Thermore Introduces Ecodown® Fibers Marble

MILAN, Italy — July 5, 2019 — For the last 5 years, Thermore has worked hard to develop the best possible free fiber technology. The current Ecodown® Fibers are very lofty, with a high fill power, durable, recycled and white. They utilize the most advanced free fiber technology on the market.

“We realized there was very little to improve, technically”, says a Thermore spokesperson. “There was only one thing that we could change with this product and it would make all the difference: the way it looks.”

“The progress in fabric technology now allows fabrics to be very resistant and so light that you can see through them. We felt the apparel world was ready for the next challenge: using insulation to give garments unique visual interest.”

Thermore introduces the revolutionary Ecodown Fibers Marble, which brings insulation into a new era : it turns insulation into art!

Ecodown Fibers Marble is a true game changer in the apparel industry: jackets will never look the same, each garment will be unique, there won’t be two identical garments.

Why is marble so prestigious? Because there is no single piece that is identical to another, making each small piece of apparel a one of a kind. Just like art.

Humans need to feel unique, and clothing is a way to express our personality through our appearance. We all want to be different.

This is why Thermore created Ecodown Fibers Marble: you will never feel like you are wearing something ordinary, every jacket is a piece of art with a unique design.

Thermore is also introducing the new Ecodown Fibers Black product. It provides a 3D color effect using light colored fabrics. Also, it changes the hue of any fabric used, thus creating infinite possibilities and colors!

Posted July 5, 2019

Source: Thermore

Anna Maria Mannarino Of Mannarino Designs Awarded Prestigious Design Excellence Awards

HOLMDEL, N.J. — July 3, 2019 — Anna Maria Mannarino of Mannarino Designs Inc., an acclaimed interior, event and product designer and past president of the New Jersey Chapter of ASID, has won not one, or two, but three esteemed Design Excellence Awards. This annual competition is sponsored by the New Jersey Chapter of the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID). Fifteen chapter interior designers won a total of 25 prizes among them, but only four won three awards.  The awards were conferred at a dinner and gala on Wednesday, June 19 at The Venetian in Garfield.

Successful entries demonstrated exceptional design and positive impact on life and the human experience in keeping with ASID’s mission.

“I was thrilled and surprised to win all three awards,” said Anna Maria Mannarino, Allied ASID and also past President of the New Jersey Chapter.

Judges were comprised of a diverse group of award-winning ASID members from around the country and the judging was blind and based on the following criteria with a points system: Effectiveness of the design solution, functional use of space, scale and proportion, color and composition, innovative use of materials, creativity of the design solution, effective use of lighting, use of sustainable design principles and use of Universal Design principles.

There were 17 categories in all spanning the residential and commercial sectors. All entries had to have a product from at least one Industry Partner at the time of the project to be submitted.

A Modern Staircase

Mannarino won for Gold in the Residential Specialty & Unique Spaces Category for a modern staircase design for a home in Morris County. Mannarino replaced traditional all-wood staircases with an open airy design concept that consisted of a steel frame with red oak treads and landings, tigerwood stringers and railings of tempered glass panels and stainless steel uprights and handrails. The work was done by local artisans and the lumber was highly sustainable. The original stairs and railings were carefully disassembled and removed so they could be reused in another project.

A Serene, Eco-Friendly Master Bath

She won a Silver in the Residential Bathroom Less Than 55 Square Feet Category for a master bathroom in a Monmouth County residence. Working within the same small footprint, Mannarino was able to create a serene, eco-friendly space that is open, light-filled and efficient. To open up the space, she used a white, pale gray and light mist green palette, installed a glass walled shower and dressed the floor and shower area with long porcelain tile that mimicked whitewashed wood floorboards. She covered another entire wall Floor-to-ceiling in a glass mosaic of hydrangeas. A furniture-style vanity and interior-lit large medicine cabinet further complete the space. Very specific plumbing products were selected to be mindful of water use and the lighting was all LED. The inefficient radiator was replaced with a new efficient one recessed in the wall.

A Show-stopping Show House Condo

Last but not least in the Residential Show House Space Category the designer won a Silver for a condo design in the Glass House in Edgewater in Bergen County, which had sweeping views of the Hudson River and Manhattan beyond. Mannarino drew inspiration from the view and New York City history.

The sophisticated 1,100 square-foot space fuses the industrial and historic vibe of the buildings and architecture of New York City, along with the green of the tree-lined highway seen along the edge of the river. Evidence of the latter is the live light fixture hung above the kitchen island that combines live materials with a mix of metals and the industrial feel of the Edison lights. Throughout the space, metals and various woods and finishes are mixed with a myriad of textures, such as velvets, linens and silks, and live green elements. Key pieces include exquisite modern Italian furniture, custom light fixtures; a unique collection of artwork and photography; and an array of rugs.

Posted July 5, 2019

Source: Mannarino Designs Inc.

Martin Scheurer Awarded The Hanns Voith Foundation Prize 2019 In The “New Materials” Category

AACHEN, Germany — July 5, 2019 — ITA-doctoral candidate Martin Scheurer was awarded the Hanns Voith Foundation Prize 2019 in the “New Materials” category on June 28, 2019 in Heidenheim, Germany, with prize money of 5,000 euros. Scheurer receives the prize for his master thesis “Development of a method for evaluating the suitability of textiles for use in textile reinforced concrete.” In his thesis, Scheurer investigates how textiles can be used in textile reinforced concrete.

Shorter and faster entry into the textile concrete market possible

So far, testing the suitability of new textiles for use in textile reinforced concrete has been very time-consuming and expensive: The current approval process for textiles in textile concrete requires an intensive testing program of over 50 different tests. With the method developed by Scheurer, only three different tests are necessary to make a good initial assessment of the suitability of textiles for use in textile reinforced concrete. Scheurer now enables companies to find an initial assessment of the suitability of their textiles for use in textile reinforced concrete within a period of approximately one month, which is relatively inexpensive.

Target group for this newly developed method are textile manufacturers who want to enter the growing textile reinforced concrete market. The use for the textile manufacturers is the lowering of market entrance barriers. An enterprise can find out now fast whether the entrance into the textile reinforced concrete market with existing textiles is possible.

Background

Textile reinforced concrete is a new material with the potential to revolutionize the construction industry. In textile reinforced concrete, the traditional steel reinforcement is replaced by high-performance textiles made of glass or carbon fibers. The use of textile reinforced concrete as a material makes thin concrete elements possible, since the textiles, unlike steel, do not rust and therefore much less concrete has to be used as protection against corrosion.

This saves material, weight and carbon dioxide. Since cement production for the production of concrete causes three times as much carbon dioxide as global aviation, at 6.5 percent of CO2-emissions (source), the use of textile concrete is considered to be highly environmentally friendly. In addition, the use of textile concrete allows greater freedom of design due to the simple formability of the textiles and thus offers new architectural possibilities.

Already in 2017 and 2016, the Hanns Voith Foundation Prize was awarded to ITA-doctoral candidates in the category “New Materials”. ITA-doctoral candidate Magdalena Kimm received the award in 2017, ITA-doctoral candidate Inga Noll in 2016.

Since 2013, the Hanns Voith Foundation has awarded the Hanns Voith Foundation Prizes annually to outstanding and innovative final theses of universities and part-time institutions awarding a Master’s or Diplom degree. From the 23 master theses submitted, the jury chaired by Prof. Dr Dr e.h. Dr h.c. mult. Sigmar Wittig has awarded five prize winners for their outstanding work in the fields of drive technology, digital ventures, new materials, hydropower, and economics for the seventh time in a row in 2019. The final thesis must demonstrate a thematic reference to the Group or functional areas of the Voith Group. The universities entitled to submit proposals must assess the thesis as worthy of an award.

Posted July 5, 2019

Source: Institut für Textiltechnik of RWTH Aachen University (ITA)

Suominen Introduces New Product FIBRELLA® Combo With Excellent Topsheet Softness And Superior Fluid Management

HELSINKI — July 3, 2019 — Suominen, a global nonwovens company, launches FIBRELLA® Combo. It is a spunlaced dual product for excellent topsheet softness packed with superior fluid management of an acquisition and distribution layer (ADL) — all in one nonwoven. It is designed to replace topsheet and ADL in an absorbent hygiene product such as incontinence and feminine hygiene pads and pantyliners, and can be used directly on top of the core.

“This new product feels very soft and lofty making it really comfortable against skin and delicate areas. Excellent fluid management properties further enhance the user comfort as Fibrella Combo can provide excellent feeling of dryness,“ says Johanna Sirén, category manager at Suominen.

Fibrella Combo combines two products into one and it means that the end-product properties can be improved significantly. The product offers for example consistent performance as no multiple separate layers are needed. For this reason Fibrella Combo is able to support ultra-thin product design.

“We can incorporate two different products into one nonwoven with our carding and spunlacing technology and strong R&D expertise. Making nonwovens that others cannot is one cornerstone of our strategy – and we haven’t yet encountered a product on the market that could challenge Fibrella Combo in terms of delivering superior product performance,” Johanna Sirén concludes.

Posted July 5, 2019

Source: Suominen Corporation

Flat Knitting Machine Manufacturer SHIMA SEIKI Launches Online Services Web Portal

WAKAYAMA, Japan — July 5, 2019 — Computerized knitting machine manufacturer SHIMA SEIKI Mfg., Ltd. of Wakayama, Japan has launched a new portal site called SHIMA SEIKI Online Services that collectively introduces its various web-based services located at https://online-services.shimaseiki.com/.

Taking advantage of IoT technology, Shima Seiki supports its users in all stages of the product supply chain through various web-based services, ranging from fashion trend information and archive of knit samples to production management and training support. Details of each service are as follow.

  1. Shima KnitPLM (New content)

The Shima KnitPLM website features the world’s first PLM system dedicated to the flat knitting industry. Shima KnitPLM connects Shima Seiki products with the customer’s core systems such as ERP and SCM using the latest IoT technology, and ensures traceability and improved productivity throughout the value chain. In addition, seamless data link among software eliminates the need for data input at each stage, achieving workflow automation and labor savings.

URL: https://online-services.shimaseiki.com/shimaknitplm/

  1. FAQ (New content)

Frequently asked questions about Shima Seiki products are answered, eliminating the need for direct inquiry. A search function is available for searching topics using key words. Furthermore some questions are answered in an easy-to-understand manner through the use of videos. The range of products handled by FAQ will expand continually.

URL: https://www.shimaseiki.co.jp/user/login_faq/

  1. Users’ Site

An archive of approx. 10,000 original knit samples is available for free viewing by Shima Seiki users. Users may purchase knitting data as well.
URL: https://www.shimaseiki.co.jp/user/login/

  1. staf

A web service for inspiring creativity in the fashion industry, staf features an impressive volume of archive data including collection photos, fabrics, designs, illustrations, patterns and more. Information can be organized using tools that are intuitive and easy to operate for effective product planning.
New to staf is knit content based on trend and market information for the next season. Data that can be used with the SDS-ONE APEX series design system is available, such as knit designs, patterns and 3D simulation data, enabling faster product development.
URL: https://staf.shimaseiki.com/

  1. yarnbank (Coming Soon)

yarnbank is a website for searching and downloading digital yarn data that can be used for virtual sampling on the SDS-ONE APEX series 3D design system, free of charge. Downloading yarn data reduces the need for scanning yarns manually, while accuracy of simulations and efficiency of product planning is improved. For the yarn company, yarnbank provides a brand new channel for sales promotion. With yarnbank, the entire supply chain from yarn companies and apparel companies to knit manufacturers can be connected digitally.

  1. Shima Seiki E-learning (Coming Soon)

Up until now training for Shima Seiki products could only be performed at an authorized training center, but with online training users can take classes for Shima Seiki products whenever or wherever convenient, at their own pace. Basic Knitting and Design System Courses are available in a number of languages, for PC and other smart devices.

Posted July 5, 2019

Source: Shima Seiki Mfg. Ltd.

ELG Carbon Fibre And INEOS Team UK Committed To Closing The Loop In Marine Manufacturing

COSELEY, England — July 2, 2019 — ELG Carbon Fibre and INEOS Team UK are working together to ensure sustainable materials and practices are incorporated into The America’s Cup 2021 build program.

ELG has been a Technical Supplier to INEOS Team UK since the campaign began in 2018 and has processed 1000 kilograms of carbon manufacturing waste and end-of-use parts for the British Challengers.

From ELG’s specialist facility in the West Midlands, INEOS Team UK’s recovered fibers are converted into milled and chopped products to make thermoset and thermoplastic compounds and non-woven mats. These reprocessed products are then used to manufacture composite structures during the production of the AC75 boat that will compete in Auckland in 2021.

Although precise details of the boat’s design remain a closely guarded secret, ELG can reveal their recycled non-woven materials have been used in the production of two cradles to support the AC75 during transit as well as the hull and deck molds.

ELG’s technicians conducted a range of fiber characterization analyses on INEOS Team UK’s feedstock. Every batch of material that is processed is also given a classification to support traceability and consistency in the fibers recovered, and therefore in the final product. All these processes adhered to BS EN ISO 9001:2015 and EN 9100:2016 quality standards.

Both organizations view this partnership as a vital step in addressing the issue of global carbon consumption and raising awareness of the urgent need to move towards closed loop recycling within the marine industry.

Alan Boot, Naval Architect for INEOS Team UK, comments. “The reuse of carbon fibre products is a real game changer. We are diverting waste away from landfill and closing the loop in our production methods wherever possible. ELG’s products have fitted seamlessly into our manufacturing processes which demonstrates how successfully these materials can be in a range of commercial markets. This is a really exciting time in terms of boat production and will hopefully lead the way for other manufacturers to follow suit.”

“This is the perfect partnership. ELG’s recycled carbon fibre products are helping to support the vital message of sustainability in elite sport and that is something we are very proud to be associated with,” comments Frazer Barnes, ELG Carbon Fibre’s Managing Director.

INEOS Team UK AC75 Boat 1 will be launched this summer.

Posted July 5, 2019

Source: ELG Carbon Fibre

Marzotto Wool Manufacturing Joins The ZDHC Roadmap To Zero Program

VALDAGNO, Italy — July 5, 2019 — Today, Marzotto Wool Manufacturing is pleased to announce it is joining the ZDHC Roadmap to Zero Programme with its division Biella Manifatture Tessili, Marzotto and Estethia G.B.Conte and in doing so, supports the Programme’s vision of widespread implementation of sustainable chemistry, driving innovations and best practices in textile, apparel and footwear industries to protect consumers, workers and the environment.

Marzotto Wool Manufacturing commits to working collaboratively to support and develop the Programme through active engagement with other brands, retailers and stakeholders.

Marzotto Wool Manufacturing is proud to be joining nearly 30 leading brands working together to drive industry-wide change in responsible chemical management, and commits to working on this task in a collaborative and open manner.

The involment in the ZDHC program is a further evidence of Marzotto Wool Manufacturing’s commitment to continuous improvement on environmental and social sustainability issues.

Posted July 5, 2019

Source: Marzotto Wool Manufacturing

Huntsman Textile Effects To Present Broad Range Of HIGH IQ® Intelligent Effects At Functional Fabric Fair Power By Performance Days In New York

SINGAPORE — July 4, 2019 — Huntsman Textile Effects will be highlighting its extensive range of HIGH IQ® intelligent effects at the Functional Fabric Fair power by Performance Days in New York this July. Huntsman’s comprehensive range of non-fluorinated Durable Water Repellency technology will also be presented at the upcoming show.

Through our cutting-edge technology and expert technical knowledge, High IQ® delivers the industry’s leading range of innovative, eco-friendly intelligent textile effects. Fabrics treated with our intelligent effects are sustainable textile products that deliver the performance and benefits consumers expect of high-quality brands.

Sustainable durable water repellency

Huntsman will showcase an extended range of technology offerings, including sustainable, high performance and non-fluorinated durable water repellent finishes, including ZELAN™.

HIGH IQ® intelligent effects

  • HIGH IQ Repel performance assurance program is designed to help mills, brands and retailers meet global demand for eco-friendly apparel with rain and stain protection. Combining innovative durable water repellent finishes with unparalleled technical expertise, the HIGH IQ  Repel program provides durable eco-friendly and sustainable protection for every performance need: everyday, outdoor and extreme adventures.
  • HIGH IQ  Lasting White performance assurance program delivers very high and brilliant whites on cellulosic fibers, combining our latest generation of well-known UVITEX® Fluorescent Whitening Agents. With environment-friendly fluorinated (C6) or non-fluorinated stain repel and release technologies, the fluorescent whitening agents used under the HIGH IQ Lasting White program ensure garments keep looking new for longer.
  • HIGH IQ Lasting Color performance assurance program is powered by specially selected NOVACRON® dyes. Fabrics made using the HIGH IQ Lasting Color program will not fade, and there is little risk of color staining on other garments during washing.
  • HIGH IQ Lasting Color eco performance assurance program relies on Huntsman’s award-winning AVITERA® SE reactive dyes to reduce water and energy consumption by up to 50% compared to best-available technologies. Excellent washing-off performance shortens processing time and increases productivity.
  • HIGH IQ Cool Comfort moisture management program allows garments to breathe while transporting moisture away from the body through its quick-dry properties. The unique technology reduces post-exercise chill, making the effects highly suitable for sports and active wear.

Visit Huntsman Textile Effects at Stand 409 at Functional Fabric Fair power by Performance Days in New York.

ZELAN™ is a trademark of The Chemours Company.

AVITERA®, HIGH IQ®, NOVACRON® and UVITEX® are registered trademarks of Huntsman Corporation or an affiliate thereof in one or more, but not all, countries.

© Copyright 2019. Huntsman Corporation or an affiliate thereof. All rights reserved

Posted July 4, 2019

Source: Huntsman Textile Effects

Teijin To Acquire Benet Automotive To Expand European Automotive Business

TOKYO — July 4, 2019 — Teijin Ltd. announced today that it has agreed to wholly acquire Benet Automotive s.r.o. (Benet), a leading automotive composite and component supplier in the Czech Republic, from Jet Investment. Terms of the acquisition are not being disclosed.

Benet, headquartered in Mlada Boleslav, Czech Republic, is a tier one supplier of composite components to the automotive industry, offering advanced technologies for carbon-fiber-reinforced and glass-fiber-reinforced plastic molding, as well as the painting and assembly of vehicles. The company specializes in reinforced reaction injection molding (RRIM), a low-pressure process using polyurethane; and both conventional autoclave and resin transfer molding (RTM). Benet has three facilities in Czechia and one in Germany to serve European automotive OEMs including Volkswagen, Mercedes, BMW, Audi and Skoda. The company had 720 employees and recorded sales of 35.2 million euros ($40 million) in fiscal 2018.

Teijin is growing its automotive composites business with proprietary lightweight, high-performance materials, and superior design capabilities, to become a multi-material component supply partner of automotive OEM customers served by Teijin hubs in Europe, North America and Asia. In Europe, Teijin acquired Inapal Plásticos SA, a leading automotive-composite supplier in Portugal, in August 2018; and is installing a glass- and carbon-fiber sheet-molding-compound (GF-SMC and CF-SMC) line in the French facility of Continental Structural Plastics, a world leader in automotive composites based in North America, which Teijin acquired in January 2017.

Benet has strategic proximity to the central and eastern regions of the European market where key German and other European OEMs operate production facilities. The company’s well-proven supply record will provide a solid foundation for Teijin to further strengthen its solution development capabilities and sales channels in Europe.

As part of its multi-material strategy, Teijin will leverage Benet’s capabilities in existing development projects and evolve chemistry of innovations with Teijin and CSP’s outstanding material and molding technologies and technical team members to offer innovative automotive composite solutions that meet customers’ future needs for lightness, toughness, design flexibility, productivity and cost-effeteness. Teijin is targeting automotive composite business sales of approximately 1.7 billion euros ($2 billion) by 2030.

Posted July 4, 2019

Source: Teijin Ltd.

COMSAT Opts For The New Eltex EyETM Yarn Tension Monitoring System

EltexInstallation
The EyETM installed on a creel.

TW Special Report

COMSAT, headquartered in Barcelona, Spain, is equipping its latest Tecmat sectional warping machine for weaving preparation with the new Eltex EyETM yarn tension monitoring system.

Unlike yarn tension monitors that are fitted solely on the weft insertion systems of weaving machines, the new Eltex technology is for the warping process prior to weaving — and instead of monitoring only the tension of the six-to-eight yarns fed by the weft insertion system the Eltex EyETM keeps a close eye on literally hundreds.

“Several hundred yarns can be fed from the creels during the warping process compared to only a few weft insertion yarns during weaving,” explained Brian Hicks, managing director of Eltex. “Tension monitoring for multiple ends has been a great challenge to achieve for us, but this new system generated tremendous interest at the recent ITMA 2019 textile machinery show and we already have systems in operation and orders on hand. The EyETM allows mills to greatly reduce problems.”

EltexEyeTM
The EyETM system is used during the warping process prior to weaving.

“With warping that can operate at high speeds, the yarn tension values from all yarns are continuously updated and displayed on the screen,” adds Isabel Mataró managing partner at family-owned COMSAT. “Tension values outside the warning level are indicated both on the sensor’s LEDs and on the screen. This greatly increases yarn evenness and subsequently the woven fabric quality. In addition to being fitted on our latest Tecmat machine, the Eltex EyETM can also be retrofitted to existing COMSAT machines already in operation.”

Ferran and Isabel Mataró of Comsat with Brian Hicks of Eltex at ITMA 2019 in Barcelona.
Ferran and Isabel Mataró of Comsat with Brian Hicks (left) of Eltex at ITMA 2019 in Barcelona.

In business for more than 70 years, COMSAT (Construcciones Mataró Servicios y Asistencia Tecnica) is a specialist in textile machinery for weaving preparation, including sectional warping machines and creels, auxiliary machinery, inspection machines, batching units and selvedge warpers.

Eltex is headquartered in Osby, Sweden, where it primarily carries out its research and development work. A North American sales and service subsidiary operates from South Carolina and the company’s manufacturing plant has been located at Templemore in Ireland since 1977, providing significant advantages in terms of high flexibility and logistical services to customers on both sides of the Atlantic.

Eltex is a member of TMAS – the textile machinery association of Sweden.

“As far as sensors are concerned, Eltex of Sweden is achieving considerable success with its yarn fault detection and tension monitoring systems across a range of sectors, including the tufting of carpets, the creeling of woven materials and even the production of woven reinforcements for the composites industry,” said TMAS Secretary General Therese Premler-Andersson. “Unlike scanning inspection systems, Eltex is monitoring each individual yarn position in real time, and as a consequence has concentrated on the further miniaturization of its sensors, as was conclusively demonstrated at ITMA 2019.”

July 4, 2019

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