Growth engines in advanced textiles

March 11th, 2024

Scientists at North Carolina State University have developed a soft robot, designed like a caterpillar, capable of moving forward, backward, and squeezing through tight spaces. Its movement is powered by a unique pattern of silver nanowires that use heat to regulate its bending, giving users the ability to direct the robot in any desired direction. Photo: Shuang […]

Read More

AFFOA launches a “product accelerator” program

October 9th, 2023

The Advanced Functional Fabrics of America (AFFOA) has introduced its Product Accelerator for Functional Fabrics (PAFF) program, available to AFFOA’s Fabric Innovation Network Members. The program is designed to help U.S. companies close the gap(s) in their advanced functional fabric product and technology development.  To improve the time to market of these products, industry will be […]

Read More

Protective textiles: a sunrise sector

March 13th, 2023

U.S. warfighter clothing requires a range of functionalities, often incorporated into one textile.  Images full of camouflage patterns and army combat gear are seen frequently in the news, no doubt in part because of the ongoing war in Ukraine. Next to weapons systems, the bullet proof gear and garments we are so used to seeing […]

Read More

Avenues and opportunities

February 13th, 2023

TopoKnit is a suite of algorithms recently developed at Drexel University, Philadelphia, Pa., as a tool for modeling the path of a yarn within a knitted textile. The program provides documentation of how parts come together to make a finished piece. Its technology-agnostic approach would allow designers to try new approaches with a better gauge […]

Read More

Advanced Textiles Source announces name change

September 26th, 2022

As IFAI has evolved and become Advanced Textiles Association (ATA), and the Advanced Textiles Products division changed its name to Emerging Technologies Division (ETD), the name for this publication will also change to Textile Technology Source. A decision was made following discussion among ATA’s editorial team and ETD to make the distinction among entities and their […]

Read More

Advanced Textiles Products announces name change

August 9th, 2022

The Advanced Textiles Products, a division of the Advanced Textiles Association (ATA), formerly known as the Industrial Fabrics Association International (IFAI), announces that it has changed its name to Emerging Technologies Division (ETD). The name change coincides with ATA’s rebrand in recent months.  The division’s board strives to bring programming and education to its members […]

Read More

IFAI selects a new name

May 23rd, 2022

The Industrial Fabrics Association International (IFAI) has chosen a new name; as of June 1, the organization will be called the Advanced Textiles Association (ATA). The name change was approved in April with 85.6 percent of association members casting their votes to do so.  The name reflects the evolving textile industry and is designed to […]

Read More

Smart Fabrics Summit convenes in late March

March 14th, 2022

The Smart Fabrics Summit will be held at North Carolina State University (NC State) in Raleigh, N.C. The university’s Wilson College of Textiles is co-organizer of the event with the Industrial Fabrics Association International.  This year’s Summit offers two days of educational sessions, product showcases and networking opportunities, March 28–29. Registration opens at 9:00 a.m. […]

Read More

IFAI launches first podcast

September 14th, 2021

IFAI Talking Textiles The Industrial Fabrics Association International (IFAI) recently launched IFAI Talking Textiles, a podcast hosted by the IFAI Canada and the Advanced Textiles Products divisions.   One episode will be available each month featuring interviews with members in the Canadian and advanced textile markets. “The Canada division wanted to offer content specific to […]

Read More

Learn from the experts at IFAI Expo’s AT Conference

July 29th, 2019

Join industry experts October 1 at the Orange County Convention Center, Orlando, Fla., as they lead educational and inspiring sessions at the Advanced Textiles Conference. Presentations will cover topics in military, medical, smart fabrics and aerospace markets, as well as discussions about innovation and standards. Speakers include: Elaine Duncan, MSME, RAC, AIMBE, Paladin Medical Inc.Ron […]

Read More