In 2022, at the Texprocess exhibition in Frankfurt, Malkan Machinery presented an ironing press prototype. The Malkan Vision 2025-2026 grew out of the R&D work that followed, and it reached its next milestone around Texprocess 2026. This article traces that path from prototype to roadmap.

General background on the fair is available on the Wikipedia Texprocess page. This article goes beyond the fair to show how a Turkish brand built its own technology roadmap from the momentum of that platform.

The fair is held in Frankfurt at the same time as Techtextil and brings together garment and textile processing technologies. It takes place every two years. Manufacturers can compare new machines and process solutions live.

The 2022 edition was a meeting where the industry came together again after the pandemic. For Malkan Machinery, the fair is described as the place where a long-running project was shown publicly for the first time.

Malkan Machinery has produced textile and garment machinery since 1971 and exports to 95 countries. The vision work aims to combine this experience with a new generation of energy and control technologies.

This article covers the prototype's story, the R&D process, the three pillars of the vision and the Texprocess 2026 perspective. Because the fair has already taken place, the relevant sections are written in the past tense.

1. TEXPROCESS 2022: THE GENESIS OF MALKAN VISION 2025-2026

An image from the exhibition.

For Malkan Machinery, Texprocess 2022 was the fair where an ironing press prototype, developed over many years, was first shared publicly. The prototype was designed to work with a new thermodynamic approach and to aim for lower energy consumption. It also set the direction for the path to Texprocess 2026.

Visiting specialists in garment production technology wanted to examine not only the physical features of the machine but also the engineering approach behind it. This interest motivated the R&D team to carry the project toward series production.

The prototype's notable feature was that it was part of a system approach, not a stand-alone machine. PLC-controlled automation, an IoT-ready structure and vacuum channels refined with CFD analysis pointed to the main themes of the vision.

These themes can be summarized as advanced automation, digitalization and sustainability. Each theme requires its own engineering discipline and its own test process.

Fairs offer a suitable setting to measure market response to a prototype. Visitor questions show which features matter most to buyers. Malkan Machinery used the feedback from 2022 as input for its R&D plan on the way to Texprocess 2026.

From a thermodynamic point of view, an ironing press transfers heat from electricity or steam to the fabric in a controlled way. Efficiency depends on variables such as heat loss, steam quality, pressure distribution and cooling time. A new approach aims to improve several of these variables together.

Prototype development is a multi-stage process that runs from laboratory validation to trials under field conditions. A prototype shown at a fair is an interim result of this process and does not mean a product ready for series production. This distinction matters for managing buyer expectations.

After the fair, data from the prototype is turned into a test plan covering materials, heat distribution and energy use. This plan sets the targets of the next design version.

The simplest indicator for measuring energy efficiency is the kilowatt-hours consumed per product. When electricity and steam use are measured for the same fabric and the same pressing program, the prototype can be compared with an existing machine. For the comparison to be valid, the measurement conditions must be kept constant.

Steam quality depends on whether the steam condenses before it reaches the fabric. Condensed water droplets cause stains and local wetting on the fabric. For this reason an insulated steam line and the right pressure setting play a decisive role in the performance of a new press.

Ironing parameters change with the fabric type. Cotton and linen tolerate higher temperatures, while silk, viscose and synthetic fibers need lower settings. The value of a prototype is measured by whether it can work steadily across these different fabric groups.

2. FROM PROTOTYPE TO MASS PRODUCTION: R&D UNDER THE MALKAN VISION 2025-2026

After the 2022 fair, work in the Malkan Machinery R&D center focused on making the prototype suitable for industrial series production. Producing the thermodynamic model in a repeatable way was one of the first priorities.

In this process, material strength, heat distribution homogeneity and the integration of energy recovery systems came to the fore in industrial ironing press technologies. Engineers had to give these topics the most time.

Material strength aims to prevent cracking and deformation in repeated heating and cooling cycles. Heat distribution homogeneity limits the formation of hot and cold zones on the press surface. Together they help give similar results in every area of the same fabric.

Energy recovery covers the use of condensate, waste heat and steam line losses. For this recovery to be economical, the system must be measured and sized correctly. Otherwise extra equipment can cost more than the energy it saves.

Carrying the approach of the 2022 prototype over to other product groups was also an important part of the R&D process. The aim was to develop the product family around the same engineering principles instead of improving a single product. This also covered garment automation systems.

These developments also included auxiliary systems such as vacuum motors. Vacuum cools and dries the pressed fabric quickly, so it directly affects the cycle time of the press.

The difficulties met in the R&D process are not only technical. Supply chain, cost targets and test infrastructure also affect the schedule. For this reason the product development plan must handle technical and commercial constraints together.

In the digitalization theme, the goal is to turn pressure, temperature and cycle-time data collected by sensors into maintenance and efficiency decisions. Data collection, communication and analysis software must be built together for this. The smart manufacturing approach rests on this integrity.

Moving a product to series production also requires a quality control plan, operator training and spare parts preparation. Launching the product before these preparations are complete increases service risks.

The material chosen for the press surface affects heat conduction and wear resistance together. High thermal conductivity spreads heat quickly, while a low expansion coefficient keeps the surface flat. Material selection follows the balance of these two properties.

In prototype validation, temperature distribution is measured with thermocouples and a thermal camera. When measurements are repeated at different loads and durations, weak points of the design become visible. This data forms the reason for design changes before series production.

Durability tests simulate a large number of working cycles of the machine in a short time. Sealing elements, valves and electronic relays are the parts most stressed in these tests. The results also feed into setting maintenance intervals.

Supplier selection and parts standardization also matter in the move to series production. Being able to source the same part from more than one supplier protects production continuity. Using standard parts also simplifies the spare parts stock.

An R&D schedule is usually divided into design, prototype, test and pilot production stages. Holding a decision meeting at the end of each stage helps problems be seen early. This structure also limits budget and schedule overruns.

3. THE THREE CORE PILLARS OF THE MALKAN VISION 2025-2026

An image related to R&D work.

The vision takes shape around three core pillars. Each pillar contains its own goal and its own measurement method.

• Sustainability and energy efficiency: The aim is to reduce energy use per unit of production with solutions such as heat recovery and insulation. This target aims to lower the cost and the carbon footprint of the business together.
• Advanced automation: PLC-based control, recipe management and the operator interface make pressing results repeatable. The control layer aims to reduce operator-related variation.
• Digitalization and data management: Monitoring machine data forms the basis for planned maintenance and efficiency analysis. This theme targets an IoT-ready structure.

These three themes summarize the approach that runs from the prototype shown at Texprocess 2022 to today. R&D work before Texprocess 2026 is also said to have been planned around these pillars.

Setting measurable targets matters in the sustainability pillar. When energy, water and waste data are monitored regularly, the effect of an improvement can be shown. Otherwise sustainability claims lack concrete evidence.

Advanced automation works with fabric-based and model-based recipes. A recipe stores the verified temperature, steam, pressure and time settings for that fabric. Working from recipes reduces quality differences between shifts.

The digitalization pillar also covers data security and access rights. Who can see production data must be decided in advance. Without this framework, data collection can bring risk instead of benefit to the business.

The three pillars need to move together. An efficient but uncontrolled machine does not give consistent results, and a controlled machine without data cannot be improved. The strength of the vision comes from these three themes meeting in the same product.

After Texprocess 2026, a concrete checklist can be built for each pillar. Indicators such as energy use, cycle time, defect rate and maintenance interval help track the field results of the vision.

Recipe management also makes it easier to add a new fabric to the program. Settings verified with trial presses are saved and used by other shifts. This way every operator does not need to find the same setting again.

Data monitoring is used not only for fault alerts but also for efficiency comparison. When the energy use of the same model on different lines is compared, differences in settings or use become visible. This visibility is the starting point of improvement work.

Software updates are also considered in applying the vision. Control software can be improved over time, so an update procedure and a version record must be kept. This keeps consistency among machines in the field.

4. TEXPROCESS 2026: THE GLOBAL DEBUT OF THE MALKAN VISION 2025-2026

Texprocess 2026 was held in Frankfurt from April 21-24, 2026. Malkan Machinery had planned to exhibit the technologies of the Malkan Vision 2025-2026 at this fair.

The plan before Texprocess 2026 included presenting next-generation thermodynamic press work and energy-efficiency-focused solutions. Giving visitors presentations about the R&D process at Texprocess 2026 was also among the goals.

For the official information and participation details of Texprocess 2026, the official Texprocess Frankfurt website should be taken as the reference. Organizer statements are the most reliable source for dates, area and exhibitor data. For Malkan Machinery's own overview, see the Texprocess Frankfurt Fair Guide 2026.

Systems shown at Texprocess 2026 and similar fairs are seen as the output of a series production process, unlike the 2022 prototype. Buyers also ask about the maintenance, service and spare parts terms of the system at this stage.

The success of taking part in Texprocess 2026 is measured not only by the quality of the product shown but also by the follow-up work after the fair. Offers, technical documents and reference sharing are parts of this follow-up.

The number of products that can be shown at a short fair such as Texprocess 2026 is limited. For this reason manufacturers prefer to support the existing product range with catalogs and digital content while they highlight a new solution.

For the buyer, the value of a fair like Texprocess 2026 is seeing the machine in operation and talking directly with the technical team. This builds a basis for decision that a catalog alone cannot offer.

When planning a budget for a fair like Texprocess 2026, shipping of sample machines, installation, staff and post-fair follow-up costs must be counted as well as the stand cost. Seeing these items from the start makes the return analysis more realistic.

At fairs like Texprocess 2026, live demonstrations also bring visitors' requests to try their own fabrics. This request tests the stand's sample preparation and the flexibility of the technical team. A prepared team can turn the demonstration into the first step of the purchasing process.

After Texprocess 2026, the technical document shared with the buyer should include energy use, capacity and the maintenance plan. A complete document speeds up the buyer's internal approval. Topics left unclear lengthen the decision time.

When deciding to join a fair such as Texprocess 2026, the target audience, competitor density and visitor profile are assessed together. For buyers, the product variety and the technical program of the fair are decisive. These two views together set the quality of the fair.

5. BEYOND THE VISION: MALKAN MACHINERY'S NEW GLOBAL STRATEGIC GOALS

An image related to design work.

The Malkan Vision 2025-2026 expresses not only product development but also a new positioning in the international market. Malkan Machinery exports to 95 countries, and fairs such as Texprocess 2026 are important platforms for strengthening these export relationships.

Offering production technology consulting and solution partnership instead of only selling machines is the company's approach for the new period. This approach covers analyzing the buyer's production line and positioning the machine suitably in it.

The first step in a consulting approach is to identify the bottlenecks of the existing line. When cycle times, energy use, scrap rate and operator workload are measured, it becomes clear which machine will help at which stage.

For success in international markets, local regulation, service and spare parts infrastructure must also be planned. For machine sales to the European market, CE conformity and the relevant machinery safety regulation are required.

Technology partnerships and R&D collaborations save time on components that are hard to develop alone. When the partnership structure is defined clearly, responsibilities and the scope of intellectual property also become clear.

Applying the vision after Texprocess 2026 depends largely on the R&D discipline of the engineering team. The team carries responsibility in both the prototype and series production stages.

In the export process, documents such as the technical specification, commercial invoice, certificate of origin and conformity documents are prepared. Because customs and import conditions differ by country, the document list should be settled with the buyer at the start. This preparation reduces shipping delays.

Service network, remote support and spare parts stock carry value throughout the life of the machine. An initial diagnosis made by remote connection can narrow down the cause of a fault before a site visit. Having spare parts ready shortens downtime.

Operator training is needed for a new machine to be used efficiently. Training covers safe use, recipe selection, daily maintenance and simple fault finding. A trained operator realizes the design potential of the machine in the field.

A configuration suited to the customer's line depends not only on the technical features of the machine but also on the layout of the factory. The position of electricity, steam and compressed air connections affects the commissioning time. A site survey is therefore an important step at the quotation stage.

6. Conclusion: From Texprocess 2022 to Texprocess 2026

The Malkan Vision 2025-2026, which started from a prototype idea shown at Texprocess 2022, has turned into a roadmap built on the pillars of energy efficiency, advanced automation and digitalization. This roadmap aims to develop the whole product family around the same engineering principles.

Texprocess 2026 took place on April 21-24, 2026, and gave a chance to share this roadmap on an international platform. After the fair, the real measure is how the solutions work on customers' lines.

The success of the vision depends on tracking the stated goals with measurable indicators. When indicators such as energy use, cycle time, defect rate and maintenance cost are reported regularly, improvement can be seen clearly.

International platforms like Texprocess 2026 are places where these indicators are shared with outside stakeholders. At fairs, buyers question a manufacturer's goals and how traceable those goals are.

For manufacturers about to decide on a purchase, the technical data sheet, reference projects, service terms and energy use values should be assessed together. The impression from Texprocess 2026 is the first step of this assessment.

A manufacturer's vision statements should be assessed together with concrete technical data and references. The gap between targets and measured results is the best indicator of reliability.

7. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the Malkan Vision 2025-2026? It is the technology and product roadmap inspired by the prototype Malkan Machinery showed at Texprocess 2022 and carried toward Texprocess 2026. It covers energy efficiency, advanced automation and digitalization as its main themes.

What was the prototype shown at Texprocess 2022? It was an ironing press prototype that worked with a new thermodynamic approach and aimed to lower energy consumption. It served as a proof of concept before series production and as the starting point of the path to Texprocess 2026.

When and where was Texprocess 2026 held? Texprocess 2026 was held in Frankfurt, Germany, on April 21-24, 2026. For details, see the official website.

What is the difference between a prototype and a series production product? A prototype gives the first validation of an idea, while a series production product is backed by repeatable quality, service and spare parts infrastructure. The work in between covers materials, testing and quality control.

How is energy recovery achieved in the ironing department? Condensate, waste heat and steam line losses are used to reduce the energy needed for the same steam. To be economical, the system must be measured and sized correctly.

Why is PLC-based automation important? A PLC stores verified temperature, steam, pressure and time settings as a recipe. This lets the same result be repeated with different operators.

What does the Texprocess fair, including Texprocess 2026, cover? It brings together garment and textile processing technologies and is held in Frankfurt alongside Techtextil. The fair takes place every two years.

What should be considered when choosing a machine after the fair? The technical data sheet, energy use, service terms and reference projects should be assessed together. A demonstration at Texprocess 2026 is only the first step of this assessment.

Which tests are carried out at the prototype stage? Temperature distribution, energy use, durability and sealing tests are carried out. The results form the reason for design changes.

Which documents should be given to the buyer after Texprocess 2026? A technical data sheet, energy use values, capacity information and a maintenance plan should be given. A complete document shortens the decision time.