Spider silk sings in violin strings

March 1, 2013  |  Industry News, Projects

Spider silk, a sticky protein combination that creates flexible threads with the tensile strength of steel, is a natural substance fascinating to material scientists, who have investigated possible applications in everything from ballistic protection to medical devices. The problem is that spiders d…
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Stretchable conductive wires heal themselves

March 1, 2013  |  Industry News

Researchers at North Carolina State University are exploring ways to prevent the major shut-downs, accidents and safety risks that happen when someone, somewhere, snaps or cuts the wrong electrical wire. The elastic, self-healing wires have a commercially available polymer in which microfluidic chan…
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Thrace Linq geotextiles certified by AASHTO

March 1, 2013  |  Geosynthetics, Industry News

The American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO), in conjunction with the National Transportation Product Evaluation Program, developed an audit program in March 2012 for geotextiles to ensure uniform standards for geotextiles used in transportation projects. Thrace Li…
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Source Outdoor adds custom awnings

March 1, 2013  |  Industry News

Outdoor seating, dining and lounging furniture has been the core business of Source Outdoor, Miami, Fla., but the company recently introduced a new division, Source Awnings, to custom design awnings to shade those furnishings. “Many property managers and customers … have mentioned the n…
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New CEO of Alexium Intl.

March 1, 2013  |  Industry News

Alexium International Group, Greer, S.C., has been successful in product development for its reactive surface treatment technology, calling for a need to build its operational headquarters. Nick Clark, chief financial officer and company secretary, has been appointed CEO to work on building Alexium …
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Marketing team additions at Miller Weldmaster

March 1, 2013  |  Industry News

Jeannette Hendrickson and Anne-Sophie Dorey increased their profiles on the marketing team at Miller Weldmaster, Navarre, Ohio, to help the company meet the growing demands of its international clientele. Both were promoted from within the Miller Weldmaster ranks. Hendrickson has a B.A. in business …
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Arlon appoints Torres

March 1, 2013  |  Industry News

Lisandra Torres has been promoted to logistics coordinator at Arlon Graphics LLC, a Santa Ana, Calif., manufacturer of pressure-sensitive cut vinyl, flexible substrates and print media films for digital imaging and printing industries. Torres will manage customer delivery, freight vendor and outside…
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Herculite promotes Sparks

March 1, 2013  |  Industry News

Jeff Sparks, an avid supporter of the industrial fabrics industry, will manage the custom fabrics and general purpose fabrics segments of Herculite’s Performance and Custom Products Division—in addition to the Tent and Structures Products Division. Sparks has worked with Emigsville, Pa.-…
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2013 State of the Industry

March 1, 2013  |  Features, Industry News, Markets

Part II discusses specific market segments and international industry participants. By Jeff Rasmussen Successful specialty fabrics organizations have made significant investments since 2009 to improve efficiencies in their organizations. They have emphasized a culture in their businesses that focuse…
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Learn the rules of the Affordable Care Act

March 1, 2013  |  Industry News, Management

Is your alarm going off? By Wayne Mertel Time is ticking away until the next (and most important) date for implementation of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), commonly referred to as health care reform. On Jan. 1, 2014 (on Oct. 1, 2013, employees must be notified), many of the most impactful requiremen…
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