekotech Our quality philosophy has many components: Knowledge is important. Passion is important. Reliability is important. And the creation of the necessary technical, structural, spacial and organizational prerequisites. The intelligent networking of people, data and machines. High-Tech-Fibers – Man-Made-Fibers – Natural-Fibers How to convert ideas into successful products. The development of products is one thing - ensuring the solutions, high quality standards for production and a professional documentation are other indispensable requirements for our customers' success. Therefore we use all relevant thread technologies, therefore we can provide our threads with additional functions, apply finishes or coatings… Better has many facets. And it never stops. Machines cannot listen: Anything is possible with flexibility. Room for Innovation Our spooling technologies We encourage Knowledge Management in every division. New spooling technologies allow us to change the parameters for customization. Optical sensors ensure quality control every step of the way in the production process. This latest computer technology allows for the most minute adjustments possible. Research and Development Laboratory – Finding a Better Way Our customers benefit from our strong commitment to quality and our dedication to finding faster, more efficient methods to deliver superior products. Nowhere is this more evident than in our research and development facilities. As manufacturers and service providers one thing is particularly important to us: that our customers can rely on us. Personally. For us, customer relations is more than just reliable order processing. Customer relations means communicating, understanding, caring for others and feeling responsible. Sterilization Chamber For special applications from the technical, exacting needs of medicine or aerospace engineering, to the fuel hose in an automobile, our sterilization room is specially equipped with a double vacuum-sealed entry in order to control climate and sanitation to obtain the best possible results. Testing Facility This small-scale plant acts as a real-world customer testing center. We work with you to make minor adjustments, find custom solutions, and test new ideas, in order to advance the process and enhance the quality of the end product. CEO/General manager: Marc W. Lorch General manager: Robin Hefter Our twist technologies DIN EN ISO 9001 : 2000 DIN EN ISO 13485 : 2003 In a continuous improvement process, we are permanently working on perfecting our comprehensive quality management system, our environmental management and our workplace safety management. Two-for-one twister, Double deck twister, Up twister, Ring twister, Hollow spindle twister etc. We have additional equipment for special applications and materials. Deep-core infusion technology is available for nearly all twist constructions. Your exact specifications are permanently stored in our computer database, immediately available for reproduction when you are. We can produce sewing threads for numerous applications and functions, including fire-resistance, abrasion resistance, extreme tensile strength, special treatments and more. ◗ ◗ Core spun threads ◗ Textured yarns ◗ ◗ Monofils ◗ Dipped yarns Melt bonding yarns Synthetic braids ◗ ◗ ◗ ◗ Filament yarns ◗ Staple yarns More component threads Sewing threads ◗ Covered threads Bioactive fibers „twisted with ◗ ◗ Love.” Negastat® Resistat® ◗ PTFE Heracron® ◗ ◗ Aramide ◗ ◗ ◗ Basofil® ◗ Viscose ◗ ◗ Exstat® Steel ◗ ◗ Conex® LCP Polypropylen PPS Belltron® ◗ ◗ ◗ Glass ◗ Polyethylen ◗ P84® ◗ Polyester ◗ Nomex® PBO ◗ ◗ ◗ Acrylic Polyamid Diofort® ◗ PVDF ◗ ◗ ◗ Kevlar® Cotton ◗ ◗ ◗ PEN ◗ ◗ Carbon Torcon® Teflon® Linen ◗ Vectran® PEEK ◗ ◗ ◗ Bekitex® ◗ Twaron® ◗ Spectra® ◗ Dyneema® ◗ Goretex® ◗ ◗ Procon® ◗ gruschwitz gmbh Tech-Twists Profilene® Memminger Strasse 68 D-88299 Leutkirch Tel. +49 (0) 7561 90 98-0 Fax +49 (0) 7561 90 98-999 You can reach the new Twist Innovation Centre several ways: Service Phone: 0180-GRUSCHWITZ resp. 0180-4787249 (at local rates within Germany) Internet: www.gruschwitz.com eMail: [email protected] a member of gruschwitz textilwerke ag Zyex® ◗ Zylon® Technora® Emmitex®