A “steady course” predicted in 3D printed wearables market
August 30th, 2019
A new study by Future Market Insights predicts the 3D printed wearables market, valued at approximately $3 billion in 2018, will maintain its steady course. Medical wearables are expected to be heavily influenced by 3D printing innovations. Research in this sector has experimented with a range of products, from living tattoos that act as sensors to printing […]
Textile Industry needs technical skill development and research
August 29th, 2019
by Seshadri Ramkumar Technical skill development, research and development (R&D) are immediately needed for the textile sector. This conclusion is the result of many interactions over the summer in India with industrialists and academics spanning spinning, weaving, finishing and technical textiles. It became evident that the Indian textile sector is keen to diversify and is […]
IFAI Women in Textiles Summit calls for speakers
August 26th, 2019
The Industrial Fabrics Association International (IFAI) presents the second Women in Textiles Summit February 19-21 in Nashville, Tenn. The event offers speakers an opportunity to help develop bold, important content for those in attendance. The event’s theme is, "Woman in Textiles: A Summit for Experienced and Emerging Leaders.” and the Summit’s vision is provide an […]
Pavegen plans expansion
August 26th, 2019
The company that converts footsteps into energy is partnering with the Hinduja Group. Engineering and manufacturing conglomerate, Hinduja Group, has partnered with U.K. firm Pavegen to help support its growth and expansion into key markets. Pavegen, which converts the kinetic energy of footfall into off-grid power and data, is seeking to reduce the cost of […]
Squid-inspired jacket reflects full color spectrum
August 26th, 2019
Vollebak’s Black Squid jacket, inspired by the ocean creature, is able to reflect all colors of the visible light spectrum. 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 […]
Textiles and energy technologies for the future
August 26th, 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. […]
Window film molecule captures the sun
August 26th, 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 […]
Robotic tail for humans developed
August 23rd, 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 […]
Lunar landing anniversary marked with special socks
August 19th, 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 […]
“Black Hole” bags made from plastic bottles launched
August 16th, 2019
Patagonia has unveiled a new range of bags made from recycled plastic bottles, which made up 100 percent of the body fabric and webbing for the companies “Black Hole” bags. The Black Hole line is part of Patagonia’s commitment to move toward 100 percent renewable and recycled raw materials. The company’s goal is to be carbon neutral […]