Rochester, N.Y.-based FluxData Inc. has introduced the SpectraNova™ D8-M2 spectrophotometer for challenging industrial environments. “The robust nature of this product allows for it to be placed within a production line, made up of existing machinery, and do its job both rapidly and reliably,” said Pano Spiliotis, CEO, FluxData.

The unit’s measurement head is sealed with an easy-to-clean sapphire window to protect the integrating sphere from contaminants and potential damage on the plant floor. The measurement head on the small footprint system weighs less than 1 pound, and may be placed virtually anywhere on the production line. The supporting electronics are housed in a separate enclosure.

Measurements are reported using a machine-to-machine interface to eliminate operator error, and the SpectraNova D8-M2 may be integrated with existing systems and manufacturing lines. According to the company, the spectrophotometer features 8° diffuse geometry, offers reflectance and CIE colorimetric data output, rapid measurement cycles of less than 150 milliseconds and requires minimal maintenance.

January/February 2018

New anti-theft tags from Checkpoint Systems, Thorofare, N.J., promise to protect fine garments without leaving a pin hole. According to the company, the single-piece NeedleLok™ solution — which may be used on delicate fabrics such as intimates, and light and thin fabrics — is easy to apply and remove, protects the needle when not in use for safety, and has highly visible red ink vials to provide a visual deterrent. Checkpoint offers an acousto-magnetic or radio frequency ferrite that works with an electronic article surveillance system. NeedleLok is offered in three locking strengths — S3, Standard Lock or Super Lock.

“Unlike other retail anti-theft solutions that simply aren’t appropriate for fine garments, NeedleLok will gently spread fabric threads instead of piercing them, therefore avoiding leaving a visible hole after removal,” said Stuart Rosenthal , vice president of Sales and Marketing for Checkpoint’s Alpha High-Theft Solutions. “This, combined with powerful anti-theft features, make it the perfect solution for protecting intimates and other thin/fine fabric garments.”

January/February 2018

Datacolor®, Lawrenceville, N.J., has introduced ColorReader, an ultra-portable, handheld color identification and matching tool. ColorReader, a complement to its professional device ColorReaderPRO, is targeted to professionals as well as homeowners who wish to identify the colors of paints and everyday objects including textiles. ColorReader is Bluetooth® connected and works with the ColorReader mobile app. The device identifies colors based on NCS® 1950 and RAL® Classic, Design and Effect color standards.

“We hear time and time again from designers, homeowners and painters who’ve spent a lot of time and money trying to find the perfect paint to match their color inspiration – whether it be a decorative throw pillow or even a piece of artwork,” said Susan Bunting, product marketing manager, Datacolor. “In the end, they settled for a color that still wasn’t quite right. Therefore, we set out to develop the latest product in our line of color management solutions. We wanted an easy-to-use color identification tool that is affordable for all.”

January/February 2018

Fiberactive Organics LLC, Apex, N.C., has introduced Sewpure™ organic cotton 3-ply thread in multipurpose Tex 40 and heavy-duty Tex 70 versions. According to the company, Sewpure Tex 40 is durable enough for sportswear and home décor items, but still thin enough to be used in overlock, zig-zag and domestic sewing machines. The Tex 70 thread may be used for jeans, outerwear, duffle bags and other canvas products.

The basic thread is untreated and maintains its natural cotton color, which is suitable for manufacturers who will piece dye garments after sewing. Fiberactive plans a short range of earthly hues, and will expand the palette depending on demand. The company also reports it has the capability to produce custom-colored threads to match Pantone colors or DTM swatches. Sewpure is GOTS certified; and supplied on recyclable plastic cones and recycled content cardboard tubes, as well as packaged in compostable, vegetable-based plastic.

“Sewpure is specifically designed for customers that have had to turn away from using organic cotton thread because of strength issues,” said Julie Moore, founder, Fiberactive Organics. “It’s not enough to make organic cotton thread. If we’re generating plastic trash and greenhouse gasses in order to bring that thread to our customers we’re not doing the whole job. Being sustainable involves every part of every product, and how it’s made, and how it’s shipped.”

January/February 2018