NCTO Statement On Release Of Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) Text

WASHINGTON — November 5, 2015 — Today’s release of the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) text allows NCTO to begin an exhaustive review of the details of the agreement. NCTO will immediately initiate a thorough analysis of the text to determine its impact on our members, the U.S. textile industry as a whole, and our Western Hemisphere trading partners.
 
Based on our generalized understanding of the final agreement reached last month, we believe that many of the U.S. textile industry’s key objectives have been met, including a yarn forward rule of origin for most products and reasonable duty phase-outs for sensitive textile and apparel items. While we need to thoroughly familiarize ourselves with the fine details of the agreement, we feel that the U.S. government was able to achieve a well-balanced outcome for all parties, including U.S. textile manufacturers and our partners in the Western Hemisphere. NCTO thanks Ambassador Michael Froman and the entire U.S. negotiating team for the consideration they gave NCTO’s input during the TPP process and we hope to complete our review of the agreement in the coming weeks.

Posted November 10, 2015

Source: NCTO
 

The Rupp Report: ITMA 2015 Preview For SSM

By Jürg Rupp, Executive Editor

ITMA 2015 in Milano is getting closer: It starts November 12, 2015. All exhibiting companies are performing their final homework. One of the companies that did their homework was Switzerland-based SSM Schärer Schweiter Mettler. Here is its preview for ITMA.

SSM will launch eight new products and a total of 14 applications will be showed. The company claims that “a totally new platform will be presented to the public for the first time.”

SSM claims it is the inventor of the electronic yarn traverse system. With the introduction of the new Xeno-platform, SSM wants to demonstrate its leading position on the market. Six new product launches in the winding and doubling segments and two in false-twist and air-texturing are showed for the first time. Machines for the following applications will be on display:

  • New Dye Package Winding/Rewinding;
  • News Assembly Winding (doubling);
  • New Air Texturing;
  • New False Twist Texturing;
  • Sewing Thread Finish Winding; and
  • Conventional Covering.

Modular Winding Machine Platform

The new SSM modular winding machine platform Xeno is said to combine dye package winding, rewinding and doubling applications with three different winding technologies. The machine is available with counter rotating blades — Xeno-BW — with friction drive system — Xeno-FW — and with high quality SSM yarn guide system — Xeno-YW. With the new platform, SSM claims to be able to offer the three winding technologies for assembly winding as well — Xeno-BD, Xeno-FD and Xeno-YD. Complying with the growing automation demand due to increasing labor costs, all the Xeno machines can be equipped with an automatic doffer system. Another advantage and benefit of the Xeno platforms is the enhanced Digicone 2 winding algorithm, which is said to enable a 10-20 percent increase on dye package density with the same dyeing recipe. SSM point out that the platform will be manufactured 100 percent in Switzerland for highest demands and quality.

Technical Yarns In The Focus

The unique characteristics of tailor-made high performance yarns are helping such yarns to substitute other classical materials in large range of applications, says the company. Thereby the usage of technical textiles and consequently their consumption are continually increasing. The SSM Duro-TW precision winder for all technical yarns up to 50,000 dtex claims to offer “a new level of flexibility and winding quality in one machine; thus ensuring the fulfillment of all customer requirements.”

The assembly winder Duro-TD allows the plying of multiple ends/yarns; independently of them being of the same type or completely different. Optional intermingling is said to guarantee loop-free twists as well as optimal unwinding during twisting. The ability to run closed precision winding enables higher package densities, thereby increasing the knot-free length.

More New Equipment

From SSM Giudici the brand new TG2 machines will be shown. The TG2 platform is the next step of the well introduced TG1. It comes with an individual, frontal doffing system to allow double-sided concept of the machine, which means one full package and one empty tube in the cradle whilst a package is being processed.

The SSM Giudici TG2-FT false-twist texturing machine is said to combine a proven texturing path along with a spacing saving machine design. The result is a machine for the cost efficient production of high quality polyamide (PA) — down to 7 dtex — polypropylene (PP) as well as fine count polyester (PET) yarns. In combination with the TG2-FT the TG2-AT will be shown as well.

The SSM Giudici TG2-AT air-texturing machine is designed for the cost efficient production of high quality air texturized yarns made of POY or FDY PET, PA and PP, ranging from fine to medium final counts.

Sewing Thread Finish

The SSM TK2-20 CT/KTE will be exhibited for Sewing Thread Finish Winding. It claims to set market standards in combining the established performance of the well-known Thread King series with the functionality and operational comfort of modern control and drive technology. The TK2-20 says to “stand for first-class unwinding properties and fulfils the highest yarn processing requirements.” Besides of the cone winding (CT) the latest technology for Kingspools (KTE) will be shown. The TK2-20 KTE is a fully automatic Kingspool winder which certainly is the most flexible sewing thread finish winder for bonded filaments in the market. Thanks to the fastflex electronic yarn guide system, customers can change the traverse length, the spool size as well as the crossing ratio without big efforts.

The SSM Giudici NOVA-CS will be shown for the first time in Europe. It claims to “take the advantage of the disappearance or difficulties of European CCY machine producers to become niche leaders in the high-end segment.” The single covering machine is designed for the production of high quality elastic single- covered yarns ranging from fine to medium final counts.

Besides of the presented application, SSM offers the new X-Series (PSX-W/D, PWX-W and TWX-W/D) for Dye Package Winding/Rewinding and Assembly Winding as well as the well-known machines for Air Covering, Draw Winding and Yarn Singeing.

SSM Schärer Schweiter Mettler AG will present its products in Hall 2, Booth A101/102.

November 3, 2015

SIGVARIS Strives To Move Every Day A Step Further With Groundbreaking Event

PEACHTREE CITY, GA (Nov. 2, 2015) – SIGVARIS, the global leader in graduated compression, continued its mission of improving the health of legs worldwide with a groundbreaking event held November 2 in honor of its North America expansion project.

When the new state-of-the-art expansion is completed in the fall of 2016, it will include 40,000 square feet of additional office, manufacturing and warehouse space. The new expansion is expected to provide growth opportunities over the next 10 years and create more than 70 new jobs.

“SIGVARIS is proud that this new expansion will not only help support the local community with new jobs and opportunities, but it will also allow the SIGVARIS brand to continue to make strides as a global leader in innovation for the compression market in North America,” says Scot Dubé, president and CEO for SIGVARIS North America.

SIGVARIS has partnered with Peachtree City, Ga.-based Tiernan & Patrylo Inc.  The design-build firm will develop the new space and also assist with a 37,000 square-foot renovation project. Both projects will take place at the same time.

The expansion project will also allow SIGVARIS’ manufacturing, warehouse and customer care departments to all reside under one roof. The SIGVARIS North American headquarters currently occupies two locations as the company has experienced consistent growth, since it built its North American headquarters in 1997.

SIGVARIS is a family-owned Swiss business that has been around for more than 150 years. Today, more than 90 percent of the graduated compression products bought and sold in North America are manufactured in Peachtree City, Ga.

Posted November 3, 2015

Source: Sigvaris
 

Ahlstrom Announces Price Increase For Specialty Nonwoven Materials

HELSINKI, Finland — October 30, 2015 — Ahlstrom, a global high performance fiber-based materials company, announces price increases on the specialty nonwoven materials produced by the Building and Energy business area to ensure sustainable financial performance of the business unit.

The price increase will be 7% and will be implemented on January 1, 2016.

Specialty nonwoven materials are mainly used in building, furniture, hygiene, wound care and apparel applications.

Posted November 3, 2015

Source: Ahlstrom
 

ICAC: As China’s Market Share Declines, Rest Of Asia Increases Imports And Consumption

WASHINGTON — November 1, 2015 — Last month, China announced that its 2016 cotton import quota would be limited to 894,000 tons, the same as in 2015, in order to encourage consumption of domestically produced cotton. Cotton production in China is estimated at 5.4 million tons in 2015-16 and the Chinese government still holds around 11 million tons in its reserves. The total supply of cotton in China for 2015-16, excluding imports, is estimated at 18 million tons, which would be more than double its annual volume of consumption, forecast at 7.7 million tons.

However, demand for high quality cotton will be partially met by imports, particularly given concerns over the quality of this year’s domestic crop. Chinese imports are projected to fall by 24 percent, to less than 1.4 million tons. China will likely remain the world’s largest importer in 2015-16, but its share of world imports has fallen from 55 percent in 2011-12 to 22% in 2014-15 and may only reach 17 percent in 2015-16. Instead, imports to other Asian countries are taking on a larger share and will partially offset the decline. In 2011-12, imports by the rest of Asia accounted for 31 percent of world imports. In 2015-16, Asian imports excluding China are expected to reach 4.5 million tons, representing 60 percent of world imports. Bangladesh, Vietnam and Indonesia are the three largest importers in the region outside of China. Imports by Bangladesh may slightly exceed one million tons in 2015-16, up 4 percent from last season, while imports by Vietnam are projected up 5 percent to 990,000 tons. After declining in 2013-14, imports by Indonesia increased 13 percent to 735,000 tons in 2014-15 and may reach 780,000 tons in 2015-16. Mill use in Asia outside of China is forecast to rise by 4 percent to 12 million tons, representing 48 percent of world consumption projected at 25 million tons in 2015-16. Mill use in India is expected to reach 5.6 million tons, up 3 percent from 2014-15 and in Pakistan, 2.6 million tons, up 2 percent from 2014-15.

The cotton trade remains competitive as China’s cotton policy evolves and cotton-exporting countries continue to seek new markets. However, world production is forecast down 9 percent to 23.9 million tons, about 1.1 million tons below consumption. Although production in the United States is projected down by 11 percent to 3.2 million tons and exports down by 9 percent to 2.2 million tons, it will likely remain the world’s largest exporter.

India, the world’s second largest exporter, could see a small recovery in 2015-16, with exports forecast to increase 15 percent to 1.1 million tons. Exports from Francophone Africa are anticipated to reach 1.1 million tons in 2015-16. Production in Francophone Africa has steadily grown from 494,000 tons in 2010-11 to 1.1 million tons in 2014-15 and 2015-16. As production has grown in this region, its share of world exports, which used be 6 percent in 2010/11, is expected to rise to around 14 percent in 2015/16.

After reaching 12.7 million tons in 2014-15, ending stocks in China may decrease by 8 percent in 2015-16 to 11.7 million tons while stocks outside of China are forecast to fall by 2 percent to 9 million tons.

World Cotton Supply And Distribution

2013-14   2014-15  2015-16  2013-14 2014-15  2015-16
Changes from previous month
Million tons Million tons
Production 26.28 26.16 23.92 -0.01 0.05 0.07
Consumption 23.63 24.47 25.05 0.02 -0.01 0.03
Imports 8.67 7.60 7.47 0.02 0.02 -0.15
Exports 9.00 7.71 7.47 0.00 -0.01 -0.15
Ending Stocks 20.29 21.86 20.73 -0.02 0.07 0.11
Cotlook A Index 91 71 73*

* The price projection for 2015/16 is based on the ending stocks/consumption ratio in the world-less-China in 2013/14 (estimate), in 2014/15 (estimate) and in 2015/16 (projection), on the ratio of Chinese net imports to world imports in 2014/15 (estimate) and 2015/16 (projection). The price projection is the mid-point of the 95% confidence interval: 62 cts/lb to 86 cts/lb.

Posted November 3, 2015

Source: ICAC
 

ICRA Announces Sponsorship Program

WASHINGTON — October 27, 2015 — The International Cotton Researchers Association (ICRA) has announced a sponsorship program to partially support cotton researchers to attend the World Cotton Research Conference-6. These conferences are held every 4-5 years and the WCRC-6 will be held in Goiânia – Goiás, Brazil from May 2-6, 2016. The Conference comprises of four Plenary Sessions, a number of specialized conconcurrent sessions and two technical tours after the Conference. All aspects of of production research, technology transfer, ginning and fiber quality will be discussed.

The primary objective of ICRA, that ICAC helped to establish in 2012, is to promote networking among cotton researchers, serve as international voice on cotton research and organize world cotton research conferences. In additional to the local sponsors and a great help from the Brazilian cotton sector in particular the farmers associations,ICAC, CABI, FAO and CIRAD are sponsoring the Conference. ICRA is using this sponsorship to provide partial support to researchers around the world. The sponsorships available are air ticket up to US$1,500, registration fee plus hotel (estimated at US#1,200), cash payment of US$1,000 and free registration. The public sector researchers can apply for any one sponsorship. Details about the sponsorship are available at https://www.icac.org/mtgs/WCRC/WCRC-6, http://www.icracotton.org/sponsorship-for-wcrc6-in-brazil/  and http://www.wcrc-6.com. The last date to apply is November 15, 2015. The world cotton research conferences are a unique event for researchers in cotton production areas.   

Posted November 3, 2015

Source: ICAC
 

The Rupp Report: ITMA Preview – Jakob Müller AG

The Switzerland-based company is a global leader in machinery for all kinds of woven and knitted tapes and webbing, ropes, labels and technical textiles, printed narrow fabrics, dyeing, make-up, and winding machinery. New equipment and existing equipment will be shown at the ITMA.
 
Label Productions Systems
For the first time in Europe the MÜJET MBJL6 – air-jet label weaving machine will be seen. It is said to represent the latest generation of MÜJET air jet technology and was “specially developed to provide high productivity and flexibility in combination with proven top quality label weaving.” The new machine has a working width of 120 centimeters (cm) and a constant production speed of 950 revolutions per minute (rpms), which the company reports results in a 20-percent increase in output. Further features include:
 

  • Optimized weft insertion system, stable and gentle;
  • Compressed air in the left and right relay nozzle sections individually adjustable;
  • Retention air that can be separately switched on and off in order to reduce air consumption;
  • C-Series MÜDATA touch screen machine control for machine speed, weft thickness, warp tension and weft insertion, equipped with LAN and USB interfaces; and
  • 120 newly developed TC2 cutting elements for smooth and uniform cut quality. 

The new label weaving machine represents the newest generation of the MÜGRIP machine series. These rapier looms are exclusively developed and manufactured for label weaving and the Müller claims that this is “the world’s most frequently used machine in this field.” It is equipped with an additional sixth repeat, which increases the rated working width of the machine to 120 cm. A spatial crank gearing provides that “the rapier drive and its speed are transferred gently to the weft yarn to be inserted. The speed of the five-repeat machine is retained, but output is 20-percent higher. Shedding takes place via an SPE jacquard machine with 1,536 hooks and the machine has 1,152 jacquard functions. The machine is available in 4, 6, 8 and 12 weft color versions and suitable for a great range of yarn qualities beginning with 22 dtex.
 
(New) Textile Printing Systems
Müller will present its new MÜPRINT MDP3 E ink-jet machine for the direct printing of narrow fabrics and belts, which as far as productivity and reliability is concerned, claims to be a major addition to the existing product program. This printing system says to employ a high-precision printing head, which has been specially designed for the use of sublimation inks and is considered to be a significant improvement in printer reliability.
 
Depending on the required print resolution, the new system with a printing width of 2 x 410 millimeters (mm) and new printing head “facilitates an increase in production output from approximately 8 square meters per hour or even more.” At the same time, the maximum printing resolution has again been doubled to 1440 x 720 dpi. Textile tapes in the CMYK color range can be printed beside one another with differing designs in a parallel process. An integrated and easy to refill 1.5l ink system allows uninterrupted production sequences with minimum maintenance times. Thanks to its reliability and productivity the system is claimed to be ideal for the printing of medium-sized production batches and thus expands the market for the direct printing process. Fields of application include lanyards, barrier tapes, vertical blinds, decorative ribbons, zipper chains and elastic tapes. In particular, crochet tapes with asymmetric structure and uneven surfaces are also possible to produce on this machine.
 
New Technical Textiles Make-Up
The UV60-RS automatic cutting and winding device is designed to be “a flexible and fully automatic winding system for a variety of applications.” In particular, technical textile winders often require special design adaptation due to issues such as the level of winding tension, thickened edges, asymmetric selvedges, adhesive properties, the friction properties of the material surface and cutting options. The flexibility of the device is reported “to match the respective winding requirements to perfection.” It also covers a wide range of winding dimensions up to roll/bobbin diameters of 500 mm. The main features are said to be:
 

  • Possibility of a wide variety of different winding formats;
  • Roll winding between side discs in a fully automatic mode for the uniform distribution of winding tension across the winding diameter and even tape tension control;
  • Tapes with thicker or asymmetric edges can be wound onto flat rolls between the side discs;
  • Deformation and the pushing out of the roll centre can be avoided;
  • Precise bobbin winding up to the bobbin winding point using a tape guide with precise traverse control and automatic height adjustment;
  • Fully automatic winding operation, including the supply of empty tubes/bobbins up to the stacking of wound-up rolls and spools;
  • Wide and flexible applications for rolls and bobbins up to an outside winding diameter of 50 cm, and a maximum bobbin width of 27 cm; and
  • High levels of process stability, maximum flexibility and short set-up times through the extensive use of stepper motor technology, and recipe management. 

Based on long-term experience in the design of winding, cutting and make-up machines, the device offers “high levels of process reliability and avoids typical textile problems such as knots, roll/bobbin deformation, tension variations, loops and distortion.”
 
New Narrow Textiles Dyeing System
The new MFR1.5 50/100 dyeing machine claims to combine the compact design of a spiral concept with the advantages of a straight through fixation chamber. In the combination chamber (steamer/oven) and the drying oven the tape runs twice straight through the chamber. This principle has several advantages:
 

  • More security in color evenness;
  • Easy handling (The tape runs twice straight through the machine, the thread up is much easier than with a spiral system);
  • Designed/suitable for large and smaller dye lots; and
  • No accumulation of tension (each control zone is driven by an individual motor). 

The remaining modules of the complete machine are 150 cm wide and are built very compact and user friendly. The width allows for smaller tanks resulting in lower energy and water consumption. The use of lightweight pneumatic dancers through the whole machine enhances the reproducibility of all tension related settings.
 
Narrow Fabric Weaving Systems
The NH2 53 6/27 S2 SNO2B – electronically controlled narrow fabric weaving machine is suitable to produce elastic and non-elastic narrow fabrics. Electronically controlled shedding takes place via linear motors mounted directly on the harness frames. These replace pattern chains and cam drums and permit both unlimited repeat lengths and pattern changes in minimum time. The weft and auxiliary thread transport, as well as the narrow fabric take-off and main drive are also all electronically controlled and infinitely adjustable. As compared to conventional needle looms, the NH2 53 is fitted with considerably fewer mechanical parts, which results in less wear and a reduction in energy consumption of around 35 percent, or maximum 1 kilowatt.
 
The machine on display is used for the production of “Easy Bow” ribbon. This is a gift ribbon with a woven-in cord that is also manufactured on an NH2 53. Weft exchange technology (SNO2B) facilitates the simultaneous processing of two different weft colors. In addition, the ribbon is pushed evenly along the cord thus automatically forming a loop.
 
The NHJM2 53 6/42 Z4 — electronically controlled narrow fabric loom is based on the successful NH2 53 and is fitted with an electronically controlled SPE3 384 jacquard machine. It is said to be ideal for the production of elastic and non-elastic tapes with woven, warp effect motifs such as names, logos and fashionable decorative elements. The main drive unit consists of a brushless servomotor, which is located directly on the jacquard machine and powers both this and the loom via a toothed belt.
 
Warp Crochet Knitting Systems
Also exhibited is the COMEZ ACOTRONIC 8B/600 — an electronic crochet knitting machine using compound needles is a high-efficiency, electronic crochet knitting machine that employs compound needles for the production of a wide range of ribbons, lace, technical and medical textiles, both elastic and non-elastic.
 
Furthermore to be seen is the COMEZ TESTRONIC 1600/EL — an electronic crochet knitting machine for the production of fabrics for outerwear and technical uses. The versatility of this machine is said “to create enormous long pattern repeat capacity using yarns of all types and counts.”
 
At ITMA, Jakob Müller AG can be found in Hall 3, Booth D110.

October 27, 2015

Coolcore® Receives US Patent 9,121,642 for Cooling Towel Activation

PORTSMOUTH, N.H. — October 22, 2015 — Coolcore has announced that the United States Patent and Trademark Office issued the company a patent (U.S. Patent No. 9,121,642) for “Method of Cooling an Object with a Fabric.” The patent covers activation that includes wetting the item, wringing out excess liquid, and snapping or waving the fabric to activate the moisture control through the fabric.  Even more specifically, the present invention is for a fabric that becomes cool when activated by liquid and remains cool for an extended period of time thereafter.

“As the original innovator of chemical-free cooling fabrics, our intellectual property and the on-going commitment to innovation continues to reinforce our position in the market today,” stated Coolcore Chief Executive Officer and President Kevin McCarthy.  “Coolcore is the leader in chemical-free instant cooling towels, accessories, and headwear … imitators should note that we will vigilantly protect our intellectual property in the marketplace.”

Coolcore also owns U.S Patent No. 8,440,119 for its cooling material innovation. The patent covers the manufacturing of any chemical-free cooling fabric that transfers moisture away from the skin, while regulating the movement and evaporation of that moisture throughout the fabric as described in the patent.

Coolcore fabric formulations have earned the prestigious “Innovative Technology” recognition from the Hohenstein Institute, a first for a U.S. company, and the only company globally to be awarded this recognition for “Cooling Power.” Additionally, it was recently announced that Coolcore is a finalist in two categories for the 2015 ITMA Future Materials Awards – “Groundbreaking Partnership” and “Best Innovation – Sports Textiles” for our cooling fabric innovations.

Coolcore develops and provides private label cooling towels to its brand and retail partners globally, as well as cooling apparel and accessories. Coolcore also markets its cooling towels, accessories and headwear under the Dr. Cool brand name and distributes domestically and internationally. Aside from finished products, Coolcore develops fabrics for several global consumer brands.

Posted October 27, 2015

Source: Coolcore
 

Philadelphia University Establishes Fashion and Textiles Futures Center

Philadelphia — October 23, 2015 — Philadelphia University has announced it will establish a Fashion and Textiles Futures Center. The Futures Center, which will include a $3 million investment in facilities, will advance the University’s innovative and highly regarded fashion and textiles curricula and enhance partnerships with industry leaders to more closely connect students to current and future jobs in an evolving marketplace.

The Philadelphia University Fashion and Textiles Futures Center will focus on the University’s unique integration of education, research and practice. It will provide state-of-the-art facilities to support student learning and foster collaboration, facilitate industry-sponsored projects, increase research opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students and help attract and retain world-class faculty. Work on the physical space will begin in late spring and will be completed by the start of the fall 2016 semester.

“The Fashion and Textiles Futures Center will expand experience for our students, faculty and partners,” said Ron Kander, executive dean of the Kanbar College of Design, Engineering and Commerce. “PhilaU fashion programs are internationally ranked and our programs in textiles and textile engineering are regarded as among the best in the nation. The new Center will enable us to continue our leadership in providing the best possible 21st-century professional education for our students and helping to define the industry needs of the future.”

The plan includes enhanced collaborative design studios for students, fabrication laboratories, computer-aided design facilities and flexible active-learning classrooms. The educational programming will be further supported by the University’s advanced digital printing facilities, among the best in the world, and the Grundy Materials Evaluation Laboratory.

The Fashion and Textiles Futures Center will include a retail-like space designed to mirror the workings of modern fashion and textile design firms and reflect the industry environments that students will work in after graduation. This area will be used to showcase the creative work of students and the University’s industry partners and give fashion merchandising and management students the opportunity to hone marketing and merchandising skills by working on displays and presentations.

“Customers are always looking for new and innovative products and, as the apparel industry evolves, speed and flexibility are key factors that drive today’s successes,” said Matt Mandracchia, vice president for design technologies and process for PVH Corp., one of the world’s largest apparel firms that includes such brands as Calvin KIein and Tommy Hilfiger. “Philadelphia University’s Futures Center seeks to capitalize on these factors, providing a learning environment that promotes innovative thinking. Innovation supports speed and flexibility, helping students to learn and prepare for a fast-changing, product-centric career.”

The physical space will reflect and support the innovative curricula of these programs as part of the University’s signature Nexus Learning approach: teaching and learning that is active, collaborative, tied to the real world and infused with the liberal arts. A critical component of Nexus Learning is the development of learning spaces that support interdisciplinary collaboration.

“The Fashion and Textiles Futures Center creates excellent educational opportunities for our students, modeling industry transdisciplinary trends as well as forward-looking projects,” said Marcia Weiss, the Harold Neuman Textile Design Chair and director of PhilaU textile design programs, who has been named director of the Center. “In the Futures Center, our students will benefit from world-class curricula, access to the latest technologies that support the creation of new knowledge and increased opportunities to work with industry partners on real-world projects.”

More than 700 PhilaU students—20 percent of the student body—major in eight academic programs related to the Futures Center, including bachelor’s programs in fashion design, fashion merchandising and management, textile design and textile materials technology; master’s programs in global fashion enterprise, textile design and textile engineering; and a doctoral program in textile engineering and science.

“The Fashion and Textiles Futures Center will reinforce Philadelphia University’s prominence in the world of fashion and in textiles,” said Mike Leonard, academic dean of the Kanbar College School of Design and Engineering. “The Futures Center will further enable our students to collaborate in state-of-the-art open studios, which will enhance research on materials and techniques to advance the fashion and textiles industries,” Leonard said.

Philadelphia University, which was established in 1884 as the nation’s first textiles school, has received many accolades for its fashion and textiles programs. These programs have been ranked among the best in the world by the Business of Fashion and Fashionista. The New York Immersion program, now in its second year, provides students with the opportunity to study in an international fashion capital and work on real-world projects with leading fashion and design firms. Fashion design students showcase their collections at the famed New York Fashion Week twice a year, while merchandising and management students help prepare for the runway.

Collaboration between students in their own and across disciplines is a critical component of a PhilaU education. That’s why the U.S. space agency NASA chose to partner with PhilaU fashion and engineering students to develop a fashion-forward, technologically advanced spacesuit design. Each year, textile design students work with fashion design students to develop innovative, one-of-a-kind textiles for the fashion collections. Beyond apparel, students work on projects for home furnishings, automotive and other industries that utilize the latest in textile technologies. Three graduate students in textile engineering and textile design recently won first place in the 2015 Fabric Graphics Student Design Challenge for their project that incorporated the health benefits of antimicrobial textiles to artwork that could be used in healthcare settings.

“There is a culture of collaboration at PhilaU that sets us apart and gives our graduates an unparalleled advantage in industry,” said Sheila Connelly, fashion design program director.  “Our students get experience in the “bigger picture” of fashion. When designing senior collections, they work across disciplines to incorporate digital printing, surface imaging, laser-cutting, screenprinting, 3D printing, wearable technology and custom fabrics into their designs. The Futures Center will further facilitate these opportunities.”

A fundraising campaign to support the Fashion and Textiles Futures Center has been initiated, and top industry executives from such firms as PVH, Waterworks and Weitzer are leading the effort. The campaign has been kicked off with a $500,000 donation from PhilaU benefactor Maurice Kanbar ’52 H’03.

In addition, a Leadership Committee representing diverse industry sectors and faculty members is being formed to guide and support the Fashion and Textiles Futures Center.

Posted October 27, 2015

Source: PhilaU
 

Azon Welcomes New Mason: Evolutionary A1 Machine Originated From The Generation Of UV LED Printers With Azon Conti And New Azon RIP Solutions

ZAGREB, Croatia — October 22, 2015 — MASON is the new generation of AZON wide format UV LED machines with maximum printing area 590×700 mm. It can print on unbelievable range of materials with maximum thickness up to 100 mm. Specially designed bulk ink tanks with ink monitoring sensor are to increase printing capacity of MASON. Each out of six bulk ink tanks holds 500 ml of ink and is extremely easy to handle. Out of box installation provides safety while refilling ink tanks from the bottles so the running costs for the machine are lower.  

MASON with new Azon CONTI upgrade features single pass printing technology in CMYK and white color with great speed and resolution. It produces incredibly crisp text and vibrant, full – color images on a variety of substrates and 3D objects, from wood to canvas, ceramic tiles, plastics and more. The new sophisticated Azon RIP software enables the outstanding reproducing quality of 1440 dpi and produces the finest image details.  

Unlike the previous generation of printers with belt system, this machine has implemented servo motor and ball screw system, enabling the forward-backward movement of the printed object with maximum accuracy. Outstanding durability of UV LED pigmented inks are up to 5 years with the possibility of gloss ink and multi-coat effects. This new machine with bulk ink tank option meets high customer demands and masters the technology of both UV LED ink and UV LED printing.

Posted October 27, 2015

Source: Azon Printer
 

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