Leading the third generation

May 1, 2016  |  Business, Management

Ryan Chism, estimator and project manager at The Chism Company Inc., San Antonio, Texas, is the third generation working in a family-owned and managed company. Founded in 1951, the company has grown from a small home improvement business to a recognized industry leader in fabric and metal shade and …
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Let there be (flexible) light

May 1, 2016  |  Advanced Textiles, Markets

As efficiencies continue to improve, more applications are found for flexible photovoltaics. For a long time, it was common knowledge that thin film and flexible photovoltaics (PV) were not practical because of their lower efficiencies compared with more traditional glass-encased PV. That is no long…
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An intelligent ecosystem

May 1, 2016  |  Editorial

Last Friday (April 22), I’d meant to wear my original “Earth Day” button, purchased in 1970 as a callow youth in Morris, Minn.; but as a jaded professional in Minneapolis, Minn., I remembered to grab earrings but left the button sitting next to one that says “CTHULHU FOR PRESIDENT: If you’…
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Futuristic fabrics

May 1, 2016  |  Advanced Textiles, Features, Markets

Today’s smart fabric products, with embedded or woven technological components, are resonating with consumers, and the market is responding. Woven, nonwoven and knitted textiles are the foundation of the fabrics that make up our daily existence, from the clothes we wear to the upholstered chai…
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Infinite possibilities

May 1, 2016  |  Projects

Even though many options exist for outdoor canopies for residential and commercial use, Dr. Alan Shargani couldn’t find one that would work for his home. He found that the canopies available were difficult to install and maintain. Made from one long piece of fabric, they required precise measureme…
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Getting physical: The other smart textiles

May 1, 2016  |  Advanced Textiles, Markets

Nonelectronic fabrics can cool, warm and clean themselves—and enhance the health and performance of the wearer. Much attention has been given to textiles that are integrated with electronic sensors and circuitry (e-textiles). But some smart textiles do not rely on electronics. According to Rebecca…
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Soaking up the sun

May 1, 2016  |  Fabric Structures, Markets

Solar-powered Techstyle Haus demonstrates the aesthetic and functional benefits of state-of-the-art fabric architecture. When the 2014 Solar Decathlon Europe issued a call for attractive, energy-efficient homes powered by the sun, one team of design students tapped the potential of fabric architectu…
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Military-grade comfort

May 1, 2016  |  Projects

In hot, humid weather most people want to wear light, breezy clothing. If you’re in the military, however, the clothing option is limited to the uniform you’re issued. Outdoor Research, a Seattle, Wash.-based designer of high-performance outdoor gear, has partnered with W.L. Gore & Associate…
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Fit to print

May 1, 2016  |  Projects

Epson America Inc., Long Beach, Calif., revealed the creative potential of its SureColor® F-Series dye-sublimation printing solutions at the Epson Digital Couture event in New York City on Feb. 9. In its second year, the event showcases clothing collections fabricated by 11 North and Latin American…
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Exam rooms to go

May 1, 2016  |  Projects

When an athlete is injured on the field, it’s critical that medical professionals evaluate him or her right away. At a football game or other arena sport, distractions and confusion can inhibit a quick, efficient diagnosis. Engineering students at the University of Alabama devised a solution: They…
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