January 1, 2021
Wherever the sun shines, people need shade. These recent canopy projects from around the world fulfill that mission with inspired design and expert execution. by Jeff Moravec Custom canopy projects can present unique challenges to their creators, but that’s a reason many designers, fabricators and installers enjoy them. These projects give them a chance to …
Capital Crescent Trail users in Bethesda, Md., are enjoying an aesthetically pleasing facade of digitally printed blue sky and bird silhouettes, designed and installed by Big Span Structures as part of a parking garage expansion project. In addition to the eye-catching view in place of an otherwise typical concrete parking garage system, the 11,000-square-foot facade …
by Marie O’Mahony In the midst of the reworking of so many segments of the textile industry due to the pandemic, one market segment that has been able to stay focused on the basics of what it does is e-textiles, including conductive fibers and yarns. This technology is no longer just an interesting experiment but …
December 21, 2020
Palm Beach Mask, a Riviera Beach, Fla.-based manufacturer of personal protective equipment (PPE), will donate 100,000 disposable facemasks to government offices, medical organizations, first responders and non-profit groups across Palm Beach County and the Treasure Coast this holiday season. The company was created as a spin-off of Canvas Designers, a Riviera Beach custom marine canvas …
December 1, 2020
3D printed textiles can be viable in the industry. by Kony Chatterjee and Tushar K. Ghosh The advent of 3D printing (3DP) has drawn considerable interest from academia, industry and amateur hobbyists as a novel method of producing objects layer-by-layer (LbL) via a bottom-up manufacturing approach. This method of “additive” manufacturing (used interchangeably with the …
November 1, 2020
3D-printed flexible mesh Engineers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology have designed pliable 3D-printed mesh materials with the flexibility and toughness to be tuned to emulate and support softer tissues such as muscles and tendons. With the ability to tailor the intricate structures in each mesh, the researchers anticipate that the tough, yet stretchy fabric-like …
by Debra Cobb From community masks and health workers’ kits, to hospital gowns, drapes and wraps, disposable personal protective equipment (PPE) is playing a critical role in the battle against COVID-19 infections. But now there is a mountain of disposable PPE that’s creating a whole new set of problems. Used masks and gloves are littering …
National Industries for the Blind creates growth opportunities in the textiles industry for people who are blind or visually impaired. by Holly Eaman For many, 2020 has been a year of recognizing and working to overcome limitations—a technique that partners and employees of National Industries for the Blind (NIB) have mastered since 1938. Headquartered in …
October 1, 2020
Smart objects support the benefits of play London, U.K.-based smart textile designer Michelle Rinow has unveiled her Transforming Touch series, which was developed based on research about the benefits of sensory play for adults. Her design methodology places emphasis on human interaction, connection and engagement through color and materials. Using cotton, silk and nylon blend …
A new book examines sustainability in materials design. By Marie O’Mahony Editor’s note: Marie O’Mahony will moderate a panel session led by author Ed van Hinte on Nov. 5 at IFAI Virtual Expo 2020. The session will provide an updated view on lightness in design and how the world might benefit from it. As the …
