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Equipment that makes a difference

July 1, 2021  |  Features, Markets

Countless decisions go into the daily operation of a business, some big, some small, but all part of determining how successful a company is going to be. The decision to purchase equipment is usually one of the bigger decisions—and it also can make the biggest difference. Equipment purchases can h…
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A giant leap for technical textiles

July 1, 2021  |  Advanced Textiles, Markets

The International Achievement Awards (IAAs) began in 1946 as a photo contest for awning and canopy projects, and 75 years later, the program continues to honor exceptional work in those fields. But as we celebrate the 75th anniversary of the IAAs in 2021, we can marvel at the wide range of projects …
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DITF celebrates 100 years of textile innovation

June 1, 2021  |  Advanced Textiles, Markets

The German Institutes of Textile and Fiber Research (DITF) is the largest textile research center in Europe, with roots that go back 100 years to the first German Research Institute for the Textile Industry, established in Reutlingen in 1921. As the institute expanded to additional locations in Stut…
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A winning canopy in Atlantic City

June 1, 2021  |  Awards, Awnings & Canopies, IAA, Markets

What started as a photo contest in 1946 among canvas goods manufacturers has become a prestigious international awards competition honoring excellence in awnings and canopies, shade sails, marine fabrication, geosynthetic projects, tent rental and manufacturing, tensile structures, fabric graphics, …
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WEB-EXTRA: Creating ‘The Canyon’

May 1, 2021  |  Fabric Architecture, Markets

For the new terminal complex at the Salt Lake City International Airport, a specially commissioned public art installation involved architectural fabric. The visually stunning fabric sculpture “The Canyon” by public artist Gordon Huether was accomplished by a dedicated team of fabric engineers a…
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Electric and solar vehicles drive the future of automotive textiles

May 1, 2021  |  Advanced Textiles, Markets

Recent reports illuminate key factors that will influence the automotive textiles segment in the future. Most notably, the automotive lightweight material market is expected to reach $247 billion by 2026, according to Global Market Insights Inc.
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Responsive textiles: The future of athleisurewear

May 1, 2021  |  Advanced Textiles, Markets

Most of us still can’t (realistically) answer the siren song of working in pajamas. However, we’re certainly becoming au fait with the comfortable, functional clothing that can help us power through long, testing days at an essential workplace or hours of Zoom meetings for those working from hom…
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Portico shade structure opens up new possibilities

May 1, 2021  |  Awnings & Canopies, Markets

When a client requested a cover for the entry of a workshop/studio, Schafbock Design Workshop of Gujarat, India, took on several challenges, according to Schafbock’s Shehzad Irani. These included the timeline, which was just 45 days from concept design to installation, and the site, a fully functi…
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Keeping up the shade market momentum

April 1, 2021  |  Awnings & Canopies, Markets

Shade is on everyone’s mind, according to Margueritte Ramos, owner and sales manager of ShadeFLA. The Miami, Fla.-based company designs and installs shade products ranging from awnings and canopies to retractable roofs and tension sails. Lately, the phone hasn’t stopped ringing.
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36-foot Spectre Cat recovering

April 1, 2021  |  Marine, Markets

The client brought this 36-foot Spectre Cat to B’s Kustom Kreations of Jefferson City, Mo., because he was looking for custom upholstery work from a reputable shop, and B’s fit the bill, says owner Bryan Lute. “We specialize in custom automotive upholstery so we love opportunities to work on b…
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