Professional printing
July 1st, 2017
Next-generation SureColor S-series 64-inch S40670, S60670 and S80670 high-performance, roll-to-roll eco-solvent printers are the first large-format signage printers powered by Epson’s PrecisionCore printhead technology, for printing of photographic quality images for the signage, vehicle graphics and fine art reproduction markets. The new line incorporates the fourth-generation Epson Ultrachrome GS3 solvent ink, designed to reduce ink […]
Woven metal fabric for space travel
July 1st, 2017
Maybe it’s the Game of Thrones effect, because these days, metal fabrics are super hip. And just like the practical purpose they served in medieval times, a new woven metal fabric being developed by NASA can be put to use in a number of ways. Raul Polit Casillas, a systems engineer at NASA’s Jet Propulsion […]
The graphic edge
July 1st, 2017
Fisher Textiles, a supplier of fabrics for digital printing, has introduced DD 4444 Domination®, a new fabric for frontlit Silicone Edge Graphics (SEG) applications that is specially treated for UV-curable, direct and transfer sublimation printing. DD 4444 Domination is very stable with a gorgeous sheen that can also be used for banners, exhibit graphics, photographic […]
Recycling and repurposing used fabrics and scraps
July 1st, 2017
About five years ago, Scott Massey, president of Awning Cleaning Industries/APCO Products (and a member of IFAI’s board of directors), decided to expand his business reach in an earth-friendly way. His company has always had an environmental bent, since well-maintained fabrics stay out of landfills longer. Still, even these fabrics eventually need replacing, resulting in […]
Wearable electronics technology developers, textile designers and fashion brands join forces to make smarter clothing
July 1st, 2017
Over the past decade, we’ve seen a slow but sure evolution of wearable electronics, including smart textiles, designed primarily to monitor body functions and communicate with the Internet of Things. But a great many of them were not especially wearable, and some never made it out of the lab. The tide, however, seems to be […]
Durable, flexible fiber-reinforced hydrogel
July 1st, 2017
Scientists at Hokkaido University in Sapporo, Japan, have combined hydrogels containing high levels of water with glass fiber fabric to create a flexible, reinforced material that is five times tougher than carbon steel. The researchers developed the durable, tensile material utilizing the same method used to produce reinforced plastics. They combined polyampholyte (PA) gels, a […]