November 14, 2019
TINTEX will be showcasing new fabric technologies at the Performance Days show in Munich, this week. According to a news release from the company, its aim with these new technologies is to enhance the natural beauty of cotton and cellulosics while eliminating harsh treatments and optimizing clean surfaces with vivid colors, stated the release. The fabrics being shown are …
November 11, 2019
by Marie O’Mahony Established in 1921, the Deutsche Institut für Textil + Faserforschung (DITF) prides itself on “application-orientated research from molecules to products.” The German textile research institute occupies a unique global position in its focus on textiles, covering the entire value chain with activities that include R+D, testing, prototyping and a pilot factory. A highlight …
November 11, 2019
Producing fabrics that perform all the functions desired, while retaining the best characteristics of fabric is no easy task. Two groups of researchers at Drexel University, Philadelphia, Pa., believe they have a solution by improving a basic element of textiles: yarn. One group is leading the development of industrial functional fabric production techniques, and the other is …
November 11, 2019
The Industrial Fabrics Association International (IFAI) has released a call for proposals for the 2020 Smart Fabrics Summit, April 16–17, 2020, in Washington D.C. The conference theme is “Ideation to Commercialization.” The 2020 Summit will focus on bringing a smart product to market, from the initial concept, to development, to end product distribution. IFAI seeks proposals that demonstrate this concept or that will …
November 11, 2019
by Janet Preus The trend toward multi-functional capabilities in textiles is pretty well established now. Not all fabrics have to do all things, but the more advanced a textile is, the more likely it is to require more than one functionality. Just to be clear about the terminology. I’m using “functionality” in a broad sense; …
November 11, 2019
Environmentally friendly materials and processes can add value to textiles. by Seshadri Ramkumar The textile industry and the world of sustainability have evolved in the last four decades. The need to conserve resources for future generation, which has rightly become a movement, began with an examination of greenhouse gas emissions. The labels used to refer …
November 11, 2019
Swiss backpack brand QWSTION has been awarded the Design Prize Switzerland 2019 in the textile category for its textile “Bananatex.” The technical textile is made from banana plant fibers known as banana hemp or abaca. The fibers are reported to give the bags strength and durability; a coating of beeswax provides water-resistance. Sustainability is an integral part …
November 8, 2019
The Minnesota Media and Publishing Association recognized IFAI president and CEO Steve Schiffman with the Hedley Donovan Award at its Annual Awards Gala. In addition, three IFAI magazines received Excellence Awards at the November 7th event. The Hedley Donovan Award, created in 1999 by the MMPA, recognizes individuals who have shown outstanding lifelong dedication and have …
November 8, 2019
COTTON USA and Oritain have signed a partnership to provide forensic verification of origin for all U.S. cotton, a recent news release stated. The collaboration aims to help brands and retailers make responsible sourcing and purchasing decisions. According to the release, to achieve the level of traceability the industry is demanding, Oritain’s technology applies forensic …
November 7, 2019
Scientists have developed a new product called Skin-On that’s meant to look and feel like a human, as well as react to caressing, tickling and pinching. According to an article on designboom.com, the interfaces are sensitive cases that can be attached to mobile phones, wearable devices and laptop touchpads to increase their capabilities. Skin-On artificial skin …
October 4, 2019
Keynote speaker Thom Singer hosted IFAI’s annual award ceremony October 3 at Expo 2019, continuing his message to “see people.” As Expo exhibitors and attendees entered the breakfast event, Singer encouraged people to separate from familiar colleagues and sit with new people. This year’s award ceremony was infused with an additional goal—that of networking with …
October 4, 2019
“The building block is fabric, but there are a million possibilities to utilize solar,” says Pvilion founder and CEO Colin Touhey. Touhey gave an introductory presentation October 3 at Expo 2019 on cases for energy generation in fabric products. One of his first projects using solar cells in fabric was architectural in nature when he …
October 3, 2019
Amid the latest fabrics, equipment, technology and services for the specialty fabrics industry, Lorenzo, Lilo, Lolo, and Lulo stole hearts, and, according to some dog lovers—the show—at IFAI Expo 2019 in Orlando, Fla. For this Expo, the Industrial Fabrics Foundation (IFF) and the Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando came together to promote two great causes. …
October 2, 2019
The U.S. government is the largest buyer of goods and services in the world, and there are enough opportunities available for everyone to participate in military contract bidding, if you follow the right steps, according to Jennifer Fennell, CPM, director of procurement for Polo Custom Products, Topeka, Kan. Fennell and Jeff Papalia, textiles program manager …
October 2, 2019
Bud Weisbart, vice president of AR Tech, Fontana, Calif., led the advanced textiles conference session “Growing through diversification into technical markets: from trash covers and truck covers to ground support and flight hardware,” presented Tuesday, Oct. 1, at IFAI Expo 2019 in Orlando, Fla. The session explored how diversification based on core competencies—capabilities or advantages …
October 2, 2019
Thom Singer, the keynote speaker at IFAI’s annual meeting on Wed., Oct. 2, at IFAI Expo, is clear about one thing: People want to do business with people they know, like and trust. And that connection won’t happen through second-hand tools offered on social media or other electronic sites. Singer, a consultant to executives and …
October 18, 2018
Advanced Textile Products and the Narrow Fabrics Institute, divisions of the Industrial Fabrics Association International (IFAI), recently selected the winners of the 2018 Advanced Textiles Student Design Competition. The awards were announced during IFAI Expo 2018, held in Dallas, Texas, Oct. 15-18. First Place First-place honors went to J. Walter Lee, Stephanie Wang and Caroline …
October 17, 2018
When you plan to sell a textile product, there are numerous reasons to test it before taking it to market. Many of those testing results tell you what you can ultimately communicate to others about your product, and what they can expect of your product. Dr. Emiel DenHartog, North Carolina State University, College of Textiles, …
October 17, 2018
All the best from Texas: Wednesday morning, Oct. 17, at IFAI Expo led off with lists of winners for the year, including the most popular products on the show floor. The seventh annual Show Stopper competition was designed to showcase the best of the best in the industry, from fabrics, equipment and chemicals to services …
October 17, 2018
Service Thread, based in Laurinburg, N.C., was awarded the 2018 Industrial Fabrics Foundation (IFF) Greater Good Award at IFAI Expo 2018 in Dallas, Texas. The Greater Good Award focuses on an IFAI member company that does good business—and strives to be a good neighbor, good citizen, and good partner. Nomination criteria were based on the …
November 11, 2019
Environmentally friendly materials and processes can add value to textiles. by Seshadri Ramkumar The textile industry and the world of sustainability have evolved in the last four decades. The need to conserve resources for future generation, which has rightly become a movement, began with an examination of greenhouse gas emissions. The labels used to refer …
October 21, 2019
Businesses are challenged with making decisions in an uncertain trade environment. by Marie O’Mahony Editor’s note: The issue of U.S. trade is unusually dynamic and evolving today. This article represents information available when the speaker presented at IFAI Expo in early October. With international trade in a state of flux, it’s understandable that the advanced …
October 7, 2019
Presentations at IFAI Expo’s Advanced Textiles Conference explain textiles’ critical role in NASA’s missions. by Janet Preus NASA was among the exhibitors that also served as presenters at IFAI Expo in Orlando last week. In two presentations—an Advanced Textiles Conference education session, and a shorter, more informal “campfire” on the show floor— NASA representatives stressed …
September 23, 2019
New standards and test methods are needed for medical textiles. by Matthew Hardwick The spread of infection is a concern for all of us and in many circumstances, but nowhere is it more concerning than in health care. The spread of infection both to and from medical environments is an ever-present problem in hospitals and …
September 9, 2019
How Medical Device Master Files can support a productive business partnership. by Elaine Duncan Medical Device Master Files, known as a MAF, have value for textile contract manufacturers and the medical device developer in many ways. Most medical device manufacturers who incorporate a medical textile into their product will seek a knowledgeable textile contractor who …
August 26, 2019
Energy harvesting wearables offer an intriguing alternative in meeting energy needs. by Seshadri Ramkumar The topic of this article certainly exudes interest and intrigue, but while the nonconventional textiles sector has been well established for about 50-years, the energy harvesting field is yet nascent, and commercialization hasn’t reached a level that can be well quantified. …
August 12, 2019
New developments address power and its integration into the production process—for whatever applications can be imagined. by Marie O’Mahony The means chosen in energy provision for smart textiles is largely dictated by the application, or, more precisely, the needs and behavior of the user. This is a meaningful development, taking it from the typical questions …
July 29, 2019
The European market is influencing open international standards development through IPC. by Chris Jorgensen In spring 2017, companies representing the global e-textiles community formed the IPC D-70 E-Textiles Committee to develop IPC international standards for their industry. As word spread about the committee and its activities, the committee roster grew to more than 150 organizations …
July 15, 2019
Slash resistant clothing can reduce the risk of knife injuries and laceration. by Robert Kaiser People throughout history have sought and found the means to protect themselves with specially designed and constructed garments. From furs and chainmail, to leather, metals or fabric, a range of materials has been used creatively to protect against injury or …
July 15, 2019
Organizers push for industry participation in the ongoing process. By Janet Preus Work is well underway, progress has been reported, and new initiatives have been launched. At IFAI’s Smart Fabrics Virtual Summit this spring, presenters Chris Jorgensen, IPC, and Stephanie Rodgers, Apex Mills, provided a comprehensive update on the development of international standards for e-textiles. …
October 21, 2019
Global yarn production has increased by 17 percent between the final quarter of 2018 and the first quarter of 2019, according to the International Textile Manufacturers Federation (ITMF), a recent article in knittingindustry.com said. Higher output levels were observed in Asia (+18 percent), Brazil (+18 percent), the U.S. (+3.2 percent) and Europe (+1.6 percent). The …
October 11, 2019
Governor Gina Raimondo recently joined with University of Rhode Island (URI) President David Dooley to announce $1 million in funding for the creation of the 401 Tech Bridge, the Rhode Island Materials Innovation Center. Industry partners will be able to work in the 401 Tech Bridge Center with the University of Rhode Island and entities …
October 2, 2019
Each year, the Leadership Development Committee of the Industrial Fabrics Association International (IFAI) follows a detailed process outlined in association bylaws for electing new board members. As recently announced at IFAI’s annual meeting at IFAI Expo in Orlando, the following individuals have been chosen to serve on the IFAI board of directors: Ron Houle, president …
July 29, 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. …
June 19, 2019
The Association of Nonwoven Fabrics Industry (INDA) presents RISE 2019 Sept. 24–25 at North Carolina State University (NC State) in Raleigh, N.C. The conference is designed to be two days of in-depth technical exploration into “what’s next” and “what’s needed” from leaders in materials research and innovative science as applied to engineered fabrics, the organizers of …
June 18, 2019
Covestro has completed the expansion of its thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) capacity at its Changhua manufacturing site in Taiwan, according to Knitting Industry.com. The company predicts that the plant will cater to the Asia Pacific region’s market needs, including providing bio-based TPU. TPU is used for flexibility and performance in the footwear and automotive markets as …
June 17, 2019
IPC E-Textiles 2019 is a technical education workshop for innovators, technologists and brands to learn about the latest innovations, designs and manufacturing concepts and to collaborate on solutions and identify partners. The event takes place at Drexel University in Philadelphia, Pa., Sept. 10–11, 2019. The event will provide a venue for active participation during technical …
June 10, 2019
The LOOMIA Electronic Layer (LEL) by New York, N.Y.-based LOOMIA Technologies has received the 2019 NYCxDesign Award for Technology. The small startup was in competition with projects by much larger companies, such as Steelcase, Basalte, and Frasch. While LOOMIA is known for its smart textiles for apparel projects, the firm’s industry reach now extends to …
April 8, 2019
Kamber Narrow Fabric Machinery LLC, a global trader and specialist in pre-owned weaving, braiding and knitting machinery, has announced a new Hot Swap program for manufacturers. The program offers manufacturers the opportunity to have their narrow fabric needle looms completely refurbished with a full one-year warranty and with zero minutes of downtime with their current …
April 5, 2019
Members: $69 Non-Members: $129 April 30 | Noon EST Join Justine Decaens of CTT Group for a webinar in conjunction with the Smart Fabrics Virtual Summit. The start-up culture is emerging as textile manufacturers have begun diversifying and differentiating by leveraging smart textiles. This culture is driving a new mentality and providing leadership roles for women. …
November 7, 2019
Scientists have developed a new product called Skin-On that’s meant to look and feel like a human, as well as react to caressing, tickling and pinching. According to an article on designboom.com, the interfaces are sensitive cases that can be attached to mobile phones, wearable devices and laptop touchpads to increase their capabilities. Skin-On artificial skin …
October 25, 2019
The Somnox Sleep Robot is designed to help users fall asleep by mimicking breathing patterns.The device was developed by a team of engineers who met at the Robotics Institute of the Delft University of Technology, The Netherlands. The soft robot is meant to be cuddled like a teddy bear, helping to induce slow, rhythmic breathing and encourage restful …
October 21, 2019
A 65 kilogram robotic suit has helped a paralyzed man walk again. The suit uses advanced computer software and two brain implants that read and transmit information from the part of the patient’s brain that controls motor function. As reported on designboom.com, the patient had surgery to place the implants on the surface of his brain, …
September 23, 2019
According to Google, Cit-e Backpack by Saint Laurent (YSL), featuring Jacquard™ by Google Technology, is “the first connected luxury backpack that can control music, drop pins on the go, take pictures, and do more with a simple gesture.” According to digitaltrends.com, the backpack comes with a new, revised version of the Project Jacquard tag, which …
September 3, 2019
Japanese artist and designer Yukako Hihara has created a pair of shoes that uses magnetic forces to create the physical sense of walking on the moon. The “anti-gravity” shoes were created as part of an experiment to offer consumers a product that made them feel like they were flying. To create shoes that give the sensation of defying …
August 26, 2019
Innovative sportswear and sports gear company, Vollebak, has launched a jacket that will reflect all colors of the visible light spectrum. The Black Squid Jacket is a fully waterproof and windproof outer shell that mimics one of nature’s most mesmerising innovations – the adaptive camouflage of the squid. Over the last 500 million years they’ve …
August 23, 2019
Researchers at Keio University in Japan have developed “Arque,” a robotic tail that humans can wear to improve balance. The device was informed by the ways animals passively use their tails to shift their center of gravity. Arque consists of interlocking plastic vertebrae that use a spring-based structure to handle shearing and tangential forces. Each vertebra is controlled …
August 12, 2019
Robots and prosthetic devices may soon have a sense of touch equivalent to, or better than, the human skin with the Asynchronous Coded Electronic Skin (ACES), an artificial nervous system developed by a team of researchers at the National University of Singapore (NUS). Sciencedaily.com reports that the new material has high responsiveness and robustness to …
August 12, 2019
Industrial designer Yael Akirav has explored a new way of turning on light fixtures by using 3D printing of conductive filament directly on a textile, which is then folded using origami techniques. When the printed material conducts electricity, the origami-like intersecting folds of the fabric turn on the light by contracting and stretching the structure. The rigid printing onto …
July 29, 2019
Researcher and designer Rosie Broadhead recently unveiled Skin II, a probiotic clothing concept activated by sweat to reduce odor and promote healthy skin. The clothing was developed in collaboration with microbiologist Dr. Chris Callewaert of Ghent University, to explorethe beneficial effect good bacteria can have on our skin. Skin II harnesses probiotic technology to allow the …
November 11, 2019
by Marie O’Mahony Established in 1921, the Deutsche Institut für Textil + Faserforschung (DITF) prides itself on “application-orientated research from molecules to products.” The German textile research institute occupies a unique global position in its focus on textiles, covering the entire value chain with activities that include R+D, testing, prototyping and a pilot factory. A highlight …
November 11, 2019
Producing fabrics that perform all the functions desired, while retaining the best characteristics of fabric is no easy task. Two groups of researchers at Drexel University, Philadelphia, Pa., believe they have a solution by improving a basic element of textiles: yarn. One group is leading the development of industrial functional fabric production techniques, and the other is …
November 4, 2019
Electronic skin patches anchor a device to the skin to achieve a specific function, but most of the successful products on the market are not necessarily known as “electronic skin patches,” says IDTechEx Principal Analyst James Hayward. In a recently published article, Hayward notes the range of uses for electronic skin patches. In diabetes management, products …
October 30, 2019
Devan Chemicals has launched its CBD (cannabidiol) fabric treatment. The company says that its Acabada ProActiveWear is the world’s first CBD-infused activewear brand, intended to help people manage pain. CBD molecules are infused into fabrics by wrapping microscopic droplets of zero-THC, hemp-derived CBD with a protective coating. Placed within the garments to align with muscle …
October 21, 2019
The Hohenstein Institute has a new 4D body scanner that will be used in a series of research projects aimed at developing a standard method of analyzing how a clothing item restricts movement. Scanning in 4D shows body shape and size for the intended customer, helping to determine the impact of movement on the garment, …
October 21, 2019
Startup focuses on functional intimate apparel for breast cancer survivors. by Marie O’Mahony Intimate apparel size and fit is a challenge for manufacturers and consumers alike, but for double mastectomy survivors there are additional problems to be overcome. Susanne Wroblewski is the Research Lab Coordinator at Central Michigan University and a co-founder of Elemental, a …
October 7, 2019
The Advanced Textile Products and Narrow Fabrics Institute, divisions of IFAI, recently selected recipients of the 2019 Advanced Textiles Student Design Competition. University of Minnesota–Twin Cities students, Ian Harris, Warda Moosa and Mary Xiong took first place honors for their project “Emergency Avalanche Transceiver Garment.” This project was developed for skiers and snowboarders who may …
September 27, 2019
Hohenstein reports that its heat loss device, WATson, can quantitatively measure the evaporative cooling ability of a textile or textile system. It measures the dynamic interaction of textiles and human thermal regulation with customizable climatic conditions and sweat rates. The 2019 published DIN SPEC 60015, “Quantitative measurement of the evaporative heat loss of smart textile …
September 23, 2019
The third generation of a unique airbag for urban cyclists is launching this month. In an accident, the Hövding 3 airbagby Swedish company Hövding will inflate in 0.1 second to enclose the head and hold the cyclist’s neck in place. The third generation of the product is easier to use, can be adjusted in size and is equipped with …
September 23, 2019
U.K. industrial thread manufacturer Coats is launching a new product targeting the personal protection sector. FlamePro Splash Protect complements the company’s existing range of flame-resistant sewing threads. The company reports the fabric is flame- and heat-resistant and is engineered to be durable yet lightweight and soft. The fabric is designed to incorporate thermal resistance and …
