Inflatables grab the attention of the rental market

March 1, 2020  |  Markets

By Pamela Mills-Senn It’s all about “Instagrammable” moments. Event producers are under increasing pressure to design photo-worthy experiences that get clicks and shares. Within that environment, inflatable structures offer a way for tent and event rental companies to provide their clients wit…
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Inhibiting microbes with topcoat technology

February 1, 2020  |  Markets

When compounded performance additives in vinyl aren’t enough, antimicrobial lacquers and topcoats offer extra protection. By Hugh Barrett Microbes, such as bacteria and fungi, can live on a surface for months. Manufacturers of flexible vinyl, films, fabrics and textiles use engineered antimicrobia…
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Sustainable practices in today’s textile industry

February 1, 2020  |  Advanced Textiles, Markets

 by Marie O’Mahony The story of sustainability in the textile industry has grown and changed, particularly in the last decade. The concept of “circularity” is now driving sustainability across the materials sector. According to the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, “A circular economy is based on…
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Enduratex expands marine products representation

January 29, 2020  |  Company News, Marine

Enduratex™ has expanded its marine product representation through a new relationship with Coatney Sales and Haimes Coleman Group Inc., according to Eric Petersen, director of sales and marketing for Enduratex. Craig Coatney, principal of Coatney Sales, and Charlie Haimes, a principal in the Haimes…
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Marine Fabricators Association Announces Marine Fabrication Excellence Award Winners

January 28, 2020  |  Marine, News

The Marine Fabricators Association (MFA) awarded the Marine Fabrication Excellence Awards for design excellence, and quality workmanship in marine applications at the 2020 Marine Fabricators Conference. Marine Fabricators Conference is an annual conference that includes education and training, netwo…
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Making decisions in an uncertain trade environment

January 1, 2020  |  Advanced Textiles, Markets

By Marie O’Mahony Editor’s note: The issue of U.S. trade is unusually dynamic and evolving today. The majority of this article represents information available when the speakers presented at IFAI Expo in October 2019.  With current international trade in a persistent state of flux, it’s t…
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Better together: Indiana Fabric Solutions’ partnership philosophy

January 1, 2020  |  Markets

Indiana Fabric Solutions’ partnership philosophy is helping both the company and the community grow.  By Holly Eamon Business is booming at Indiana Fabric Solutions, in part because of the owners’ focus on fostering connections within the workforce and the community. Connections, community and …
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New test methods are needed for medical textiles

December 1, 2019  |  Advanced Textiles, Markets

by Matthew Hardwick, ph.D. The spread of infection is a concern for all of us, but nowhere is it more concerning than in health care. The spread of infection both to and from medical environments is an ever-present problem in hospitals and clinics around the world. Numerous resources are being dedic…
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Structured symbolism: ‘Wings over Stinson’ custom architecture

December 1, 2019  |  Markets

International Tension Structures lifts a community’s sense of pride, one 50-foot, membrane-wrapped steel wing at a time. By Holly Eamon Architecture without a definitive function is not an easy sell. But it’s rarely a regret. “The concept is hard for people to digest, especially early on in a …
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The value and limitations of medical device master files

November 1, 2019  |  Advanced Textiles, Markets

by Elaine Duncan Medical device master files, known as MAFs, have value for textile contract manufacturers and the medical device developer in many ways, but there are some practical limitations. Most medical device manufacturers that incorporate a medical textile into their products will seek a kno…
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