December 2009 Issue

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  Shade sails offer aesthetic and functional appeal

  Shade sails expand architectural aesthetics and functional fashion.

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  Value Vinyls adds materials for shades and sails

  Value Vinyls is expanding its product offerings to include material for shade structures and sails.

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  Heavy-duty shadecloth

  Lock stitch construction blocks up to 96 percent of UV rays while allowing cool air to filter through the high-density polyethylene fabric.

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  Shade umbrella provides power source for chargers

  The SOLARBrella from SKYShades shields customers from the sun while simultaneously providing a power source to charge electronics such as cell phones, laptops or other small portable devices.

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  Shade system auto-extends based on sun’s intensity

  The Sunis WireFree RTS Sun Sensor from Somfy Systems automatically extends awnings, solar screens or blinds using Radio Technology Somfy (RTS) based on the intensity of the sun.

• Solar shading as a business technology

  In Europe, where the building sector is the largest energy consumer—more than transportation or industry—solar shading is key to addressing the European Union’s directives on the energy performance of buildings that will be strengthened by 2012.

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  Geotextile reef prevents beach erosion

  Bournemouth, a seacoast town in southern England, craved the wave; it’s a surfing destination and tourist draw.

• CETCO to distribute geotextile mattress

  Contaminated sediments are among the toughest to manage because any disturbance (digging or dredging) releases pollutants into the water.

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  Versatile VersaUV printer

  Roland DGA Corp. offers the VersaUV LEC-330, a 30-inch, roll-to-roll LED-UV inkjet printer and cutter, an all-in-one device for seamless workflow and efficiency.

• LSA becomes Fabric Structures Association

  The Lightweight Structures Association, Roseville, Minn., a division of the Industrial Fabrics Association International, changed its name and identity in October and is now the Fabric Structures Association (FSA).

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  Waterproof leather

  Acqua waterproof leather from Spinneybeck is made using a unique process that ensures its waterproof formula penetrates fully into the hide, as opposed to topical applications.

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  New biosuit acts as ‘second skin’ for astronauts

  Space pioneers may go to Mars wearing skintight space suits developed by Dr. Dava Newman and the Extra-Vehicular Activity (EVA) Research team at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Cambridge, Mass.

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  Hands-free hydration pack

  In desert heat, on rugged mountain trails, or through sweltering jungles, soldiers depend on drinking water—and many have to carry it on their backs.

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  High-tech gear for Everest climb

  Athletes step out in cutting-edge sports apparel, but mountaineer and motivational speaker Jamie Clarke plans to step up in his high-tech gear.

• Ramkumar wins ‘Scientist of the Year’ award

  The Achievement Rewards for College Scientists (ARCS) Foundation recently awarded Dr. Seshadri Ramkumar, associate professor of nonwoven materials at Texas Tech University, with the “Scientist of the Year” award for his development of the Fibertect decontamination wipe.

• Agion customer service recognized

  The Frost & Sullivan 2009 Best Practices Award for Customer Value Leadership goes to Agion Technologies Inc., Wakefield, Mass., for its work with customers of its silver-based antimicrobial solutions.

• Moving PPE to market

  Two companies, both focused on helping manufacturers of personal protection accelerate the process of getting products to military and first responders, have merged into Protect the Force LLC, Washington, D.C.

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  U2 fabric stage makes world tour

  Dublin’s U2, recognized worldwide for its driving yet melodic musical vision, launched the band’s “360¡ World Tour” in June 2009 on a fabric-clad stage that rocks around the clock.

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  Laser sealing for airbag thorax wraps

  Car crashes affect more than six million Americans each year, but seat belts and airbags increase a passenger’s odds of survival.

• Milliken sells automotive body cloth division

  Milliken & Company, Spartanburg, S.C., sold its Automotive Body Cloth division to a Milliken management group supported by an investment capital firm with automotive expertise.

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• The RITE Group meets in London

  Nearly 200 delegates from 15 countries attended the RITE (Reducing the Impact of Textiles on the Environment) Group conference on sustainable texiles and clothing held in London in October.

• Bamboo textile case settled

  The U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has reached a settlement with The M Group Inc., operating as Bamboosa, a company that produces bamboo clothing, over allegations that it was making false environmental claims and mislabelled merchandise.

• ATHM becomes Smithsonian affiliate

  When the American Textile History Museum (ATHM), Lowell, Mass., reopened its doors to the public this summer, it was with a major triumph: an affiliation with the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C.

• LSA becomes Fabric Structures Association

  The Lightweight Structures Association, Roseville, Minn., a division of the Industrial Fabrics Association International, changed its name and identity in October and is now the Fabric Structures Association (FSA).

• Ramkumar wins ‘Scientist of the Year’ award

  The Achievement Rewards for College Scientists (ARCS) Foundation recently awarded Dr. Seshadri Ramkumar, associate professor of nonwoven materials at Texas Tech University, with the “Scientist of the Year” award for his development of the Fibertect decontamination wipe.

• Technology renders fibers clean and spinnable

  Fibers can be spun from abaca (a type of Philippine hemp), banana and pineapple, but the gum content makes production processes sticky.

• Chinese exports down 10 percent

  Exports from the Chinese textile and garment industry will experience the largest drop in 30 years, as the China National Textile and Apparel Council is projecting a 10 percent decline by the end of 2009.

• Federal financing for mid-sized businesses?

  The U.S. Small Business Administration provides loans to stimulate exports for businesses with up to 500 employees.

• Synthetic textile exports increasing for India

  Exports of manmade fiber textiles are on the path to recovery, with new demand coming from Europe and Western Asia, according to India’s Synthetic & Rayon Textile Export Promotion Council.

• Agion customer service recognized

  The Frost & Sullivan 2009 Best Practices Award for Customer Value Leadership goes to Agion Technologies Inc., Wakefield, Mass., for its work with customers of its silver-based antimicrobial solutions.

• Moving PPE to market

  Two companies, both focused on helping manufacturers of personal protection accelerate the process of getting products to military and first responders, have merged into Protect the Force LLC, Washington, D.C.

• CETCO to distribute geotextile mattress

  Contaminated sediments are among the toughest to manage because any disturbance (digging or dredging) releases pollutants into the water.

• Milliken sells automotive body cloth division

  Milliken & Company, Spartanburg, S.C., sold its Automotive Body Cloth division to a Milliken management group supported by an investment capital firm with automotive expertise.

• TMI acquires KoroKlear Division

  TMI LLC, Pittsburgh, Pa., continued expansion plans for its broad range of PVC products by acquiring the assets of RJF Intl. Corp.’s KoroKlear Division, Fairlawn, Ohio, manufacturer of vinyl strip doors and industrial barriers.

• Dow Corning settles in Bahrain

  A new Middle East office in Manama, Bahrain, will allow Dow Corning, headquartered in Midland, Mich., to offer its silicone-based materials to support construction, petrochemical, textile and oil and gas industries in the region.

• New sales professionals at SDL Atlas

  Mark Graham brings 17 years of textile testing experience and leadership skills honed in his own business, Graham Technical Services, to his new role at SDL Atlas, Rock Hill, S.C.

• Allard joins Ultraflex Systems

  Peter Allard brings 25 years of printing industry experience to his new role as Southeast U.S. sales manager for Ultraflex Systems Inc., Randolph, N.J., a supplier of printing substrates for digital solvent, UV, latex and screen printing.

• New sports marketer at Moss

  Joyce Read has joined the national sales team of Moss Inc. to direct a breakthrough sports marketing initiative.

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  Textile-based lighting system for greenhouses

  A warp-knitted, textile-based lighting system developed by TAMK University of Applied Sciences, Tampere, Finland, incorporates LED technology, which can reduce energy costs for greenhouses by 50 percent.

• New RF drying system prevents distortion and shrinking

  The Macrowave RF Drying System from Radio Frequency Co. selectively heats only the coated portions on the web, leaving the bound moisture in the substrate intact, preventing over-drying, distortion and shrinking.

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  Shade umbrella provides power source for chargers

  The SOLARBrella from SKYShades shields customers from the sun while simultaneously providing a power source to charge electronics such as cell phones, laptops or other small portable devices.

• 

  Versatile VersaUV printer

  Roland DGA Corp. offers the VersaUV LEC-330, a 30-inch, roll-to-roll LED-UV inkjet printer and cutter, an all-in-one device for seamless workflow and efficiency.

• 

  Shade system auto-extends based on sun’s intensity

  The Sunis WireFree RTS Sun Sensor from Somfy Systems automatically extends awnings, solar screens or blinds using Radio Technology Somfy (RTS) based on the intensity of the sun.

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  Acrylic foam tapes

  Four highly adhesive acrylic foam tapes, the XHA 6600 Series, meet fastening and bonding requirements for applications in the transportation and signage industries.

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  Two new custom textile designs

  Island living has inspired two new custom textile designs from Upper South Studio.

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  Value Vinyls adds materials for shades and sails

  Value Vinyls is expanding its product offerings to include material for shade structures and sails.

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  Weatherable films

  Two new outside weatherable (OSW) films are designed to cover windows with laminates, low-emittance coatings or wired glazing systems.

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  Heavy-duty shadecloth

  Lock stitch construction blocks up to 96 percent of UV rays while allowing cool air to filter through the high-density polyethylene fabric.

• 

  Waterproof leather

  Acqua waterproof leather from Spinneybeck is made using a unique process that ensures its waterproof formula penetrates fully into the hide, as opposed to topical applications.

Back to Top

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  How to prepare for a natural disaster

  Why you need a good disaster-preparedness plan, and how to put one in place.

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  Welander solves design problems for fabric structures

  Mark Welander uses his penchant for simplicity and accuracy to solve fabrication dilemmas.

• How green is your supply chain?

  Strong, sustainable performance management strategies create links among like-minded businesses—and with your customers.

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  Fabrics, coatings and finishes

  Coatings customize fabrics for the perfect match with customers’ applications.

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  New biosuit acts as ‘second skin’ for astronauts

  Space pioneers may go to Mars wearing skintight space suits developed by Dr. Dava Newman and the Extra-Vehicular Activity (EVA) Research team at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Cambridge, Mass.

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  Orion exploration vehicle undergoes testing

  NASA has taken a major step toward building the next crew exploration vehicle by completing the Orion Project's preliminary design review (PDR), which evaluated the vehicle's capability to support three types of missions.

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  Flying inflatable aeroshell

  NASA’s Inflatable Reentry Vehicle Experiment (IRVE) passed a test launch this fall with flying colors after extensive testing was completed.

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  U2 fabric stage makes world tour

  Dublin’s U2, recognized worldwide for its driving yet melodic musical vision, launched the band’s “360¡ World Tour” in June 2009 on a fabric-clad stage that rocks around the clock.

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  Long-lasting phosphorescent pigments

  Add energy to phase-change materials such as phosphors, and they glow in the dark.

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  Geotextile reef prevents beach erosion

  Bournemouth, a seacoast town in southern England, craved the wave; it’s a surfing destination and tourist draw.

• 

  Hands-free hydration pack

  In desert heat, on rugged mountain trails, or through sweltering jungles, soldiers depend on drinking water—and many have to carry it on their backs.

• 

  High-tech gear for Everest climb

  Athletes step out in cutting-edge sports apparel, but mountaineer and motivational speaker Jamie Clarke plans to step up in his high-tech gear.

• 

  Laser sealing for airbag thorax wraps

  Car crashes affect more than six million Americans each year, but seat belts and airbags increase a passenger’s odds of survival.

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  Film festival rolls out the green carpet

  Glitz and glamour took the stage on opening night of the 22nd Tokyo International Film Festival (TIFF) in October, where the traditional celebrity red-carpet entrance took place on a green carpet.

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  Fabric columns enhance casino floor

  FireKeepers Casino, a hot new gambling destination near Battle Creek, Mich., wanted to turn up the heat on its 107,000-square-foot gaming floor.

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• Awning Composer updates

  When to expect updates for Awning Composer, a computer software program that helps customers visualize their buildings with awnings.

• Defining ETFE

  ETFE is a polymer of tetrafluoroethylene and ethylene.

• Defining a Rexine fabric

  Rexine is a term that’s been around for decades and is currently used primarily outside the United States.

• Identifying fabric samples

  Once we received the fabric samples, we were able to determine that the materials in question were flocked fabrics.

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