Research project develops “SensProCloth”
November 12th, 2013
At the Institute of Textile Technology and Process Engineering (ITV) in Denkendorf two research projects are developing sensors for firefighters and incident service teams. The lead project, “SensProCloth,” is addressing system-integrated sensory protective apparel; the second—a related project and derived from the first—is called “iBePol” and involves intelligent operational apparel for police and security forces. […]
High-rise shimmers with SEFAR® Architecture Vision
November 12th, 2013
An iridescent glass façade created with SEFAR® Architecture Vision dresses up a high-rise building in Suurstoffi, a new mixed-use development in Risch Rotkreuz, Switzerland. It also features thermal insulating qualities for reducing solar heat gain, and it reflects the sun’s warmth, leading to a reduced need for air conditioning. The effect is a shimmering metal […]
The Karl Mayer Academy introduces new courses
November 12th, 2013
Efficient machines and a high level of expertise support success in markets experiencing rapid growth and dynamic business. Textile machinery builder Karl Mayer not only supplies its clients with modern tricot and raschel machines, it also provides them with information on warp knitting, targeted to suit specific user groups. The Karl Mayer Academy, located in […]
To grow a chair
November 12th, 2013
Can one grow furniture? A pair of Philadelphia University students says you can. In fact, they’ve done it. The students, Merjan Tara Sisman and Brian McClellan, launched an investigation of manufacturing objects from living materials in “The Living Room Project.” Their study of the potential of particular organisms led them to mycelium, the rooting system for mushrooms, […]
Heytex offers new foam-coated textile blockout
November 12th, 2013
German fabric manufacturer Heytex offers HEYblue® digitex® eclipse, the first foam-coated textile blockout in five-meter widths, and a new definition of reproduction quality for large-format prints. Developed for demanding applications, it serves as an absolutely reflection-free and opaque blockout. Like all products of the HEYblue® digitex® range, the new eclipse is also PVC-free and can […]
Sustainability metrics and certifications
November 12th, 2013
The Oeko-Tex® STeP Certification for the textile industry. The globalization of the textile industry has created enormous pressure for textile brands, factories and supply chains to demonstrate their ability to manage and continuously improve the sustainability of their products and production facilities. Major retail brands in all sectors of the textile industry have been indicted […]
The new paradigm
November 12th, 2013
The discussion of good for business versus good for the environment is shifting slowly—but surely. Perhaps a better question today is, if it’s not sustainable, can it be commercialized? Does anyone spend time and money on researching new technologies that are counter to today’s environmental guidelines or mandates? Does anyone launch a new product into […]
Deeper color shades possible with DICRYLAN® SD
November 12th, 2013
Huntsman Textile Effects, a division of Huntsman Corp. and a global manufacturer of textile dyes and chemicals, launched DICRYLAN® Shade Deepener (SD) to help mills achieve shade depths for blacks and navies which were previously unattainable. This represents a technological breakthrough in achieving color depths on all fibers without compromising color-fastness properties. The process uses […]
Sustainability revitalizes New England manufacturer
November 12th, 2013
The "Cool Globes" exhibits in Boston, Mass., promote sustainability through artistic expression. One particular globe, created by artist, Karen Ami, is titled "Manufacturing a Green Way.” American Engineered Fabrics Inc. (AEF), New Bedford, Mass., embodies this message with its 100 percent post-consumer based geotextiles. The Green Geotextiles® is a proprietary and eco-friendly nonwoven made from […]
Robotic bird flies with solar power
November 12th, 2013
“How can Robo Raven ‘feed’ itself in jungles?” asks SK Gupta, University of Maryland robotics expert, on his “Unorthodox Ideas” blog. The answer follows his question. The bird drone that researchers in the university’s Robotics Center created is the newest incarnation of their bird drone, the Robo Raven micro air vehicle (MAV) that carries solar […]