Picanol’s next-generation of OmniPlus-i Connect weaving machine will take the stage for the first time

At ITMA ASIA + CITME Singapore 2025, Picanol will showcase its next-gen OmniPlus-i Connect airjet weaving machine, setting new benchmarks in energy efficiency and performance.
Visitors can explore four weaving machines, including rapier models, and experience PicConnect, Picanol’s digital platform integrating AI tools for optimized weaving and mill management.

At ITMA ASIA + CITME, Singapore 2025, Picanol is looking forward to unveiling the next-generation OmniPlus-i Connect airjet weaving machine, which sets a new benchmark in airjet weaving technology. This latest evolution of this trusted platform demonstrates how Picanol continues to deliver innovative, performance-driven solutions that meet the evolving challenges of modern weaving mills.

“We’re incredibly excited to be showcasing our latest developments at ITMA ASIA + CITME,” explains Johan Verstraete, Vice President Weaving Machines. “A key highlight is the new OmniPlus-i Connect, which integrates groundbreaking innovations across all four of our design principles. One standout feature, EcoBoost, enables energy savings of up to 1.5 kW per weaving machine. This is a true game-changer for mills that are aiming to reduce operational costs and environmental impact. This is not just evolution – it’s setting a new benchmark.”

Whether you’re focused on airjet or rapier weaving, or you’re looking to accelerate your digital transformation, Picanol’s wide range of solutions are designed to help you stay ahead. Visitors will also get a first look at AI-powered applications within the PicConnect platform, which is Picanol’s centralized digital ecosystem that integrates all digital tools and services in one intuitive interface.

What you can expect to see at the Picanol booth:

• Four weaving machines on display:

·       2 OmniPlus-i Connect airjet weaving machines (new version)

·       1 Supermax rapier weaving machine

·       1 Ultimax rapier weaving machine

• Live demonstrations of PicConnect’s unique functionalities
• Expert insights from the Picanol Sales and Service teams

One Ultimax rapier weaving machine with Jacquard will also be featured at the booth of Vandewiele: Hall 2 booth C301.

Visit ITMA ASIA + CITME, Singapore 2025, from October 28-31, 2025, at Singapore Expo, where Picanol will be located in Hall 2 at Booth C204.

Details of the Picanol weaving machines that will be on display at ITMA ASIA + CITME 2025:

1.          Ultimax-4-R 360 Coating

The ultimate weaving machine for coating weavers, offering highest possible production speeds, top fabric quality and ease of operation.

Warp: Pes 990 den

Density: 18 ends/inch Drawing in width: 137.8 inch

Weft: Pes 990 den

Density: 18 picks/inch

Highlighted features:  • BlueTouch display • Gripper stroke measurement • on-loom Picascope • Free Flight with raceboard (VB)• Smart signal lights • Laserstop

Standard:  • BlueBox electronic platform • BlueTouch display • SUMO drive concept • Gripper stroke measurement • Climate monitoring • Shed calculation • PicConnect enabled

Monitor package:  • Access control • OptiStyle • Raw material use • AutoSens • Gripper tape monitoring

Optimization package:  • Power monitoring • Harness frame stroke measurement & Shed simulation • on-loom Picascope

2.          Supermax-12-J 380 Saree

The Supermax offers you the perfect solution for weaving top-quality jacquard fabrics, up to 380 cm.

Warp: Pes 50 den

Density: 190 ends/inch Drawing in width: 151.6 inch

Weft: Pes 150 den

Density: 48 picks/inch

Highlighted features:  • Free Flight with raceboard (VB) • Mechanical weft cutter • BlueTouch display • Smart signal lights • Climate monitoring • SUMO drive concept

Standard:  • BlueBox electronic platform • BlueTouch display • SUMO drive concept • Climate monitoring • PicConnect enabled

3.          OmniPlus-i Connect-2-P 190 Poplin

A proof how a lighter fabric segment can benefit from the OmniPlus-i Connect platform. Digitization, maximum flexibility, very energy efficient and still running the highest speed.

Warp: Cv Ne 30/1

Density: 62 ends/inch Drawing in width: 67 inch

Weft: Cv Ne 30/1

Density: 56 picks/inch

Highlighted features:  • EcoBoost • AirStream • EcoWeft• WeavePilot • o-Leno • Blue22 EasySet prewinders

Standard:  • BlueBox electronic platform • BlueTouch display • SUMO drive concept • AirStream • Climate monitoring • Shed calculation • PicConnect enabled

Monitor package:  • Access control • OptiStyle • Raw material use

Smart savings package:  • Power monitoring • AirMaster with integrated air consumption meter • Adaptive Relay Valve Drive (ARVD II Plus)

Automation package:  • Pick Repair Automation (PRA II Plus) • Prewinder Switch-Off (PSO) • AutoSpeed • Harness frame stroke measurement & Shed simulation

4.          OmniPlus-i Connect-4-D-340 Sheeting

A clear example of a high-end sheeting style. Thanks to the unique Air Tucking-In maximum width flexibility is guaranteed. With the OmniPlus-i Connect, the industrial speeds are lifted to an even higher level.

Warp: Co Ne 60/1

Density: 183 ends/inch

Drawing in width: 118.5 inch

Weft: Co Ne 40/1

Density: 104 picks/inch (double pick)

Highlighted features:  • SmartShed Pro • AirStream • Electronic Selvedge System (ELSY Pro)

• Air Tucking-In (ATI) • Pick Repair Automation (PRA II Plus) • BlueTouch display

Standard:  • BlueBox electronic platform • BlueTouch display • SUMO drive concept • AirStream • Climate monitoring • Shed calculation • PicConnect enabled

Monitor package:  • Access control • OptiStyle • Raw material use

Smart savings package:  • Power monitoring • AirMaster with integrated air consumption meter • Adaptive Relay Valve Drive (ARVD II Plus)

Automation package:  • Pick Repair Automation (PRA II Plus) • Prewinder Switch-Off (PSO)

• AutoSpeed • Harness frame stroke measurement & Shed simulation

5.          Ultimax-8-J 190 Fashion (Vandewiele – Hall 2 booth C301)

Designed to combine ultimate performance and high-quality output. Ready for the sustainability requirements of tomorrow and with a maximum level of digitization

Warp: Pes 68 f24 den

Density: 130 ends/inch Drawing in width: 74.1 inch

Weft: Pes 135 den

Density: 152 picks/inch

6.          PicConnect corner

PicConnect is Picanol’s digital platform, offering a wide range of features, from industrial IoT to service-related applications to optimize your machines and manage your weave room.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (HU)

September’s contraction in the headline Hamburg Commercial Bank (HCOB) manufacturing purchasing managers’ index (PMI) was driven by a reduction in new order inflows and a sharper rate of job shedding.

Eurozone factory operating conditions worsened at Q3 2025 end, reversing August’s improvement, S&P Global Ratings said.
Production volumes continued to expand in September, which saw cutbacks in factory purchasing activity accelerate, while pre- and post-production inventories reduced further.
Export markets were a drag on total sales and lower operating costs were reported for the first time since June.

Falling from 50.7 in August to 49.8, the headline index signalled a deterioration in factory operating conditions across the euro area. The decline, however, was only marginal overall.

Production volumes continued to expand in September, although the pace of growth slowed markedly from August’s near three-and-a-half-year high.

September witnessed cutbacks in factory purchasing activity accelerate, while pre- and post-production inventories were reduced further.

Firms remained optimistic on balance that output would rise from present levels over the coming year, although expectations were their softest since April.

There were broad-based price drops at the end of the third quarter as both input costs and output charges fell marginally.

In the Netherlands, conditions improved at the fastest pace since July 2022. Greece and Spain continued their growth trends, although upturns slowed on the month. The final eurozone country in expansion mode was Ireland.

Weakness was recorded across the currency union’s three biggest economies—Germany, France and Italy—with respective manufacturing PMIs posting below the critical 50 level.

Pulling the headline index into the contraction zone was a marked decline in its weightiest component, new orders.

After rising for the first time in almost three-and-a-half years in August, the volume of new orders received by eurozone manufacturers decreased in September, an S&P Global release said. The pace of contraction was mild but nevertheless the fastest since March.

Export markets were a drag on total sales, with new business received from overseas falling for a third month in succession and to a slightly stronger degree.

Manufacturing production volumes expanded, stretching the current sequence of growth that began in March. The upturn lost momentum, however, easing from August’s solid pace. Further growth in output was achieved despite ramped up job cutting at eurozone factories.

Workforce numbers fell at the quickest rate in three months. Manufacturers were also able to make greater inroads to their backlogs of work in September. The rate of reduction in outstanding orders was the most marked since June.

Purchasing was reduced by surveyed companies at the end of the third quarter. After coming close to stabilising as recently as July, the rate of decline in buying activity has accelerated in back-to-back months.

For the first time since June, eurozone manufacturers reported lower operating costs—a notable deviation from the solid inflationary trend witnessed across the survey on average. The decrease was only marginal, however.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DS)