Thermal camouflage jacket
December 1, 2022 | Swatches
British performance apparel brand Vollebak has released details of a new Thermal Camouflage Jacket, which incorporates 42 patches of graphene, individually controlled via microcomputer to emit different levels of thermal radiation without any change to their actual temperature. Programming the patch…
Conductive narrow fabric
December 1, 2022 | Swatches
Burlan Manufacturing exhibited its conductive narrow fabric at IFAI Expo 2022 in Charlotte this fall. The narrow fabric is the newest in its line of conductive fabrics, which provide conductivity woven into the structure of the fabric, so it will not wear off or wash off over time. Because of its si…
Facing the Arctic
December 1, 2022 | Swatches
Dr. Braden Li, a materials research engineer with the Air Force Research Lab, is working on developing clothing for the Air Force designed for protecting personnel in extreme-cold environments—to minus 60 degrees (F). His presentation outlined the Air Force requirements, and he explained the Heat …
Do-it-yourself microneedle
December 1, 2022 | Swatches
Scientists at the Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech) have reported the development of a microneedle patch that can be self-administered and painlessly deposit a tattoo onto skin within minutes. The technology is initially proposed for simple human medical or animal uses, but a number of …
Partnership creates more sustainable shoes
December 1, 2022 | Swatches
The textile industry continues to look for ways to reduce its CO2 footprint, for example in the fabrication of sports shoes. HUAFENG, a textile technology company based in China, chose to apply INSQIN® PU by Covestro, a waterborne polyurethane technology, as a coating binder in its HAPTIC® printin…
IFAI Expo highpoints and highlights
December 1, 2022 | Expo Report, Features
Last year, attendees to the IFAI Expo in Nashville, Tenn., were cautious. We were all still wearing masks and practicing social distancing, and for some, the future was a bit uncertain.
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Pros and cons of mobile marine shops
December 1, 2022 | Features
When you’re a marine fabricator with a mobile unit, you’re often at a competitive advantage. Not only can you offer customers fast, convenient repairs and service, but you’re often able to recruit business from other boat owners who notice you at their marinas. Vendors who are fully mobile can…
Truly Circular
December 1, 2022 | Features
You know the story. Textile waste is one of the largest causes of pollution on the planet. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that Americans alone generate more than 15 million metric tons of textile waste annually, which is about 104 pounds per person per year. And we’re not just…