Sun-Powered textiles
January 1st, 2017
Fabrics with self-cleaning properties can last longer, require less maintenance and even reduce air pollution. Sunlight can damage many types of fabrics, yet it can also have a beneficial effect on textiles that are enhanced with self-cleaning technologies. Thanks to functional coatings and pioneering research, self-cleaning properties—powered by the sun—are extending the life of textiles […]
Stand out in a crowd
January 1st, 2017
There are many options for businesses and other organizations that exhibit at events. But it’s easy to get lost in the shuffle if you opt for the fairly standard types of tents used by most vendors. Now there’s an option that could make any exhibitor feel like a star. The Star Tent stands out because […]
Sustainable Opportunity
January 1st, 2017
Eric and Angie Riggins create new products and capture new markets to ensure a steady stream of work throughout the year. We’re always looking for opportunities to grow the business,” says Angie Riggins, co-owner of Alpha Canvas, Charlotte, N.C. “We have to be innovative to set ourselves apart from our competitors—we find ways to meet […]
Inspired by nature
January 1st, 2017
How do you reimagine the design of a convention center? After all, it’s a structure that generally has an industrial feel in order to accommodate large event, meeting and trade show space and the expanses required to move displays, equipment and groups of people in and out. The international architecture firm, Studio Fuksas, looked to […]
Optimal blockout and durability
January 1st, 2017
Midnight Blockout is a knitted polyester fabric engineered with a durable acrylic black back for applications that require blockout. Constructed for the tradeshow industry, it meets NFPA 701 FR specifications and provides options in ink compatibility including dye sub direct, dye sub transfer, UV and latex. Slight stretch makes Midnight Blockout suitable for use with […]
Knowing what you need
January 1st, 2017
Examining antimicrobial and omni-repellency performance. Textile testing was front and center at IFAI’s Advanced Textiles Conference and on the IFAI Expo 2016 show floor in Charlotte, N.C. Testing to be assured that a product will perform as expected is an important step in the development of any application; in antimicrobial performance, it is becoming even […]
Flying the “Paper Airplane”
January 1st, 2017
Canvas Specialty, Inc. works through challenges to create a shade structure that is also art. The simplicity of the paper airplane has made it a popular toy for generations of kids (and adults), even in this age of high-tech entertainment. But while the shade structure installed recently in Los Angeles’ Grand Park was designed to resemble […]
Textile, heal thyself
January 1st, 2017
What if you accidentally spill a chemical on your shirt, causing a hole, and miraculously, the shirt repairs itself when you throw it in the wash? It’s not just the stuff of science fiction. Known as self-healing textiles, fabrics are being developed that can repair themselves as well as neutralize chemicals dangerous to human health. […]
Developing friendlier fabrics
January 1st, 2017
As sustainability is increasingly important to growing numbers of consumers, fabric manufacturers are broadening their eco-friendly offerings, giving specialty fabricators plenty of green options. As a famous frog once lamented, it’s not easy being green. The same can be said for companies wanting to “green” up their product offerings and manufacturing processes, since doing so […]
Moving shade
January 1st, 2017
Oasis® Patio Shades Driven by Lutron® are motorized patio shades and retractable insect screens available for the home market. The high-end patio shades bring advanced control to outdoor spaces by controlling heat, UV rays, glare and insects. Oasis 2800 Patio Sun Shades are available in a range of solar screen fabrics with weaves from 1 […]