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IFAI Expo 2018 show named a Gold 100 Grand Award finalist
September 13, 2019
Industrial Fabrics Association International’s (IFAI) Expo 2018 show has been announced as a finalist for Trade Show Executive Magazine’s Gold 100 Grand Award for the Do-Gooder award category for work with the Manufacturing for Good booth. The Do-Gooder category is specifically for shows that promote events for philanthropy or social causes. IFAI Expo 2018 made giving back …
What's New?
Devan R-Vital® CBD-infused textiles hit the market
September 12, 2019
With the recent launch of Acabada ProActiveWear, CBD-infused textiles are now available. The fabric treatment behind the CBD-infused textiles was developed by Devan Chemicals, a Belgian company specializing in functional finishes for textile markets. Devan launched its CBD (Cannabidiol) fabric treatment at Heimtextil 2019 in Frankfurt as part of their R-Vital® range of microencapsulated active …
In the Industry
The future of wearables is medical
September 9, 2019
by James Hayward Wearable technology and medical devices have many prominent synergies. Electronic devices on the body are perfectly placed for sensors to collect data relevant to healthcare, with communication options allowing them to be the gateway to digital health data. Common sensor options within wearable devices include options for motion, such as fall detection …
Feature
Medical textiles: value and limitations
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 …
What's New?
Bally Ribbon Mills introduces E-WEBBINGS®
September 9, 2019
Bally Ribbon Mills (BRM) has introduced E-WEBBINGS® e-textile product base, specifically designed to serve as a customizable base for a wide range of smart textile applications within the Internet of Things (IoT). These smart textiles serve as the foundation layer to which electronic intercommunication technology is integrated directly, and they allow for smaller final product …
EcoNote
Visible light can remove toxic dyes
September 9, 2019
A team of Texas Tech University (TTU) researchers working in advanced textiles has found a new way to remove toxic dye pollutants from wastewater, and their approach is safer, cheaper and easier than traditional methods, a recent release from TTU says. Water contaminated with leftover synthetic dyes and pigments, a result of washing the textiles …
My Take
Nothing ventured, nothing gained
September 9, 2019
by Janet Preus The medical textiles market is expected to reach $23.3 billion by 2025, according to a release May 29, 2019 from reportlinker.com. Non-implantable goods, the report says, takes the largest share, which is not at all surprising for obvious reasons. What’s a bit surprising is the growth in medical devices, including those that …
What's New?
Scientists laser print graphene supercapacitors
September 9, 2019
The next generation of waterproof smart fabrics will be laser printed and made in minutes. That’s the future imagined by the RMIT University researchers behind a new e-textile technology. The team of scientists reported they have developed a cost-efficient and scaleable method for fabricating textiles embedded with energy storage devices. In just three minutes, the …
In the Industry
Inaugural automotive textiles conference set for February
September 5, 2019
The “Textile Opportunities in a Changing Automotive Industry” conference will bring together the key players in the industry, from original equipment manufacturers and Tier 1 and 2 suppliers, to raw material manufacturers, as well as builders of textile manufacturing equipment. The inaugural conference will be held in Birmingham, U.K., February 5–6, 2020, and is presented by International Newsletters …
EcoNote
Origami inspires pots for plants
September 5, 2019
A pair of Scottish engineers, Andrew Flynn and Martin Keane, has created origami plant pot reservoirs designed to be delivered through letter boxes. POTR pots have a quick-draw cotton cord that pulls the pot up around the plant, transforming the flat pack into a multifaceted plant pot. After adding water to the reservoir, a potted plant …
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Three Critical Standards to Qualify Finishes on Textiles
Expo News
2018 Advanced Textiles Student Design Competition Winners Announced
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 …
Expo News
Testing basics provide key communication points on textile products
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, …
Expo News
IFAI Expo 2018: Show Stopper winners on the floor
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 …
Expo News
2018 IFF Greater Good Award winner: Service Thread
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 …
Expo News
Advanced textiles market research at Expo
October 17, 2018
Jeff Rasmussen, IFAI market research director, presented a brief overview of the advanced textiles market at IFAI’s Expo 2018 in Dallas this week. His research reveals that steady growth should be expected at 8.8 percent for 2018 (the same as 2017). In his Advanced Textiles Market Update, Rasmussen pointed to the overlay between the smart …
Expo News
Fiber production trends outlined
October 17, 2018
An update on fiber production did not reveal any big surprises, but it did provide some important details assessing the nature of the market today. In a “Campfire” session on the show floor, Darrell Collier, Tecnon OrbiChem, showed participants the growth trajectory and market dominance that polyester since it entered the textile market. Collier also …
Expo News
IFF 2018 Innovation Award Winner: W.L. Gore & Associates
October 17, 2018
The Industrial Fabrics Foundation (IFF) has announced W.L. Gore & Associates Inc., Newark, Del., as the winner of the 2018 IFF Innovation Award. The company’s GORE-TEX® PYRAD® fabric won in the category of Fabrics, Fibers and Films. The award was presented at IFAI Expo 2018 at IFAI’s annual meeting, held Wednesday, Oct. 17, at the …
Expo News
2018 International Achievement Award Winners Announced
October 17, 2018
The Industrial Fabrics Association International (IFAI) has awarded this year’s International Achievement Awards (IAA) for design excellence in specialty fabrics applications, announced at the awards breakfast on Wednesday, Oct. 17 at IFAI Expo 2018. IFAI Expo is the largest specialty fabrics trade show in North America, held this year at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention …
Expo News
Sharpen your competitive edge
October 17, 2018
Asking yourself one simple question can help make your business a magnet for new customers, says marketing professional Madeleine MacRae, owner of MM MacRae Coaching & Consulting. “That question is ‘Who is your ideal client?’” In her Oct. 16 Expo session on distinguishing yourself in the marketplace, MacRae says answering this question is the key …
Expo News
GlideWear finds new applications in reducing friction
October 16, 2018
A variety of advanced textile products were discussed in sessions during IFAI’s Pre-Expo Conference Oct. 15. Caroline Portoghese explained how her company’s product, called GlideWear, offers innovative skin protection by reducing friction and shear to prevent skin tears and blisters. The product has been used by athletes, burn patients wearing compression garments, in wheelchair components …
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Three Critical Standards to Qualify Finishes on Textiles
Feature
Medical textiles: value and limitations
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 …
Feature
Textiles and energy technologies for the future
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. …
Feature
Energy for smart materials and systems
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 …
Feature
Global standards for e-textiles
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 …
Feature
Protecting our protectors
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 …
Feature
Progress in e-textile standards
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. …
Feature
Bringing innovative textiles to market
June 24, 2019
Partnerships all along the supply chain lend critical support in achieving goals. by Marie O’Mahony Rita McGrath, associate professor at Columbia Business School, advises that “change is not the dangerous thing, stability is.” In this second of two articles on innovation, the focus is on factors that can influence the way that innovative textiles come to market. …
Feature
When innovation succeeds
June 10, 2019
Collaborative, long-term efforts produce successful new products and applications. by Marie O’Mahony Harvard professor and author of The Innovator’s Dilemma (1997), Clayton M. Christensen, identified two forms of innovation: sustaining and disruptive. The former he classifies as that which improves product performance, while the latter introduces a very different value proposition to what was previously …
Feature
Soft robotics pair with textile technologies
May 20, 2019
New shape memory capabilities have application in several markets. At last week’s Smart Fabrics Virtual Summit, sponsored by IFAI, Brad Holschuh, Ph.D., assistant professor of wearable technology and apparel design in the College of Design at the University of Minnesota (UMN), gave a presentation titled, “Soft-Robotic Textiles Using Integrated Active Materials.” In his talk, he …
Feature
Growth meets change in protective textiles
May 20, 2019
Innovating and commercializing to participate in future opportunities. by Seshadri Ramkumar The textiles sector has been reshaping itself due to the increasing cost of raw materials, sustainability issues, labor costs and regulatory issues. These, in a way, have been a boon to the traditional textiles sector, prompting more diverse products and value-added products with industry …
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Three Critical Standards to Qualify Finishes on Textiles
Industry News
Learn from the experts at IFAI Expo’s AT Conference
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. …
Industry News
Nonwovens conference, RISE 2019, set for Sept. 24-25
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 …
Industry News
Covestro TPU expansion in Taiwan
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 …
Industry News
IPC E-Textiles 2019 registration opens
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 …
Industry News
LOOMIA wins 2019 NYCxDesign Award for Technology
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 …
Industry News
New Hot Swap program from Kamber
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 …
Industry News
Webinar: Wearable Tech & Smart Textiles: A platform for women’s leadership
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. …
Industry News
Smart Fabrics Virtual Summit registration now open
April 5, 2019
Members: $200 both days | $125/one day Non-Members: $300 both days | $175/one day May 14-15, 2019 | 11:00am – 3:00pm EST For the third year, the Industrial Fabrics Association International (IFAI) will host the Smart Fabrics Summit 2019. This year, the summit will be conducted virtually from May 14-15, 2019. Newly titled as the “Smart Fabrics Virtual …
In the Industry
Growth predicted for thermal insulation market
April 5, 2019
A new report from Transparency Market Research (TMR) tracks and predicts the thermal insulation market growth from 2017 to 2025. According to TMR, the global thermal insulation market is expected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.4 percent to attain a value of about $78 billion] by the end of 2025. …
Industry News
NCTO announces new officers
April 1, 2019
The National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO) has announced the election of its 2019 officers. Leib Oehmig, CEO of Glen Raven Inc., based in North Carolina was elected chair. Glen Raven is a leader in textile research and development, dying, spinning, weaving and finishing, and distribution and logistics. Vice chair for 2019 is David Roberts, CEO of CAP …
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Three Critical Standards to Qualify Finishes on Textiles
Out There
Magnetics used to make “anti-gravity” shoes
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 …
Out There
Squid-inspired jacket reflects full color spectrum
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 …
Out There
Robotic tail for humans developed
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 …
Out There
Touch-sensitive robotic e-skin developed
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 …
Out There
Conductive origami creates novel light switch
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 …
Out There
Probiotic clothing activated by sweat
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 …
Out There
Biopack offers use, plant and grow packaging
June 27, 2019
Greek designer George Bosnas thinks the traditional waste management process is lengthy and uses a lot of energy. In response, he created the sustainable approach to a traditionalegg carton – the Biopack. For this designer, an alternative to “reduce, reuse, recycle” is “use, plant, grow.” According to an Inspiralistarticle, Bosnas was looking for a way to create a package …
Out There
Seafood shells for better plastic, packaging and textiles
June 24, 2019
Scientists are tackling the world’s need to keep plastics out of landfills and waterways. One method may be found in making the most of seafood waste. A Science News article reports that the shells of crustaceans contain chitin, a material that has many of plastic’s desirable properties, but it can take weeks or months to biodegrade, rather …
Out There
Poncho design “explodes”
May 9, 2019
A transformative poncho is the latest collaboration between Nike and Tom Sachs. The poncho has taken four years to arrive at this patent-pending stage of design, according to a report on designboom.com. Jarrett Reynolds, Nike’s senior design director for apparel special projects, developed the slim-line pack containing a quick-deploy and easily repacked poncho as part of a …
Out There
Knit canoe buoyed by 3D
May 6, 2019
VISIONknit, a technical knitting company based in Toronto, Canada, and Canadian collaborators Composite Creations, have launched a 3D knitted canoe. The VISIONknit material can be used on modern flat (v-bed) knitting machines and knit into patterns, accompanying logos and other design features. According to an article in Knitting Industry, the company’s patent pending material is a …
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Three Critical Standards to Qualify Finishes on Textiles
What's New?
Devan R-Vital® CBD-infused textiles hit the market
September 12, 2019
With the recent launch of Acabada ProActiveWear, CBD-infused textiles are now available. The fabric treatment behind the CBD-infused textiles was developed by Devan Chemicals, a Belgian company specializing in functional finishes for textile markets. Devan launched its CBD (Cannabidiol) fabric treatment at Heimtextil 2019 in Frankfurt as part of their R-Vital® range of microencapsulated active …
What's New?
Bally Ribbon Mills introduces E-WEBBINGS®
September 9, 2019
Bally Ribbon Mills (BRM) has introduced E-WEBBINGS® e-textile product base, specifically designed to serve as a customizable base for a wide range of smart textile applications within the Internet of Things (IoT). These smart textiles serve as the foundation layer to which electronic intercommunication technology is integrated directly, and they allow for smaller final product …
What's New?
Scientists laser print graphene supercapacitors
September 9, 2019
The next generation of waterproof smart fabrics will be laser printed and made in minutes. That’s the future imagined by the RMIT University researchers behind a new e-textile technology. The team of scientists reported they have developed a cost-efficient and scaleable method for fabricating textiles embedded with energy storage devices. In just three minutes, the …
What's New?
Window film molecule captures the sun
August 26, 2019
A window film could be capable of offsetting the worst midday heat and distributing that heat evenly from morning to evening, thanks to a specially designed molecule. The molecule is part of a concept that researchers at Chalmers University of Technology call molecular solar thermal storage, or MOST. Lead researcher, chemist Kasper Moth-Poulsen, envisions office complexes and airports …
What's New?
Lunar landing anniversary marked with special socks
August 19, 2019
EnerWear marked the 50th anniversary of the first mission to the moon by creating their “Lunar Lander” socks, made with patented Outlast fabric that was tested in Space. A recent news release from the company says the new socks are crafted from phase-changing materials that can absorb, store and release heat for thermal comfort. The …
What's New?
Scientists test “artificial muscle”
August 12, 2019
A group of researchers from China and the U.S. have enabled a foil paper doll to do sit-ups, by adding a crystalline organic material to a polymer to make it more flexible. The polymer covalent organic framework, or polyCOF, was used by the scientists to build their version of an artificial muscle. To make conventional COFs, the scientists …
What's New?
Wearable air conditioning in development
August 9, 2019
The Sony Startup Acceleration Program has generated a new textile technology. The Reon Pocket is a small device designed to provide wearable air conditioning. Operating via Bluetooth, the device slips into an undershirt that includes a pocket at the base of the neck and connects to an app that gives users control of the temperature via a …
What's New?
Lemon fragrance released in a textile will mask sweat
August 8, 2019
Researchers at the University of Minho in Portugal have modified cotton fabric to emit a lemon smell upon contact with sweat. A story in sportstextiles.com reports that Carla Silva, Artur Cavaco-Paulo and colleagues wanted to develop two strategies for releasing citronellol, a lemongrass-derived scent used in some insect repellents. The first approach involved an odorant-binding protein …
What's New?
Textiles team up with technology for smart medical products
August 7, 2019
by Pamela Mills-Senn Take operating room (OR) technology. In today’s ORs, one might find an array of smart surgical tools, augmented reality devices and precision robotics that assist surgeons in performing the most complex and exacting of procedures. Patients are greatly benefiting from these advancements, but this isn’t the only medical area where technology is …
What's New?
SDL Atlas shows new textile testing products line
August 6, 2019
SDL Atlas showcased at ITMA 2019 a new line of textile test materials, RemoteAccess, and the newly redesigned Vortex M6, a recent news release says. The Vortex M6 incorporates a full-color touch-screen controller that uses English and Chinese. RemoteAccess is a system for tracking real-time testing progress of instruments. The app is available for download …
