Hexcel Showcases Composite Innovations Including New HiMax™ Multiaxial Reinforcements For Enhanced Ski Design And Manufacture At ISPO MUNICH 2017

STAMFORD, Conn. — January 23, 2017 — Hexcel is promoting its leading range of composite materials for skis, snowboards and other high performance winter sports equipment at ISPO MUNICH in February. To enable the creation of extremely lightweight components with no compromise in performance, technologies on display include: HexPly® M78.1, a fast-curing prepreg system offering ski manufacturers greater production flexibility and HiMax™ engineered multiaxial reinforcements.

A key supplier to the winter sports market for more than 40 years, Hexcel understands the unique requirements of this fast moving industry, where the drive for higher performance means manufacturers must continuously develop improved designs exploiting the latest technological advances. Hexcel’s innovations in epoxy resins, carbon fiber fabrics, prepregs, laminates and polyurethane systems are enabling the manufacture of lighter, stronger and more durable skis and snowboards to answer the needs of world class competitors, as well as the demanding sporting enthusiast.

At ISPO this year, Hexcel will introduce the latest addition to its HexPly prepreg range, which has been developed to help ski manufacturers reduce production cycle times.

HexPly M78.1 features a fast-curing hot melt epoxy resin matrix and is available with carbon, glass or aramid fiber reinforcements. It is designed for applications where short cycles at around 110°C are required. The prepreg cures in 7 minutes at 120°C, yet it has a long storage out life of 2 weeks at room temperature, meaning there is often no need for freezer storage, saving time and energy. HexPly M78.1 is a low tack system making it easy to handle. It also provides excellent adhesion to auxiliary and core materials including aluminum, wood, thermoplastics and elastomers. Customers are finding that this new system provides greater flexibility in ski manufacture, enhancing the process and the quality of the final product.

Following the acquisition of Formax in January 2016, Hexcel’s composite materials portfolio now includes the HiMax™ range of multiaxial fabrics. HiMax reinforcements are produced on state-of-the-art multiaxial machines in Leicester, England, and a selection of products will be on display at ISPO for the first time. Hexcel’s fiber spreading capability allows the development of ultra-lightweight carbon multiaxials that offer significant weight advantages for manufacturers of skis and other sporting equipment, where every extra gram of weight is critical in improving performance. With multiaxial reinforcements the fibers can be placed in different axes to optimize the performance of the finished laminate.

HiMax carbon multiaxials are available in a wide range of fabric styles with weights per ply from as low as 50 grams per square meter, fiber orientations from 22.5° through to 90° in up to four layers, and a wide range of fiber types from 3k upwards. Hexcel’s Research & Technology team collaborates closely with customers to develop fabrics optimized for their individual application and processing technique. A recent project involved the creation of a bespoke range of carbon triaxial reinforcements for a custom freeride ski brand, helping the customer deliver a product with a lightweight, soft flex and reactive ride whilst retaining strength and durability.

Hexcel will exhibit on Booth 344, Hall A4, in the Ski exhibit area at ISPO MUNICH sports exhibition in Germany February 5-8, 2017.

Posted January 23, 2017

Source: Hexcel

Hollister Debuts New Line Of Performance Denim With COOLMAX® All Season Technology And LYCRA® Fiber

WILMINGTON, Del. — January 16, 2017 — Hollister recently introduced a new line of performance jeans for guys and girls that incorporates INVISTA’s COOLMAX® ALL SEASON technology and LYCRA® fiber for year-round comfort and lasting fit.

One of the most relevant trends in the denim category today is to integrate performance fibers for added functionality. Hollister is taking a leading position in the performance arena with their Advanced Stretch Jeans with Coolmax All Season technology. The fabric moves moisture away to keep the body cool and dry on hot days, and has insulating fibers for added warmth when it is cool. These benefits come from the fiber structure, so they are permanent and don’t wash out.

“At Hollister, denim is a part of our DNA and we continue to find ways to enhance the assortment. Our goal with the innovative Coolmax All Season technology is to provide products that fit the needs of our customer’s on-the-go lifestyle,” said Kristin Scott, Brand President of Hollister Co.

“We believe pairing one of the hottest teen denim brands and with one of the coolest fabric technologies available on the market today will resonate with consumers,” remarked Dave Trerotola, President of Invista Apparel and Advanced Textiles. “Our research shows that among ingredient brands in the cooling space, the Coolmax brand is the most likely to positively influence purchase intent.”

In conjunction with launch of the new product line, Hollister and Invista have created an exciting, new multi-channel social media campaign to showcase the benefits of the jeans. Digital illusionist and YouTube star, Zach King, appears in a video via this link https://coolmax.com/en/News-and-Blog/2017/01/Zach-King promoting the magic of jeans with Coolmax All Season technology. Teen influencers will be featured in shareable content, and others can join in the fun by using the hashtag #HollisterCOOLMAX.

Posted January 17, 2017

Source: Hollister

Reebok Introduces Sublite Cushion Tactical Line Of Lightweight, Responsive Duty Footwear

ST. LOUIS — January 16, 2017 — Warson Brands, official licensee of Reebok for duty and uniform footwear, has introduced the new Reebok Sublite Cushion Tactical line of tactical footwear designed for law enforcement and first responder professionals. The Reebok Sublite Cushion Tactical incorporates Sublite foam midsole technology to maximize cushioning while minimizing weight. The Sublite dual density foam midsole provides unparalleled lightweight cushioning for comfort and responsiveness.

The Reebok Sublite Cushion Tactical line will be featured at Warson’s booth at SHOT Show 2017, January 17-20, Sands Expo Center, Las Vegas, Booth 10179.

Posted January 17, 2017

Source: Warson Brands

AmeriPride Services Donates $160,000 To Greater Twin Cities United Way

MINNEAPOLIS — January 17, 2017 — AmeriPride Services today announced a donation of more than $160,000 to the Greater Twin Cities United Way. Through its annual golf tournament and other vendor, employee and corporate donations, it has increased its annual local donation to the United Way by 185 percent over the past five years.

“Our dedication to the communities where we live and work is steadfast,” said Bill Evans, President and CEO at AmeriPride. “And our steady, year-over-year improvement is a testament to our company leadership, our employees, and the company values that we all live by every day. Giving back to the community and striving to be people you can count on is a part of our DNA.”

This year’s campaign included a golf tournament at Rush Creek Golf Club in Maple Grove and other fundraising activities, volunteering and payroll deduction program. In addition to employee involvement and a corporate donation, many of AmeriPride’s vendors and strategic partners also support the events through prize and monetary donations and participation in the tournament.

This campaign was a part of the company’s annual ‘Day of Service’ in which employees from across North America volunteered or donated money, goods and services to local organizations. In the first two years of this program, more than 1,800 employees contributed more than 10,000 hours of volunteer work and approximately $1.2M in monetary and product donations.

More details on these efforts can be found in the company’s Corporate Responsibility Report, which outlines key programs and initiatives AmeriPride is implementing across the company.

Posted January 17, 2017

Source: AmeriPride Services

SPGPrints Promotes Digital Textile Printing At Colombiatex 2017

BOXMEER, Netherlands — January 17, 2017 — SPGPrints will present the quality, productivity and cost-reducing capabilities of its comprehensive ink-jet printing solutions for textiles at Colombiatex de las Américas 2017, January 24-26 in booth 868, at the Plaza Mayor Medellín Convenciones y Exposiciones, Medellín, Colombia. The company also will highlight its rotary screen technologies including digital imaging systems and nickel screens at the exhibition.

SPGPrints’ digital textile offering covers every step in the workflow. This includes printing systems, inks and a global support network, providing technical support and consultancy.

SPGPrints’ PIKE® single-pass printer and JAVELIN® scanning printer set the standard for digital textile printing, and can be used with a variety of inks and dryer configurations to suit individual businesses. The Pike is a full-production machine that is already economically attractive at three to four million metres per year, with a potential capacity of more than 10 million meters per year. The Javelin, which received its first Latin American showing at Febratex 2016, has a potential productivity of up to two million metres per year, and is designed for companies that might be taking their first step into digital, or that wish to add to an existing digital capability. Besides the standard width of 1.85m, Javelin is also available in a 3.2m printing width to cater for the home furnishing market.

Both printers use SPGPrints’ Archer® technology, a universal inkjet platform designed to evolve with the developing print head technology. This means that an investment in Pike of Javelin will last for years, and can be retrofitted with newer print heads once available. Currently, both Pike and Javelin are equipped with Fujifilm Dimatix Samba print heads to produce sharp lines, precise geometrics, smooth gradations and solid blotches, by firing variable drops (2pL to 10pL) to achieve the perfect image. Print heads are 4mm from the substrate so risk of damage to them is eliminated. Additionally, a wide range of fabrics may be printed.

Understanding the economics of digital printing is an important part of the readiness of a company to move into digital, but those companies that have understood it, are already taking leadership positions.

“A proof of this is that amid the economic and political challenges in Latin America, the digital textile market continues to grow — and at a fast pace” said Jorgen Lindahl, senior areas sales manager (digital textiles) at SPGPrints. “As printers have been increasingly adopting digital technology as they and their customers, especially in the fast-fashion sector, realised the enormous potential for supply-chain cost reductions, and lower risk.”

“With digital, you are not printing garments to sell, but ones that have already been sold,” Lindahl continues. “Printing on-demand also means that companies can carry less stock, warehousing costs are dramatically cut, and there are much faster times-to market. All these things reduce risk – which makes working with a printer with digital capabilities more attractive. While these benefits are ideal for fast-fashion houses, similar benefits are enjoyed at the higher end of the market with easier and more affordable production of shorter runs and limited editions.”

Specially formulated digital inks with superior density and color gamut

SPGPrints develops and manufactures its own inks at its ink plant in Boxmeer, the Netherlands. Offering the widest color gamut, and superior density, the digital inks range continues to expand in response to market demands, and are specially formulated for consistency, runnability, reliability and trouble-free use.

SPGPrints’ Pike and Javelin inks are designed for the unique conditions of these printers. In addition, the company offers a full range of NEBULA® inks, specially formulated for any printing equipment using Kyocera print heads.

The SPGPrints Nebula Sublimation ink set combines bright, sparkling colours with the deepest black available in the market. These inks are idea for printing with polyesters. The sublimation inks add to the Nebula range that includes Nebula Direct Disperse inks, Nebula Reactive HD inks, and the new Nebula Acid HD inks. Nebula Acid HD inks meet all industry standards for color and water-fastness, and the specifications for all major swimwear manufacturers.

Screen solutions for improved performance

SPGPrints continues to develop solutions for screen printers to enable them to streamline their workflows while printing textiles of unparalleled quality.

In the pre-printing stage, SPGPrints’ digital laser technologies for imaging screens have proven to deliver advances in resolution and image sharpness, repeatable results, faster production and reduced operational costs.

Direct laser engraving is a single-step, dry process that eliminates costly consumables such as film, ink or chemicals, and time-consuming processes like exposing and washing. With minimal process steps, the chance of human error is greatly reduced.

For wet-process screen imaging workflows, SPGPrints offers laser exposing systems. These use exclusive multi-beam diode technology, which combines long lifetime, high productivity and resolutions of up to 2540dpi. The entire workflow remains the same as other exposure technologies such as film or ink-masking.

SPGPrints’ electroformed seamless nickel screens are renowned for their strength, durability, stability at high print speeds, and the potential for high mesh-counts.  Manufactured in Brazil, fast deliveries are assured.

SPGPrints NovaScreen® screens offer the optimum in print quality and productivity for printing all kinds of fabrics, ranging from cotton, polyester and viscose, to silk, rayon and heavy materials like car upholstery. The high mesh count with streamlined bridges between specially shaped holes maximizes paste transfer. The most recent addition to the NovaScreen program, Mesh 245, features an exceptionally high mesh count, allowing exceptionally smooth tonal degradations, fine linework and smaller dots, thereby widening the scope for creativity in geometric pattern and shirting design.

“SPGPrints has long supported the Latin American market through SPGPrints Brazil, its sales and support facility in Piracicaba,” Lindahl concluded. “Whether for digital printers, inks or screen solutions, we see this as a key market for us, and look forward to working with companies and brands here to introduce our latest technologies and continue the tradition of quality and innovation that we have found in Latin America.”

Posted January 17, 2017

Source: SPGPrints

Lectra’s Latest Fashion PLM Solution Reaps Highest Score In Industry Expert Evaluation

PARIS — January 17, 2017 — Lectra has received a glittering result in WhichPLM’s recent benchmark evaluation for the newest version of Lectra Fashion PLM which extends the scope from design and product development to production for retailers, manufacturers, and brands.

Providing greater visibility over fabric management and collection development processes, and guiding companies towards making the right decisions before production, Lectra’s extremely capable PLM (Product Lifecycle Management) platform scored at, or above, the industry average in all of the 43 functional areas WhichPLM measured, achieving the highest-scoring solution evaluated by WhichPLM to date.

“With the creation of tools that support the real business of fashion, and the extension of the solution’s footprint, we are extending our recommendation of Lectra to be shortlisted by any fashion and apparel brand, retailer or manufacturer—of any size and geographical spread,” underlined Mark Harrop, CEO and Founder of WhichPLM.

The WhichPLM benchmark evaluation measures against the industry average (a composite score of over 10 modern PLM solutions’ capabilities), the key product lifecycle functions a prospective PLM customer should seek. The study also probes the vendors’ capabilities, industry knowledge, customer insights, services and support facilities. For WhichPLM, Lectra’s technology, which clinched four four-star ratings, ‘is among the best the industry has to offer; its roadmap is clear; and its extended fashion platform reveals a persuasive vision.’

Stellar performance compared to industry average

One of the most significant additions to the Lectra solution, explains WhichPLM, is the Material Forecast module: “This is the first instance WhichPLM has seen of scientific material intelligence being made digestible and useful for non-technical users of PLM.” With the cost of raw materials, a pressing concern for the industry, particularly as an average of 60% to 75% of product cost is materials, Lectra’s module provides real visibility into accurate material consumption at the vital early stages of product development.

Further key functional areas in which Lectra’s updated Fashion PLM ‘sufficiently improved’ compared to the 2015 evaluation, to earn a higher star rating in 2016, include: creative design (CAM), color integration, material development, sample management, supplier management, auditing & compliance, sustainability, quality auditing, collaboration & integration, mobile applications, user interface and dashboards.

WhichPLM’s assertion that ‘Lectra’s integration to Illustrator remains one of the best the market has to offer,’ reflects the extension of PLM’s reach throughout the product lifecycle, and deeper links between Lectra Fashion PLM and third party applications, like Adobe Illustrator, as well as Lectra’s own desktop solutions.

“This benchmark study, carried out by reputable PLM experts, WhichPLM, clearly demonstrates the real value of the Lectra Fashion PLM. Our solution brings more people into PLM, and places our customers firmly at the center of our approach to make both core, and extended functionality, as broadly useful and intuitive as possible,” explained Céline Choussy Bedouet, Chief Marketing and Communications Officer, Lectra.

Posted January 17, 2017

Source: Lectra

U.S. Military Selects Winners Of National Challenge To Redesign Chembio Warfighter Suits

WASHINGTON — January 13, 2017 — The Joint Program Executive Office for Chemical and Biological Defense has awarded 12 prizes to winners of the Proof Challenge — a chembio suit design challenge that called on the public to submit designs and ideas for a new suit.  Finalists came from a variety of fields that ranged from students to engineers. A total of $250,000 was awarded to 12 participants/teams.

“We were excited to use the Proof Challenge to reach out to the general public, beyond our military resources and experts, to source ideas and solutions for innovation,” said LeRoy Garey, the Proof Challenge product manager. “The thinking, attention to detail and fresh ideas were astounding, exceeding what we expected. This type of public collaboration is something we look forward to tapping into in the future — joining forces with the Americans we serve to help protect this country and our Warfighters.”

Proof Challenge winners include:

Challenge Finalists

Idea Name: Increase Dexterity & Tactility ChemBio Suit

Team Members: Shana Kaplan, Madeline Haas, Itohan Asemota, Nicole Raab, Angela Villanueva, and Jess Roberts

Idea Name: JSLIST Rapid Cooling System (RCS) & Integrated Cooling Ensemble

Team Members: Steven Link, Barret Schlegelmilch, Jonathan Lovett, Eric Hinterman, and Phillip Ebben

Idea Name:  SPIDER© Suit Grey Matter

Team Members: Thomas Luginbill, Brandy Johnson, Aaron Brauner, Steve Winters, and Steve Luginbill

Challenge Semifinalists/Runners-Up

Idea Name: ChemBio Duck Combat Duck Boot

Team Members: Michele Putko, Robert Putko, Catherine Putko, and Marie Putko

Idea Name: A More Fitted Hood

Team Members: William Gabler, Cassandra Kwon, Minyoung Suh, Marc Mathews, Hilary Smith, Caitlin McCall, and Raquel Weis

Idea Name: Hybrid Glove Concept

Team Members: Steve Santaniello

Semifinalists/Second Runners-Up

Idea Name: Improved Glove Fit

Team Member: Roland Bruyns

Idea Name: Custom Articulated Garments for Optimal Dexterity

Team Members: Leanne Luce, Ryan Brady, Kevin Galloway, Neil Tagner, and Matthew Borgatti

Idea Name: AgileWear

Team Members: Brian Kane, Gen Leonard, Karma Malhas, and Catherine Andreozzi

Idea Name: Closure Control

Team Members: Devon Willard, Chelsey Pyne, and Keren Espina

Challenge Side Prize Winners

Game Changer: Pulse Electric Textile for ChemBio Protection

Team Members: Francisco J. Martinez, Howard Eglewstein, and Bettina Pasquantonio

Influencer: Grey Matter

Team Members: Thomas Luginbill

Winners will be showcased on the Proof Challenge Facebook page and will work with JPEO-CBD on the next steps of bringing their suit ideas to reality.

Posted January 16, 2017

Source: Sensis

Texprocess Innovation Award 2017: Messe Frankfurt To Honor Innovations In The Apparel And Textile Industry

FRANKFURT, Germany — January 16, 2017 — Messe Frankfurt will award the Texprocess Innovation Award for outstanding new developments and advances for the fourth time on the occasion of Texprocess, Leading International Trade Fair for Processing Textile and Flexible Materials May 9-12, 2017. Entries are now possible and will be accepted at www.texprocess-award.com until the deadline — February 20, 2017.

The competition is open to exhibitors of Texprocess 2017, as well as all non-participating companies, institutes, universities, universities of applied sciences and individuals. Conditions: the developments submitted should not have been available on the market for more than two years or be on the threshold of being launched. Additionally, they may not have been selected for any other award.

The winners of the Texprocess Innovation Award 2015 will be chosen by an independent, international jury, which will judge the entries on the basis of the following criteria:

  • Level of innovation;
  • Quality of design;
  • Choice of materials;
  • Technical quality;
  • Economic quality (cost minimisation, time and process optimisation, quality improvement);
  • Ecological quality (climate protection, energy efficiency, sustainability);
  • Overall concept.

The winners will be presented with their award during the Texprocess opening ceremony in ‘Saal Europa’ (Hall 4.0) on 9 May 2017. At the same time, all award-winning products will be on show at a special exhibition in Hall 4.0.

Concurrently, the 14th Techtextil Innovation Award will be presented at Techtextil, International Trade Fair for Technical Textiles and Nonwovens.

Further information can be found on the internet at: http://m-es.se/Pq79

Posted January 16, 2017

Source: Messe Frankfurt

SHIMA SEIKI To Exhibit At Pitti Filati 80

WAKAYAMA, Japan — January 16, 2017 — Italy-based SHIMA SEIKI ITALIA S.p.A., a subsidiary of Japan-based computerized knitting machine manufacturer Shima Seiki Mfg. Ltd., will exhibit at the 80th edition of the Pitti Immagine Filati exhibition in Florence, Italy.

The company will participate in the Fashion At Work section of the exhibition aimed at appealing to the technical and creative interests of visitors by providing hardware and software solutions for design, manufacturing and processing of knitted goods.

On display will be Shima Seiki’s flagship WHOLEGARMENT® knitting machine, MACH2XS. Featuring such innovations as the original SlideNeedle™ on four needle beds as well as the company’s patented spring-loaded moveable sinker system, MACH2XS can knit beautiful, high-quality 3-D Items with dimensional structures and details that are uniquely WHOLEGARMENT®, all with very high efficiency while minimizing dependence upon labor-intensive sewing and linking.

These qualities of WHOLEGARMENT® knit production are maximized in combination with the SDS-ONE APEX3 3D design system, the latest version of which will be exhibited at Pitti Filati. At the core of the company’s “Total Fashion System” concept, APEX3 provides comprehensive support throughout the apparel supply chain, integrating production into one smooth and efficient workflow from yarn development, product planning and design to production and even sales promotion. Especially effective is APEX3’s capability to improve on the design and evaluation process with Virtual Sampling. Ultra-realistic simulation capability on APEX3 allows Virtual Sampling to minimize the time- and cost-impact that the sample-making process has on current manufacturing. With this new manufacturing model, the production cycle can be shortened to such an extent that on-demand production can revolutionize the supply chain by freeing itself from seasonal cycles.

To further enhance the planning and design capability of APEX3, Shima Seiki’s new web-based fashion service “staf®” (shima trend archive and forecast) will also be demonstrated. staf® provides a massive collection of fashion related content including an archive of fashion and color trends covering the past 50 years. This information can be neatly organized on a virtual concept board that can be shared across various devices, improving on planning efficiency significantly.

Examples of knitwear produced on SHIMA SEIKI’s latest line of computerized knitting machines will be on display as well, including WHOLEGARMENT® knitwear as well as new proposals in knit-weave hybrid textiles produced on the SRY series machine.

Posted January 16, 2017

Source: Shima Seiki

Suominen Introduces AIRLACE™ For Workplace

HELSINKI, Finland — January 16, 2017 — Suominen has announced the launch of AIRLACE™ for Workplace, a new nonwoven substrate for professional wiping that performs in the most demanding work environments and offers the best cost-in-use, according to the company. The product was made possible by Suominen’s recent investments in production technology and research and development capabilities.

Airlace for Workplace can be used in wet and dry applications. It delivers a combination of strength, absorbency and low linting with its optimum blend of cellulose and synthetic fibers. The integration of pulp makes it ideal for cleaning oil spills and grease.

Demand for better performing workplace wipes is driven by business’ need to create a safe and healthy environment for customers and employees, and also to improve overall efficiency, both of which help business owners to make their operations more profitable. Airlace for Workplace was specifically designed to answer to these needs with its strength, durability and absorption capabilities. For wipes converters, Airlace for Workplace offers easy and reliable convertibility, and its consistent quality and reduced lead times are ensured by Suominen’s recently improved global manufacturing platform.

“We have been able to make Airlace for Workplace unbeatable in absorbency,” said Eileen Calder, product manager for Workplace segment at Suominen. “When combined with exceptional dry and wet strength, both superior to those of current market leading products, we are confident to say that Airlace for Workplace offers the best performance and value in the market.”

Airlace for Workplace is part of Suominen@work nonwovens product offering. It is available globally in medium (60 and 65 gsm) and heavy (80 gsm) weights and also in color.

Posted January 16, 2017

Source: Suominen

Sponsors