TEXTILES.ORG
Bleeder fabric
July 1st, 2010
Compiled by Juli Case We’ve received a couple of requests for “bleeder” fabric, but that’s a material we’re not familiar with. Any ideas? A bleeder fabric is typically part of a composite material and is used in applications such as vacuum bagging. A “breather” will evacuate air, while the “bleeders” absorb excess resins so that […]
Defining radiolucent
July 1st, 2010
Compiled by Juli Case I’m replacing the pad on an X-ray table and my client has specified that the material we use be “radiolucent.” What does that mean? Radiolucent is a medical term and is used for any item that permits X-rays to shine right through it. This would be important for a pad used […]
Specifications for base fabric
July 1st, 2010
Compiled by Juli Case Our company makes fabric structures, and we’ve noticed that, in some fabric specifications, the fabric manufacturer will use “EC3,” “EC6,” or “EC9” to describe the base fabric. What is this? Upon discovering that the fabric in question was PTFE-coated fiberglass, we were able to clear this mystery up. This abbreviation is […]
Flammability updates underway
July 1st, 2010
The California State Fire Marshal’s office is updating its textile flammability document, Title 19, for the first time since 1993. An April conference call included a discussion of the test method (Section 1273.3) for unsupported film, synthetic fabrics, coated fabrics and fabrics for exterior use. A subcommittee will be further assessing the test and how […]
“Durable” nonwoven fabrics
July 1st, 2010
Micro-denier nonwovens hold the key to the success of future technical applications. By Dr. Behnam Pourdeyhimi The meaning of the word “durable” is not always clear in this context; nonwovens can be long-lasting or have a short lifecycle. Most nonwovens currently are engineered to be single-use products, and function adequately for the applications for which […]
NATO workshop brings defense textiles experts together
July 1st, 2010
The NATO Advanced Study Institute on defense textiles offered a collaborative platform for advancing science and technology for peace and security. By Dr. Seshadri Ramkumar Croatia celebrated its first anniversary as a NATO member by hosting a two-week workshop April 6–16 in Split, Croatia: the NATO Advanced Study Institute (ASI), Defense Related Intelligent Textiles and […]
Industry’s first dry-erase upholstery
July 1st, 2010
Sta-Kleen™, the industry’s first truly erasable polyurethane performance fabric, revolutionizes maintenance and furniture replacement cycles in hospitality, healthcare, office, marine and institutional environments. Recommended for high-traffic commercial environments, the faux leather withstands repeated cleanings without damage, reducing maintenance time and extending furniture life. Day-to-day cleanup is accomplished with a mild soap-and-water solution, and stains from […]
Rebuilding the fabric of Haiti
July 1st, 2010
Textiles and apparel are the largest industries in Haiti, which has sustained a U.S. trade embargo, a political coup, military rule, hurricanes, earthquakes and the desertion of many manufacturers. During the past 20 years, Haiti has lost up to 100,000 textile industry jobs. North Carolina-based Hanesbrands operates a plant in Port-au-Prince and hopes to see […]
An oscillation sensation
July 1st, 2010
Many manufacturing areas need cooling air movement but lack overhead space. The new Pivot 180 is designed to be installed on a column or other vertical structure, with an oscillating function that allows the air generated to radiate 100 feet outward, enveloping a 180-degree arc from side to side. Total coverage area is 12,000 square […]
U.S. imports of textiles down 7.5 percent
July 1st, 2010
For the second year in a row, the U.S. imported fewer textiles and less apparel from overseas, according to the report “Trends in U.S. Textile and Clothing Imports, 2010 Update,” published by Market Publishers Ltd., Birmingham, U.K. Despite friction with the U.S. over the trade imbalance, China is still the biggest supplier of textiles and […]