The Mitchell Group has introduced a new, improved ReCast® polyurethane collection, formulated with polycarbonate polymers that contain the strongest resins available for coated fabrics. Designed for contract, hospitality and residential applications, the technically advanced recycled leather product exceeds 30,000 double-rubs for abrasion; top-grade, economical, highly durable polycarbonate opens a number of design possibilities where a [...]

The new Fabric Touch Tester (FTT) from SDL Atlas is the first device to objectively and quantitatively measure fabric hand and skin-touch comfort. Innovative equipment permits quality control and research/development labs to measure and predict the comfort perception of fabrics, from product designs to processing control to end products for consumers. Comprehensive, sophisticated design of [...]

The next evolution for templating in specialty fabrics: the LT-2D3D Laser Templator handles complex jobs such as dodgers, trailer covers, awnings, enclosures and other end products. On most jobs, just point and click; the onboard CAD software can be edited in the field or exported as a 3-D wireframe to the manufacturer’s flattening software, which [...]

Silver State Fabrics has introduced Global Beat, adding a “bump” of color, a “twist” in pattern and a “shout” of style to the new collection. Using durable Sunbrella®, the vibrant collection offers 67 SKUs: stunning stripes, coordinated solids, twills and textured weaves. Offered in a variety of textures, patterns and colors, durable and fade-resistant, the [...]

Designed for print service providers, the Roland DisplayStudio™ digital sign system is both complete and affordable, allowing traditional sign shops to increase profits by adding digital signage to the product mix. Turnkey system transforms a wide variety of graphics into eye-catching digital presentations that can be changed on demand, and managed remotely if desired. Includes [...]

Knowing the type of static control required of a textile is essential. Imagine this scenario, as described by Bud Weisbart, vice president of A & R Tarpaulins, the parent company of AR Tech, Fontana, Calif. Mechanics are assembling an aircraft. Large fabric tubes transfer fresh, cool air inside where they’re working. If the fabric tubes [...]

Artist Freyja Sewell believes that a better awareness of one’s body, senses and materials can lead to a higher appreciation of the physical world, and so created a “sensory concentration space.” The small fabric enclosure allows the user to remove all distractions from experiencing just themselves. The personal tent-like structure is made from 100 percent [...]

Cleanrooms are spaces that maintain low levels of airborne particulate and viable micro-organisms; any liquids and gases entering a cleanroom are purified to maintain the cleanliness level. Textiles may be used to prevent contaminants from entering, remove contaminants, prevent contamination by people and from new materials entering the clean space. By Robert McIlvaine Preventing contaminants [...]

Susan Shields and Mike Miller foster leadership skills and personal accountability to pursue entrepreneurial excellence. By Sigrid Tornquist Business is a bit of a roller coaster, especially when you’re talking about private label on the retail end and OEM on the B2B side. Landing contracts is never a sure thing,” says Mike Miller, CEO of [...]

Northcott Banner Corp. in Minneapolis, Minn., was one of the first banner shops in town to do dye sublimation printing. Owner Millie Northcott says her business focus and printing method have changed, but the dye sublimation process remains a cornerstone of her business. One of her more recent pursuits is a line of banners with [...]