Epson Applies Dry Fiber Technology To Manufacture Face Masks

TOKYO — May 22, 2020 — Seiko Epson Corp. will apply its original Dry Fiber technology to manufacture face masks for its employees in Japan. Dry Fiber technology, which is also used in Epson’s PaperLab A-8000 in-office dry paper making system, is a dry process that has until now been used to turn used paper into new paper inside the office. The masks will be made not from used paper, but from functional fibers and will be manufactured at the company’s Kanbayashi and Suwa Minami Plants in Nagano, Japan, where the majority of its domestic employees are located. Epson expects to begin manufacturing the masks from the end of May. The company does not currently plan to manufacture the masks for sale.

These masks respond to growing demand for face masks for protection against the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). Manufacturing the masks in-house will allow Epson to donate 100,000 surgical masks it had purchased as part of its business continuity plan (BCP) to local authorities and medical institutions in Nagano, where needs for personal protective equipment (PPE) have been expanding rapidly.

The company will also donate 5,600 face shields to the same organizations.

Posted May 22, 2020

Source: Seiko Epson Corp.

Apparel: Arizona and Florida See Biggest Sales Growth Compared to California, According to Fivestars’ Weekly Small Business Reopen Report

SAN FRANCISCO — May 22, 2020 — According to the second weekly Small Business Reopen Report from Fivestars, one of America’s largest local commerce companies, states that have newly reopened such as Arizona and Florida, are seeing an increase in sales, while others like California fall behind. The findings show that Arizona’s sales jumped 35 percent compared to last week, followed by Florida with a 17 percent jump, Georgia at 11 percent, Texas at 10 percent, and California at 5 percent. The data shows that local economies are starting to demonstrate slow but consistent growth, as small business sales across the United States reach a near 50 percent recovery rate compared to this time last year.

A comprehensive overview of consumer spending, the weekly Small Business Reopen Report analyzed millions of aggregate sales and foot traffic data points from thousands of merchants in California, Texas, Georgia, Florida and Arizona from May 11-17, 2020, to the prior week of May 4-10, 2020, and from this time last year, May 13-19, 2019.

States that began reopening first are seeing a plateau in recent sales, but continue a slow and steady recovery

Over the past week, residents in reopened states continued to prove they are putting money back into their local economies. Among the five states analyzed, Arizona and Florida launched their reopening plans most recently, in the past 15 days. These two regions have seen a higher spike in sales over the past week as shoppers prove eager to return to their local shops.

However, small business sales in states like Georgia, whose reopening plan commencement was over 20 days ago, have started to plateau after an initial rush of shoppers. Still, all reopened states are slowly but steadily progressing on the path to recovery, leaving behind states like California, who have yet to open most businesses due to a more conservative reopening plan.

As select states reopen, Arizona and Florida see surge in apparel and spa sales

Overall, the spa and apparel industries are seeing a surge in sales as most states are recording the largest growth within these business verticals, compared to food services, pet stores, and smoke shops. Arizona saw the highest increase in apparel sales, at 133 percent. Compared to last week, California saw a 79-percent increase in apparel sales, followed by Georgia at 53 percent, Florida at 39 percent, and Texas at 12 percent.

With the exception of Georgia, where sales were up a mere 5 percent, spa activity is on the rise. Arizona saw a spike of 85 percent, Texas sales increased 53 percent, and California is up by 12 percent. Most shockingly, the beauty and spa sales in Florida spiked up drastically with a 498 percent increase in just one week.

A more detailed look at sales by state is as follows:

Arizona’s sales overall jumped 35 percent compared to last week, but are still down 46 percent overall compared to last year

  • Apparel sales were up 133 percent from last week;
  • Beauty and spa sales were up 85 percent from last week, but down 34 percent from the same time last year;
  • Food service sales were up 16 percent from last week, but down 54 percent from the same time last year; and
  • Tobacco and vape sales were up 10 percent from last week, but down 50 percent from the same time last year.

Florida’s sales overall jumped 17 percent compared to last week, but are still down 36 percent overall compared to last year

  • Apparel sales were up 39 percent from last week;
  • Beauty and spa sales were up 498 percent from last week, but down 87 percent from the same time last year;
  • Food service sales were up 9 percent from last week, but down 47 percent from the same time last year;
  • Pet service sales were down 11 percent from last week, and down 57 percent from the same time last year; and
  • Tobacco and vape sales were up 4 percent from last week, but down 21 percent from the same time last year.

Georgia’s sales jumped 11 percent compared to last week, but are still down 53 percent overall compared to last year

  • Apparel sales were up 53 percent from last week, but down 51 percent from the same time last year;
  • Beauty and spa sales were up 5 percent from last week, but down 69 percent from the same time last year;
  • Food service sales were up 13 percent from last week, but down 66 percent from the same time last year;
  • Pet service sales were down 9 percent from last week, and down 76 percent from the same time last year; and
  • Tobacco and vape sales were down 10 percent from last week, and down 35 percent from the same time last year.

Texas’ sales jumped 10 percent compared to last week, but are still down 48 percent overall compared to last year.

  • Apparel sales were up 12 percent from last week, but down 39 percent from the same time last year;
  • Beauty and spa sales were up 53 percent from last week, but down 54 percent from the same time last year;
  • Food service sales were up 4 percent from last week, but down 65 percent from the same time last year;
  • Pet service sales were up 12 percent from last week, but down 40 percent from the same time last year; and
  • Tobacco and vape sales were up 12 percent from last week, but down 22 percent from the same time last year.

California’s sales stayed relatively level at 5 percent since last week, and are still down 61 percent overall compared to last year

  • Apparel sales were up 79 percent from last week, but down 79 percent from the same time last year;
  • Beauty and spa sales were up 12 percent from last week, but down 95 percent from the same time last year;
  • Food service sales were up 2 percent from last week, but down 60 percent from the same time last year;
  • Pet service sales were up 3 percent from last week, and up 3 percent from the same time last year; and
  • Tobacco and vape sales were up 17 percent from last week, but down 49 percent from the same time last year.

“Small businesses are worth fighting for,” said Victor Ho, founder and CEO of Fivestars. “Our data is showing that we’re at a near 50% recovery rate across the country, up more than 15 percent from last week, which shows that we’re making progress in revitalizing our local economies. Small businesses are the soul of our country and if we come together to support them as local governments lift restrictions, we will all recover as one economy and one community.”

This is the second weekly Small Business Reopen Report from Fivestars. Last week’s report analyzed small business spending at physical stores in California, Texas, Georgia and Florida, and found an increase of 18 percent in sales compared to the prior weekend. Overall, the study found that despite sales being down 63 percent from this time last year, these select regions saw an economic benefit.

Posted May 22, 2020

Source: Fivestars

Berry Announces New Meltblown Capacity In South America

EVANSVILLE, Ind. — May 21, 2020 — Today, Berry Global Group Inc. announced the capital investment in its global meltblown nonwoven fabric capacity for South America. This investment further strengthens the company’s global reach and position as a nonwovens manufacturer. This line is Berry’s first meltblown asset, based on its Meltex™ technology, to be located in South America and continues to support the demand for health and wellness products.

With continued demand for face masks globally, Berry has been working closely with customers to help ensure production and supply. The investment will bring more than 400 metric tons of Meltex meltblown nonwoven material to the region, which will enable production of more than 500 million surgical-grade masks per year.

The new asset will be operational in the March 2021 quarter, will be placed at an existing Berry production facility in South America, and will focus on the production of materials for ASTM L2, L3, and N95 masks. The new line will be upgraded with Berry’s patented charging technology post installation.

“We are pleased to present this state-of-the-art meltblown capacity to the South American market. As customers prepare for future outbreaks or protection demands, we will be ready to serve,” said Daniel Guerrero, executive vice president and general manager for Latin America in Health, Hygiene, and Specialties at Berry.

Posted May 22, 2020

Source: Berry Global Group Inc.

Virginia National Guard On The Move With Hanes Face Masks

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C.— May 22, 2020 — The Virginia National Guard today jumpstarted its upcoming weekend of caring by loading two light medium tactical vehicles with 50,000 face masks to be distributed to those in need near Richmond.

The Guardsmen pulled out of HanesBrands’ distribution center near Winston-Salem carrying more than 1,280 pounds of face masks on their six-hour journey of care to Henrico County.

Hundreds of volunteers are assisting the county and the Virginia National Guard to assemble care packages containing washable and reusable 3-ply all-cotton Hanes face masks to assist in the community’s efforts to quell the spread of COVID-19. The care packages are being distributed throughout the Memorial Day weekend.

“We are proud to be the supplier of face masks needed by Henrico County and transported by the Guard for the care-package program,” said Ray Randazzo, business development director at HanesBrands. “Just two months ago in the midst of COVID-19 pandemic, our company pivoted our production capabilities to start making face masks for the first time. We are now quickly helping businesses and organizations meet their needs to reopen safely by supplying millions of masks.”

Legacy Medical Sales and JuMP Medical Supply Co., procurement partners for the Virginia National Guard, worked with HanesBrands to expedite the face mask shipment in a matter of days to assure availability for the Henrico Country event.

The Virginia National Guard is a major contributor to the state’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Guard has collected nearly 12,600 samples for COVID-19 testing, performed nearly 1,700 mask fit tests, distributed nearly 60,700 pounds of food and has driven more than 49,000 miles delivering supplies and testing kits to multiple locations across the state.

HanesBrands expects to launch sales of Hanes face masks to consumers online and in leading retail stores within the next several weeks. In addition, the company is supplying the U.S. government with more than 320 million reusable cloth face coverings and more than 20 million reusable long-sleeve medical gowns.

Posted May 22, 2020

Source: HanesBrands

Gerber Empowers Nine Line To Produce Thousands Of Medical-Grade Masks Per Day

NEW YORK CITY — May 22, 2020 — Nine Line Apparel has partnered with Gerber Technology and Top Value Fabrics to develop several types of protective masks to ensure the health and safety of millions. The global shortage of personal protective equipment (PPE) has put millions of lives at risk, including first responders, military members, essential workers, and those that are immunocompromised. With many masks out of stock and prices escalating rapidly, it has been incredibly difficult for consumers to get the protection they need.

“We are so proud to support our customers in every way possible as they develop creative and innovative solutions to the current PPE shortage,” said Pete Doscas, vice president and general manager Americas of Gerber Technology. “Nine Line Apparel is working tirelessly to ensure everyone has access to effective protective equipment that they can be sure is going to keep them safe.”

Nine Line Apparel is an American lifestyle brand founded by patriots for patriots. In the military, a Nine Line is a medevac request for a soldier that is injured on the battlefield and since 2012 the Georgia-based company has embodied the patriotism, hope, and trust that a Nine Line represents by supporting those in need and encouraging others to do the same.

When the COVID-19 pandemic began and caused a global shortage of PPE, Nine Line Apparel stayed true to their core values and immediately jumped in to protect the nation’s heroes by producing several types of face coverings, including a 100% reusable, medical grade mask of medical grade TPE. The mask comes with a 10 pack of replacement filters to ensure breathable, comfortable and effective protection.

Nine Line contacted Gerber Technology to assist them in finding a state-of-the-art facility that would allow them to produce quickly and efficiently. After learning about Nine Line’s needs such as fabric width, roll size, quantity, and packaging requirements, Gerber connected them with Integrated Textile Solutions. By leveraging two multi-ply GERBERcutters and a multi-ply GERBERspreader™ at the Integrated Textile Solutions facility, Nine Line is able to produce 2,000 masks and 100,000 replacement filters per day with the capacity to produce up to 5 million masks and 50 million filters in one month.

“The only way we’re going to get through this pandemic is if everyone works together and we are so lucky to have such an amazing network,” said Tyler Merritt, CEO of Nine Line Apparel. “Gerber has been incredibly helpful throughout this entire process by helping us find a facility to produce at and connecting us with our partners.”

In addition to the reusable masks, Nine Line is also working with a fellow U.S. manufacturer to provide consumers with a one-size-fits-all mask at cost. For each mask sold, Nine Line will be donating a mask to a frontline worker in need.

Posted May 22, 2020

Source: Gerber Technology

Sattler®/Outdura® Announces Addition Of Teresa Buelin As Business Development And Marketing Manager

HUDSON, N.C. — May 21, 2020 — Outdura®, a division of The Sattler Group, Austria, announces the addition of Teresa Buelin as business development and marketing manager, Casual Furniture Division.

In her new role, reporting directly to CEO Uli Tombuelt, she will focus on building brand awareness, plan and oversee marketing initiatives to enhance Outdura’s image and create long-term value to the organization while closely working with the sales team and CEO.

Buelin comes to Outdura with years of experience in the casual furniture industry beginning at Lane Venture in several roles as customer service manager, director of advertising, sales operations manager and ending as vice president of sales in 2014. Most recently, Buelin was sales and merchandise manager for Klaussner Outdoor for the past six years.

“We’ve been in need of this position,” Tombuelt said in a statement. “The addition of Teresa to the group demonstrates Sattler’s commitment to strengthen the Outdura brand in the casual industry and Sattler® in the U.S. We are pleased to have Teresa on our team.”

Buelin is looking forward to the opportunity. “I’m excited to be with such a respected company and valued partner of the casual industry. The strength of the company in technology and design along with the parent company in Austria in full support of the U.S.-based Outdura facility is all set for doing many exciting new things for the marketplace.”

Posted May 21, 2020

Source: Sattler Corp.

Merrow Manufacturing Meeting Needs For PPE In Massachusetts

FALL RIVER, Mass. — May 21, 2020 — Merrow Manufacturing LLC — a 182-year-old, eighth-generation family-owned brand based in Fall River, Mass., with centuries-long expertise in sewing and textiles — has swiftly become the largest producer of U.S.-sourced PPE, from fiber through to sewing, according to the company. In response to the vast and ongoing needs of COVID-19 healthcare workers and first responders, Merrow pivoted to produce reusable and disposable PPE equipment. The formation of this new medical division provides an immediate and substantial domestic solution for essential medical supplies in the US, while also creating a regional economic boost in job opportunities.

Merrow has signed contracts to supply PPE to more than 85 hospitals and private healthcare facilities and is fully compliant with FDA rules and regulations. Merrow projects it will be building 700,000 gowns per week by July 2020, producing up to 4 million medical gowns and coveralls over the next several months, and creating an estimated 900 jobs in 4-5 manufacturing plants in the Northeast region. Merrow’s investment of roughly $5 million to meet the new production needs will remain in the brand’s Massachusetts region, where more than 3 million products are being built locally.

Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker visited the Merrow Manufacturing facility in early May, and the administration has an order with Merrow for 2.5 million gowns. The governor noted that “Merrow Manufacturing is one of the biggest success stories of the state’s Manufacturing Emergency Response Team.”

“This obviously will establish a new, substantial and very secure supply chain for essential medical products and gear for our health care workers right here in the Commonwealth that can support providers here in Massachusetts, and in other areas as well,” Governor Baker said.

As effects of the pandemic exposed catastrophic issues in the global supply chains of PPE equipment, Merrow began rapidly engineering an answer in its 30,000 square foot facility. Merrow’s increased manufacturing capacity impacts a wide variety of organizations beyond major hospital systems, where PPE is also critical to operations. The AD1 and ULR1 gowns are integral in helping assisted living facilities prevent the spread of COVID-19, and the reopening of dentists offices, health clinics, PT, and mental health facilities around the country are being made possible through use of Merrow PPE.

Co-owners Owen and Charlie Merrow have partnered with several fabric manufacturing companies — including the 200-year old textile company DuPont — that also was looking to aid the crisis by providing innovative and sustainable textiles to the new medical line. With a 100-percent U.S.-sourced and produced supply chain close to home and ensuring total production control, Merrow has scaled to become the largest manufacturer of USA-sourced — fabric/thread/trim — PPE Medical Isolation Gowns in the country, according to the company.

“For over 180 years, our business has been intricately woven into American history, which is why this pivot to manufacturing PPE feels like a true and natural extension of our brand,” Charlie Merrow said. “This new medical-focused division is not just a response to the current situation, but an opportunity to create an entirely domestic supply chain and reinvigorate our healthcare system and local communities; creating jobs, brand longevity, and performance-oriented products for our front-line workers.”

PPE equipment has largely not seen innovation in the last decade, so Merrow is proud to have reimagined and developed the most evolved, performance-driven PPE gowns available worldwide. The garments are able to withstand rigorous use, have a breathable yet waterproof exterior, are streamlined in cut and fit, and meet the AAMI Level III standard.

Merrow’s medical line introduces a unique textile partnership with outdoor performance brand FORLOH. FORLOH is a newly launched tactical brand, and has allowed Merrow to utilize US-produced ballistics-grade nylon, initially earmarked for lightweight tents, packs, travel gear and accessories, making this new PPE equipment incredibly durable and longer lasting than traditional disposable items.

Merrow is also collaborating with DuPont for the production of single-use isolation gowns made from DuPont™ Tyvek® as part of the #TyvekTogether program. From first responders to industrial workers, DuPont provides a wide range of personal protection solutions including some of the most trusted and innovative brands in the industry, such as Kevlar®, Nomex®, Tychem® and Tyvek, the latter of which Merrow is utilizing for hundreds of thousands of PPE units for both State and hospital orders.

“DuPont is proud to be collaborating with Merrow Medical PPE to support their manufacturing of isolation gowns made with DuPont Tyvek 1222A fabric,” said David Domnisch, global business leader, DuPont Personal Protection. “They are quickly leveraging their domestic manufacturing capacity to increase the availability of PPE made of Tyvek to help protect the frontline responders for the COVID-19 response. We are grateful for their support in helping fulfill the vision we had as we launched the #TyvekTogether program. Although this is the first time we have worked directly with Merrow, they have played a pivotal role in our DuPont Personal Protection business for years as they invented the overlock stitching machine which to this day plays a key role in nearly all Tyvek protective apparel manufacturing.”

The new PPE collection includes nine products; from surgical caps and gators, to five medical and isolation gowns:

  1. ULR1 Ultralight Ripstop Reusable Gown – performs for over 100 washes. This innovative approach to the Level 1 and Level 2 isolation gown is breathable, lightweight and abrasion resistant. Using fabrics found in tactical performance outdoor gear, it is the most comfortable and durable Isolation gown in the market.
  2. AD1 Advanced Disposable Medical Gown – a single tie open back design, built from a fabric that passes Level 3 AAMI testing, and can withstand up to 30 washes in warm water. This makes the AD1 the only disposable isolation gown that can perform for weeks in service.
  3. AD2 Advanced Disposable Isolation Gown – features the same fabric and performance as the AD1, except with a fully protected back, and two ties.
  4. NWD1 Medical Gown – a single use disposable garment built from 100% high density polyethylene non-woven fabric that exceed level 3 performance requirements when tested against AATCC 127 and AATCC 42 industry consensus based standards. Built in partnership with Dupont, the NWD1 garment combines protection and durability using Tyvek® 1222A fabric that is 2X more fluid resistant than conventionally sourced ‘SMS’ fabrics. This product protects first responders, frontline workers, and patients.
  5. NWD2 Isolation Gown – features the same fabric and performance as the NWD1, with a fully protected back, and two ties.

Posted May 21, 2020

Source: Merrow Manufacturing

Ergosoft 16 RIP Software Supports X-Rite i1Pro 3 Spectrophotometers

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — May 20, 2020 — X-Rite Inc. and Pantone LLC today announced that Ergosoft 16, an RIP software for digital printing market, supports the new i1Pro 3 Family of color management solutions. Using Ergosoft 16 with the i1Pro 3 helps printers improve print production workflow efficiency by allowing them to quickly implement color standards across a variety of materials and surfaces, including ceramics, textiles, glass, metal, wood, vinyl, plastics, thin films, cardboard, paper, and more. Digital printers can create ICC profiles for almost any substrate and calibrate print production devices for the highest level of color accuracy.

“Ergosoft is confident that the combination of Ergosoft 16 and the i1Pro 3 enables operators to realize the full potential of Ergosoft 16 in terms of color control and color accuracy,” said Anna Tobler, CEO of Ergosoft.

With a focus on refinements and improvements related to user interaction with the product, Ergosoft 16 makes basic features more intuitive, and advanced features more accessible. Ergosoft 16 is a complete production and workflow suite, with an emphasis on making the job of the RIP operator more efficient.

The i1Pro 3 Family is ideal for professionals who require accurate color from their printer, display, and projector. It is more accurate, reliable and twice as fast as its predecessor. The i1Pro 3 simultaneously measures M0, M1, and M2 in a single pass while accounting for optical brighteners. Prepress and print operators can quickly predict how colors printed on optically-brightened substrates and textiles will look under different lighting conditions. The i1Pro 3 Plus features a larger aperture of 8mm to support new materials and substrates used in digital printing applications. It also supports transmission scanning for backlit film and materials used in signage. Both the i1Pro 3 and i1Pro 3 Plus can be used in automated measurement workflows with the addition of the i1iO3.

“X-Rite is excited to work with Ergosoft to provide customers with best-in-class solutions to improve their digital printing workflows,” said Ray Cheydleur, printing and imaging product portfolio manager, X-Rite. “The i1Pro 3 is fast, easy-to-use, and offers digital printers increased flexibility to measure a wide variety of materials. When paired with Ergosoft 16, print customers can achieve a connected workflow to define printing system settings, create ICC profiles, linearize, and more.”

Posted May 21, 2020

Source: X-Rite Inc.

Cooksongold Additive Manufacturing (AM) In Partnership With Institut für Textiltechnik Of RWTH Aachen University (ITA), EOS GmbH And AMPS GmbH Set To Revolutionize The Glass Fiber Industry

AACHEN, Germany— May 14, 2020 — Cooksongold AM and Sempsa JP, part of the Heimerle + Meule Group, announced on May 13, 2020, that they are working to innovate glass fiber production by 3D Printing — also known as Additive Manufacturing — the Tip Plates of Bushings made from Precious Metal.

Working in partnership with the Institut für Textiltechnik of RWTH Aachen University (ITA) and EOS GmbH (EOS), Cooksongold AM have produced a full-size Tip Plate from a platinum/rhodium alloy that has successfully passed its initial production trials at Johns Manville in Slovakia.

Cooksongold AM has been working with EOS for several years to industrialize its M 080 and M 100 AM machines and make them compatible with precious metals. Cooksongold AM has also developed a wide range of precious metal parameters for use in the EOS AM technology.

The ability to now print with precious metals on an industrial scale and, through innovative AM strategies, optimize applications to make them commercially viable, is proving a powerful technology enabler. Combine this with the research being carried out at ITA as well as the manufacturing expertise and history of Sempsa JP, it now becomes a seismic step forward to the additive manufacturing technology being rolled out, on a global scale, for Industrial Production of precious metal applications. ITA is a key partner in transferring the consortium’s additive manufacturing expertise to the glass fiber industry.

To facilitate this ‘revolution’ Advanced Manufacturing Process Solutions GmbH (AMPS) has been established. It will act as a ‘technology showcase’ for the complete new manufacturing process chain as well as provide R&D and prototyping services. Glass fiber companies from around the world were quick to join up and it has been structured to suit every participant’s individual needs. A ‘cost-sharing’ environment, free of intellectual property, sits above individual research and development ‘cells’, where all the commercially sensitive work takes place. This novel way of collaboration is identifying innovation that will continue to advance glass fiber production beyond recognition over the next decade.

As a result of this unique approach to worldwide technology implementation, the members of the collaboration were awarded the ‘JEC Composites Magazine Special Prize’ on May 13 online for the first time due to recent global health crises, recognizing the true potential for AM within the glass fiber industries.

“I am incredibly proud to be receiving the JEC Magazine Special Prize but even more proud of my team, who have managed to bring together a global collaboration in such a way that it is poised to deliver game-changing material and design innovation and efficiencies in production, that could’ve only been dreamed of a few short years ago,” said Martin Bach, Managing Director of Cooksongold.

“We are excited to be receiving this prestigious award for our work in the field of additive manufacturing for bushings,” said Professor Thomas Gries, director of ITA. “We truly believe that the developments will be a key enabler for future innovations in the field of glass fibre production, and I am proud of my team of researchers and our collaborators to have made this possible. As an institute developing processes, equipment and machinery, ITA goes beyond just developing fiber and textile products. Digital manufacturing of the bushings allows us to step across existing process innovation borders and allows production and product innovation never seen before.”

“At EOS we are working every day to make industrial 3D printing a sustainable, mainstream manufacturing process,” said Thomas Weitlaner, director of Additive Minds & Business Development of EOS added. “The 3D printing of tip plates is another great example, how additive manufacturing can bring real business value and innovation to the glass fibre industry. Additionally, we see a lot more promising applications that can further increase the efficiency of the glass fiber production process. The combination of such innovative applications and the setup of Additive Manufacturing in the Digital Factory will result in huge innovation potential.

I am very proud of the joint team effort so far which is confirmed by receiving this prestigious JEC award and look forward to the outcomes of the consortium project.”

Posted May 21, 2020

Source: ITA – Institut für Textiltechnik of RWTH Aachen University

YKK USA Expands Product Offerings To Support COVID-19 Relief

MARIETTA, Ga. — May 14, 2020 — Fastening solution provider YKK USA has expanded its product offerings in an effort to reinforce the domestic supply chain that will help manufacturers throughout the United States manufacture products essential to fighting the COVID-19 pandemic.

While YKK may be best known for its zippers, it offers a wide variety of metal wires, hook & loop products, injection molded plastic parts, webbing, snaps, and buttons that can be used in COVID-19 relief applications.

Applications for YKK’s POWERHOOK® extruded hook include Foley Catheter Holders, DVT compression sleeves, endotracheal tube holders, arm boards, blood pressure cuffs, and radial compression devices. Manufacturers of surgical gowns can make use of SOFIX®, which incorporates plastic snaps injected onto tape, as well as POWERHOOK and YKK’s polyester tape. Medical curtain manufacturers can use YKK’s plastic snaps, stainless SNAPET®, and gypsy stud snaps.

Face masks are essential to protecting oneself and others from COVID-19, but they can cause ear discomfort. To combat this problem, YKK is manufacturing back to back hook and loop fasteners, SOFIX, plastic detachable clips, and plastic cord stoppers, all of which can be used as ear savers when used in conjunction with face masks. For those manufacturing face masks, YKK has 3.0 millimeters (mm) and 4.0 mm aluminum wire and 3.0 mm and 5.0 mm elastic tape available. For medical face shield manufacturers, YKK is producing plastic and metal snaps, hook and loop fasteners, and plastic cord stoppers.

There are plenty of applications for YKK zippers as well. YKK’s PROSEAL® airtight and watertight zipper can be used in isolation chambers, tent shelters, and Level B Hazmat suits. YKK’s AquaGuard® water repellent zipper can be used for medical mattresses, while YKK’s AquaSeal® waterproof zipper can be used for body bags.

With 86 years of manufacturing experience and four manufacturing plants in the United States, YKK’s core competencies include wire manufacturing and forming, metal stamping, metal die casting, metal finishing and plating, weaving and knitting, textile dyeing, plastic extrusion, plastic injection molding, fabrication and assembly, and custom machinery and support. YKK hopes to work with more partners to find inventive uses for its fastening products and core manufacturing technologies.

“The COVID-19 pandemic is presenting us with challenges we could not imagine just a few months ago,” said Jim Reed, president, YKK Corp. of America. “As we navigate these unchartered waters, the YKK team is turning to our corporate philosophy for guidance — the ‘Cycle of Goodness’, which teaches us that ‘no one prospers without rendering benefit to others.’ We look forward to partnering with other organizations to provide much needed assistance to the industries fighting COVID-19.”

Posted May 21, 2020

Source: YKK USA

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