Print Businesses Gain The Innovation Advantage In Display Graphics With EFI’s Expansive Offerings At PRINTING United

LAS VEGAS — October 19, 2022 — Digital print technology provider Electronics For Imaging, Inc., is showcasing its expansive portfolio of innovative display graphics solutions this week at PRINTING United Expo 2022 in the Las Vegas Convention Center. The range of EFI™ production LED inkjet, dye-sublimation inkjet, and Fiery® digital front end (DFE) and workflow offerings at the show highlights advanced, unique, and award-winning technologies that give signage and display graphics businesses a stronger competitive edge.

The new EFI VUTEk® FabriVU® Plus series of soft signage printers, including the VUTEk FabriVU 340i+ printer with inline fixation EFI is presenting at PRINTING United in booth #C8107, offers the next level of high-end dye-sublimation efficiency and opportunity. Soft signage is the fastest-growing application for many EFI customers, including high-volume trade supplier Orbus Exhibit & Display Group® — an industry leader that recently purchased the VUTEk FabriVU 340+ model for its Las Vegas facility.

Raising the bar in soft signage display

Orbus’s newly installed, 3.4-meter wide high-end production solution provides the company with important redundancy and production volume capacity in a rapid-growth market. It is also one of multiple VUTEk FabriVU installations Orbus has completed to meet the increased demand it sees in tradeshow graphics and address the accelerating preference for soft signage beyond the events space. “We have four FabriVU printers overall,” said Orbus Vice President of Print Operations Aaron Kozar, “so we must be happy with the technology!”

Designed for high-end direct-to-fabric or transfer paper production with resolutions up to 2,400 dots per inch (dpi) and three-level grayscale printing with 7pL, 12pL and 18pL drop sizes, the FabriVU Plus series achieves remarkable quality in dye-sub printing — with better saturation and more density for soft signage and flag printing — thanks to new electronics as well as eight high-performance printheads in a new CMYK x 2 configuration.

The in-line fixation feature on the VUTEk FabriVU 340i+ model at PRINTING United eliminates the need for a separate heat press in direct-to-fabric production.

The new soft signage printer is part of a broad portfolio of highly advanced EFI display graphics inkjet solutions at the show.

  • The 3.2-meter wide EFI Pro 30h hybrid roll/flatbed LED printer in EFI’s booth stands out as the ideal solution for businesses targeting production sign and display graphics as a growth opportunity. Running at speeds up to 230 square meters per hour, it features four colors plus dual channels of white as standard, prints in resolutions up to 1,200 dpi, and includes an EFI Fiery proServer Core DFE with FAST RIP acceleration technology.
  • The 3.5-meter wide EFI VUTEk Q3r LED inkjet printer on display — the fastest superwide-format roll-to-roll solution in its class — is part of a VUTEk Q series that also includes a 5.2-metre wide Q5r model. A new inline UltraClear Coat option for the VUTEk Q3r, Q5r and other EFI roll-to-roll LED inkjet printers offers superior protection for outdoor graphics and high-quality gloss or matte spot enhancement in premium POP work – capabilities that earned UltraClear Coat the 2022 PRINTING United Alliance Pinnacle Award for UV digital inks.
  • The VUTEk h5, a highly advanced, high-productivity 3.2-meter wide hybrid roll/flatbed LED inkjet printer at the show, delivers top-tier image quality at speeds up 109 boards per hour. With its automated media handling options, including a ¾ automated media loading and stacker system and super duty winders, the VUTEk h5 is ready to drive efficiency in high-quality print. To meet growing demand for corrugated board printing, EFI has launched a new corrugated media management system for the VUTEk h5 printer featuring an enhanced vacuum, material edge guides and a dynamic roller subsystem for superior board throughput.

EFI partners LexJet (booth #C6407) and Nazdar SourceOne® (booth #C6425) are also showing EFI Wide Format LED inkjet printers at PRINTING United. LexJet’s exhibit features the 1.6-metre wide EFI Pro 16h hybrid LED printer, a system with a low total cost of ownership that delivers high-quality output at speeds up to 44 square meters per hour. The Nazdar SourceOne booth has the EFI Pro 30f, a dedicated flatbed printer with a large bed size for a maximum printable area of 3.05 x 2.04 meters. Operating at speeds up of up to 198 square meters per hour, this versatile flatbed system is the first EFI printer to give uses the ability to print on media up to 10 centimeters thick.

Automation and innovation in display graphics workflows

EFI’s enhanced IQ™ cloud solution featured at PRINTING United gives customers more power to monitor production operations and printer utilization — including exact job-level consumable tracking data — to reduce downtime and costs. EFI IQ’s exceptional display graphics management and business intelligence capabilities earned it the 2022 PRINTING United Alliance Pinnacle Product Award for software and workflow/MIS/CRM solutions. As the only management solution to have a direct connection to EFI printer data, IQ helps business leaders make smarter, data-driven production decisions for each wide-format printer and optimise capacity allocation across the production floor.

Another award-winning EFI display graphics workflow solution at the show, EFI Fiery Prep-it, is a powerful and cost-saving print-for-cut preparation software offering that can be used with any wide- or superwide-format DFE. Its industry-leading innovations in true-shape nesting earned this software the PRINTING United Alliance Pinnacle Product Award for prepress and premedia. With Fiery Prep-it, display graphics businesses can reduce the time needed to nest complex objects for wide-format printing by up to 90 percent. And, in head-to-head comparison with the competing solutions in the market, Prep-it’s powerful and detailed nesting capabilities saves users at least 10 percent in media costs.

New digital opportunities across growing market segments

EFI has one of the broadest and strongest inkjet technology portfolios for driving the analogue to digital transformation in the display graphics, corrugated packaging, textile, and building materials/décor markets. Given the extended growth in applications EFI supports, PRINTING United also features exhibits from two of the company’s newest acquisitions — innovators that deliver some of the best and most respected workflow technologies in direct-to-textile, direct-to-film (DTF) and direct-to-garment (DTG) printing. Inèdit Software, part of the EFI Reggiani textile business, is showcasing its advanced offerings — including its industry-leading, worldwide benchmark RIP solutions for digital textile printing – in booth #C10337. And booth #C4918 features the latest, highly advanced Digital Factory DTF and DTG automation, production, and personalisation software solutions from EFI Fiery’s recent acquisition of CADlink® Software.

“EFI’s leading-edge portfolio at PRINTING United is a great example of our unwavering commitment to providing customers with the best innovation advantage in display graphics and industrial inkjet printing,” said EFI Vice President of Worldwide Marketing Ken Hanulec. “We continue to drive our customers’ growth in these spaces with the right products to help them earn more margin in more applications, and stay ahead of the game in terms of capability, efficiency, versatility and sustainability.”

For more information about advanced display graphics solutions from EFI, visit www.efi.com.

Posted: October 19, 2022

Source: Electronics For Imaging, Inc., (EFI)

Baldwin Showcases Market-Leading Corona Treatment Solutions at K 2022

DÜSSELDORF, Germany — October 19, 2022 — Baldwin Technology Co. will showcase a selection of its cutting-edge corona treatment, spraying and surface-cleaning technologies at K 2022 in Düsseldorf, Germany, October 19-26. The highest-quality systems of their respective types on the market, the Corona Slim/Extrude, FilmCylinderCleaner™ and Rotor Spray units will be on display in booth D53, hall 11.

“The market remains strong despite all of the global uncertainty, which means our customers have a lot on their minds — be it paper prices, supply chain uncertainty, constraints, inflation,” said Oliver Jentschke, Baldwin’s vice president of sales, Europe.

“We are excited to be able to welcome people to the Baldwin booth and show how we can help meet these new requirements and make life a little easier for our customers. Industry 4.0, the increasing shortage of skilled workers, smaller production lots and the growing pressure on the market are topics that we would like to work on together with our customers and we will show our solutions at K-Show. In addition to presenting information, we are happy to provide a space where printers can stop by to recharge, relax, and meet our team.”

Baldwin will feature its FilmCylinderCleaner, an automated system that cleans the cylinders used in the film extrusion process, using a cloth-roll-based cleaning apparatus that spans the width of the extrusion web. This is paired with the Rotor Spray system that also spans the width of the web, which precisely applies cleaning detergent to the cloth.

Available in 3,000 mm and 6,000 mm widths, the FilmCylinderCleaner features a touchscreen panel, which enables easy operation of the various programmable cleaning modes, including continuous, periodical and manual-on-demand. Automating the cylinder-cleaning process eliminates risk of damage to the cylinder, improves worker health and safety, and allows for increased uptime as production will no longer need to come to a halt to complete the cleaning cycle. This combined with unmatched support and service from Baldwin’s team of engineers offers near infinite flexibility to suit a variety of needs.

Also showcased at K 2022 will be Baldwin’s Ahlbrandt Corona Slim/Extrude and Rotor Spray units, the leading brand of corona treatment systems to the print and film extrusion industries. The highly energy-efficient corona system increases the surface energy of materials like plastic films, papers and foils, and the top-of-the-line performing electrodes ensure enhanced ink and glue adhesion. leading to flawless printing and laminating results.

Baldwin’s Ahlbrandt premium-quality German-made systems are also used in converting, narrow-web flexography, parts manufacturing and a host of other applications. For years Ahlbrandt corona systems have been the proven standard solution for the surface-wide handling of plastic films, metallized films, paper and textiles in Europe.

“The biggest differentiator of the Ahlbrandt Corona treatment systems is how we use four electrodes instead of the common ‘2-up’ design,” said Alexander Rau, Baldwin’s Ahlbrandt Product Manager. “Since it requires only one housing, the electrodes can be changed in just a few seconds, maximizing production uptime while at the same time dramatically improving treatment results.”

Rounding out the suite of surface-cleaning technologies is the Rotor Spray application system — an effective solution for uniformly applying liquids to papers, films and fabrics on web lines. Using rotary disks to achieve this uniformity, coatings and chemicals such as anti-fog or anti-static solutions can be applied to one or both sides of the film, and different liquids can be used on each side of the web.

The Rotor Spray system is simple to operate, offers low maintenance costs, and is available in spray widths as wide as 5,500mm.

Fueled by 100 years of innovation, Baldwin supplies new equipment to consumers, maintains and services existing equipment with quality replacement parts and provides highly engineered consumables and engineering services, including upgrades and retrofits in addition to regular maintenance.

To learn more about how Baldwin can future-proof your film and extrusion operations, visit booth D53, hall 11 at K 2022.

Posted: October 19, 2022

Source: Baldwin Technology Company Inc.

Saving Retailers Money While Saving The Planet, Bodidata Dramatically Reduces Apparel Return Rates

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — October 18, 2022 — Bodidata’s Measure.Match.Manage.™ size-matching solution helps apparel companies dramatically reduce returns and environmental waste, while improving wearer satisfaction. In fact, Bodidata can help companies reduce their size-related returns by more than 90 percent.

Returns are a growing issue especially for online retailers. According to the National Retail Federation, in 2021, returns cost US companies $761 billion or 16.6 percent of total retail sales. Environmentally, returns can be devastating with billions of pounds of clothing being thrown away every year.

“As consumers become savvier about the environmental cost of fast-fashion, they are insisting companies be more environmentally conscious,” said Tuoc Luong, Bodidata CEO. “We are proud of the role we’re playing in reducing unnecessary uniform and retail apparel returns. We offer four measurement options that can be used interchangeably, ensuring the right size is shipped the first time, every time.”

Bodidata is helping reduce greenhouse gas emissions in more ways than one. The ‘return, destroy, reproduce’ cycle is dramatically reduced when an item fits right the first time. By curtailing returns, Bodidata also helps retailers reduce the excess inventory that is created to provide an inventory buffer. That buffer is needed to ensure companies have enough merchandise to offset product that has been sold but will be returned.

Bodidata is renowned for its unique Measure.Match.Manage. size-matching solution that includes the award-winning Kora® scanner; the only handheld technology that measures the body beneath the clothing of an individual in their regular streetwear.

“The environmental benefits of reduced returns are a win for consumers, apparel companies and the planet,” said Bruce Terry, Bodidata president. “Our brand reflects that people, and the environment, are at the center of our Measure.Match.Manage. solutions.”

Posted: October 19, 2022

Source: Bodidata®

Officina39 Presents The Kaleidoscopic Possibilities Of Responsible Denim At Kingpins Show

BIELLA, Italy — October 19, 2022 — The SS24 collection takes the stage in Amsterdam in the name of sustainable dyeing, while key collaborations show how to use less and reuse more: water saving and circularity, two authentic “kingpins” of Officina39’s mission.

Denim is an extremely versatile fabric that contains within itself infinite expressive possibilities: in the right hands, it can be transformed into a canvas where sustainable colors and processes are explored, such as those developed by Officina39’s Multicolor Denim Dreaming SS24 collection. Its Creative Leader Juan Manuel Gomezcan precisely combine artistic expression with a thorough technical experience, being able to create inspirations that push the boundaries of both aesthetics and performance while respecting the planet and the people:

Color is key this SS24 season, and experimentation in denim has reached new heights. We have found new ways to translate the indigo process of denim into polychromy: we use vibrant colors to play with different techniques to infuse energy and create a summer collection where indigo achieves multicolored shades”.

The new collection presented at Kingpins Amsterdam (October 19-20)is a powerful combination of several Officina39’ssustainable key technologies:

  • Nebudye D:a wide range of fresh colors to obtain a unique dyeing effect in nebulization/fog system machinery and can be discharged in a creative way with Oz-One Powder, an advanced product to give garments a bleached yet eco-friendly treatment,and Remover IND/J-N, Officina39’s solution to replace the use of Potassium Permanganate (PP) on denim and obtain a worn and distressed vintage look.
  • Novantic series: a combination of selected dyestuffs with aspecial mordanting agent suitable to obtain surface dyeing to provide vintage or old look effects.
  • Recycrom™: a patented dyestuffs range obtained through a cutting-edge upcycling process that involves textile fibers from used clothing and manufacturing waste for dyeing and printing applications. Its sustainable and revolutionary powders assure a whole universe of denim effects: from classic authentic vintage to acid wash look (Eco Marble), from printed effect (Indigo Replica) to worn and distressed vintage look (Recycrom™Dirty).
  • Just One Step Process: an innovation that saves time, energy, space and of course water, by combining several phases of the Aqualess Mission at the same time: a raw garment enters the machine and a garment with a basic vintage effectcomes out ready to be dried, already treated, bleached and softened.
  • Remover Activator: a technology that in combination with PP replacement products creates in one step general bleaching, localized corrosion and highlights effects on jeans.

Aqualess Mission, the combination of four processes that allows garment laundry processes to reduce 75% of the water use, is one of Officina39’s most appreciated technologies and at Kingpins will play a special role in collaboration with BluConnectionto dye Naveena fabrics and garments. BluConnection is a leading producer of pre-reduced liquid indigo: its products and services meet internationally recognized quality standards and align with environmental and social sustainability regulations.

That’s why Officina39 is proud to couple its Aqualess Mission with BluConnection’s top technologies: DenimBlu30, pre-reduced liquid indigo used by denim mills globally to dye denim fabric, and BluWit, a plant-based reducing agent that eliminates the need of hydrosulfite in the dyeing processes.

The result is an easier process to neutralize the garment, optimizing time and consumption (both reduced by 50% compared to a classic neutralization) while maintaining authentic denim.Aqualess Mission, together with Recycrom™, Nebudye D and Smart Bleach, contributes also to the third chapter of The Circle Book, the collaboration project for circular design developed by Officina39, Meidea and Lenzing in recent years.

Kingpins is the perfect stage to present ‘The Circle Book 3 / Re-establish framework’, that involves new partners, supporters and four teams of designers from Mexico, Italy and Argentina for the creation of the outfits. “Transparency is a stepping stone towards a more ethical and responsible fashion industry, and so it has been keyto incorporate this fundamental value throughout the production process, providing traceability through the supply chain, creating a tangible tool for brand expansion and designer awareness, sustainability and forging a responsible mindset for future collections.” excerpt from the general concept ‘The Circle Book 3 / Re-establish framework’.

Circularity is also the key concept of the official Kingpins creative workshop organized by Officina39, The Vintage Showroom and Tintes Egara, “Circular Vintage Shop”: a live dyeing performance to apply Recycrom™in combination with waterless technologies Novapret Sand Dirty and Remover Ind/J-N on Italian brand OVS giveaway overstock garments.

Posted: October 19, 2022

Source: Officina39

Covation Biomaterials Hosts First Showcase At Sustainable Fashion Expo In Tokyo For Sorona® And Susterra®

NEWARK, Del. — October 18, 2022 — Covation Biomaterials, a global company offering bio-based solutions, is showcasing a variety of new apparel applications using Sorona® polymer and Susterra® 1,3-propanediol during the Sustainable Fashion Expo at Fashion World in Tokyo, October 18-20, 2022 (Booth A22-42).

During the show, CovationBio is highlighting the many solutions it brings to the market and is showcasing collections in apparel, footwear, performance gear, and more from global value chain partners. Samples available to experience at the booth are from partners in Japan, Korea, China, and Taiwan including:

  • Sorona synthetic leather – newly available as a commercial product, this fabric is made with a base of Sorona Agile, circular knit with Sorona bico filament
  • Sorona faux fur “KOBA” with Ecopel – commercially available in a variety of colors and styles
  • Unitika Palpa® made with Sorona — part of the Sorona Luxe line of fabrics
  • Footwear samples made with Sorona fabrics and Susterra parts
  • Carpet made with Sorona BCF
  • The new Sorona fabric collection book made exclusively for this show

Sorona is the 37-percent plant-based polymer that brings sustainable functionality and comfort to textiles including wovens, knits, insulation, synthetic leather, faux fur, and footwear. Combining flexibility, durability, and sustainability, Susterra® propanediol is a road-ready, natural 100-percent plant-based diol ingredient used in footwear, outdoor apparel, performance gear, and more.

According to Alexa Raab, Global Corporate Communications Director: “Combining our experience and knowledge in bio-based technology with the expertise of our partners is a tremendous accomplishment. We continue to demonstrate that products made with Sorona polymer and Susterra propanediol offer performance and environmental benefits that are unmatched in the market today.”

“Making propanediol from plant-based feedstock is not enough — the feedstock needs to be grown responsibly. Our commitment to this is demonstrated in our recent enrollment in the Truterra™ regenerative agricultural program. We believe this is a critical next step in empowering our customers and partners to better track their contributions towards reducing the environmental footprint within their supply chain all the way through to the final consumer product,” added Patrick Van Waes, global marketing director – CovationBioPDO.

Visit the CovationBio team at Booth A22-42 during the show held at the Tokyo Big site from October 18 through 20.

Posted: October 18, 2022

Source: Covation Biomaterials LLC

Skechers Sues Hermès For Patent Infringement Of Its Proprietary MASSAGE FIT® Technology

LOS ANGELES — October 18, 2022 — Skechers USA Inc., The Comfort Technology Company™, announced today that it has sued Hermès International and Hermès of Paris for patent infringement of its proprietary MASSAGE FIT® sole technology. The lawsuit was filed today in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York in Manhattan.

In 2022, Hermès introduced two footwear styles, the Éclair and Envol, which incorporate mid-sole and undersole design elements that infringe multiple Skechers patents for its MASSAGE FIT technology that Skechers incorporates into its highly successful SKECHERS GO WALK® series, as well as other product lines.

A Skechers spokesperson stated: “Skechers invests tremendous resources into research and development to introduce fresh, unique and exciting footwear technology to its customers year in and year out. It is disappointing that a company of Hermès’ reputation and standing has chosen to copy and infringe Skechers’ patented designs. While Skechers always prefers to compete in the marketplace rather than the court room, the Company has no choice but to seek legal recourse when competitors blatantly tread on our rights.”

Posted: October 18, 2022

Source: Skechers USA, Inc.

Aha Selected Creates Platform For Premium Apparel At Affordable Prices

LOS ANGELES — October 18, 2022 — This winter season, rising brand Aha Selected is introducing its new “Puffer” down jacket series designed for a variety of activities including sports, casual, and city life.

The all-new “Family Puffer: Ultra Light” series filled with 90- to 100-percent luxurious down. Coming in either vest or jacket styles and in more than ten bold colours, they make for an excellent base layer or a light outer shell. The new series also delivers superior value, starting at just $39.90 for the vest and $49.90 for the jacket (they’re 40-percent more affordable than Uniqlo, rivaling the Amazon Essential series in price). It costs less than $200 to upgrade the wardrobe for a family of four!

Aha Selected is also updating its outdoor “City” series with the longer, thicker “Alaska” and the A-line hemmed “Chicago,” all made using the same premium down as the Family Puffer series.

As fashion retailers migrate to online platforms, choices have never been so readily available and plentiful for consumers. But sometimes, the dizzying mesh of style, quality, and pricing can overwhelm shoppers. Aha Selected’s mission is to combine “classic, simple, premium, and affordability to meet its customers’ expectations, helping them to buy with confidence.”

This commitment has been ingrained into its name: “AHA” to indicate that its customers will be pleasantly surprised by the exceptional quality; and “Selected” to reflect its expert product development team versed in global brands, manufacturers, and supply chain. Furthermore, with extensive business experience, the team ensures that the customers can purchase the finest products at the best prices.

“Aha Selected has partnered with industry-leading manufacturers trusted by global fashion brands like Lululemon, Theory, Woolrich, Armani, CK, Lacoste, Tommy Hilfiger, Under Armour, and Adidas,” said Nick Lim, Aha Selected’s product lead. “Moreover, Aha Selected’s innovative supply chain eliminates inefficiencies, reducing product costs by 10% to 40% compared to its high-end competitors while retaining the same quality and comfort.”

Aha Select continues to be an industry leader in social responsibility. The puffer jackets are certified to the Responsible Down Standards (RDS) to guarantee that the fillings are sourced from compliant farms. The “City” series incorporates advanced graphene technology to remain lightweight yet warm, perfectly suitable for both outdoor and indoor environments. Aha Selected’s upcoming “Fleece” series will also feature 100% recycled materials to divert usable materials away from landfills.

Posted: October 18, 2022

Source: Aha Selected

Columbia Sportswear’s SOREL Headquarters Moving To Washington County

PORTLAND, Ore. — October 18, 2022 — Columbia Sportswear Co. today announced that its SOREL brand is moving into an expanded headquarters building in early 2023.

SOREL’s momentum has been marked by rapid revenue growth and is expected to expand further over the next three to five years. The new headquarters provides room for team and resource enhancement and enables SOREL to continue attracting industry-best talent.

“This is an exciting and indicative moment for our brand,” said Mark Nenow, president of SOREL. “We thrive on shared creative energy to drive design, marketing and distribution of amazing function-first fashion footwear. All for our unstoppable consumer! Everything emanates now from SOREL’s new headquarters home!”

“This is really a story about dynamic growth,” said Craig Zanon, senior vice president, Emerging Brands. “SOREL is laser-focused on bringing a relentless flow of compelling products and stories to consumers and is on its way to becoming a leading force in the footwear industry.”

“When we purchased the SOREL brand in 2000, it was a small Canadian company renowned for its men’s winter work and snowboard boots,” said Tim Boyle, chair, CEO and president of CSC. “Now, it is a rapidly growing female-first brand creating exciting and differentiated products from sandals to wedges to sneakers to boots. It’s an amazing story and a testament to the creativity and drive of SOREL’s employees.”

The SOREL headquarters will be housed in an exclusive single use building on the Columbia Sportswear Co.’s Washington county campus.

Posted: October 18, 2022

Source: Columbia Sportswear Co.

Greensboro College Launches Workforce Initiative To Meet Growing Employer Demand In Aerospace And Manufacturing

GREENSBORO, N.C.  — October 18, 2022 — Today, The Center for Innovation and Workforce Development at Greensboro College launched the latest in a series of new professional development initiatives. The online program is based on industry input and will help students build the skills sought by global aerospace and manufacturing employers in the Greensboro region. With the tremendous growth of these industries in the Piedmont Triad, demand for skilled workers is at an all-time high. This new certificate and credentialing program will help meet that demand with qualified and ambitious professionals ready to demonstrate their capabilities and expertise.

“As we were reminded when President Biden and Boom Supersonic CEO Blake Scholl visited our state earlier this year, North Carolina is a national leader in aerospace manufacturing,” says Greensboro College President Lawrence D. Czarda. “Our institution is transforming its offerings to help our region remain at the forefront of this and other industries. By preparing the skilled workers of tomorrow, Greensboro College is building on its essential role in our community to help ensure the continued success of companies throughout our region. We look forward to seeing our students thrive as our local economy continues to grow.”

From the Wright Brothers’ first flight at Kitty Hawk to today’s innovative research and development, North Carolina has enjoyed a long legacy as an aerospace leader. According to PwC, the state ranks fifth in the nation for aerospace manufacturing attractiveness. It is home to top aerospace companies with major operations in North Carolina, including pioneers such as GE Aviation, Honda Aircraft Company, HAECO, Cyril Bath, Raytheon Technologies, and Spirit AeroSystems. In fact, North Carolina is home to more than 200 leading aerospace companies that specialize in airplane assembly and parts manufacturing*. With 13% employment growth from 2015-2019, North Carolina’s aerospace manufacturing sector has grown three times the national average. Here in 2022, North Carolina’s 450,000 manufacturing workers comprise 10% of the state’s entire workforce**.

“There are many factors that aerospace companies consider when making decisions about where to locate their operations,” says Kevin J. Baker, executive director of the Piedmont Triad International Airport, which generates an estimated $6 billion in economic impact for the local economy each year. “Every company we speak to identifies the availability of a trained workforce as their top concern. The Piedmont Triad has deep bench strength in the industry, but demand for skilled workers is constantly growing. As such, the new aerospace and manufacturing programs at Greensboro College are an essential element of an evolving workforce pipeline that will prove vital to our region’s ability to compete now and long into the future.”

The importance of this pipeline is clear to local economic development leaders such as NC Works Executive Director Chris Rivera. He states that “When we look at data specific to the number of individuals we have placed into employment in the manufacturing industry, we’re at about 6,500 people per year – and that figure is poised to increase.” With multiple high-tech companies such as Toyota, Boom Supersonic, and Vinfast moving into the area, there are plans for an additional 9,500 manufacturing job openings in the coming months.

The new program launched today at Greensboro College ensures that it will be at the center of preparing local workers to fill those openings and drive economic growth for years to come. The additional workforce development certification programs include technician training in:

  • Advanced Manufacturing Production;
  • Aerospace Electrical Assembly;
  • Aerospace Quality;
  • Aerospace Structures;
  • Apprentice Tool Making;
  • CNC Lathe Production;
  • CNC Machining Center Production;
  • Composites Manufacturing & Repair;
  • Drafting & CAD;
  • Mechatronics & Industrial Automation;
  • Quality Assurance; and
  • Safety.

Posted: October 18, 2022

Source: Greensboro College

Sinopec Produces China’s First Batch Of Large Tow Carbon Fiber

SHANGHAI — October 14, 2022 — China Petroleum & Chemical Corp. (Sinopec) has successfully produced China’s first batch of large tow carbon fiber at the company’s production base in Shanghai, making the company the first in the country and fourth in the world to possess large tow carbon fiber technology.

Sinopec’s production line has adopted its self-developed PAN (polyacrylonitrile) base large tow precursor and carbon fiber technologies. The project is being implemented in two phases and expects to be in full production in 2024, projecting an annual production capacity of 24,000 tons of protofilament and 12,000 tons of large tow carbon fiber.

Large tow carbon fiber refers to roving that contains 48,000 filaments or more. The high-performance material is often referred to as the “king of new material” and “black gold.” The product developed and manufactured by Sinopec Shanghai is a new type of high-strength carbon fiber with a carbon content of over 95 percent. It has outstanding excellent mechanical properties and a specific gravity that’s less than one fourth of the steel, yet a strength that’s seven to nine times stronger. It is also corrosion resistant.

As the material can be widely used in producing parts and components, it is expected to be used for an increasing amount of industrial infrastructure projects in China, including ones related to wind power, solar power, high-speed rail, and aviation.

“Sinopec has customized a special production line for large tow carbon fiber, including production equipment and techniques, which has enabled us to design oxidizing furnaces and carbide furnaces that revolutionizes not only the core technology of temperature field control, but also has a revolutionary energy-saving design, marking a major milestone in the development of China’s carbon fiber industry,” said Huang Xiangyu, carbon fiber expert and deputy general manager of Sinopec Shanghai.

Sinopec now owns 251 patents related to carbon fiber and 46 patents for carbon fiber composite materials, the largest number in China and third in the world, and through scaled up investment and industrial layout, Sinopec is committed to being a major contributor to the development of China’s carbon fiber industry.

Posted: October 18, 2022

Source: China Petroleum & Chemical Corporation (SINOPEC)

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