Fluorescent light traveling through a polymer sheet may lead to user interface devices that respond to gestures alone. From a white paper by Alexander Koppelhuber and Oliver Bimber published as “New Imaging Device that is Flexible, Flat and Transparent” by The Optical Society (OSA). Digital cameras, medical scanners and other imaging technologies have advanced considerably [...]

Three projects will focus on eco-design for environment and human health. Eco-design, environmental protection, recycling and public health are the themes that underlie the Techtera Technical Textiles Rhone-Alps cluster’s latest R & D projects. ECOSILAC, REVAMED and TECHNYMAT, funded through the 15th call for projects, will start in the second half of 2013. ECOSILAC, a [...]

Global nonwovens associations to promote free and fair trade. Two global nonwovens associations, EDANA (Brussels, Belgium) and INDA (Cary, N.C., U.S.A.) have announced that they are joining efforts to promote the free and fair trade of nonwovens globally, starting with an active role in the upcoming U.S.-European Union (EU) Free Trade Agreement negotiations. As a [...]

Large purchases have become easier and less expensive thanks to new tax breaks and financing options. By Mark E. Battersby Thanks to the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012, managers, executives and owners who have hesitated or postponed making capital investments for their specialty fabrics businesses through the recent economic downturn might now want to [...]

Equipment suppliers are focusing on service, training and customization to add value. By Holly O’Dell Given the economic turbulence we’ve all endured over the last five years, many businesses have reported doing more with less, and not as a matter of choice. But this common refrain needn’t always have a negative connotation. With the right [...]

How can I…Take the guesswork out of hand-held welding? Here’s how: Weld a flawless automatic seam every time with the BAK PlanOn® Digital Hot-Air Welder. Easy to operate, it allows precise and accurate seam welding with digital readouts of welding speed and temperature. Virtually fail-safe, the welder has an automatic drive start system and offers [...]

How can I…Eliminate worker injuries and consistently maintain high quality? Here’s how: The CARR MP-10 high-performance pneumatic grommet machine can be used for any application where grommets are set with a manual press. It uses a pneumatic cylinder for setting rather than hand or foot operation, eliminating injury and quality consistency issues. Sets stainless steel [...]

How can I…Clean tents more economically? Here’s how: With the SKP Tent Washer, two workers can clean and dry up to 5,000 square feet of fabric per hour, saving labor, water and energy. The automated process works on two fabrics at once. While one is cleaned and dried, the next one is loaded and sprayed [...]

How can I…Save labor costs when welding tape to coated textiles? Here’s how: Easy to set up and self propelled, the Walkable Reinforcement Tape Welder is made for single-person operation. With a 3400W heat source, the 230V welder has good production speeds and heavy weight for bonding pressure for welding coated reinforcement webbing to coated [...]

How can I…Increase productivity and still produce strong, perfect seams? Here’s how: With a fully automatic folding option, zipper configuration and sleek ergonomic design, the Impulse Extreme increases productivity by eliminating operator set-up time. The folding bar creates a precise fold for a quality weld every time. The zipper configuration aligns fabric, allowing for easy [...]