TEXTILES.ORG
Advanced fabrics seminar scheduled
August 26th, 2014
IFAI 2014 Advanced Textiles Expo will host a seminar on current research and innovation in advanced fabrics. Molded polystyrene sheets can be shaped by randomly placed cross cables to produce one-off architectural wall panels at an economical cost, using a process developed by Marc Swackhamer’s design firm HouMinn. Swackhamer will look at the new relationship between […]
New FR apparel from G&K Services
August 22nd, 2014
G&K Services Inc., Minnetonka, Minn.-based provider of uniforms and facility services programs, has introduced a new line of vented flame-resistant (FR) uniforms and knit garments. The uniforms also feature enhanced visibility striping, offering added protection and safety for employees operating in limited-light conditions. G&K’s FR, vented, enhanced-visibility coveralls and work shirts are made with 4½-ounce […]
Leister acquires Seamtek
August 22nd, 2014
Swiss plastic-welding and hot-air equipment manufacturer Leister Technologies AG has acquired Seamtek Inc. of Sandpoint, Idaho. Seamtek has provided hot-air welding/seaming equipment to the technical textile industry since 1996. Leister will debut the new digitally controlled Leister SEAMTEK 36 stationary welder at the IFAI Specialty Fabrics Expo in Minneapolis, Oct. 14–16. Leister Technologies’ plastic-welding products […]
From textile waste to improved fabrics
August 22nd, 2014
Facing a January 2016 deadline ending the disposal of textile waste in landfills, the VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland is developing methods to restore worn-out fiber to good-as-new condition. Scientists are currently working on methods for separating the cellulose molecules contained in textile waste, such as cotton, using solvents. VTT, Aalto University and Tampere […]
Kynar fibers availability expands
August 22nd, 2014
Johnson City, Tenn.-based specialty-fabrics producer MiniFIBERS Inc. announces that Kynar polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) multifilament and precision-cut staple fibers are now commercially available to address a growing demand for high-performance synthetic fibers. Kynar PVDF fibers have traditionally been used in environments that require chemical resistance, weatherability and durability, but have recently found interest in new markets. […]
Royal DSM announces PFC-free membranes for clothing
August 22nd, 2014
Royal DSM announces the introduction by Toyota Tsusho of a new generation of high-performance membranes for clothing made from its Arnitel® VT, a flexible thermoplastic polyester-based elastomer. The new membranes contain no perfluorinated chemicals (PFCs), and are 100 percent recyclable, breathable and waterproof in all circumstances, despite being only a few microns thick. Brands in […]
Since your baby can’t talk …
August 22nd, 2014
Sproutling, a new San Francisco, Calif.-based technology company has launched its first product, the Sproutling Baby Monitor. Not only does it monitor a baby and the environment, but it will learn and predict a baby’s sleep patterns so that parents can discern when to expect the baby to wake up, or the optimal time to […]
NCSU to launch new testing and evaluation program
August 22nd, 2014
COMPETE (Consortium for Outdoor Materials & Performance Ensembles Testing & Evaluation) is a new initiative being organized by the Textile Protection and Comfort Center (T-PACC) housed at the North Carolina State University (NCSU) College of Textiles. Methods, standardization, education, communication, research, training and innovation are the focused areas. According to information provided by NCSU, the […]
Making electricity where it is needed
August 22nd, 2014
.it th, .it td { border: 1px solid #aaa; padding: 5px; } We are finally registering Edison’s statement from around 1880 that electricity should be made where it is needed. Smart fabrics will be successful in this. Whereas Google Glass, the impending Apple iWatch and the like employ familiar rigid electronics, making weavable e-fibers calls […]
CORDURA debuts Alex Valdman designs
August 21st, 2014
CORDURA, a fabric brand of INVISTA, will introduce its Combat Wool fabric with the launch of a new multipurpose jacket and pant designed by Alex Valdman at the Outdoor Retailer show in Salt Lake City in October. A rising star in the fashion world, Valdman has worked with the likes of rapper Kanye West and […]