A global look at nanomaterials

February 1, 2010  |  Business, Features

Research and regulations on the environmental and safety issues of nanomaterials: a global approach. By Janice Kleinschmidt Nanotechnology data is growing exponentially as universities and industries around the world research and develop products with specific performance attributes (liquid, dirt an…
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Custom transportation upholstery offers profitable opportunities

February 1, 2010  |  Features, Markets, Upholstery

By air, land or sea, capture demand with quality and creativity. By Abbie Yarger In a world of mass production and one-size-fits-all, the factory-made box isn’t suitable for everyone. People are constantly transforming themselves or the things they own to stand out from the masses and make a l…
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Intelligent shading helps save energy

January 1, 2010  |  Awnings & Canopies, Business, Features

Shade structure and awning manufacturers are making shade pay for customers. By Holly O’Dell The importance of green technology is growing, with many industries finding new ways to integrate sustainable techniques into their products and services. Awning and shade structure manufacturers and f…
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Outsourcing as part of a growth strategy

January 1, 2010  |  Business, Features, Management

Is the best way to do business still all under your own roof? By Marc Hequet Outsource your website? Probably. Your bookkeeping? Maybe. Printing of logos on your fabric? Hmmm. It’s possible. But should you outsource the stuff you do best? Never say never. These are interesting times. Manufactu…
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Equipment and process efficiency

January 1, 2010  |  Business, Features

Finding efficiencies in equipment and processes to improve productivity, quality and delivery. By Janice Kleinschmidt In the early 20th century, mass production created not only jobs for assembly-line workers, but also for people to increase productivity. They were called ‘efficiency experts.&…
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Belli relies on relationships

January 1, 2010  |  Features, Management, Perspective

Joe Belli drives business by making the most of relationships. By Sigrid Tornquist “Relationship selling is absolutely where it’s at,” says Joe Belli, design and estimating department manager and part owner of Eide Industries Inc. in Cerritos, Calif. “Sometimes people think it’s the lowest…
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Printed fabrics for home interiors

January 1, 2010  |  Features, Graphics

Digitally printed fabrics provide a world of opportunities for home interior applications. By Holly O’Dell Mass production has become the hallmark of American retail and design, but some consumers are ditching what they deem as cookie-cutter products and using interior designers to help them c…
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The right solution

January 1, 2010  |  Features, Graphics

Ink manufacturers strive to improve capabilities for printing on textiles. By Janice Kleinschmidt Look up the history of printing on Wikipedia and you’ll find a timeline that begins circa 200 with woodblock printing on textiles in China, followed by screen printing (1907), dye sublimation (195…
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The dye-sub debate: Transfer vs. direct

January 1, 2010  |  Features, Graphics

Explore the two printing technologies that have taken the fabric graphics industry by storm. By Maura Keller In this day and age, our media-saturated environment is teeming with bigger, brighter and longer-lasting images. From theatrical backdrops to grand format advertising banners to tradeshow boo…
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Fabrics, coatings and finishes

December 1, 2009  |  Business, Features

Coatings customize fabrics for the perfect match with customers’ applications. By Barb Ernster There are countless combinations of fabrics, coatings, finishes and coating methods to achieve different specifications for a wide spectrum of applications. From simple vinyl tarps to highly engineer…
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