Vital signs to watch in medical textiles
August 7th, 2015
The majority of research and development in smart materials research and development come from transport. Health and wellbeing have great need of responsive technologies, so why does it command one of the smallest sectors of the market? The length of time and finances involved in bringing a product to market are key factors, as well […]
House in Brisbane, Australia protected with shadecloth wrap
August 6th, 2015
Responding to the subtropical climate of the new farm peninsula area in Brisbane, the Australian firm, James Russell Architects developed the Oxlade Drive House. Protected from floods, and designed to have a protracted life span, the family home is configured as a series of two volumes that sit in between a landscaped courtyard and pool […]
JK Group acquires Sawgrass Industrial
August 5th, 2015
Charleston, S.C.-based sublimation and pigment-ink specialist Sawgrass Industrial, the business division of Sawgrass Technologies, is joining the JK Group to extend the group’s technology capabilities. JK Group brands include Kiian Digital and J-Teck. Sawgrass Industrial makes high-end digital sublimation and water-based pigment inks featuring the SubliM and M-Inks brands. Its main applications are fashion, sportswear […]
Vicar announces new distribution partnership
August 4th, 2015
SEM Products, a leading manufacturer of interior paints and refinishing products for leather, vinyl, plastic, and carpets is expanding its distribution by forming a strategic partnership with Vicar International. Vicar will be stocking three lines to the automotive, upholstery, marine, RV and golf cart industries for indoor and outdoor applications. The initial lines that will […]
Dunn Mfg. unveils SMART Tiers fabric
July 31st, 2015
Monroe, N.C.-based fabric developer Dunn Manufacturing introduces SMART Tiers athletic wear featuring a two-tier fabric using two different fibers: one propels moisture through the hydrophobic layer into the outer hydrophilic Pima cotton layer, where it evaporates. The SMART Tiers (SMART is an acronym for Sweat Management and Removal Technology) line uses organic dyes and pigments […]
AirTrim pamphlet details capabilities
July 30th, 2015
Springfield, Ohio–based AirTrim Inc. has released a new booklet detailing the company’s pneumatic conveying systems, which collect labeling, matrix and other packaging waste. The system also collects trim waste and the company also provides dust removal systems for various printing, converting and packaging line applications. The literature explains continuous stream or chopped systems, as well […]
EU expands its NPE ban
July 24th, 2015
Members of the European Union have unanimously voted to expand the ban on nonylphenol ethoxylates (NPEs) to include clothing that’s imported into member nations. While NPE use in production is already banned in the EU, NPE use in Asian manufacturing locations has continued to be a concern. It prohibits placing on the market textile articles […]
Cellulose fibers take flight
July 24th, 2015
A resurgent interest in more sustainable and environmentally friendly carbon fibers has led researchers in the U.K. to convert cellulose fibers into high-strength carbon fibers, according to a report at MaterialsToday.com. Steve Eichhorn and his colleagues at the Universities of Exeter and Manchester are developing strong, lightweight carbon fibers made from recycled plant matter that could […]
What to wear to Mars
July 24th, 2015
For human space missions beyond low-Earth orbit the logistical burden is at least twice as great compared to missions in low-Earth orbit. Take, for instance, a trip to Mars, which is being planned by NASA to occur sometime in the 2030s. For this type of long duration mission there will be limited or no resupply […]
Smaller, “smarter” and versatile
July 24th, 2015
Multidimensional narrow fabrics offer new ways to develop structures in medical and biomedical applications. A narrow fabric is loosely defined as being any non-elastic woven textile having a width of 12 inches or less and a woven selvage on each side. Narrow fabrics found use early on as hatbands, in corsets and lingerie, and have […]