CONSHOHOCKEN, Pa. — November 14, 2017 — In an organizational first, ASTM International announced today that it will establish a center of excellence in the field of additive manufacturing (AM), also known as 3D printing. The organization called for industry-university proposals aimed at creating a global innovation hub that advances AM technical standards, related R&D, education and training, and more.

“Over the last decade, hundreds of the world’s top experts in additive manufacturing have pioneered the development of new standards through ASTM International,” said Katharine Morgan, the organization’s president. “We are thrilled to take this next bold step to bridge standards development with R&D, while also meeting the growing demand for related services in this field.”

The center will be supported with up to $250,000 annually for up to five years, provided from funds and in-kind contributions. In-kind support could increase the award amount beyond $250,000.

Letters of intent are due Nov. 24 with full proposals due shortly thereafter on Dec. 15. The winning proposal will be announced in early 2018.

The new center will serve as a focal point for standards-related R&D activities, helping address pressing industry needs and gaps. It will also be a global hub for innovation, with capabilities that support testing, education and training, and more. In addition, the center will serve as a consortium in attracting stakeholders from the aviation, automotive, medical, and other industries that are increasingly engaged in AM applications.

Applicants are expected to emphasize approaches that maximize coordination and collaboration among academia, industry, and governments.

ASTM International’s committee on additive manufacturing technologies (F42) was formed in 2009. The committee, in conjunction with the International Organization for Standardization’s (ISO) Technical Committee 261, has worked and continues to work closely with the Additive Manufacturing Standards Collaborative to identify and fill a variety of gaps across multiple industry sectors.

ASTM International could select up to two awardees as part of this initiative.

Posted November 14, 2017

Source: ASTM International

LAS VEGAS — November 14, 2017 — Cotton & Care is the newest brand to enter the growing online direct-to-consumer bedding market, but with a notable difference. Using premium cotton that is grown in California, spun to yarn in the South, then woven, cut, and sewn in the Carolinas, Cotton & Care’s product line is made entirely in the USA.

The brand was formed earlier this year in Las Vegas by business partners with a background in consumer banking. Co-founder Evan Feldman explains: “It was important to build a brand that we could be proud of. To us this meant going with the ethical choice each step of the way. Understanding the differences in labor conditions and environmental standards between the United States and abroad, we knew that manufacturing here was the way to go. We found that this also gave us the ability to have increased oversight into the quality and authenticity of our product. With recent testing showing that much of the Egyptian cotton bedding on the market is truly mislabeled, poor quality substitutes, this was another key advantage.”

While American-made apparel has gained attention in the last few years, American-made bedding is practically non-existent. Worse, it’s missing from the shelves of the big box stores entirely; if you want Made in USA bed sheets, the only option is online retailers like Cotton & Care.  However, as Feldman points out, “even the high-end internet bedding labels that have been gaining popularity are manufacturing in India, Europe, or South America, and still charging steep prices for their products.”

Cotton & Care’s initial product line consists of a sheet set or pair of pillowcases made of ultra-premium Supima® cotton, the US-grown equivalent of extra-long staple Egyptian cotton. The color selection is currently limited to classic white, though expanded options are slated for next year. Prices for the complete sheet set start at $119 and Cotton & Care pledges to donate 50 percent of its profits to a worthy cause.

Posted November 14, 2017

Source:  Cotton & Care

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — November 10, 2017 — Valley Forge Fabrics announced today the acquisition of the premier window treatment manufacturer, Contract Decor International (CDI), as part of a strategic move to support their continued growth in the Hospitality Industry. The acquisition will expand Valley Forge Fabrics’ offerings to include vertical window fabrication solutions from decorative textile to install.

“Becoming a more vertical supplier and creating value for our industry is a critical piece of our company strategy. Manufacturing and installing hospitality window products and services is a natural evolution and the Valley Forge Fabrics family fits together perfectly with the CDI family,” said Diana Dobin, CEO of Valley Forge Fabrics.

CDI is best in class and has a reputation for quality, dependability and flexibility. CDI compliments Valley Forge Fabrics’ strategic goals, core values and culture. With the acquisition of CDI Valley Forge Fabrics will be able to leverage their position in the hospitality industry with greater merchandise innovation, new product offerings and design leadership. Going forward CDI will be known as CDI a Valley Forge Company.

Based in Massachusetts, the experienced and well respected CDI team will remain in place under the leadership of industry veteran Mike Handler, who is retaining partial ownership of the new company.

“Our clients have voiced 2 major pain points in regards to the window, and CDI a Valley Forge Company, will provide new solutions to the marketplace. First, we will be able to move from PO receipt of the textile, to installation of the finished product, at a faster pace than the market has experienced in the past. Second, we will offer one accountable party in charge of the whole process. This will cut down on excess communication and make for a better customer experience,” said Michael Dobin, CEO of Valley Forge.

Mike Handler, said: “It is unique to find two companies that share such similar roots and core values. Two successful 2nd generation family businesses with common goals of providing our clients with the best experience possible. This opportunity will allow us to be better in every way. To be more pro-active and to respond to our clients’ needs in a faster, more complete manner. It will truly allow us to become the absolute best that we can be. I am excited to partner with the Dobin Family and their entire team, and even more excited for what the future holds.”

About Contract Decor International, CDI, a 23 year old company is the hospitality industry’s most respected source for high-quality, custom-manufactured window treatments and bedcovers. CDI’s expertise includes complex specialty window treatment design development as well as installation and maintenance services. The company is renowned for its superior customer service and best-in-class seasoned team with deep industry knowledge, product know-how and skills. CDI’s headquarters is located in Massachusetts and has approximately 120 employees.

Valley Forge Fabrics Inc. is a 40 year old family owned and operated company and the world’s largest supplier of decorative textile products for the hospitality industry. Valley Forge Fabrics focuses on innovation and design through performance textiles, custom textile design, finished bedding, decorative sheers, coated blackouts, and most recently, digitally printed fabrics and fabricated decorative roller shades and draperies. Valley Forge Fabrics is headquartered in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

Posted November 14, 2017

Source: Valley Forge Fabrics