May 17, 2024
Milliken & Company announced it is working to design and manufacture flame-resistant (FR) undergarment fabric for NASA’s Artemis missions. Artemis III will be the first U.S.-crewed moon mission in over 50 years, planned for launch no earlier than 2026. Milliken is collaborating with global professional services firm Jacobs through the JSC Engineering, Technology & Science II contract …
May 16, 2024
The Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry (INDA) and the American Filtration & Separations Society (AFS) announced they are partnering to create the FiltXPO™ 2025 International Filtration Conference & Exhibition. The conference will co-locate with IDEA®25 from April 29 to May 1, 2025, at the Miami Beach Convention Center in Miami Beach, Fla. The theme …
May 15, 2024
Carolina Nonwovens LLC, a subsidiary of National Spinning Co. Inc., announced plans to open a new manufacturing plant in Fostoria, Ohio. Currently, equipment is being installed into the facility. The plant is expected to begin operation by the third quarter of 2024. The plant will house a new nonwoven production line and ancillary processes with …
May 14, 2024
Herculite Products Inc. announced that Patrick Clysdale has been hired as the southeastern regional manager for the direct sales team. Clysdale comes to Herculite with nearly 10 years of experience in B2C sales support and over four years in B2B distribution. He was a collegiate baseball player and lives in Florida. He enjoys spending quality time …
May 13, 2024
The +/- Brace is a user-centered, customizable elbow brace produced by combining additive 3D printing and subtractive laser-cutting technology. Designed by Nils Sorger during an internship at WertelOberfell, the brace can relieve pain, promote comfort and reduce the risk of injury or irritation during demanding physical tasks or sport activities. Taking the user’s data and existing users’ …
May 13, 2024
A new study from NC State University combines three-dimensional embroidery techniques with machine learning to create a fabric-based sensor that can control electronic devices through touch. Integrated into the fabric of a piece of clothing, the sensor can activate and control electronic devices, such as mobile apps, entirely by touch. The device is made up of …
May 13, 2024
Thermal control is one of the basic functions of textiles for apparel. The key association is that it affords comfort, so it can be tempting not to properly prioritize it, given its other performance factors. Now, from sportswear to workwear, new and hybrid fiber and fabric technologies are offering advances for a range of markets. …
May 13, 2024
Researchers from RMIT (Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology) are using nanodiamonds to develop high-tech textiles that can help people wearing the textile cool down faster. In the study, they coated the fabric made from cotton with nanodiamonds using electrospinning, a voltage-driven technology. As reported on designboom.com, the study found that high-tech textiles with nanodiamonds can help the wearer …
May 13, 2024
A research team at the Vienna University of Technology (TU Wien) in Austria is exploring the use of filters made from cellulosic waste to remove potentially harmful dyes from textile wastewater. According to a report in Ecotextile News, the researchers have used waste materials, such as old cleaning cloths and paper cups, which are then used …
May 13, 2024
Camira Group Inc., an international fabric manufacturer has announced three new hires within the contract and hospitality segment. Camira Group has appointed Emily Timm as director of sales, Paul Tucker as sales manager and Gabriela Cobb as business development manager. Timm’s experience spans more than 20 years in the interior design industry. She has previously …
July 7, 2021
Messe Stuttgart announced that its new U.S.-based show Sun Shading Expo North America will not be held in 2021 as a separate trade show but will instead contribute its expertise in internal and external sun shading systems at IFAI Expo 2021 in the form of expert talks, open discussions and more. IFAI Expo 2021 will still take place …
May 10, 2021
Registration is open for IFAI Expo 2021. IFAI Expo celebrates the 100th anniversary of the show this November, and you won’t want to miss it! After a long hiatus of in-person events, this year’s show is the perfect place to reconnect with your industry. Register now to get the Early Bird rate! Early Bird rates end …
November 16, 2020
In a session at IFAI Virtual Expo 2020, “Smart Textiles Standardization, Active Illumination,” Dr. Jan Beringer, senior scientific expert Hohenstein Group, explained the new standard for active illumination that will soon be implemented in European Union countries. Organizations worked together to develop the standards. It is notable, he said that both textile and electronics industries …
November 13, 2020
The U.S. textile industry has stepped up to meet the demand for face masks, medical gowns, wipes and other products necessary to combat the coronavirus pandemic, but it needs policy changes from Washington so that the U.S. is not caught off-guard again in a future crisis, according to association leaders speaking at Industrial Fabrics Association …
November 12, 2020
Dr. Bryran Ormond, assistant professor, Wilson College of Textiles, NC State explained respiratory protection in an “Ask an Expert” session with Jing Liang, Medical PPE Consulting LLC. Dr. Ormand has typically worked in the area of chemical and biological protective equipment, but with the onslaught of the pandemic, began to focus on respiratory protection generally, …
November 11, 2020
All surgical gowns are not created equal, and a Nov. 11 presentation at IFAI Virtual Expo 2020 helped sort out the differences. The finer points of surgical gowns were discussed by Dr. Martin King, a professor at the Wilson College of Textiles, North Carolina State University, and Jing Liang, president of Medical PPE Consulting LLC. …
November 11, 2020
How do you create a channel from research to application? How do you create a pathway toward understanding complex human problems across supply chains and market sectors? STEM—a curriculum based on teaching science, technology, engineering and math—has branched out from basic chemistry and biology and physics classes, into collaborative efforts, including textiles, according to Stephanie …
November 11, 2020
At the 2020 Virtual Expo session, “Ask the Expert: Textile Electronics Testing and Standards,” Jesse Jur, a professor at the Wilson College of Textiles, North Carolina State University, discussed how standards and testing continue to evolve due to the evolution of textile-based electronics (e-textiles). Jur said that standards have long been a vital resource for …
November 10, 2020
Wildfires, hurricanes, a pandemic and civil unrest have wreaked plenty of chaos on the commercial insurance market in 2020. Steve Christenson, with Marsh & McLennan Agency LLC, offered guidance to business owners Nov. 9 at IFAI Virtual Expo 2020. “The business insurance market has been going through several changes this year,” says Christenson, with U.S. …
November 6, 2020
Thinking about selling your business—either to an outside party or the next generation? Then it’s time to start considering how your equipment and processes fit into your succession plan. Jonathan Palmer, the second-generation owner and CEO of equipment supplier Autometrix, and Autometrix director of global sales Truy Pham, led an educational session at IFAI Virtual …
May 13, 2024
Thermal control is one of the basic functions of textiles for apparel. The key association is that it affords comfort, so it can be tempting not to properly prioritize it, given its other performance factors. Now, from sportswear to workwear, new and hybrid fiber and fabric technologies are offering advances for a range of markets. …
April 22, 2024
Textile trade in developed economies is imbalanced and it is a deficit one. While this is the trend, compared to the trade in manufactured goods, trade in advanced technologies offers another picture, which is optimistic. In the case of aerospace and warfare systems, the U.S. has a trade surplus. The advanced textiles industry should model …
April 8, 2024
Every five years, the World Customs Organization (WCO) updates the International Harmonized System (HS) used to classify imported and exported goods. Effective January 1, 2022, a change was made to the interpretation of textile materials considered to be impregnated, coated, covered or laminated with plastics. This can impact rates of duty, not only for the textiles, themselves, …
March 25, 2024
Can printed electronics (PE) and flexible hybrid electronics (FHE) offer e-textiles direction that overcomes the design, manufacturing and sustainability challenges facing the industry? The annual conference and trade show LOPEC (Large-area, Organic & Printed Electronics Convention) was recently held in Munich with 176 exhibiting companies from 28 countries and more than 2,400 visitors from 48 countries. …
March 11, 2024
The advanced textiles industry is comprised of a majority of small and medium enterprises (SME), which also form a growth sector for the industry. But its development and growth depend on being nimble and creative. In the post COVID-19 era, major economies, such as the U.S., U.K. and India, are supporting the rejuvenation and growth …
February 26, 2024
Editor’s note: Two researchers with expertise in advanced technologies—and smart textiles, in particular—responded to questions about artificial intelligence and its future in the industry. Irmandy Wicaksono (IW) is a research assistant in the MIT Media Lab and lead author of a paper presenting 3DKnITS. Caitlin Knowles, Ph.D., (CK) is an e-textile device engineer with the Advanced Functional …
February 12, 2024
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become a kitchen table discussion point these days in many households, and it’s gained global prominence since serious discussions on this subject surfaced in the 2017 World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. While AI has been touted as an enabler of growth, concerns are surfacing regarding privacy issues and hence the …
January 29, 2024
Trends in the textile industry are apparently not easy to pin down; market researchers who study trends as a business agree on some, but not all. The degree of detail researched impacts the outcome, of course, and even market niche investigations generate hefty reports. Given the extensive reach of textile materials and products in the …
January 15, 2024
If one was to run a political, economic, social, technology (PEST) analysis on the smart and advanced textile industry for the year, “P” would dominate, as politics has impacted all sectors. But that is not to diminish important developments that have taken place in the industry, in some cases because of the conflicts, and in others despite them. PEST itself …
December 18, 2023
In its final declaration, the recent COP28 called for countries to transition away from fossil fuel, signaling textile and other manufacturing sectors to explore greener methods and products. Furthermore, emerging regulations, greater momentum in the adaptation of artificial intelligence, as well as developments in textiles and related disciplines, necessitate new standards and labeling. Additionally, greater …
May 16, 2024
The Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry (INDA) and the American Filtration & Separations Society (AFS) announced they are partnering to create the FiltXPO™ 2025 International Filtration Conference & Exhibition. The conference will co-locate with IDEA®25 from April 29 to May 1, 2025, at the Miami Beach Convention Center in Miami Beach, Fla. The theme …
May 9, 2024
The National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO), has announced the results of its officer elections for fiscal year 2024. NCTO has elected Charles Heilig, president of Parkdale Mills, as chairman; and Chuck Hall, president and CEO of Barnet, as vice chairman. In addition to the appointment of a new chairman and vice chairman, NCTO elected …
May 8, 2024
The Manufacturing Solutions Center (MSC) at Catawba Valley Community College in Hickory, N.C., announced that it will provide M1 programming training for Stoll Flatbed Knitting machines May 20–24 to individuals interested in learning about flatbed knitting or improving their knitting skills. Class size is limited and is structured to the individual needs of attendees. Core …
May 3, 2024
Every year, the American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists (AATCC) student chapters name a graduating senior to be recognized for academic achievement and contribution to the chapter, school and society. This year AATCC presented the 11 awardees with a certificate, copy of the book Color Vision and Technology and an official AATCC graduation cord. …
April 30, 2024
The Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry (INDA) announced three recipients of the INDA Lifetime Service Award and Lifetime Technical Achievement Awards. David Powling, Paul Latten and Arnold Wilkie are being recognized for their key contributions to the advancement of the nonwovens industry and INDA. “It is our pleasure to recognize David, Paul, and Arnold …
April 26, 2024
The winners of the 2024 Techtextil and Texprocess Innovation Awards have been announced. A total of 15 winners in eight categories received awards for their research, new products, processes or technologies in sectors such as aviation, automotive, medicine and construction. “Innovations in the textile industry enable completely new solutions for innumerable applications. New materials, processes …
April 22, 2024
The FabricLink Network (FLN), a textile education resource consisting of the websites FabricLink and The Technical Center, announced it is working with leaders in the textile industry to create The Textile Gateway, an online platform to introduce current students to the industry. The website is set to launch in the summer of 2024. “The mission …
April 18, 2024
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced that it is outlining an enhanced strategy to combat illicit trade and level the playing field for the American textile industry, which accounts for over 500,000 U.S. jobs and is crucial for national security. Two of DHS’s agencies, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Homeland Security Investigations …
April 2, 2024
Fashion for Good has announced the selection of 10 new innovators for its 2024 Innovation Program. The cohort is focused on novel footwear material and recycling technologies, manmade cellulosic and nylon recycling. The 2024 Innovation Program provides bespoke support based on the development stage and ambitions of each innovator, matching them with relevant industry partners …
March 27, 2024
The Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry (INDA) announced a call for presentation abstracts for its IDEA®25 show, set for April 29 through May 1, 2025, at Miami Beach Convention Center, Miami Beach, Fla. The theme for IDEA25 is “Nonwovens for a Healthier Planet” highlighting nonwoven advancements in sustainability. The deadline to submit is June …
April 22, 2024
Artist and designer Kim Mesches has unveiled his “Collection 5,” featuring garments made of a color-changing resin with a technology activated by heat. The material is a mix of thermochromic dyes, pigments and other ingredients, which are then mixed with hardened resin to create the garments. For example, on sunny days the garments change themselves …
April 8, 2024
Following the successful development of functional invisibility shields in 2022, U.K.-based Invisibility Shield Co. has launched its second-generation invisibility shields on Kickstarter. Among the products is the “Megashield,” which the company claims is the largest one ever created. According to a report on designboom.com, more than four years ago the company focused on refining optical …
March 25, 2024
In recent years, materials scientists and engineers have introduced increasingly sophisticated materials for robotic and prosthetic applications, including a range of electronic skins, or e-skins, designed to sense the surrounding environment and artificially reproduce the sense of touch. As explained on techxplore.com, researchers at Tsinghua University in Beijing recently introduced a new dual-modal tactile e-skin that could …
February 26, 2024
An interactive installation that combined textile arts, smart materials and engineering and received a 2023 Black Rock City Honorarium at the 2023 Burning Man. Set against the vast and surreal backdrop of the Black Rock Desert in Nevada, Burning Man is an annual gathering that transforms the flat, barren expanse into a vibrant playground for artistic …
January 15, 2024
Avery Dennison has completed a project with NRVLD, a community-based agency comprised of artists, technologists and media personalities supporting disruptive innovation. Innovation in Textiles reports that the company created limited edition augmented reality T-shirts worn by the NRVLD executive team during an immersive event held during Art Basel Miami Beach in December 2023. The 30 …
September 11, 2023
Although we’re hearing more about stretchable electronics, the fabrication of such devices’ components is far beyond most people’s abilities. Now, however, scientists have created inks that let anyone draw stretchable LEDs onto various surfaces, including fabric, using regular ballpoint pens. The inks were produced at Washington University, St. Louis, Mo., by a team led by Assoc. …
June 12, 2023
Inside The Reykjavik EDITION hotel in Iceland, fashion designers Tanguy Mélinand and Drífa Líftóra unveiled their collection of clothes stitched from harvested and preserved Icelandic seaweed. The designers collaborated with SEAWEEDWORKS, a project founded by creative director Charlie Strand, to spotlight the potential uses of seaweed in art, fashion, design and technology for the special exhibition. Before Tanguy Mélinand conceived his pieces, he …
May 8, 2023
Researchers at the Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia in Genova have created what they say is the first 4D-printed, biomimetic, biodegradable, soft robot that changes shape in response to humidity and can navigate through soil. The researchers say the device has great potential as a new means of monitoring the environment. Photo: Istituto Italiano di Tecnología. 4D …
April 24, 2023
The zebra’s distinctive appearance has been the source of much scientific debate, from its role in predator confusion, to how it can deter horsefly bites. More recently, it was found that the animals can raise the fur of their black segments to transfer heat away from the skin for temperature regulation. Scientists are taking the zebra debate in this …
April 10, 2023
A new material could help produce self-healing and conductive robotic devices that are also soft. Developed by a team of scientists at Carnegie Mellon University, the substance consists of a gelatinous polyvinyl alcohol-sodium borate base, embedded in which are silver microflakes and gallium-based liquid metal droplets. It’s also infused with ethylene glycol, to keep it …
May 13, 2024
The +/- Brace is a user-centered, customizable elbow brace produced by combining additive 3D printing and subtractive laser-cutting technology. Designed by Nils Sorger during an internship at WertelOberfell, the brace can relieve pain, promote comfort and reduce the risk of injury or irritation during demanding physical tasks or sport activities. Taking the user’s data and existing users’ …
May 13, 2024
A new study from NC State University combines three-dimensional embroidery techniques with machine learning to create a fabric-based sensor that can control electronic devices through touch. Integrated into the fabric of a piece of clothing, the sensor can activate and control electronic devices, such as mobile apps, entirely by touch. The device is made up of …
May 13, 2024
Researchers from RMIT (Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology) are using nanodiamonds to develop high-tech textiles that can help people wearing the textile cool down faster. In the study, they coated the fabric made from cotton with nanodiamonds using electrospinning, a voltage-driven technology. As reported on designboom.com, the study found that high-tech textiles with nanodiamonds can help the wearer …
April 22, 2024
Shenzhen XFT Medical Ltd. (XFT Medical) and U.K. product design and development company Industrial Design Consultancy Ltd. (IDC) have partnered to launch the Hand Rehabilitation Glove, a training device designed to aid patients recovering from strokes or hand disabilities. The neoprene glove combines electromyograph feedback and flexible robotics to support patients in training and repairing dexterity. …
March 25, 2024
Researchers at North Carolina State University (NCSU) have developed a new soft robot design that engages in three simultaneous behaviors: rolling forward, spinning like a record, and following a path that orbits around a central point. The device, which operates without human or computer control, holds promise for developing soft robotic technologies that can be …
March 11, 2024
Carrington Textiles has revealed a new technology for the defense market called “Stealth,” which is designed to advance thermal signature management via a highly conductive textile technology for superior thermal shielding on the battlefield. Stealth is engineered with a patented fabric technology that manages dynamic energy waves for mission-critical security and protection, mitigating the thermal signature …
February 26, 2024
Nextiles, a smart fabric technology provider for coaches and athletes, has announced its Personalized Intensity Zones, a new algorithm to track stress for Nextiles Arm Sleeve and App users. The new product provides immediate feedback on how hard each athlete throws. The algorithm assigns a zone from 0 to 10 for every repetition and provides coaches an …
February 12, 2024
In two new studies, North Carolina State University (NC State) researchers designed and tested a series of textile fibers that can change shape and generate force like a muscle. In the first study, the researchers focused on the materials’ influence on the artificial muscle’s strength and contraction length. The findings could help researchers tailor the fibers …
January 29, 2024
People with Parkinson’s disease frequently develop a problem known as “gait freeze,” in which their legs simply stop stepping forward as they’re walking. A new powered exoskeleton, however, has proven to be very effective at keeping the legs going. Building upon a previous project, the experimental soft-bodied device was developed by scientists from Harvard and Boston …
January 15, 2024
MycoWorks, a San Francisco-based biomaterials company and maker of new mycelium-grown materials, has announced that its commercial-scale Fine Mycelium™ plant has successfully harvested over a thousand sheets of the company’s luxury leather-alternative biomaterial, achieving a level of product quality exceeding that of its California pilot plant. The company says this has allowed it to move …
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