TEXTILES.ORG
Mislabeled textile shipment intercepted
October 1st, 2014
A DNA-authentication technology was recently used to interdict a shipment of mislabeled textiles that resulted in more than $1 million of inventory being held in quarantine. The technology, developed by Applied DNA Sciences of Stony Brook, N.Y., intercepted products consisting of an assortment of yarn, finished fabric and garments that could have been mislabeled, and […]
Quantum mechanics, dressed for success
October 1st, 2014
Students from the University of Michigan cheered Quantum, a solar-powered vehicle designed by a student engineering team, as it coasted to victory in the 1,700-mile 2014 American Solar Challenge—the team’s fifth consecutive victory. The eight-day drive, powered completely by the sun, brought the team into Minneapolis on July 30 with stinky T-shirts and dirty socks—but […]
Under the sea
October 1st, 2014
New textile sheets boost yields in seaweed farming. Seaweed, it is believed, is an important but under-exploited resource for food and feed ingredients, biochemicals and the production of biofuels. However, it has been difficult to harvest efficiently on a large scale. The European Union-funded AT~SEA project is addressing this challenge and has developed advanced textiles […]
The secret sharer
October 1st, 2014
There are some not-so-obvious benefits to attending industry events. You already know why your upcoming convention and trade show is important: it’s a chance to discover new products and new suppliers, discuss emerging industry trends and best practices, and learn from the people who make up your industry, as they learn from you. New products, […]
Reclaiming the industry
October 1st, 2014
Overall trends in the once-again growing specialty fabrics industry. After years of struggles, there’s optimism in the U.S. textile industry. The recent recession took its toll, but growth was already flagging from increased off-shore production and a shrinking skilled workforce, among other things. While the textile industry is many faceted and complex, it’s safe to […]
Covering all the bases
October 1st, 2014
Today’s tents and fabric structures aren’t just safe shelter; they’ve become key contributors to memorable events and are providing semi-permanent and permanent structural solutions. “Give me something different.” It’s a request event planners have been fielding much more often. Although it’s always been desirable that tents should make a good first impression—after all, an aesthetically […]
Outer limits
October 1st, 2014
High-performance fabrics and finishes stretch the capabilities of athletes and recreational sports enthusiasts. Once upon a time, recreational sports were pretty tame: croquet, badminton, golf, rowing. But as humans eyed what new technology afforded them in the way of action, they began pushing the physical limits. When ESPN launched the X Games in 1995, it […]
Don’t forget your boots
October 1st, 2014
Eco-friendly, practical boots fold up for easy packing and stowing. ‘Sardines,’ by designer Estel Acaraz, are foldable rain boots that can be folded up, secured with a flexible strap and stowed away or packed for travel. Made of injection-molded thermoplastic polyurethane—a highly elastic, recyclable plastic—the boots squash down to just a fifth of their original […]
Kinetic architecture
October 1st, 2014
Retractable fabric systems are poised to transform outdoor spaces. So you thought retractable fabric structures were a late 20th century phenomenon sheltering sports stadia, outdoor shopping malls, and en plein air cafes? Think again. Forms of retractable fabric roof systems date to Roman times. The Coliseum’s vast seating area, the cavea, was covered with a […]
Automated design/cutting
October 1st, 2014
Enhanced appearances and time saved. New turnkey solution from Autometrix facilitates the automation of awning design and cutting; new bundled package includes Eclipse 3D exclusive awning design software used to create dome, waterfall and traditional awnings with features for strip alignment and adding custom valances. The software exports a flattened pattern to the cutter, reducing […]