Marcel Branis takes a collective approach to developing products and improving processes. By Sigrid Tornquist “I love developing a new product or improving a product we already have,” says Marcel Branis, vice president, manufacturing for DHS Systems in Orangeburg, N.Y. “What will happen if we challenge ourselves to do better and to have different points [...]

Problem: Fabric repaired with glue isn’t as strong as the fabric itself. Solution: Mighty Mendit™ fixes minor fabric problems, such as rips and tears, using a flexible bonding agent rather than glue. The bonding agent grabs, adheres and interlocks the fibers of many fabrics for permanent repair. Mighty Mendit dries clear and is safe for [...]

Problem: Gelcoat looks beautiful when it’s new but it’s a challenge to make it last. Solution: Gelcoat Sealer from TCNano Technologies uses chemical nanotechnology to clean, seal and protect gelcoat above the waterline on marine craft. Gelcoat Sealer is durable and transparent, and creates a dirt-, oil- and water-repellent, UV-resistant shield. SOURCE TCNano Technologies

Problem: The cuffs on performance and protective garments are especially vulnerable to damage. Solution: Schoeller-keprotec is a protective fabric originally developed for motorcycle racing. High-tensile aramid fibers, such as Kevlar®, ensure durability and temperature stability for extreme performance requirements in clothing. Abrasion and fall proof, tear and temperature resistant, keprotec garments also offer fit and [...]

Problem: Customers often have to choose between color fastness and strength in a fabric. Solution: Top Notch from Rochford Supply comes with a five-year warranty against premature fading, and with some of the highest abrasion-resistance ratings of any solution-dyed fabric on the market, customers also get an especially durable product. SOURCE Rochford Supply

Problem: Strong fabric roofing materials tend to be heavy and more rigid. Solution: Skytop permanent membrane roofing material is a fluoroplastic-coated, glass fiber B yarn cloth with excellent pliability and endurance. Lightweight and durable, it’s also transparent, UV and heat resistant, and self-cleaning. Well-suited for spaces from large domes and stadiums to gymnasiums and pools. [...]

Problem: Conventional polyethylene woven and laminated fabric tends to tear easily. Solution: Ripstopper from Fabinno has twice the tear strength of conventional polyethylene fabric. Specially engineered, it stops rips in both warp and weft directions, and is coated with a UV stabilizer to enhance its durability. Available in widths up to 144 inches. SOURCE Fabinno [...]

The new VersaCAMM VS-640 inkjet printer/cutter, at 64 inches wide, is Roland’s largest, fastest and most versatile machine to date, designed to produce signs, banners, vehicle graphics and wraps, fine art posters, packaging prototypes, labels, decals, POP displays, heat transfers for apparel and more. New generation of print head technology with integrated print/cut capabilities, print [...]

Three new heat-activated tapes (ARclad® 7970LC, 7970 and 6194) offer new alternatives for splicing specialty paper and heavyweight materials such as foams, corks, felts, fabrics, metals, plastic films and PVC. The tapes’ adhesive becomes activated at 300 degrees F (149-177 degrees C) for quick set-up of splices and improved productivity. Operators can easily pre-set splices [...]

The new S400R manual or motorized retractable outdoor solar awnings frm Durasol offer sophisticated features and benefits at economy prices, for both residential and commercial applications. Units feature adjustable shoulders that lower each front corner of an extended awning independently, with a selected downward pitch between 5 and 50 degrees, to block acute sun rays [...]