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Nanofiber veil for composites
August 1st, 2019
Designed to improve the strength and performance of composite components at a lower cost, Xantu.Layr XLB has the potential for numerous applications, including in the aerospace industry. Photo: Revolution Fibres. The world’s first commercially available interleaving nanofiber veil for use in fiber-reinforced thermoset polymer composite materials has been developed by New Zealand-based Revolution Fibres in […]
Soft robotics and shape memory alloys
August 1st, 2019
Shape memory alloys are a fit with textile technologies. by Janet Preus What makes a material robotic? According to Brad Holschuh, Ph.D., assistant professor of wearable technology and apparel design in the College of Design at the University of Minnesota (UMN), the simplest explanation is that it’s a synthetic product with mechanical actuation that can […]
Stylish woven collection
August 1st, 2019
Zealand is a woven collection with a rattan-like look and a metallic finish developed for hospitality, contract seating, lounge and casino, and health care applications. The collection is produced with antibacterial and antimicrobial agents and further fortified with a proprietary topcoat, FORBID SRT, which combats blue jean dye transfer, lipstick, Sharpie and pen marks, and […]
A pocket-sized washing machine
August 1st, 2019
The Scrubba Mini washes on the go, helping campers, hikers and vacationers pack lighter. Photo: Kickstarter. When you’re hiking and camping, sometimes all you want is to freshen your clothing. But, short of beating your socks against the rocks, there usually aren’t many good options on the trail. Calibre8, the Australian creator of the original […]
Channeling nature through fabric at Allianz Field
August 1st, 2019
Dramatic Allianz Field soccer stadium in Minnesota takes its cues from Lake Superior and aurora borealis. By Bruce N. Wright, AIA Soccer is an internationally loved sport for many reasons, but one draw has to be the fluid physicality of the athletes. The new Allianz Field soccer stadium in St. Paul, Minn., reflects this dynamic […]
Automotive leather cutter
August 1st, 2019
Digital leather cutting solution Versalis® 2019 improves productivity and nesting efficiency performance with an evolution in equipment and software design based on customer feedback. Cutting precision is improved by a large pressure plate that flattens wrinkles before the start of the cutting operation to deliver a higher level of performance and production standardization. Its ergonomic […]
Radiant barrier
August 1st, 2019
HeiQ XReflex is an innovative radiant barrier technology that allows products such as outerwear, midlayers and sleeping bags to maintain the required level of warmth while reducing bulk by as much as 50 percent. With an ultra-thin reflective surface applied through a high-tech vapor deposition process, the technology reflects the body’s radiant heat, increasing thermal […]
Robots on the wing
August 1st, 2019
Purdue University researchers are building robotic hummingbirds taught to fly using artificial intelligence methods. The robots fly while tethered to an energy source, but the researchers expect that soon they will have the freedom of battery operation. Photos: Purdue University/Jared Pike. Hummingbirds are amazing creatures: They flap their wings as fast as 80 times per […]
Prepare now for a future disaster
August 1st, 2019
by Jeff Moravec In a natural disaster, such as Hurricane Irma in 2017, business owners had to deal not only with repairing damage to their shops, but to their homes as well. Tornadoes, as well as the hurricane itself, ravaged the home of Oceanside Canvas’ owners on Cudjoe Bay in the Florida Keys. Photo: Steve […]
Your trade, your show
August 1st, 2019
by Linden Wicklund This year is the 99th year of IFAI Expo, and like every year, we’ve added new features to keep attendees and exhibitors coming back year after year. Among other things, there will be a fun run, puppies, and classroom and show floor education each day of the show. But the most entertaining […]