Active and smart
April 9, 2018
A range of new materials and technologies are adding functionalities to textiles. A functional nonwoven in this ballistic shield provides a comfortable layer on the inside with an abrasion-resistant top layer. Photo: Texas Tech University. Textiles are well established as passive materials offering comfort and protection, as well as design and fashion
Read MoreNew technologies are redefining today’s textiles
March 26, 2018
From raw materials to manufacturing processes, the word “textile” takes on new meanings. Textile technology is undergoing a revolution, with innovative structures, raw materials and manufacturing platforms creating new fabrics that defy old-school definitions. Introductory textile science classes taught us that textiles were materials that could be woven, knit, crocheted,
Read MoreTextiles in hybrids
March 12, 2018
Manufacturers are finding new ways to enhance product performance with textiles. As the demands made on textiles have increased, the nature of what is defined as “textile” has greatly expanded, often including non-textiles or treating them in a textile manner. Hybrids that bring together different materials and processes can offer
Read MoreWhen performance matters most
February 26, 2018
Testing is a complex and critical part of the manufacturing process for protective and occupational gear. NC State University utilizes advanced testing equipment designed and manufactured by Thermetrics LLC to evaluate the performance of protective gear used in potentially life-threatening events. Photo: Thermetrics LLC. It may be impossible to guarantee
Read MoreIn search of deep space textiles
February 12, 2018
NASA needs textile manufacturing partners to support the success of future missions. Astronaut Norishige Kanai of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency tries on a pair of spacesuit sleeves inside the Quest airlock in the International Space Station. To either side of Kanai are the U.S. spacesuits that were being readied
Read MoreSmart Fabrics Summit set for April 24 in Washington D.C.
February 12, 2018
StretchSense has designed printed circuit boards that can make lightweight, flexible sensors for more versatile use in wearable technology. Photo: StretchSense. The event offers opportunities for collaboration and discussion of industry challenges. The U.S. Dept. of Commerce and the Industrial Fabrics Association International (IFAI) will co-host the Smart Fabrics Summit
Read MoreMutual benefits
January 22, 2018
From small startups to global corporations, academia and business forge alliances. A conductive ink pattern has been heat-laminated with thermoplastic polyurethane on a knit fabric. These structures are being explored for low-cost integration of electronics on textiles, including methods on integration of hard-type device components, such as light emitting diodes (LEDs),
Read MoreThe academia and industry partnership
January 8, 2018
Amann Innovation Lab offers a think-tank where designers and brands can become more familiar with the company’s hybrid conductive, color indicator and sensor threads and explore their potential. Photo: Marie O’Mahony Centers for innovation offer new opportunities for collaborative work. Over the past year there has been noticeable growth globally
Read MoreThe all-encompassing commitment
January 8, 2018
Sustainability is a way of doing business, and certification systems can support the effort. “Sustainable practice in simple terms means looking after workers, using quality materials, minimizing waste and making fair margins.” This statement from the Council of Textile and Fashion Industries of Australia (TFIA) does indeed put the topic
Read MoreNew technology, new standard
December 20, 2017
A solar energy-harvesting textile composed of 1.2mm spherical solar cells named Sphelar® can be connected to conductive yarn or thread to create a solar-collecting e-textile. IPC committee seeks comments on e-textiles industry standard. In July 2017, IPC (Association Connecting Electronics Industries) hosted the first web meeting of the IPC E-textiles
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