International Achievement Awards showcased at IFAI Expo

November 8, 2021  |  In the Industry

Projects and products in industrial fabrics markets were recognized with 2021 International Achievement Awards, showcased in a special area on the show floor at IFAI Expo recently in Nashville. Projects in advanced textiles showed the scope of products and industries served in this market area.&nbsp…
Five universities team up to design futuristic materials

October 25, 2021  |  In the Industry

Megan Valentine, a professor of mechanical engineering and co-director of the California NanoSystems Institute at the University of California Santa Barbara (UCSB), has been awarded a $1.8 million collaborative grant by the National Science Foundation to design and create next-generation materials …
Coal ash fiber company launches fundraising campaign

September 13, 2021  |  In the Industry

GCS Fibers, an environmentally friendly manufacturer based in Virginia, announces the launch of an Indiegogo fundraising campaign for its growth in the U.S. and international markets. The company’s patented technology produces high quality, non-toxic mineral fiber through repurposing coal ash. GCS…
New body armor offers female soldiers a better fit

August 9, 2021  |  In the Industry

An NPR report described the personal experience of Maj. Melissa Elledge, deployed to combat zones twice when she had to wear body armor designed for male soldiers. This armor’s failing for female soldiers is not just uncomfortable, it’s potentially dangerous; bad fit created gaps at the arm open…
Soft automotive top stands up to extreme cold

July 26, 2021  |  In the Industry

To demonstrate the resilience of the Lexus LC Convertible under extreme weather conditions, Toyota Motor Europe (TME) recently froze the vehicle at – 18 C (-40 F). While in deep freeze at the Millbrook Cold Weather Chamber, the convertible was outfitted with a high-performance Sonnenland…
AR Tech products support Delta IV Heavy rocket launch

July 12, 2021  |  In the Industry

When a United Launch Alliance (ULA) Delta IV Heavy rocket launched from Vandenberg Air Force Base recently, it was carrying the NROL-82 mission for the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO). AR Tech, a division of A&R Tarpaulins Inc., Fontana, Calif., provided essential products in support of thi…
ESA seeks ways to make spacesuit underclothes more hygienic

July 12, 2021  |  In the Industry

The European Space Agency (ESA) is working on a more hygienic kind of underclothing worn by astronauts in their spacesuits. The ESA reports that the Austrian Space Forum (OeWF) will work with the Vienna Textile Lab on the BACTeRMA project to test textiles with improved anti-bacterial properties for …
IFAI Expo to celebrate 100 years

June 28, 2021  |  In the Industry

For a century, IFAI Expo has been the industrial fabrics industry’s flagship show. More than 4,000 industry participants gather to learn, conduct business, share ideas and make the connections necessary to support their businesses.  The Advanced Textiles (AT) Conference is an integral part of…
Lectra completes acquisition of Gerber Technology

June 11, 2021  |  In the Industry

Lectra recently finalized the acquisition of all outstanding shares of Gerber Technology. This strategic combination, of which all stages have now been successfully completed, has led to the creation of a global Industry 4.0 player for the fashion, automotive and furniture markets, the company repor…
Solmax finalizes TenCate Geosynthetics acquisition

June 3, 2021  |  In the Industry

by Todd R. Berger Montreal-based geosynthetics manufacturer Solmax has finalized the acquisition of TenCate Geosynthetics, headquartered in Pendergrass, Ga. Jean-Louis Vangeluwe, president of Solmax, spoke with IFAI’s Geosynthetics magazine about the acquisition and what he envision…