Colorfast inks

January 1, 2018  |  Products

Huntsman Textile Effects has introduced a new range of reactive inks that deliver outstanding light- and weather-fastness for digital printing of polyester fibers. TERATOP® XKS HL inks are designed to help mills produce technical textiles with the highest color-fastness performance for the automoti…
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Savvy cash management helps your bottom line

January 1, 2018  |  Business

Cash flow—the amount of money flowing into and out of your shop—is an easy concept to understand, yet not always well managed. Not every owner is aware of the impact skillful cash management has on net income, probably because the importance of managing revenue is far easier to recognize in some…
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Recycled water bottles create jobs and coats for homeless people

January 1, 2018  |  Industry News

The idea of sustainability is attractive to business owners and consumers. Executing on sustainability is not simple, however. In practice, sustainability can depend on a partnership of companies working together. Wm. T. Burnett & Co., Baltimore, Md., a foam and nonwoven materials manufacturer, …
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Durable cushion fabrics

January 1, 2018  |  Products

Phifer’s new 2018 GeoBella® cushion and Phifertex® sling fabrics lines are marked by water-inspired blues and greens and varied textures. The GeoBella line of high-end, performance cushion fabrics mirrors the comfort of indoor furniture yet has the stability, strength and durability needed for h…
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Geofoam solves construction challenges

January 1, 2018  |  Geosynthetics, Markets, Projects

High atop Hidden Peak, lightweight geofoam solves construction challenges the easy way. All projects have challenges, purpose and meaning, yet some projects mean a lot more to owners than others. It takes a visionary to leave a legacy, and Richard Bass, founder of Snowbird Ski and Summer Resort in U…
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Advanced awning fabric

January 1, 2018  |  Products

Cooley Group has launched Weathertyte PLUS, a premier product designed for use in commercial awning applications. The product features the benefits of the original flagship Weathertyte® fabric, with a softer hand, superior strength, improved weldability and bolder image quality. It offers the high …
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Seismic-reinforced concrete

January 1, 2018  |  Projects

What material could help buildings stand up to earthquakes? Fiber, of course. Researchers at the University of British Columbia have developed concrete reinforced with fiber that can withstand earthquake simulation tests. The material, called eco-friendly ductile cementitious composite (EDCC), is en…
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Creating a welcoming workplace to retain employees

January 1, 2018  |  Features

To prevent employee turnover, create a workplace that provides continuous learning, competitive pay and benefits and open-minded management. Like many industries that rely on skilled workers, the specialty fabrics industry is facing a shortage of qualified personnel. As manufacturers and fabricators…
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Traft: it’s a tent, it’s a raft

January 1, 2018  |  Projects

Outdoor adventurers appreciate keeping things light by traveling only with necessary equipment. Gear that does double duty is particularly useful. That’s where Traft™ comes in. It’s a tent—and it’s a raft. Take it whitewater rafting, then set it up (on land) for a good night’s sleep. Tra…
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Flame-resistant stretch

January 1, 2018  |  Products

Mount Vernon FR’s flame resistant (FR) FlexTex fabrics are engineered with stretch for increased comfort and mobility. The collection now includes six denim and four piece-dyed FR fabrics that include many characteristics of traditional nonstretch denim. FlexTex fabrics are made using an elastomer…
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