June 29, 2012
Before Czech engineer Jiri Zajdlík founded Duflex, a company specializing in repair of plastic and rubber products, he studied fire and electric resistance in materials used for air ducts in mining operations. Air ducts are used in underground mines, tunnels, collectors or galleries to reduce explosion hazards from methane gas or dust build-up in confined …
Mimaki representative Paul McGovern and the Fabric Graphics Task Force of IFAI have rescheduled the Fabric Graphics Workshop due to scheduling conflicts as a result of the later-than-planned arrival of the new textile printing machine and a low ratio of attendees to vendors. The workshop has been rescheduled for September 18, 2012 at Mimaki World …
June 28, 2012
An updated energy study conducted by Dr. Joe Huang, a research scientist and president of the consulting group White Box Technologies, has reinforced an earlier study that awnings and exterior shades can provide significant savings on home cooling costs by reducing the load on air conditioners. The new study calculates the impact of awnings in …
June 27, 2012
OEKO-TEX presents “The Next 20” Nov. 14; keynote address from Robert F. Kennedy Jr. OEKO-TEX presents “The Next 20” Nov. 14; keynote address from Robert F. Kennedy Jr. The International OEKO-TEX® Association, in partnership with Olah Inc., will host textile business leaders at “The Next 20,” an afternoon seminar event featuring experts who will present …
June 26, 2012
Gastonia, N.C.-based Rowley Company is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2012; and while some companies in the decorating supplies industry have struggled, Rowley continues to experience growth and market expansion, even in a challenging economy. History: solutions from the Cape New England-based businessman R.H. Rowley moved to Atlanta in 1962 and bought a small drapery …
June 25, 2012
Five universities have been selected to participate in the 2013 Exploration Habitat (X-Hab) Academic Innovation Challenge led by NASA and the National Space Grant Foundation. These universities will design habitat systems, concepts and technologies that could be used in future deep space habitats. The selection is the first milestone in a year-long process for these …
ORACAL USA has appointmented Thomas Mullin as director of sales. Prior to joining ORACAL, Mullin was a regional sales director for 3M. In his new position at ORACAL, Mullin will lead the territory sales managers and oversee development and management of Oracal’s sales strategies for its broad line of premium graphic marking films, digital printing …
June 22, 2012
European schools often include knit scarves in school colors in student uniforms, and Genesis Reflective Products, Kibworth, Leicester, England, saw an opportunity to expand into a new market with its reflective yarn products. The company, maker of reflective horse blankets and fire rescue blankets, integrated 3M Scotchlite® yarn into scarves that highlight students walking at …
June 21, 2012
IFAI collecting comments regarding NFPA-701 and NFPA-70E. The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) announces National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) documents open for public comment. A notice was issued by NIST on behalf of the NFPA to anyone interested in submitting comments about existing fire codes and standards and the development of new codes …
June 20, 2012
Swiss-based specialty chemicals company serving the textile industry, Clariant, has joined the Sustainable Apparel Coalition (SAC). The move is aligned with Clariant’s commitment to uphold sustainable practices in textiles and supports the SAC’s overall vision of addressing social and environmental challenges in the apparel and footwear industry. “Joining the SAC is a natural progression in …
June 19, 2012
The Hohenstein Institute is part of the E.U.-based public research project “UMSICHT” (circumspection), and is developing scientific data to measure the impacts of nano-silver technology. Many unanswered questions exist concerning the behavior of nano-silver particles throughout the life cycle of in-market textiles treated with nano-silver, such as: Do the physical properties of the particles effect …
June 18, 2012
Victor, Designtex and Steelcase announced today a collaborative effort with Unifi to initiate a program to recycle textile industry waste back into fiber and yarn that will be used in first quality fabrics, creating a closed loop process. Fabric waste from pre-approved Victor products at Steelcase’s Athens, Ala. facility will be segregated, collected and sent …
June 15, 2012
Two of the strongest and most innovative textile and technology companies in the “stretch woven and knits” segments are joining forces: Schoeller Textil AG from Sevelen and the Eschler Group from Bühler. The cooperation of the two traditional Swiss companies, under the management of Schoeller Textil AG, makes it possible to place the product range …
June 14, 2012
NanoHorizons Inc., a technology company focused on the development of nanoscale antimicrobial additives for healthcare, textile, and industrial applications, has announced that the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office has issued U.S. Patent 8,183,167 B1 covering an antimicrobial and antifungal textile substrate with exceptional wash durability and efficacy. Based on proprietary manufacturing using nanoparticles such as …
June 13, 2012
For more than 60 years, global companies have entered the annual International Achievement Awards competition: high-visibility recognition of the best products in the specialty fabrics market. Entries are judged by industry experts, editors, architects, educators and design professionals selected for their knowledge in a particular field of study or product area. If you’d like to …
June 12, 2012
The suburb of Paddington on the West Side of Brisbane, Australia, is famous for its trendy bars, clubs and restaurants, and the Caxton Street precinct is well known for top entertainment venues and nightlife. Fabritecture recently completed a tensioned fabric structure for one of Caxton Street’s newest venues, the Halo Lounge Bar, designed to take …
June 11, 2012
Fabritecture, the Tweed-based specialist fabric structure company, was recently recognised by its industry peers at the Specialised Textiles Association Annual Awards for Excellence 2012, held at the Crown Casino in Melbourne, Australia. Each year these awards recognise excellence in design and innovation, highlighting truly spectacular work in the specialty fabrics industry. Entries are judged by …
June 8, 2012
INVISTA’s CORDURA® brand team and Swedish garment brand Blåkläder are collaborating with Artistic Milliners to develop a new stylish, high-performing trouser. The Blåkläder X1500 CORDURA Denim fabric trouser has been developed for exceptional performance and toughness in extreme conditions, to benefit tradespeople such as electricians, builders and brick-layers. Predominantly worn today as a casual apparel …
June 7, 2012
Miller Weldmaster, a leading global provider of heat-sealing technology services and machinery for the industrial welding fabric and thermoplastic market, announced today it has reached a major milestone in history of the company. Miller Weldmaster machines now operate in more than 100 nations worldwide. “Reaching this major milestone reflects our global commitment to delivering reliable, …
The Industrial Fabrics Association International (IFAI), publisher of Specialty Fabrics Review magazine, named Mary Hennessy president and CEO on June 6, 2012. An IFAI employee for 24 years, Hennessy most recently held the position of interim executive vice president. Prior to that, she served as vice president of communications and publisher of IFAI’s industry magazines. …
Grand prize trip includes “backstage” tour of Richard Childress Racing, entry into top national motorsports events Roland DGA Corp. announces the Roland Race Experience Challenge. Through July 31, 2012 Roland wrap businesses across the U.S. and Canada can enter to win a grand prize package that includes: an all-expense-paid trip for two to Charlotte, N.C. …
June 6, 2012
Cooley Group, a leading designer, developer and manufacturer of high-performance engineered membranes for advertising, chemical containment, military, environmental protection and roofing initiatives, has announced additional developments that underscore the company’s commitment to sustainability and corporate social responsibility. Dan Dwight, Cooley president and CEO, has been named to the board of directors of Family Service of …
June 5, 2012
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) are launching a strategic alliance to provide counseling and training to entrepreneurs over the age of 50 who want to start or grow a small business. Through SBA’s online training courses and nationwide network of business mentors and counselors, the two …
June 4, 2012
The Obama administration today announced a $26 million multi-agency “Advanced Manufacturing Jobs and Innovation Accelerator Challenge” to foster innovation-fueled job creation through public-private partnerships. These coordinated investments will help catalyze and leverage private capital, build an entrepreneurial ecosystem and promote cluster-based development in regions across the United States. This is the third round of the …
June 1, 2012
Mark’s Inc., Langley, B. C., Canada, began its mission of ‘providing extraordinary clothing and footwear to Canadians’ in 1977 with one store, now expanded to more than 380 locations. Mark’s wanted smart stores that educated and excited customers about the technology built into its products, and enlisted Eventscape Inc., Toronto, Ont., Canada, to incorporate the …
Royal TenCate, Almelo, The Netherlands, is a leader in development and production of thermoplastic composites for applications in the aerospace industry, but demand for thermoplastic high-performance composite materials in other industries is increasing. In April, TenCate acquired Performance Materials Corp. (PMC) Baycomp, Camarillo, Calif., a specialist in composite materials moulding and thermoplastic uni-directional tape materials, …
Opak Poplin for dye sublimation and UV printing is now produced in-house at Fisher Textiles, back in stock. The three-layer material consists of two pieces of style 6248 Poly Poplin bonded to a 100 percent lamination film sandwiched in the middle. The film makes the fabric 100 percent opaque, waterproof and wind resistant—excellent for double-sided …
More than 240,000 college graduates will make an environmental statement this year as they ascend an auditorium stage to receive their degrees. The caps and gowns that identify the school, degree type and major course of study will be made of 100 percent recycled—and recyclable—REPREVE®. Unifi Inc., Greensboro, N.C., produces multifilament polyester and nylon textured …
Industry veteran Dan Pittman brings 35 years of experience in textile and apparel to his new role as chief operating officer for Integrated Textile Solutions (ITS), Salem, Va., a contract manufacturer of industrial, military, textile and apparel products. Pittman most recently served as director of engineering and sales support for Eton Systems Inc., and has …
Vicar Intl. now stocks Coats Star Ultra Dee size 92 polyester thread in 4-oz. cones to complement its existing Aqualon thread line. The new line is made from high-strength continuous filament polyester with a bonded finish, and excellent resistance to UV degradation, microorganisms and mildew. Recommended for furniture, automotive, marine and other outdoor applications. Available …
A partnership consisting of 35 companies is donating $2.7 million in advanced building energy technologies and services for a new “living laboratory” of sustainable design, the Fraunhofer Center for Sustainable Energy (CSE) Building Technology Showcase. The technologies will be installed during the “deep energy retrofit” and renovation of the historic 5 Channel Center in Boston’s …
As new Asia-Pacific senior marketing specialist for the INVISTA CORDURA® brand, Sophia Ou will execute marketing strategies to increase trade and consumer awareness in the Asia-Pacific region. Ou brings more than four years of experience in marketing and outdoor-related industries, and she will emphasize outdoor and travel applications for the durable CORDURA fabrics. Prior to …
DesignConcept Furniture V2R3 from Lectra is a comprehensive 2D/3D design and virtual prototyping solution for the furniture market, helping manufacturers review development processes and combine permanent innovation, quick commercialization and optimized costs. System enables users to respond quickly to bids and requests, while providing a larger choice of styles, designs, materials and colors. DesignConcept facilitates …
The world’s largest indoor theme park gives visitors the chance to experience fast and furious fun, Ferrari style. Ferrari World, on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, takes the legendary Italian sports car to new speeds, with a family-friendly attraction offering rides, films, shops, restaurants and lodging accented in red and steeped in all things Ferrari. Designers …
[Paul’s Custom Canvas Inc.] Denver, Colo. Paul’s Custom Canvas designed and fabricated the new upholstery for the cockpit of a used 32-foot Fountain boat, following the client’s own design idea, including the Fountain logo on the headrests and back sun pad—upholstered rather than embroidered for a long-lasting impression. Due to its complexity, the logo pattern …
The Laurel design is the latest addition to Omnova Solutions’ portfolio of Boltaflex® contract upholstery products, featuring a classic tone-on-tone floral motif updated with shimmering metallic flecks for an added aesthetic dimension. Its noticeable crinkle texture plays over a subtle microweave for a unique, soft hand. Laurel’s palette features 11 fresh hues, including soft greens, …
Warehouse-based business operations involve moving stock rapidly from place to place with forklifts and mechanized traffic—a process that can make mincemeat out of swinging doors. Doors with dings, dents, bent frames and worn-out hinges can impede efficient movement of stock and pose safety risks to employees. TMI LLC, a Pittsburgh, Pa., manufacturer of products to …
[Iverson’s Design] Olympia, Wash. Iverson’s Design created the plan for a complete cockpit enclosure on a sailboat, including dodger, bimini, connector panel and sunshade mesh enclosure panels. All components of this enclosure are removable so the boat owner has a variety of options. The company also outfitted it with side and back grab rails, integrated …
The Mutual Aid Box Alarm System (MABAS) of Illinois stands ready to bring emergency fire, medical and incident command resources anywhere in the state. Teams may be responding to fires, chemical spills, explosions, tornados or terrorist threats, but the protective apparel worn by MABAS’s first responders to hazardous materials incidents will be ONESuit® Pro Level …
[SeaCanvas] Egg Harbor Township, N.J. Sea Canvas was asked to recreate a four-sided enclosure using some soft, polished sheet vinyl and some EZ2CY acrylic window material. The client requested rigid windows forward, soft vinyl with U-zippers on the sides, and a roll-up aft door and aft mid windows. Looking to change to tracking on the …
Mexico’s natural rubber production gives the country an advantage in developing new materials, and researchers at the Instituto Politécnico Nacional (IPN), an important higher education technology center, are working on developing synthetic materials from rubber for “smart” garments. The current project focuses on rubber synthesis, chemical modification, and characterization of polymer properties to make waterproof …
Industry support for university researchers can help drive new developments in advanced textiles markets. By Amit Kapoor What are the most exciting or intriguing developments in the industry in advanced technologies? First Line Technology primarily develops and manufactures products for the U.S. Department of Defense and first responders, so some of the most intriguing developments …
A fashion show at a hotel in Makati City, Philippines, demonstrated that fabrics made of fruit and vegetable fibers can be beautiful. The Philippine Textile Research Institute (PTRI) showcased 40 designs, all made from tropical fibers including banana, pineapple, saluyot, maguey and water hyacinth. The fibers have been incorporated into uniforms for government employees. The …
Jim Carroll Jr. knows how to make a premium product—and price it right. By Sigrid Tornquist “Being busy is one thing. Making money is another,” says Jim Carroll Jr., MFC, owner of Hoover Canvas Products Co., Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. “So many people see neighboring businesses selling product for less and say to themselves: If they …
Areal density is used throughout the body armor industry to make pound-for-pound performance comparisons of armor systems, and is frequently listed among required attributes of procurement contracts—despite the lack of a standardized test method. H.P. White Laboratory Inc., near Baltimore, Md., is an independent ballistics testing lab and has developed a new Standard Method for …
Industry experts call for more uniformity in codes and regulations and better information for officials about fabric end products. By Barb Ernster End product manufacturers that design and fabricate any kind of fabric structure, from awnings to large structures, are finding it necessary to know more than ever about codes and regulations affecting the products …
India’s Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee presented a proposed budget for 2012‐13 that invests $1 billion in technical textile growth in the form of a venture capital scheme, India Opportunities Venture Fund. It is part of a five-year plan, the National Mission on Technical Textiles, and features a boost in investment for geotextile production; reduction in …
Fabric products help with home health care, self care and wellness practices for an aging population. By Dara Syrkin Fabrics have always had an important place in health care markets, but with an increasing emphasis on home health care and self-care initiatives, new fabric products are helping to provide the kind of care that used …
Disposable garments used in cleanrooms and laboratories prevent contamination of products and people, but not necessarily contamination of air, water and land. A pilot program by Kimberly-Clark Professional, Dallas, Texas, and partner TerraCycle Inc., Trenton, N.J., collected more than 7,000 pounds of garment and nonwoven waste, including coveralls, hoods, boot covers, hair nets and masks. …
Vinyl films help vehicles—trucks, boats, planes, trains and automobiles—meet at the “finish” line, and the consumer market is on the inside track. By Janice Kleinschmidt A connoisseur of Armani and custom shirts, Greg Purdy may seem like a fish out of water driving a pinkish-purple Scion with bright yellow letters on the front fender exclaiming …