In addition to being one of the fastest supercomputers on the planet, MIRA is energy efficient, saving energy through innovative chip design and a unique water-cooling system—an important reason why a wrap had to grab attention without hampering functionality. Photo: Argonne National Laboratory, Argonne Leadership Computing Facility. In the world of high-speed calculations, [...]

4-Options Studio helps tech companies integrate smart textiles into the latest styles, finding the right balance between knowledge of the market, technology and creativity. Photos: 4-Options Studio. Amsterdam-based studio works with manufacturers to bring a design sensibility to smart fabrics. The theme for this year’s Met Gala, the annual Metropolitan Museum of Art [...]

3M™ Scotchlite™ Reflective Material—Series 5600 Fire Coat Comfort Trim is a segmented, stitch-free trim designed to offer greater flexibility and mobility for firefighters. The new trim laminates onto fabric, creating a flatter surface with minimal catch-points. Because the reflective material is segmented, it is more flexible and better able to conform to the gear’s fabric [...]

LUX Shield zips have teeth and sliders that are resistant to corrosion caused by tanning chemicals and exposure to atmospheric elements. The protective finish and precisely formed teeth enhance the zip’s durability and appearance; zip model sizes range between 4, 6 and 8 mm. Main uses include leather garments, leather accessories, footwear, stone-washed garments and [...]

Automated cutting processes help fabricators gain production efficiencies. Here, an Autometrix static cutting machine with carbide blades, installed at a carbon fiber shop, stands up well when used with the tough and abrasive material. Photo: Autometrix Inc. Specialty fabricators don't have to go it alone. Equipment and automation manufacturers are working hard, developing [...]

Photos by Sara Rubinstein Ben Fox expands design capabilities for fabric structures, focusing on innovation and education to solve customer problems. "Our company’s roots are unique in that we started out as a construction service and kind of worked our way backward into manufacturing,” says Ben Fox, owner, president and CEO of Legacy [...]

How to determine if an employee stock ownership plan is right for your company. An exit plan is generally not at the forefront of a company owner’s mind, especially at the height of career success, but it’s no less important than any other business strategy. When the time comes to step down, a comprehensive exit [...]

The flying tent comes in three colors(orange, green and blue), can be ordered online and will ship to anywhere in the world—which is where you’ll find the Startraveller team, according to the start-up’s website. “We are emotion seekers. Due to our passion for nature we create smart outdoor gear to feel independent and free [...]

From research to manufacturing reality through the AFFOA Institute. The AFFOA initiative provides an exciting opportunity to enhance the functionality of the fabrics that all of us interact with every day,” says Dr. Julianna Abel, University of Minnesota mechanical engineering assistant professor. These functional fabrics, or “smart fabrics,” can include “multi-material fabrics for medical and [...]

Every year at this time, we start pulling together our editorial calendars, compiling a list of important products, key markets and vital industry issues. This year’s “issues” roster for the Review includes (but is not limited to): multifunctionality in high-performance fabrics; sustainability, inside and out; smart marketing and managing social media; adding value; the next [...]