IACMI Expands Advanced Composites Training to Support Florida’s Space Coast Manufacturing Workforce

Eastern Florida State College (EFSC) and Space Coast Consortium (SCC) officials receive composites technician training through IACMI at Davis Technical College. From left, are Joannie Harmon (IACMI), Eric Anderson (Davis Tech), Tyler Blevins (IACMI), EFSC Engineering Technology Associate Professor Meer Almeer, EFSC Aerospace and Engineering Instructor Ted Hartselle, EEFSC Mechatronics Instructor Jean Paul Aliaga, Wes Hobbs (Davis Tech) and SCC Founder Bryan Kamm.

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — July 28, 2021 — Eastern Florida State College (EFSC) is newest home to an advanced composites learning center designed to educate and train composites technicians to support Florida’s Space Coast manufacturing region.

Led by the Institute for Advanced Composites Manufacturing Innovation, or IACMI-The Composites Institute®, the national workforce initiative is part of the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) Office of Naval Research’s Manufacturing Engineering Education Program (MEEP). MEEP programs prepare current and next-generation manufacturing workers to produce military systems and components that assure defense technological leadership.

“Eastern Florida State College is strategically located in the heart of Florida’s Space Coast region and has a high concentration of defense, space, aerospace and marine industries who support DOD projects vital to our economy and national security,” said Joannie Harmon, workforce director for IACMI. “Advanced composites materials are critical to the defense industry. The Advanced Composites Career Pathway (ACCP) program sponsored through DOD focuses on training the current and future workforce with the manufacturing skills necessary to sustaining the defense innovation base.”

IACMI and collaborators are establishing a national Advanced Composites Career Pathways (ACCP) learning network to develop a skilled advanced composites manufacturing workforce. It is based on the best-in-class program at Davis Technology College in Utah and adapted to the needs of regional ecosystems. Similar learning centers are underway in Alabama at Enterprise State Community College in Enterprise and in New York at the Composites Prototyping Center in Long Island.

This week, representatives from EFSC and the Space Coast Consortium Apprenticeship Program (SCCAP) are at Davis Tech in Kaysville, Utah, participating in a week-long train-the-trainer course. Davis Tech is recognized nationally for its composites education program and for serving the DOD manufacturing supply chain. The college has created a model curriculum aligned to industry needs and staffed with highly trained instructors. IACMI has teamed with them to scale out a regional customizable training program based on that model across the U.S. to fill labor gaps with highly skilled technicians in the composites industry.

The new EFSC advanced composites technician learning center will greatly enhance the college’s existing composites program, serve local industry hiring requirements, and provide alignment with DOD innovations in materials, processes, and technologies in advanced composites manufacturing.

“The new Advanced Composites Learning Center further strengthens EFSC’s leading role in training a new generation of highly skilled workers for the Department of Defense, NASA and high-tech companies,” said EFSC President Dr. Jim Richey. “The sky is the limit on what we can accomplish through such programs with our valued partners. EFSC has a long history and dedication to the east Florida region’s composite manufacturing industry through its two-year Aerospace and Engineering Technology degree programs.”

These composites concentrations were designed and developed in part utilizing SpaceTEC and CertTEC fiber composite standards and certifications. Through these programs, EFSC has successfully placed its students into the local workforce either directly, or through work-based learning programs such as internships and apprenticeships.

EFSC is the local education partner for the SCCAP, an industry-driven apprenticeship program supported under the auspices of SpaceTEC Partners Inc. The SCCAP is an autonomous committee led by key Space Coast advanced manufacturing companies. These include Knight’s Armament Company, Airbus OneWeb Satellites, Blue Origin, Vaya Space, RUAG Space USA, Diamondback America, ITT/Matrix Composites, Structural Composites, Compsys, Precision Shapes and Roswell Marine.  SCCAP is a State of Florida-registered apprenticeship program and currently offers three apprenticeship occupations: Mechatronics Technician, Advanced Machinist and Fiber Composites Technician.

Comments from Industry Leaders

“It is a great honor and privilege to work along-side EFSC, SpaceTEC, IACMI and Davis Technical College in the development of our Fiber Composite Technician apprenticeship program,” said Bryan Kamm, SCCAP Founder and Lead Advisor. “The IACMI ACCP grant will help assure that our apprenticeship program will follow the best standards and curriculum available in the US and will produce a capable, skilled workforce to meet the needs of manufacturers within the DOD industrial base.”

“I’m grateful SpaceTEC Partners Inc.’s relationship with IACMI and the Space Coast Consortium Apprenticeship Program partners played a role in EFSC’s selection for this important strategic initiative,” said Steve Kane, executive director of SpaceTEC Partners Inc. “Garnering the support of IACMI to establish this regional training center further demonstrates the Space Coast region of Central Florida has the resources and capabilities to produce world-class technicians.”

“SCCAP is working hard to fill the local industry with a qualified workforce”, said Art Hoelke, vice president and general manager for Knight’s Armament and SCCAP’s Chair. “Our economy is only as strong as its workforce, and that strength is bolstered by a system that provides workers with access to the skills and training needed to be productive. SCCAP is looking forward to getting the fiber composite apprenticeship up and running in the coming months. It is a team effort from our local industry academia to the state and local government leaders.”

“Fiber Reinforced Composites are moving into many new and exciting applications,” said Scott Lewit, president of Structural Composites Inc. “At Structural Composites, we have deployed composites derived from the marine industry into the transportation market. Wabash National uses composites for semi-trailers, truck bodies, and the growing final mile delivery network.  We are also moving composites into the rail market, automotive market, and recently installed the first composite bridge deck in Tennessee moving the technology into the infrastructure market. We fully support the need for trained composites technicians to meet the demand for these and other rapidly growing markets for composites.”

“As an advanced composites manufacturer supplying flight critical and structural composite parts to our nation’s defense, commercial, general aviation, and space industries, our team at ITT/Matrix Composites could not be more excited about this new learning center landing on our doorsteps,” said Mark Miller, Site leader for ITT/Matrix Composites. “With the tremendous growth taking place within our industry, developing a pipeline of highly skilled and trained technicians will be essential for growth and continued success. The teams at EFSC, SpaceTEC, SCCAP and IACMI are outstanding professional partners, focused on excellence, and we are excited to be working with them once again!”

Posted July 28, 2021

Source: IACMI – The Composites Institute

NCTO Welcomes Biden Administration’s Proposal To Increase U.S. Content Rules For Federal Government Purchases; Urges Administration To Utilize Berry Amendment

WASHINGTON — July 28, 2021 — The National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO) President and CEO Kim Glas issued a statement today on the Biden administration’s proposal to increase domestic content rules for federal government purchases.

National Council of Textile Organizations President and CEO Kim Glas said:

“The U.S. textile industry, employing nearly 530,000 workers, greatly appreciates President Biden’s commitment to close Buy American loopholes and immediately increase domestic content requirements on purchases. For far too long, Buy American policies have contained loopholes that have undermined our U.S. domestic industrial base and its workforce. Today is a positive step forward and we look forward to working with the administration on this critical issue moving ahead.

We also want to acknowledge the incredible work that Celeste Drake, the administration’s Made in America Director, has completed on this effort.

With today’s announcement, domestic procurement rules would be immediately increased from 55  to 60 percent with the content threshold increasing to 75 percent over phases by 2029. It would also strengthen domestic supply chains for critical goods.

Increasing the domestic procurement threshold for domestic goods under the current Buy American law will bolster domestic production and stimulate more investment in U.S. manufacturing.  We believe it is critical that taxpayer dollars are used to invest in American manufacturing and our workforce. It is essential that we close loopholes in our Buy America laws, expand application and produce coverage of domestic content rules, and close unnecessary waivers that undermine American manufacturing and its workforce.

As part of its efforts this year to buy American, the White House highlights in a Fact Sheet a purchase made by the Departments of Defense and Health and Human Services in March for over 22 million in American-made cloth face masks for communities hit hard by the pandemic.

We commend the Biden administration for the contracts awarded in March of this year for up to 22.2 million Berry-compliant masks. Production of these 100 percent U.S.-made masks has involved an extensive supply chain comprising 25 domestic companies and 5,000 American workers, and we must continue to build on this success and reshore momentum by continuing to award future contracts using a similar process. Our industry was proud to help fulfill President Biden’s commitment to up 22 million reusable masks made with 100 percent U.S. content.

The U.S. manufacturing industry has produced over a billion lifesaving PPE and other medical products over the last year as NCTO members retooled production chains in response to the nation’s   needs. We have long advocated that 100 percent content is essential and Berry-like rules help bolster the full production chain.

We understand the administration is seeking to backfill the Strategic National Stockpile with essential products and NCTO, with other industry associations and labor unions, has urged the administration to continue purchasing Berry-compliant products for PPE.

This is essential to bolster our domestic industrial base at a time when PPE orders have diminished.  Further, we believe Berry should apply more broadly to other mission critical products purchased by non-Defense federal departments and agencies like Homeland Security.

COVID-19 revealed the fragility in key aspects of our supply chain, and we believe strengthening our Buy American laws, coupled with other strong policies, will help onshore these and other critical supply chains.

Fully maximizing purchasing of Berry-compliant products moving forward is critical to sustaining and furthering the incredible progress made to date and should be considered as part of the administration’s onshoring and industrial expansion efforts.

Using the provisions of the Buy American Act alone is not sufficient to address U.S. national security needs. Our national security needs must foster investment in the capital-intensive raw material production processes upstream and downstream production in the supply chain. These upstream production processes are not only essential from an overall domestic capacity standpoint, but they are also the implementation point for a range of advanced technologies such as anti­-viral, anti-bacterial, and other functional fiber, yarns, fabrics, and finishes.

We appreciate the Biden administration’s commitment to closing these loopholes and strengthening domestic supply chains.  We look forward to continuing our work with the administration on these priorities as they consult with key stakeholders on implementation moving ahead.

Posted July 28, 2021

Source: The National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO)

The American Floorcovering Alliance (AFA) 2021 FloorTek Innovations Showcase

DALTON, Ga. — July 28, 2021 — The American Floorcovering Alliance will showcase a variety of new, cutting-edge industry products through its 2021 FloorTek Expo Innovations Showcase. Attendees will get up close and personal opportunities to view these new items before they become available.

Products featured in the Innovations Showcase include items from brands like AEI, Eltex, Freeman Schwabe, Taconic, Tuftco, and more. AEI will be presenting its TE-101 tight end/broken detector for carpet yarn warping. Freeman Schwabe is set to feature its new Die Cutting Press for cutting carpet tiles and planks with new integrated features for side die loading and die staging. Other items attendees can see include the Gilbos Dyna Jet High Speed Air Entanglement Winder for superior yarn winding and processing, Modra CreelMT automated yarn creeling system for tufted carpet manufacturing, and much more.

FloorTek Expo is the most exciting industry event of the season. Set to be held September 14-15, 2021, at the Dalton Convention Center in Dalton, Ga., the Expo will feature networking opportunities for flooring industry professionals, new product launches through the Innovations Showcase, Seminars, and the FloorTek Open golf tournament with proceeds benefiting the inaugural 2021 AFA Floorcovering Industry Scholarship. Tickets for the FloorTek Open are still available through the website at https://floor-tek.com/.

Posted July 28, 2021

Source: The American Floorcovering Alliance (AFA)

3DLOOK Recognized In Gartner® Hype Cycle™ For Retail Technologies, 2021

SAN MATEO, Calif. — July 28, 2021 — 3DLOOK, creator of a patented mobile body scanning technology, has been acknowledged as one of the Sample Vendors in the “Mixed Reality” category of latest Gartner® Hype Cycle™ for Retail Technologies, 2021, a go-to report covering the most transformative technologies in the retail space.

3DLOOK’s impressive achievements should be considered by CIOs of large multichannel retailers when prioritizing technology investments to support retail digital transformation and innovation. The company’s data-driven size and fit recommendations, along with virtual try-on functionality and advanced body data and shape analytics, are widely adopted by clothing and apparel brands looking to increase business efficiency. Brands that use 3DLOOK’s solutions have reduced return rates by up to 48% while increasing conversion by four times year over year.

“Use of mixed reality applications has accelerated in the last 12 months as consumers have not been able to access physical store locations due to COVID-19[1] ,” says the report. The need for such solutions “… has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic as retailers strive to connect with customers to instill convenience and confidence in remote shopping ‘touchless’ environments.[1] ” According to Gartner Hype Cycle, “… Size and ‘best fit’ recommendations using AR can drastically reduce return rates and improve conversion. The ability to ‘visualize,’ manipulate and interact within an environment can increase sales. Access to consumer and application data can be used to make informed business decisions and increase customer loyalty[1] .” We believe 3DLOOK’s technology offers all that and a lot more to modern clothing retailers.

The company’s CEO Vadim Rogovskiy said on occasion, “The entire team at 3DLOOK couldn’t be happier about this recognition. It is only made possible by the relentless work ethic, dedication to customer service and focus on constant innovation that are the foundation of our organization. At 3DLOOK, we’re proud to not only help brands thrive and deliver unique hyper personalized shopping experiences in a rapidly evolving ecommerce-driven environment, but also to play a role in fundamentally reducing retail’s environmental footprint, a key priority for progressive brands, that has brought us this recognition”.

This acknowledgment from Gartner is the latest step in 3DLOOK’s growth trajectory. Over the past year, the business has increased nearly sixfold as leading retailers such as Tailored Brands and Dickies have partnered with 3DLOOK to accelerate their digitization efforts and offer a more personalized shopping experience driven by data intelligence. In July, 3DLOOK rolled out YourFit — a solution for apparel shoppers that offers photorealistic virtual try-on functionality combined with highly accurate, data-driven size recommendations. In March, the company announced Uniform Pro, a digital measuring, fit, and size recommendation system for the uniform industry. Earlier this year, 3DLOOK announced that it had raised $6.5 million in Series A funding, led by Almaz Capital.

[1] Gartner, Hype Cycle for Retail Technologies, 2021, Kelsie Marian, July 14, 2021

Posted July 28, 2021

Source: 3DLOOK

Baldwin To Introduce TexCoat G4 To U.S. Textile Industry At Techtextil North America

ST. LOUIS — July 27, 2021 — Baldwin Technology Company Inc. will be showcasing its TexCoat G4 non-contact precision spray fabric-finishing system at the Techtextil North America trade show, held August 23-25, in Raleigh, N.C. (booth #1117).

With extensive sustainability benefits, unprecedented tracking and process control, and Industry 4.0 integration, the TexCoat G4 provides consistently high-quality fabric finishing, with no chemistry waste, and significantly reduced water and energy consumption.

“We are extremely proud to introduce the TexCoat G4 to the American textile industry,” said Rick Stanford, Business Development leader for the U.S. at Baldwin. “After receiving incredibly positive reviews during the launch at ITMA 2019, the TexCoat G4 has proven its efficiency for textile manufacturers across Europe and in North and Central America. We are confident in meeting American manufacturers’ high demands for profitability and sustainability, with great margins.”

Baldwin’s innovative non-contact spray technology eliminates chemistry dilution in wet-on-wet processes. The TexCoat G4 consistently and uniformly sprays chemistry across the fabric surface and applies it only where needed, on one or both sides. Customers can expect no bath contamination during the finishing process, as well as minimal downtime during changeovers, which are made easy with recipe management that includes automated chemistry and coverage selection.

The TexCoat G4 also enhances sustainability by wasting no chemistry during color, fabric or chemistry changeovers, and because only the required chemistry volume is applied to the fabric, wet pick-up levels can be reduced by up to 50 percent—leading to 50 percent less water and energy consumption. Furthermore, in single-side applications, drying steps can be eliminated for various textiles, including those that are back-coated and laminated, thereby streamlining and simplifying the production process.

Posted July 27, 2021

Source: Baldwin Technology Company Inc.

LYCRA® FitSense™ Technology Delivers Breakthrough Benefits In Modesty And Bra Foam Replacement

WILMINGTON, Del. — July 27, 2021 — The LYCRA Co., a developer of innovative solutions for the textile, apparel, and personal care industries, today introduced a breakthrough LYCRA® FitSense™ technology innovation that reduces or eliminates the need for bra foam. This patent-pending bra cup application can be used in intimate apparel such as traditional wired, non-wired or unlined bras (including bralettes and sport bras), plus activewear and swimwear.

LYCRA FitSense technology is a water-based, solvent-free dispersion that is comprised of the same molecule as LYCRA fiber. The dispersion is screen-printed directly onto the bra fabric, increasing the power of the fabric in precise areas. The power increase in the bra cup effectively reduces nipple protrusion while providing symmetrical support, shaping and lift for the bustline—reducing or eliminating the need for sewn-in panels or insertable pads.

Zones of support can be applied to the bottom and sides of the bra cup for shaping, as well as the wing for maximum comfort and smoothing. LYCRA FitSense technology also can be applied between fabric layers in the bra cup to mask nipple protrusion while retaining the original fabric aesthetics.

“With LYCRA FitSense technology, the print does the work of the pad and enables brands to build a better bra for all sizes, styles and silhouettes — a true breakthrough development,” said Melissa Stewart, global technology director-R&D materials innovations. “With this new innovation, women have more choices in bras that provide functionality, style and comfort.”

Bras can be rigid, bulky, and hot, with multiple components and structures creating an uncomfortable, restrictive wearing experience. LYCRA FitSense technology can be used to design functional bras that are lighter, thinner, and more breathable, without sacrificing modesty, all-day comfort, durability, support or shaping. And unlike polyurethane foam — which discolors and can move around or even get lost in the wash — LYCRA FitSense technology is built into the garment and is highly durable to machine washing and regular wear. Further, in swimwear applications, the technology provides chlorine resistance and fast drying benefits versus foams and dual fabric layers.

LYCRA FitSense technology offers intimate apparel makers versatility to create intentional design aesthetics by incorporating delicate patterns and artistic details that align with their brand identities. “Designs and colors can be easily customized to deliver on-trend fashion cues — from feminine, lacelike designs to sporty geometric shapes — that satisfy all tastes,” said Stewart. “With LYCRA FitSense technology, a designer’s imagination is the only creative limitation.”

LYCRA FitSense technology, which achieved the ECO PASSPORT by OEKO-TEX sustainability certification, is applied using standard screen-printing processes, eliminating the need for specialty equipment or major supply chain upgrades. The LYCRA Company provides technical guidance to enable brands, retailers, and garment makers to easily access this innovation.

Posted July 27, 2021

Source: The LYCRA Co.

Genomatica Closes $118 Million Series C To Amplify The Scale And Impact Of Sustainable Materials 

SAN DIEGO, Cali. — July 27, 2021 — Sustainability leader Genomatica closed $118 million in Series C funding to accelerate the global commercialization and expansion of sustainable materials, with the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 100 million tons per year. Leading life science investor Novo Holdings led the round, with additional participation by existing and new investors including Viking Global Investors, Casdin Capital and others. Genomatica will use the investment to scale production for its portfolio of products and continue investing in new technologies to amplify the impact of sustainable materials across a range of industries.

Genomatica replaces widely-used chemicals and materials, traditionally derived from petroleum fossil fuels, with plant-based alternatives that are cost-competitive, equivalent in performance and can reduce environmental impact by up to 93 percent compared to fossil fuel-based production. These molecularly identical replacements can be used in a wide range of products that touch the lives of billions of consumers, including clothes, cosmetics, packaging and carpet. The financing follows the recent news that Cargill and HELM are building a commercial production plant based on Genomatica’s technology. This plant, the second to rely on Genomatica’s technology (with the first one built by Novamont) will triple global production capacity for just one of the ingredients made with the company’s technologies to 100,000 tons per year — distinctively positioning Genomatica and its larger portfolio to deliver on the market appeal of more sustainable solutions across multiple sectors at these large commercial scales.

“Sustainability is a must-have for consumers and for increasingly ESG-focused investors, making it a business imperative for brands,” said Anders Bendsen Spohr, Senior Partner at Novo Holdings, which has assets of 61 billion euros across a portfolio of 120 life sciences companies. “We see a massive opportunity for biological manufacturing to help industries meet this demand for sustainable products. Genomatica is creating more sustainable value chains with both a breadth of partnerships and products that it is distinctively executing on at commercial scales that can deliver the kinds of impact that today’s climate crisis requires.”

As the climate crisis intensifies, consumer demand for sustainable products has risen quickly. A recent survey from Genomatica found that the majority of U.S. consumers (86 percent) believe sustainability is a good goal, and over half (52 percent) make choices to be more sustainable. Through its sustainable solutions, Genomatica is aiming to transform how materials are sourced and produced, enabling transparent, traceable, and responsible supply chains that drive both positive social and environmental impact.

“Leading a widespread transition to sustainable materials is what drives us at Genomatica,” said Christophe Schilling, CEO of Genomatica. “We’ve grown intentionally by proving the scalability of our products, fostering strategic partnerships with leading brands and manufacturers, and laying the foundation to remake supply chains. We are increasingly powering the shift to more sustainable products that consumers and investors want — and humanity needs.”

European-based lead investor Novo Holdings has long been a champion of the bioeconomy. Together with other new investors including Irving Investors, Nicholas Investment Partners, Tenere Capital and Tharsis Capital, they are complementing existing backers in an increasingly ESG-focused and geo-diverse investor base for Genomatica.

Posted July 27, 2021

Source: Genomatica

Target Announces Fall Collaboration With Author, Illustrator And Animator Christian Robinson

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. — July 26, 2021 — Target Corp. today announced its limited-time-only collaboration with author, illustrator and animator Christian Robinson, who is renowned for his captivating and imaginative illustrations and his best-selling children’s books, “You Matter” and “Another.” The Christian Robinson for Target collection includes more than 70 items across home, apparel and books for kids and baby that encourage discovery and play. The collection ranges in price from $6-$70, and will be available beginning Sunday, August 15, on Target.com and in most Target stores.

“We know our guests want their homes to be a reflection of themselves and look to Target for inspiration and new ways to explore their creativity,” said Jill Sando, executive vice president and chief merchandising officer, Target. “Christian Robinson’s curiosity and creativity are unmatched. We’re thrilled to be able to introduce our guests to such a special partner and deliver an inclusive collection that is as inspiring as it is affordable.”

“As a child, drawing became a way to make space for myself and to create the kind of world I wanted to see,” Robinson said. “Working with Target to bring this collection to life has been a dream come true and I hope it helps all Target guests, big and small, create a space of their own that is timeless, captures their imaginations and sparks their curiosity.”

The Christian Robinson for Target collection offers home items including pillows, bedding, rugs, wall art and more, as well as a range of baby and toddler apparel items. The collection will also include adaptive and sensory-friendly apparel items, including items that are tagless, feature flat seams, have openings for abdominal access and more. With most items under $25, the collection will be available on Target.com and in most Target stores beginning August 15, with new home products arriving in October. In addition, guests can shop the collection via Target’s contactless same-day pickup options, Drive Up and Order Pickup.

This partnership with Christian is also one of the many ways Target continues its commitment to source and design more products from Black creators and designers.

Posted July 26, 2021

Source: Target Corporation

Markforged Launches Two Composite Materials Designed For Aerospace And Other Highly-Regulated Industries: Onyx FR-A And Carbon Fiber FR-A

WATERTOWN, Mass. — July 26, 2021 — Markforged, creator of the integrated metal and carbon fiber additive manufacturing platform, The Digital Forge, announced today it is taking a major strategic step to support aerospace, defense and other manufacturers in highly-regulated industries. Beginning today, Markforged is offering Onyx™ FR-A and Carbon Fiber FR-A, aerospace-ready versions of its Onyx FR and Carbon Fiber FR materials. These two new materials are undergoing a qualification program conducted on the X7 industrial 3D printer by the National Center for Advanced Materials Performance (NCAMP), part of the National institute for Aviation Research (NIAR) at Wichita State University. Upon completion, Markforged is expected to have the first continuous fiber-reinforced additive manufacturing (AM) process qualified by NCAMP, one of two bodies authorized by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to qualify materials for flight.

Since Markforged introduced continuous fiber reinforcement to general manufacturing seven years ago, millions of parts have been printed using The Digital Forge. Markforged is now advancing its support of end-use parts for the aerospace market so manufacturers can benefit from continuous fiber reinforcement technology. This enables manufacturers to take advantage of high strength lightweight composites at lower fixed costs, shorter lead times, and reduced investment in labor compared to traditional processing.

“Markforged believes in a future that is more than metal. We have long supported the aerospace industry and have parts in-flight today,” said Markforged President and CEO Shai Terem. “There is a multi-decade trend underway to transition parts from metals to advanced composites, which are lighter and offer greater efficiencies. Our deliberate move to support innovation in aerospace mitigates risk for these manufacturers and helps get additive parts in the air faster by simplifying the part certification process.”

Markforged has been collaborating with NCAMP since the first quarter of 2020 and has successfully completed the rigorous factory audit phase of the qualification program approved by NIAR and a steering committee consisting of experts spanning commercial and defense industries, academia, and the FAA. The program is currently in the printing and testing phase, which will be followed by an in-depth analysis and reporting cycle. Markforged and NCAMP anticipate full qualification upon completion of these processes in early 2023. Both the FAA and the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) currently accept composite specification and design values developed using the NCAMP process.

Onyx FR-A and Carbon Fiber FR-A materials are designed to meet Flame, Smoke, and Toxicity (FST) requirements for many parts in aircraft interiors, come with traceability, and adhere to specifications approved by NCAMP. They are specifically developed for end-use applications in demanding industries like aerospace and defense because of their high strength-to-weight ratio, exceptional surface finish, and high consistency. With Onyx FR-A and Carbon Fiber FR-A materials, aerospace manufacturers and others in highly-regulated industries that require higher levels of documentation can more freely explore what’s possible with additive manufacturing and high strength continuous fiber reinforced end-use parts.

Markforged has been working with aerospace customers, such as Cabin Management Solutions (CMS), to bring end-use parts to market through a manual material traceability process. The company, based in Texas, designs and manufactures cabin management and in-flight entertainment systems for business and private aircraft, and has already developed over 100 end-use parts ready to be installed in aircrafts. Newly available material traceability will streamline their processes and, ultimately, help accelerate the path to FAA approval.

“In aerospace, it’s important to have quality parts we can adapt on the fly to make any changes the customer requests,” said Jeff Pike, VP of Engineering at CMS. “Using Markforged printers and materials offers us ways to create low-volume, high-value luxury cabin parts faster and at the point of need. This results in lower costs and accelerated lead times, and with material traceability in place, it will enable us to move even faster in our development process and free up resources to focus elsewhere.”

Onyx FR-A and Carbon Fiber FR-A, available now, will give manufacturers confidence in the materials while reducing risk and saving time. Once Onyx FR-A and Carbon Fiber FR-A complete the NCAMP qualification process, manufacturers will be able to access Markforged’s material information from the NCAMP database, prove equivalency, and have the ability to gain FAA certification efficiently.

Onyx FR-A and Carbon Fiber FR-A materials are available on the Markforged X7, and Onyx FR-A is also available on the Markforged X5 and X3. These printers combine precision-built hardware, advanced sensors, and best-in-class software to deliver accurate parts, repeatedly. The company expects to launch additional traceable materials in the future.

Posted July 26, 2021

Source: Markforged

X-Rite Names Dustin Bowersox Textile & Apparel Business Development Manager

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich.— July 26, 2021 — X-Rite Inc. and Pantone LLC, announced it has appointed Dustin Bowersox as Textile & Apparel Business Development Manager. In this newly-created role, Bowersox will lead X-Rite’s growth strategy in the textile market by promoting combined X-Rite and Pantone color solutions designed to help brands and their global suppliers select, communicate, formulate, and control color on textiles.

Bowersox joins X-Rite with 20 years’ experience in color science and the textile market. He began his career with GE Plastics ColorXpress and Uniform Color Company, after which he transitioned into the textile and apparel market as the Senior Color Manager for Target. He has also served in positions at DataColor and Coloro, where he focused on helping brands navigate color from concept to consumer by utilizing color libraries and trend services.

“The apparel industry is going through a digital transformation and I’m excited to join a company that is leading the way in providing innovative solutions that accelerate the design to manufacturing process,” Bowersox said. “I look forward to working with retailers, brands, and suppliers to build a connected workflow that incorporates color measurement instruments, formulation, and quality control software as well as 3D rendering tools.”

“Dustin’s knowledge of the apparel color workflow along with his experience setting global color strategies makes him a perfect fit to lead our growth strategy in the textile market,” said Mike Soriano, director, Consumer Products & Materials Business, X-Rite. “He understands the color management challenges brands and suppliers face and how color management hardware and software can help companies digitize many aspects of a color program to achieve accurate color and reduce a global footprint.”

Posted July 26, 2021

Source: X-Rite Incorporated & Pantone

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