USIFI and NFI Lobby Day 2017

April 6, 2017  |  Industry News, News

The U.S. Industrial Fabrics Institute (USIFI) and Narrow Fabrics Institute (NFI) members joined forces in Washington, D.C., February 7–8 to discuss textile issues with Congress and key executive branch policymakers. Lobby Day is an opportunity for USIFI and NFI members to nurture stronger working …
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2017 Specialty Fabrics Showcase

April 4, 2017  |  Products

FABRIC MEANS PERFORMANCE—THE QUALITIES THAT CUSTOMERS DEMAND. For this feature, we asked our contributors to send us information about their latest high-performing fabrics: fabrics that protect against weather, pests, disease, use and abuse for years—and look good doing it. We’ve organized the…
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Hand-crafted shade

April 1, 2017  |  Industry News

David Aberle is the president of Hoigaard’s Custom Canvas & Awnings in Plymouth, Minn. Since 1895, Hoigaard’s has been manufacturing and installing high-quality awnings and shade structures for commercial and residential clients. Here, Aberle shares his thoughts about the industry and offers…
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Beware the local radishes

April 1, 2017  |  Editorial

Whenever anyone says something about being on Cloud 9, I have to wonder about the populations of Clouds 1–8. Are there predestined atmospheric locations for those having a bad hair day, a flat tire, two flat tires, a screenwriting career? Is Cloud 1 the lowest level, or does it continually sow dis…
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Sleek styling for space

April 1, 2017  |  Projects

What does the well-appointed astronaut wear on a shuttle mission? That was the challenge for designers tasked with rethinking the spacesuits to be worn on the Boeing-built CST-100 Starliner that will launch in 2018 and be used for low-Earth orbit missions and trips to and from the International Spac…
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Piezoelectric energy harvesting

April 1, 2017  |  Advanced Textiles, Markets

Packages that power biochemical and environmental sensors. Breathing is the most consistent source of kinetic energy in the human body, as it produces a large circumferential displacement in the chest, even during sleep. This oscillation is one of few mechanisms in the human body that can also be ex…
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Extreme storage, on ice

April 1, 2017  |  Projects

How do you build an adequate equipment and maintenance facility on the summit of the Greenland Ice Sheet where temperatures fluctuate between -49°F and 14°F and snow fall amounts threaten to bury food and supplies? The National Science Foundation and their operations partner, CH2M Hill, wanted a p…
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Extra muscle, senior style

April 1, 2017  |  Projects

The typical solution to help an aging person who is losing strength and stamina is to provide assistance that takes away the burden of daily chores and requires less mobility. But what if you could help him or her become more mobile and retain independence and mobility? Now there’s a smart suit th…
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Texturizing space

April 1, 2017  |  Projects

The Hirikata T-SITE bookstore, located in a popular shopping center near Osaka, Japan, is a tranquil respite from the busy world. Dramatic two-story walls of books surround customers who are encouraged to sit, read and relax on lounge furniture or in the coffee shop area. The bookstore also features…
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May the workforce be with you

April 1, 2017  |  Features

Manufacturers are facing a variety of staffing challenges, and responding to the need to educate the public as well as potential employees about the benefits of a hands-on career. It’s easy enough to understand that a lack of jobs can wreak havoc on economies, from local to global scales. What can…
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