June 2009 Issue

• 

  ETFE membrane installed in North America

  A North American first shelters shoppers and diners in “Kansas City’s living room.”

• 

  Golf cart features retractable roof

  Golfers looking for a perfect drive need look no further than a golf cart with the Sun Topper® retractable top, a product from Mr. Otek Sign and Textile.

• 

  The retractable awning boom

  Why it still hasn’t happened…and why it could happen any day.

• UV protection tests from the Hohenstein Institute

  Test methodology exposes test fabrics to intense environmental factors and evaluates performance before and after wash, and during simulated use over time.

• Demand for geomembranes shifts

  Demand has shifted from decorative pond liners and agricultural manure basins to installations for heavy construction work and landfill cells.

• 

  Adhesive designed for rough surfaces

  This media can create the look of painted graphics on a challenging surface, such as an old brick wall.

• Cost-effective film protects graphic displays

  The film enhances the graphic’s color brilliance while protecting projects from dirt, abrasion and general wear and tear.

• Curl-free banner media preserves images

  The banner media is a flame-retardant, laminated blackout material specifically formulated so that it will not edge curl.

• 

  Cutting system makes fabric printing faster

  The system makes production faster and easier by cutting printed fabric on the vertical axis.

• Dye ink dries instantly

  GO dMax 4 HS from Graphics One is a black dye ink formulated for high-production environments.

• 

  Banner barrier decorates Brooklyn Bridge

  The barrier masks ongoing park improvement construction, contain dust and debris, promotes the future look of the park and thanks sponsors.

• 

  Fabric structure revitalizes farmer’s market

  When a fire destroyed a year-round farmer’s market in Washington, D.C., a structure was needed immediately to replace it.

• Film allows customization of reflective graphics

  Simple to use, and ready right off the roll, the transfer film features a one-step lamination process that doesn’t require a pre-mask.

• 

  Graphics transform geodesic dome

  Pacific Domes created a custom, 24-foot portable geodesic event dome tent for a five-city tour promoting Gatorade Tiger Thirst Quencher.

• 

  Lighted frame showcases fabric graphics

  The exclusive blanket lends a uniform glow to illuminate and draw attention to floor-supported and wall-mounted graphics.

• 

  Mosaic dresses up fashion trade show

  Pink Inc. developed The Mosaics, a hanging system for their client, Business Journals, to create interesting fashion trade show environments.

• 

  Organic fabric offers options for media printing

  UltraTex™ Organic fabric from Ultraflex is woven from 100 percent organic plant fiber with a water-based coating on one side.

• 

  The softer side of signage

  Making fabric the medium for the message.

• Woven material ideal for backlit graphics

  Fisher Textiles now offers a wrinkle-resistant, three-layered, tightly woven material that produces exceptional print quality and opacity for backlit applications.

• 

  Avian influenza increases need for protective fabrics

  Demand grows for anti-virus masks and protective clothing.

• 

  Building better bullet-proof vests

  A research team at the University of Manchester, England, wanted to know how ballistic fabrics react to piercing bullets at the micron scale.

• Oeko-Tex® Standard 100 and 1000 certification

  Oeko-Tex Standards are being used more frequently.

• Revised NIOSH guidelines for protective gear

  Respirators should be rated for chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) hazards.

• 

  Tests show herpes virus adheres to fibers

  The results show that the virus could be transferred via hand towels, napkins, wash cloths and dish cloths.

• 

  Chicago’s Millennium Park celebrates fabric

  Zaha Hadid Architects developed a temporary pavilion with an aluminum framework, elastic silver-grey tent fabric and skylights illuminating the interior space.

• Bioplastic used in auto seat fabric

  BIOFRONT is a heat-resistant bioplastic that allows for high-temperature, high-pressure dyeing, and is durable enough for automotive interior use.

• 

  Composites race across Australia

  The streamlined vehicle will be constructed of lightweight aerospace composite materials from TenCate.

• 

  Fabrics save money for airline

  Lightweight textiles, carpets, leathers and pneumatic seat cushions can reduce the weight of furnishings up to 32 percent over conventional materials.

• Joint venture forms in auto fabric production

  In December 2009, Japanese manufacturers Suminoe Textile Company Ltd. and Teijin Fibers Ltd. will locate a joint venture in Osaka, Japan.

• Manufacturer seeks to lower cost of kenaf

  Toyota Boshoku, a manufacturer of auto interior materials, aims to lower the cost of kenaf within three years.

• TAPAS consortium improves airplane technology

  The consortium consists of companies and research institutes focused on airplane structural improvements in material, processing and joining technology.

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• AATCC “Color Concepts” competition

  The American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists (AATCC) has announced the winners of its fifth annual design competition, “Color Concepts.”

• Demand for geomembranes shifts

  Demand has shifted from decorative pond liners and agricultural manure basins to installations for heavy construction work and landfill cells.

• Revised NIOSH guidelines for protective gear

  Respirators should be rated for chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) hazards.

• Supply chain integration a possibility in Thailand

  The Thai Garment Manufacturers Association invited experts to advise them how to stem the decline in garment and textile exports.

• TAPAS consortium improves airplane technology

  The consortium consists of companies and research institutes focused on airplane structural improvements in material, processing and joining technology.

• 

  Tests show herpes virus adheres to fibers

  The results show that the virus could be transferred via hand towels, napkins, wash cloths and dish cloths.

• U.S. unlikely to impose trade restrictions on Chinese textiles

  Despite widespread demands among U.S. textile industry groups for trade protections against Chinese imports, practical and political barriers will prevent substantial restrictions.

• UV protection tests from the Hohenstein Institute

  Test methodology exposes test fabrics to intense environmental factors and evaluates performance before and after wash, and during simulated use over time.

• Water lily fibers supply textile artisans

  The fibers support artisans making handicrafts such as bags, table runners, carpets and other textiles.

• A&R Tarpaulins named SBA Family Business of the Year

  Honorees were measured by sales and profits, increased employment opportunities, potential for long-term success and economic growth, and voluntary efforts.

• Bloomsburg Mills closes operations

  After 120 years of weaving, dyeing and finishing fabrics, the Bloomsburg Mills Inc. closed its plants and ceased operation May 31.

• DSI acquires Alexco

  Diversified Systems Inc. (DSI) added to its extensive product line of manufacturing machinery with the purchase of Alexander Machinery (Alexco).

• 

  Fabrics save money for airline

  Lightweight textiles, carpets, leathers and pneumatic seat cushions can reduce the weight of furnishings up to 32 percent over conventional materials.

• Joint venture forms in auto fabric production

  In December 2009, Japanese manufacturers Suminoe Textile Company Ltd. and Teijin Fibers Ltd. will locate a joint venture in Osaka, Japan.

• 

  Shop creates custom canvas and vinyl products

  CanvasWork manufactures barn curtains, seed pallet covers, boat covers, parking meter covers and other custom fabric products.

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• 

  Adhesive designed for rough surfaces

  This media can create the look of painted graphics on a challenging surface, such as an old brick wall.

• Cost-effective film protects graphic displays

  The film enhances the graphic’s color brilliance while protecting projects from dirt, abrasion and general wear and tear.

• Curl-free banner media preserves images

  The banner media is a flame-retardant, laminated blackout material specifically formulated so that it will not edge curl.

• Dye ink dries instantly

  GO dMax 4 HS from Graphics One is a black dye ink formulated for high-production environments.

• 

  Fabric repels only water, not inks and dyes

  The fabric won’t repel dyes and inks because the repellent is activated by heat in the calendaring process after the material has been printed.

• 

  Organic fabric offers options for media printing

  UltraTex™ Organic fabric from Ultraflex is woven from 100 percent organic plant fiber with a water-based coating on one side.

• Woven material ideal for backlit graphics

  Fisher Textiles now offers a wrinkle-resistant, three-layered, tightly woven material that produces exceptional print quality and opacity for backlit applications.

• Bioplastic used in auto seat fabric

  BIOFRONT is a heat-resistant bioplastic that allows for high-temperature, high-pressure dyeing, and is durable enough for automotive interior use.

• 

  Cutting system makes fabric printing faster

  The system makes production faster and easier by cutting printed fabric on the vertical axis.

• 

  Fashion runways inspire faux leather collection

  Silver State Inc. has introduced the Celebrity vinyl collection of faux leathers: they put on a show, but also offer comfort, durability and cleanability.

• Film allows customization of reflective graphics

  Simple to use, and ready right off the roll, the transfer film features a one-step lamination process that doesn’t require a pre-mask.

• 

  Film protects carpeting and textiles

  Transparent, colorless polyethylene film protects carpeting and textiles from wear and soiling.

• 

  Filter makes waste disposal safe

  The Kaesar Condensate Filter (KCF) is designed to filter out contaminants, making the water safe for disposal.

• 

  Lighted frame showcases fabric graphics

  The exclusive blanket lends a uniform glow to illuminate and draw attention to floor-supported and wall-mounted graphics.

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• Cut costs, not customers

  Think like your customers before making cost management decisions.

• 

  Le Bel forms connections to fuel innovation

  Claude Le Bel’s experiences and interests have led him to success.

• 

  Cutting energy costs can cut taxes

  Federal tax incentive programs can significantly reduce day-to-day operating costs.

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• 

  Chicago’s Millennium Park celebrates fabric

  Zaha Hadid Architects developed a temporary pavilion with an aluminum framework, elastic silver-grey tent fabric and skylights illuminating the interior space.

• 

  Composites race across Australia

  The streamlined vehicle will be constructed of lightweight aerospace composite materials from TenCate.

• 

  Banner barrier decorates Brooklyn Bridge

  The barrier masks ongoing park improvement construction, contain dust and debris, promotes the future look of the park and thanks sponsors.

• 

  Fabric structure revitalizes farmer’s market

  When a fire destroyed a year-round farmer’s market in Washington, D.C., a structure was needed immediately to replace it.

• 

  ETFE membrane installed in North America

  A North American first shelters shoppers and diners in “Kansas City’s living room.”

• 

  Graphics transform geodesic dome

  Pacific Domes created a custom, 24-foot portable geodesic event dome tent for a five-city tour promoting Gatorade Tiger Thirst Quencher.

• 

  Mosaic dresses up fashion trade show

  Pink Inc. developed The Mosaics, a hanging system for their client, Business Journals, to create interesting fashion trade show environments.

• 

  Portable multimedia display used at trade shows

  Visitors to the show watched a multimedia experience on an eight-foot video wall—and everything needed to produce it came out of a single portable box.

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• Controversy over ballasting tents

  Ballasting is becoming more frequent as more customers are reluctant to allow stakes be driven into surfaces of parking lots, parks, etc.

• Defining NYCO fabric

  NYCO is an abbreviation for a fabric that is a blend of nylon and cotton.

• Obtaining a NAFTA Certificate of Origin for exports

  Under NAFTA, exporters of products that qualify under the rules of origin must submit to customs a NAFTA Certificate of Origin.

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