Textiles team up with technology for smart medical products
August 1st, 2019
Technological advances in the medical field are nothing short of mind-blowing. by Pamela Mills-Senn Take operating room (OR) technology. In today’s ORs, one might find an array of smart surgical tools, augmented reality devices and precision robotics that assist surgeons in performing the most complex and exacting of procedures. Patients are greatly benefiting from these […]
Mermet Corporation seeks to protect ecology, promote sustainability and improve communities
August 1st, 2019
By Paul Johnson Mermet Corporation was not content to create just any standard environmental stewardship program for the company. Instead, the Cowpens, S.C.-based innovative solar shade manufacturer went several steps further to create its Weaving Change initiative. The program is a broad-based movement that supports sound environmental textile manufacturing, resource conservation, environmental protection and charitable […]
Gas-detecting threads
August 1st, 2019
Sensing threads prepared with bromothymol blue (top thread), methyl red (middle thread) and MnTPP (bottom thread) are exposed to ammonia at 0 ppm (left panel) 50 ppm (middle panel) and 1000 ppm (right panel). Photo: Rachel Owyeung, Nano Lab, Tufts University. The detection of volatile gases can be critical in public health, workplace safety, military […]
Fibers of the future
August 1st, 2019
Roughly five times lighter than a more conventional steel structure, the BUGA Fibre Pavilion was created using robotics technology that placed fibrous filaments between two rotating winding scaffolds. The process created the predefined shape of the building component, which included a lattice of translucent glass fibers onto which black carbon fibers were placed where structurally […]
Efficient flatbed printer
August 1st, 2019
The VersaUV® LEF2-200 20-inch benchtop UV flatbed printer offers features that increase ease of use and efficiency. The printer inherits the VersaUV LEF series’ ability to print full-color graphics and unique textures, including premium finishes, onto an array of materials and objects up to 3.94 inches (100 mm) thick, including leather and other fabric substrates. […]
Soft robotics and shape memory alloys
August 1st, 2019
Shape memory alloys are a fit with textile technologies. by Janet Preus What makes a material robotic? According to Brad Holschuh, Ph.D., assistant professor of wearable technology and apparel design in the College of Design at the University of Minnesota (UMN), the simplest explanation is that it’s a synthetic product with mechanical actuation that can […]
Stylish woven collection
August 1st, 2019
Zealand is a woven collection with a rattan-like look and a metallic finish developed for hospitality, contract seating, lounge and casino, and health care applications. The collection is produced with antibacterial and antimicrobial agents and further fortified with a proprietary topcoat, FORBID SRT, which combats blue jean dye transfer, lipstick, Sharpie and pen marks, and […]
Nanofiber veil for composites
August 1st, 2019
Designed to improve the strength and performance of composite components at a lower cost, Xantu.Layr XLB has the potential for numerous applications, including in the aerospace industry. Photo: Revolution Fibres. The world’s first commercially available interleaving nanofiber veil for use in fiber-reinforced thermoset polymer composite materials has been developed by New Zealand-based Revolution Fibres in […]
A pocket-sized washing machine
August 1st, 2019
The Scrubba Mini washes on the go, helping campers, hikers and vacationers pack lighter. Photo: Kickstarter. When you’re hiking and camping, sometimes all you want is to freshen your clothing. But, short of beating your socks against the rocks, there usually aren’t many good options on the trail. Calibre8, the Australian creator of the original […]
Channeling nature through fabric at Allianz Field
August 1st, 2019
Dramatic Allianz Field soccer stadium in Minnesota takes its cues from Lake Superior and aurora borealis. By Bruce N. Wright, AIA Soccer is an internationally loved sport for many reasons, but one draw has to be the fluid physicality of the athletes. The new Allianz Field soccer stadium in St. Paul, Minn., reflects this dynamic […]