Crypton® Strengthens Commitment To Research And Growth

BLOOMFIELD HILLS, Michigan — January 27, 2016 — The Crypton Companies and Nanotex®, leading providers of performance fabrics in contract, home furnishing and apparel, today announced the appointment and promotion of two seasoned executives to help continue its commitment to research and growth. Michael Grigat has been hired as the new Vice President of Research and Development and Hardy Sullivan has been promoted to Vice President of Market Development. Both work in the company’s Kings Mountain, N.C. research and manufacturing facility.

Grigat joins Crypton from Rudolf-Venture Chemical Inc., where he was the Technical Director responsible for market expansion of the company’s chemical product range in the United States, upgrading environmental and product safety procedures and the planning and coordination of a new plant site.

“Michael has extensive knowledge of surface protective polymers and we look forward to leveraging his know how to constantly improve upon our existing technology as well as create new performance platforms to offer our customers the most advanced products in the world,” says Craig Rubin, Chairman of Crypton. “Hardy’s new role is vital to Crypton and Nanotex as we expand globally. Having led the introductions of Wick+Block(TM) to the NFL and the award-winning Crypton Revl(TM) vinyl, he has a proven track record for expanding Crypton’s offerings.”

Grigat’s responsibilities at Crypton and Nanotex include overseeing all aspects of chemistry development. He will work closely with suppliers to develop “best in class” performance, utilize his extensive industry knowledge to create new, cutting edge formulations that will provide the framework for both Crypton and Nanotex to bring leading performance properties to the industry.

Prior to Rudolf, Grigat held senior positions at several major chemical companies including Clariant and Hoechst-Celanese, where he led the research and product development of new fluorine-based protective agents, specialty polymers and textile specialty chemicals. Grigat holds several patents for treating textiles, carpets and floor coverings. He is an active member of the American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists (AATCC).

In his new role, Sullivan will be responsible for identifying and developing new markets and applications for all Crypton Technologies. In addition to his focus on Market Development, he will maintain responsibility for advancing Crypton’s sustainability efforts.

Posted January 27,2016

Source: PR Rocket

Graphene Composite May Keep Wings Ice-Free

HOUSTON, Texas — January 25, 2016 — A thin coating of graphene nanoribbons in epoxy developed at Rice University has proven effective at melting ice on a helicopter blade.

The coating by the Rice lab of chemist James Tour may be an effective real-time de-icer for aircraft, wind turbines, transmission lines and other surfaces exposed to winter weather, according to a new paper in the American Chemical Society journal ACS Applied Materials and Interfaces.

In tests, the lab melted centimeter-thick ice from a static helicopter rotor blade in a minus-4-degree Fahrenheit environment. When a small voltage was applied, the coating delivered electrothermal heat – called Joule heating – to the surface, which melted the ice.

The nanoribbons produced commercially by unzipping nanotubes, a process also invented at Rice, are highly conductive. Rather than trying to produce large sheets of expensive graphene, the lab determined years ago that nanoribbons in composites would interconnect and conduct electricity across the material with much lower loadings than traditionally needed.

Previous experiments showed how the nanoribbons in films could be used to de-ice radar domes and even glass, since the films can be transparent to the eye.

“Applying this composite to wings could save time and money at airports where the glycol-based chemicals now used to de-ice aircraft are also an environmental concern,” Tour said.

In Rice’s lab tests, nanoribbons were no more than 5 percent of the composite. The researchers led by Rice graduate student Abdul-Rahman Raji spread a thin coat of the composite on a segment of rotor blade supplied by a helicopter manufacturer; they then replaced the thermally conductive nickel abrasion sleeve used as a leading edge on rotor blades. They were able to heat the composite to more than 200 degrees Fahrenheit.

For wings or blades in motion, the thin layer of water that forms first between the heated composite and the surface should be enough to loosen ice and allow it to fall off without having to melt completely, Tour said.

The lab reported that the composite remained robust in temperatures up to nearly 600 degrees Fahrenheit.

As a bonus, Tour said, the coating may also help protect aircraft from lightning strikes and provide an extra layer of electromagnetic shielding.

Co-authors of the paper are Rice undergraduates Tanvi Varadhachary, graduate student Tuo Wang, postdoctoral researchers Jian Lin and Yongsung Ji, alumni Kewang Nan, Yu Zhu of the University of Akron and Bostjan Genorio of the University of Ljubljana, Slovenia, and research scientist Carter Kittrell.

Tour is the T.T. and W.F. Chao Chair in Chemistry as well as a professor of computer science and of materials science and nanoengineering.

The Air Force Office of Scientific Research and Carson Helicopter supported the research.

Posted January 27, 2016

Source: Rice University’s Office of Public Affairs

Global Yarn And Fabric Output Up In Q3/2015

ZURICH, Switzerland — January 2016 — According to the International Textile Manufacturers Federation (ITMF), the global yarn production increased in Q3/2015 quarter-on-quarter, the third increase in a row. Thereby, output in Asia and North America grew. In Europe and South America, in contrast, it fell on a quarterly basis. Also on an annual basis, the global yarn production in Q3/2015 improved in tow with increases in Asia and North America. Europe and South America reported falling yarn production year-on-year. Global yarn stocks in Q3/2015 rose quarter-on- quarter as well as year-on-year. Thereby, all regions reported that stocks were increased. Yarn orders in Europe and South America fell in Q3/2015 quarter-on-quarter as well as year-on- year.

Global fabric production rose in Q3/2015 against Q2/2015 due to increases in Asia. In Europe and South America fabric production fell. On an annual basis global fabric output improved moderately. Thereby, Asian output increased, while fabric production in Europe and South America fell. Worldwide fabric stocks in Q3/2015 were reduced quarter-on-quarter. Year-on- year, however, they grew due to increases in Asia and South America. In Q3/2015, European fabric orders decreased quarter-on-quarter and increased on an yearly basis. Fabric orders in South America fell both on a quarterly and yearly basis.

Estimates for global yarn and fabric production for Q4/2015 are positive in most of the reporting regions. Asia, Europe and South Africa expect output of yarn and fabric to increase in the last quarter of 2015, while South America estimates negative developments.

The global outlook for yarn and fabric production for Q1/2016 is negative. While Europe expects an unchanged yarn and fabric production for the first quarter of this year, Asia is somewhat skeptical about Q1/2016.

In Q3/2015, global yarn production rose by nearly 3% quarter-on-quarter after a strong rise of close to 14% in Q2/2015. Thereby, Asian yarn output rose by 3.5% quarter-on-quarter and by 2.6% in North America. In Europe and South America, however, output fell by 7.6% and 12.3%, respectively. Global yarn output grew by 4.7% in Q3/2015 versus Q3/2014. The annual percentage change of yarn output in Asia amounted to nearly 6% and to 4.5% in North America. In Europe and South America yarn production fell by 10.6% and 18% year-on-year, respectively.

Global fabric production increased by nearly 2% in Q3/2015 against the previous quarter. While European and South American output fell by 4.7% and 16%, respectively, Asian fabric production improved by 3.5% quarter-on-quarter. Year-on-year, global fabric output grew moderately by 0.5%. Thereby, Asian production increased by 1.7%, while output levels in Europe and South America were reduced by 0.8% and 15%, respectively.

Global yarn inventories in Q3/2015 increased by 6% quarter-on-quarter with increases of 5.7% in Asia, 3% in Europe and 9.5% in South America. In Q3/2015, the annual percentage change of global yarn inventories recorded an increase of nearly 11%. Thereby, yarn stocks grew by 10% year-on-year in Asia, by 0.6% in Europe and by 28% in South America.

Worldwide fabric stocks fell by 2.4% in Q3/2015 versus Q2/2015. Stocks in Asia, Europe and North America were increased by 0.4%, 0.2% and 0.8%, respectively. In South America, they fell by 9%. On a yearly basis global fabric inventories in Q3/2015 rose by 1%. Thereby, they grew by 0.7% in Asia and by 4.5% in South America. In North America fabric stocks remained unchanged year-on-year and in Europe they fell by 0.5%.

In Q3/2015, European yarn orders fell by 5% quarter-on-quarter and by 3% year-on-year. In South America they fell by over 18% quarter-on-quarter and by 58% year-on-year. European fabric orders in Q3/2015 fell by 1.6% quarter-on-quarter and increased by nearly 6% year- on-year. South American fabric orders in Q3/2015 fell by 22% quarter-on-quarter and by nearly 32% year-on-year.

Posted January 27, 2016

Source: ITMF

ThermalTech Announces World’s First Solar Powered Smart Fabric

LOS ANGELES, Calif. — January 27, 2016 — ThermalTech today introduced its patented solar powered smart fabric.  Made from stainless steel yarn, the ThermalTech fabric is lightweight and gathers energy from the sun or artificial light to keep the body warm even after the sun has set.  Providing warmth without the bulk found in traditional outerwear apparel, the ThermalTech fabric allows for a lighter and more fashionable look, even when in the cold outdoors.  The company, has launched an Indiegogo campaign for the ThermalTech fabric to raise funds to bring jackets with the integrated smart fabric technology to market. A limited number Early Bird specials of 50-percent off MSRP (on all jackets) will be available for purchase with a full list of other offers listed on the ThermalTech Indiegogo page.

ThermalTech’s technology takes a proactive approach to warmth. Whereas most coats and jackets are designed to recycle body heat and slowly warm a person up, the ThermalTech fabric soaks up energy from indoor and outdoor light to bring warmth to the wearer within minutes. The fabric’s technology generates up to 10°C/18°F of heat gathered from the sun or artificial light in just two minutes, even when it’s cold outside.

The first use of this fabric will be a jacket available in three different styles for both men and women for use in a variety of outdoor activities – Street is fashion inspired, offered in dark blue and green; Explorer is designed for casual, every day use and comes in light blue and red and Extreme is intended for outdoor sports and consumers have the choice of black or gray.

The Extreme and Explorer styles are perfect for staying warm in any outdoor setting or situation; from snowboarding to commuting to work in the winter.  People hitting the slopes will be able to say goodbye to two to three pounds of weight and bulk without sacrificing warmth. The Street jacket allows even the most discerning fashionista to keep warm without compromising their style.

“We believe that by introducing this solar-absorbing fabric into the apparel marketplace, the next generation of outerwear will provide the consumer with even more of an optimal temperature & fit,” said Carlos Cortes, CEO of ThermalTech.  “This will allow everyone from the snowboarder to the fashionista to be warmer in colder climates.”

The ultra-thin stainless steel mesh fabric threads are strong yet lightweight and breathable, lending to extended lifetime use while reducing the weight typically found in heat-storing materials added to most outerwear. The fabric is easily embedded in any clothing style, from jackets to pants and is machine washable.

“We are very excited to bring this technology to market,” said Fatima Rocha, Co-founder of ThermalTech.  “Our goal is to help people stay warm in any environment without having to sacrifice fashion and comfort.”

Posted January 27, 2016

Source: PRNewswire

Versatility And Variety Of High-Quality EFI Reggiani Textile Imaging On Display At Heimtextil 2016

BERGAMO, Italy — January 26, 2016 — EFI™ Reggiani highlighted the many different décor applications possible with its versatile, leading print technology this month at Heimtextil 2016 in Frankfurt. The company’s exhibit reproduced a home environment with numerous direct and transfer-printed applications that exhibit EFI Reggiani technology’s high quality and sustainable print processes.

The stand featured several industrial textile print applications produced with EFI Reggiani machines, including the ReNOIR digital printing platform and Mezzera and Jaeggli pre- and post-treatment machines.

“Businesses in the home textile space have more choice than ever before in offering, custom and smaller-quantity designs using our inkjet printers,” said Dr. Ambrogio Caccia Dominioni, managing director, EFI Reggiani. “At Heimtextil, customers saw the benefits for themselves with the breadth and depth of EFI Reggiani capabilities for printing different home textile applications using a wide range of ink types.”

Printed items on display showed how advanced printing technologies successfully address broad section of the consumer home textile market. Visitors saw everything from pillows digitally printed using a transfer process, to sofas with direct-printed upholstery, to direct-printed curtains produced using pigment inks and many more.

Eco-friendly Printing For Home Textiles

The printed items highlight the wide variety of possible applications developed after more than six decades of Reggiani product innovation and implementation for leading-edge textile printing technologies. The EFI Reggiani product line is especially strong as an eco-friendly alternative to other processes, with new chemistry using water-based inks that significantly reduce pollution without compromising quality and speed.

In addition to the Heimtextil exhibit, EFI Reggiani is showcasing its latest home and apparel textile printing capabilities at several tradeshows, including Colombiatex in Medellin, Colombia; the ISPO sports industry conference in Munich; the Dhaka International Textile and Garment Machinery Exhibition in Bangladesh; Avanprint in Paris; and the Inlegmash textile manufacturing and processing exhibition in Moscow.

Posted January 26,2016

Source: EFI Reggiani

Cone Denim Introduces the White Oak Shop: New Offering Of Premium Selvage Denims In Just The Right Quantities

GREENSBORO, NC — January 25, 2016 — Cone Denim® announces the opening this week of its online White Oak® Shop offering select styles of premium selvage denims in smaller quantities. The Shop, located at whiteoakshop.com, offers online purchasing of many of Cone Denim’s latest selvage styling as well as tools and information to educate newer designers about the unique intricacies of working with authentic vintage denim.

A legend known by denim enthusiasts worldwide, the White Oak mill has produced denim exclusively since 1905. It has earned its place in history as the birthplace of long chain indigo dyeing, denim sanforization and Cone’s Deeptone Denim, introduced in 1936. The mill is known today for both its re- creation of vintage selvage denim, fashioned after the constructions of the early 1900s and woven today on American Draper X-3 fly shuttle looms in addition to being the R&D center for global denim innovation.

“The White Oak Shop is very exciting and opens the opportunity for us to work directly with denim enthusiasts and aspiring designers via the Internet who were previously limited by minimum order quantities,” says Kara Nicholas, vice president product design + marketing. “Vintage constructions from American Draper fly shuttle looms are not available anywhere else in the world, fueling the natural passion and inspiration for denim designers and their connection to White Oak.”

The launch of the Shop comes as the White Oak mill celebrated 110 years of continuous denim operations in 2015 and Cone Denim is getting ready to celebrate 125 years of denim authenticity and innovation this coming April. “It’s the perfect time to expand our reach and celebrate the entrepreneurial roots and heritage that are the cornerstones of Cone Denim,” says Nicholas.

Whiteoakshop.com offers a comprehensive tool to view selvage specifications; purchase select styles; learn more about the denim manufacturing process, inherent character woven into the fabric, and guidelines for cutting selvage garments; and explore the history of Cone Denim and White Oak.

Posted: January 26, 2016

Source: Cone Denim 

3i Products Establishing Lancaster County Operations

COLUMBIA, S.C. — January 25, 2016 — 3i Products Inc., a company that specializes in the manufacturing and distribution of indoor and outdoor cushions and pillows, is establishing operations in Lancaster County. The $3 million investment is expected to create 100 new jobs in Lancaster, S.C. over the next five years.

A newly established firm, 3i Products has acquired an existing 27,000-square-foot building, located on more than 15 acres off Chester Highway in Lancaster to house its new operations. Providing the company with close proximity to Interstate 77, the facility will allow 3i Products to efficiently serve its growing customer base.

Anticipated to be fully operational in the second quarter of 2016, hiring for the 100 new positions is expected to begin in April 2016. Those looking to join the 3i Products team should contact ReadySC at www.sctechjobs.com.

The Coordinating Council for Economic Development has approved a $150,000 Rural Infrastructure Fund grant to Lancaster County to assist with the cost of real property improvements related to the project. Additionally, AdvanceSC committed a $50,000 grant to Lancaster County to assist with building upfit in support of the project.

“3i Products is very excited about our move to the Lancaster area and looks forward to opening our new facility and bringing new jobs and growth to the area. We appreciate all the work of the local members of the County, Governor Nikki Haley and her team in the State of South Carolina for making this project a reality.” –3i Products, Inc. Chairman of the Board Tim Chen

“Each time a company decides to move here, it reaffirms the fact that Team South Carolina’s approach to attracting businesses and building a world-class workforce is working. We’re excited to welcome 3i Products to the South Carolina family and to celebrate the 100 new jobs this investment will bring to Lancaster County.” –Gov. Nikki Haley

“South Carolina’s positive business climate and excellent workforce continues to attract businesses of all types to our borders. This includes newly-established firms, like 3i Products, Inc., which has chosen Lancaster County for its new facility, bringing 100 new jobs to the local community.” –Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt

“We welcome 3i to Lancaster County and to South Carolina. We are all very excited to see existing structures return to productive use and appreciate 3i’s investment in capital and in putting Lancaster’s citizens to work. We are also appreciative of the combined efforts of the city, state and county to help provide the infrastructure needs to make this investment possible.” –Lancaster County Council Chairman Bob Bundy

Five Fast Facts

3i Products is establishing operations in Lancaster County.
The newly-established firm will manufacture and distribute indoor and outdoor cushions and pillows.
3i Products has acquired an existing 27,000-square-foot building located on 15+ acres off of Chester Highway in Lancaster to house its new operations.
Hiring for the 100 new positions is expected to begin in April 2016.
Those looking to join the 3i Products team should contact ReadySC at www.sctechjobs.com.

Posted January 26, 2016

Source: South Carolina Department of Commerce

Walmart’s U.S. Manufacturing Innovation Fund Awards $2.8 Million To Five Universities 

WASHINGTON — January 21, 2016 — The Walmart Foundation and the U.S. Conference of Mayors today announced this year’s U.S. Manufacturing Innovation Fund grant recipients at the 84th Winter Meeting of the U.S. Conference of Mayors in Washington, D.C.

Five leading research and academic institutions were awarded a total of $2.84 million in grants by the fund for their work focused on innovations in textile manufacturing. The fund, which focuses on the development of domestic manufacturing with a specific goal of advancing the production or assembly of consumer products in the U.S., will provide a total of $10 million in grants over the course of five years. This is the second round of funding under this grant.

The grant recipients were selected for their ability to address two key challenges that currently present barriers to increased domestic manufacturing. These challenges are:

  • Reducing the cost of textile manufacturing, including home textiles and apparel, in the U.S. by addressing obstacles throughout production.
  • Improving common manufacturing processes with broad application to many types of consumer products.

“Through these grants we hope to help remove the barriers to revitalizing and growing U.S. apparel manufacturing, while creating more sustainable production processes,” said Kathleen McLaughlin, president of the Walmart Foundation and chief sustainability officer for Walmart. “The U.S. Manufacturing Innovation Fund is part of Walmart and the Walmart Foundation’s broader commitment to foster new economic growth and opportunity and create stronger communities.”

“America’s mayors work every day to create good jobs for the people who live in our cities and metro areas. The five projects we’ve recognized today will lead to manufacturing jobs in their respective cities and eventually, across the country,” said Tom Cochran, CEO and executive director of the U.S. Conference of Mayors. “We are proud to partner with Walmart and the Walmart Foundation to support these important efforts.”

The 2016 Walmart U.S. Manufacturing Innovation Fund grant winners are:

  • Clemson University for energy and effluent reduction through innovative dyeing of polyester fabrics
  • Oregon State University for environmentally conscious dyeing of fabrics using continuous digital printing and drying of biopigment inks
  • University of Texas at Austin for on-loom fabric defect inspection using contact image sensors
  • North Carolina State University for developing a non-stop tying-in process/approach to improve weaving efficiency
  • Cornell University for recycling post-consumer textile waste and a raw material substitute for new textiles

Support for the Innovation Fund is part of Walmart’s broader commitment to help revitalize U.S. manufacturing. In January 2013, Walmart announced a commitment to buy an additional $250 billion in products that support U.S. jobs by 2023.

These commitments represent a significant investment that will help accelerate the pace of U.S. manufacturing. By making production in the U.S. more cost-effective and efficient, the global retailer believes it can bring American consumers more American-made products and ultimately create jobs in communities across the country.

Posted January 25, 2016

Source: Walmart

AUTEFA Solutions Increases Capability Of Fibers Supply Chain New Concept Of AUTEFA Improves Automatic Fiber Logistics Productivity And Quality

FRIEDBERG, Germany — January 25, 2015 — AUTEFA Solutions, world market leader of automatic fiber logistics and manufacturer of hydraulic fiber presses presented a new machine concept two years ago with the UNI-FORK. The UNI-FORK optimizes the process of pressing a bale, increases the efficiency of the process and improves the quality of the fiber packing. In the meantime the process reached marketability and machines have already been installed at customers of AUTEFA Solutions successfully.

One of the customers is Shandong Yingli in China. As one of the first Chinese companies Shandong Yingli produces Lyocell fibers. Lyocell is an industrially produced regenerated fiber based on cellulose, produced with direct wet spinning process. Lyocell fibers are used for different applications such as textiles in the medical area and as nonwoven product for hygienic and cosmetics products. Using the fiber in the hygienic industry means highest requirements for the bale packing, Therefore Shandong Yingli was interested in the new solution of AUTEFA. Shandong Yingli was also convinced of the total concept with the extensive optimization of the process. For this reason the company bought a fully-automatic fiber press from AUTEFA.

The Concept Of UNI-FORK And AD-WRAP

The UNI-FORK intelligent concept saves costs with a very small investment for a fully automatic process while improving quality. The central idea of the system is to use one transfer fork for one or more prepresses and to operate one or more main presses. At Shandong Yingli the cut Lyocell fiber of two (or more) independently working fiber lines go via a condenser to two (or more) AUTEFA pre-presses and are pre-compacted to a bale. These pre-compacted bales are taken out with the central working UNI-FORK on a rotating basis of the pre-presses and handed over to a central main-press. The main-press compresses the bale totally and makes the strapping around the bale. Afterwards the bales will be packed with two overlapping, elastic stretch hoods of polyethylene (AD-WRAP). In this way, the packing of the fiber bale is completely protected against dirt, foreign fibers (like hair) and insects. It has protection against contamination like no other type of packing. For every kind of hygienic fiber, it is a significant improvement, avoiding waste, decreasing costs and improving sustainability of the supply chain. Companies who still strap and pack manually can quickly profit with the AD-WRAP. A return on investment can be recognized in approximately 1.5 years.

Other advantages of the UNI-FORK are the high total capacity of up to 60 bales/h per main press, the gentle fiber transfer and the universal usability. Not only high-performance fiber lines with over 300 tons per day but also small fiber lines for aramid, polypropylene or colored fibers can be designed individually.

UNI-FORK and AD-WRAP from AUTEFA Solutions are known worldwide, are unique and are protected by a patent. Both machines together form a system which leads to a strong reduction of personnel costs, high availability of the machine and a short amortization period.

Posted January 25, 2016

Source: AUTEFA Solutions Germany

Complete Range Of Coating Solutions Highlighted In New Brochure From Monforts

MONCHENGLADBACH, Germany — January 25, 2016 — A new brochure from A. Monforts Textilmaschinen introduces an innovative one-stop complete coating range for virtually all applications, including solvent treatment, wider width fabrics and technical textiles

The brochure highlights the new complete product range including ‘knife over air, ‘magnetic rollers, and ‘printing-head coating’ options.

These include single-sided application of finishing agents, such as, for example, outdoor clothing and functionalisation of textiles in the home textiles sector, through to sophisticated lightweight construction using innovative, textile-based coated materials in the automotive and aerospace industries.

Further, the brochure illustrates EX-proof ranges for solvent-based coatings and for high-temperature processes up to 320°C, such as PTFE sintering.

The  Montex Allround, an innovative and interchangeable module for stenter and coating operations, is also highlighted.

The new range of Monforts coating solutions follows the recent takeover of ‘knowhow’ by Monforts of European coating specialist Timatec.

Posted January 25,2016

Source: A. Monforts Textilmaschinen

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