BÖNNIGHEIM, Germany — June 8, 2017 — In recent years there has been a steady increase in the demands made on the properties of function, sports and workwear textiles. In order to achieve a cooling effect, special textile constructions are developed, which increase the sweat evaporation and thus the cooling of the body.

But how can the cooling effect of intelligent textiles be measured?
There are already various methods to characterize such properties. Until now they are not linked to thermophysiological methods and models, which are capable to objectively determinate comfort levels. The desire here is for a practical method that not only takes account of physical measurement data, but also the resulting cooling effect observed in controlled wearer trials in a climate chamber.

This process is however very time-consuming, while also requiring a large group of test subjects, so ultimately leading to higher product prices. In short: A level of effort that is neither affordable, nor feasible for small and medium-sized enterprises.

Making measurement data comparable

With the WATson heat loss tester Hohenstein Institut für Textilinnovation (HIT) has now developed a new physical measuring method for determining the cooling performance of textiles – heat release tester WATson. Until now there is no correlation of the data obtained using WATson with actual wearer trials and thermophysiological models.

The textiles industry however needs such an evaluation system for the goal-oriented development of cooling textiles – in other words a system capable of measuring the quality of a cooling process, e.g. temperature range, duration, impact on the heat / humidity balance of the wearer.

With these requirements in mind, HIT then embarked on a research project to develop a thermophysiological evaluation system for the textiles industry. The aim here is for the new evaluation system to compare the results of the WATson heat loss tester
with data from experiments on subjects in a climate chamber under different ambient conditions.

Structure of research project

• Characterization of cooling textiles with the heat loss tester;
• Performance of monitored wearer trials in a climate chamber examining different cooling textiles and a variety of ambient conditions (temperature, humidity, wind etc.);
• Examination of the cooling effect of textiles under consideration of different parts of the body; and
• Examination of the cooling effect of textiles with different levels of physical exertion.

Following analysis and correlation of the data from the various work stages, the intention is to provide industry with an efficient thermophysiological system for the evaluation of cooling textiles using WATson.

Benefit for the textiles industry

German manufacturers of cooling textiles benefit directly from the evaluation system developed on this project aimed at the objective determination and assessment of the cooling performance of textiles. This project is of major economic benefit to Germany’s textile industry, as companies will only succeed in improving their competitive ability if their products actually offer the functionality required by customers.

Acknowledgement: IGF-project 18929
under the auspices of the Research Association Forschungskuratorium
Textil e.V., Reinhardtstraße 12-14 10117 Berlin, was sponsored via the AIF as part of the programme to support “Industrial Community Research and Development” (IGF), with funds from the Federal Ministry of Economics and Energy (BMWi) following an Order by the German Federal Parliament.

Posted June 12, 2017

Source: Hohenstein Institute

YORKVILLE, Ill. — June 12, 2017 — Today, Aurora Specialty Textiles Group Inc. announced that the roll-out of its entire Expressions Canvas product line is complete and fully commercialized.

Ample inventories are now in stock and in addition to finalizing extensive field testing, profiling for HP Latex (300 and 3000 Series) printers and Epson SureColor printers is complete. Free, downloadable online profiles for HP Latex (300 and 3000 Series) printers and Epson SureColor printers are available for Expressions through the Aurora website.

Treated with a new proprietary coating developed by Aurora, Expressions has been engineered to maximize print output and throughput with today’s newest digital printing equipment. The entire line is cross compatible with the latest generation of latex, solvent/eco-solvent and UV printers without sacrificing quality or productivity.  In addition, independent testing confirms that Expressions has the industry’s leading print output with regard to outstanding color reproduction and broadest color gamut.

The Expressions line includes the full range of gloss levels designed to meet the majority of the canvas market’s printing needs and includes: Expressions Matte, Expressions Satin, Expressions Semi-Gloss and Expressions Gloss.

The entire line is available and in stock through Aurora’s Yorkville, Ill.-based warehouse in widths up to 122 inches in standard roll lengths of 50 yards. Aurora produces Expressions in the United States, and customized roll widths and roll lengths are available on demand.

“Expressions was formally introduced to global markets last September at SGIA 2016 and in the months that have followed has become a favorite of printers who report improved color output, increased printer throughput and decreased ink usage,” said Mark Shaneyfelt, director of Print Media Sales and Marketing at Aurora. “With all four gloss levels fully commercialized and in stock, the Expressions line is now up and fully operational. In addition, the outcome of a recent competitive analysis confirms the multiple benefits our customers can expect from Aurora’s Expressions line of canvas.”

Independent trials conducted in the summer of 2016 by Color Concepts in Salt Lake City, Utah, USA, demonstrated that Expressions Semi-Gloss — when tested against three leading, respected, commonly used, high quality canvas brands — outperformed the competition in the following critical areas:

• Superior performance across multiple platforms, allowing Print Service Providers (PSPs) the ultimate flexibility in procuring and inventorying one canvas to meet all of their printing needs.
• Broadest color gamut, making Expressions the premium canvas of choice for discerning customers looking for optimal color output.
• Fastest print speeds for commercial quality – Expressions consistently demonstrated the ability to achieve commercial print quality at 6 to 8 passes, compared to other premium canvas brands, which required 10 to 12 passes to achieve similar quality. The ability to run at high-speed modes increases productivity by as much as 40% and reduces ink costs.

Expressions is also OBA-free, demonstrating very good archival properties without sacrificing whiteness.  Expressions is made from a premium high-quality poly/cotton fine Oxford weave (2-over-1), which is 35% cotton/65% polyester.

The line is produced in North America with the latest, state-of-the-art technology and has proven product consistency across multiple platforms. With Expressions, printers with multiple printer platforms can buy one canvas without sacrificing print quality on any of the devices.

Posted June 12, 2017

Source: Aurora Specialty Textiles Group

NOVEDRATE, Italy — June 12, 2017 — Digistar HI-PRO — one of Kiian Digital’s renowned sublimation transfer inks — has achieved ECO PASSPORT certification. This enables it to be used in the production of sustainable textiles and those required to achieve STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX®.

ECO PASSPORT by OEKO-TEX® certification is a two-step process:

• Screening and chemicals compliance with the Restricted Substance list (RSL) STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX® as well as those chemicals which are listed in: STeP OEKO-TEX® Manufacturing Restricted List (MRSL); the list of Substances of Very High Concern (SVHC) detailed in the regulation of the European Union R.E.A.C.H. and ZDHC Manufacturing Restricted List (MRSL).
• Analytical verification testing for contaminants and impurities present in the chemical components performed by an OEKO-TEX® member institute laboratory.

Only by passing this process can you achieve ECO PASSPORT certification.

“Kiian Digital, once again, demonstrates the dedication to develop its product portfolio with respect for the environment. The ECO PASSPORT enables customers to meet the criteria of sustainable textile production”, points out Marco Girola, Marketing Specialist JK Group.

ECO PASSPORT certification is the most recent achievement by Kiian Digital. The nonstop commitment to develop cutting-edge solutions is the key to our success. Certification programs add value by ensuring transparency and ongoing review of restricted chemicals release in the textile production value chains.

“This is a differential for those who choose the Kiian Digital brand. The certifications also increase the chances for printers to become partners for the leading brands who are asking – as integral part of their supply agreement – the compliance credentials of products used in their processes minimizing health and environmental risks” adds Alessandra Borghi, Kiian Digital – Sales Director.

Digistar HI-Pro certification number is: 17EP00002.

Kiian Digital product portfolio is tested for:

• Nike RSL (Restricted Substance List)
• ADIDAS A01 (Restricted Substance List)
• CLEAR TO WEAR (Restricted Substance List)
• ECO PASSPORT

Posted June 12, 2017

Source: Kiian Digital