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

July 26, 2021

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

July 26, 2021

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

Xaar Opens New Corporate Headquarters In Cambridge

July 26, 2021

CAMBRIDGE, United Kingdom — July 26, 2021 — Xaar officially opened its new global headquarters in Cambridgeshire with a ceremony presided over by Chairman Andrew Herbert, CEO John Mills, CFO Ian Tichias and General Manager of the printhead business unit Graham Tweedale, alongside members of the team.

The move builds on Xaar’s recent rebrand and launch of its ImagineX platform as it continues to focus on the development of inkjet technology for printing and manufacturing applications worldwide.

Located on the Cambridge Research Park, in Waterbeach, Cambridgeshire, the new facility houses Xaar’s finance, HR, legal and marketing functions, as well as a new purpose-built R&D laboratory. Specifically configured to enhance the working environment for the team the new offices also embrace Xaar’s commitment to flexible working for employees.

Importantly, the offices also provide a significantly reduced carbon footprint for Xaar as it focuses on its sustainability objectives across the business.

While the Waterbeach headquarters contains most of the corporate functions, the Huntingdon manufacturing facility will remain a key part of Xaar’s commitment to innovation, client collaboration and embracing new market opportunities.

On opening the new headquarters, John Mills, said; “We are proud of our heritage in Cambridgeshire and our new offices will provide the best working environment to help us continue to drive the global development of industrial inkjet technology use worldwide.”

Posted July 26, 2021

Source: Xaar

RISE® – Research, Innovation & Science for Engineered Fabrics Conference – Ready to Present the Latest in Material Science and Sustainability

July 26, 2021

CARY, N.C. — July 27, 2021 — Industry technical leaders are ready to escalate their businesses with forward-looking insights into material science developments advancing sustainability that will be presented virtually at the 11th edition of RISE®, Research, Innovation & Science for Engineered Fabrics Conference on September 28-30.

Registration is now open for the event that is once again co-organized by INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, The Nonwovens Institute, and North Carolina State University.

Building on last year’s excitement, more than 150 professionals in product development, materials science, and new technologies are expected to attend the event online. The latest speaker lineup is available on the RISE website.

The cutting-edge discussions for RISE attendee participation include Sustainability in Material Inputs and End-of-Life Performance, Government/NGO Challenges to Single-Use Plastics, and Market Intelligence and Economic Insights Post-Pandemic.

The conference will culminate on September 30 with the presentation of the 2021 RISE Innovation Award recognizing problem-solving innovations that advance the nonwovens industry. The Nonwovens Institute at North Carolina State University was last year’s winner for their Spunbond High Efficiency Filter Media.

RISE® Highlights

The program includes expert presentations from industry leaders, round-table discussions and question-and-answer sessions on the key themes of material science developments for sustainable nonwovens, sustainability, increasing circularity in nonwovens, and promising innovations in nonwovens, processes and materials.

Promising Materials Development Using PLA  presented by Dr. Behnam Pourdeyhimi, William A. Klopman Distinguished Professor and Executive Director, North Carolina State University, The Nonwovens Institute
Phantom Platform: The Polyolefin-cellulose Coformed Substrates Technology at Its Best, featuring insights from Fabio Zampollo, CEO, Teknoweb Materials S.r.l.
Biotransformation Technology in Polyolefin Fibers and Nonwoven Fabrics, Focus on Fugitive Used Articles – with speakers, Dr. DeeAnn Nelson, Development Program Manager, and Nick Carter, vice president of Marketing and Business Intelligence, both from Avgol Nonwovens
High-Loft, Ultra-Soft Hygiene Solutions,  presented by Dr. Paul Rollin, Global Team Lead – Nonwovens, ExxonMobil Chemical Company
Innovating a Sustainable Future for Nonwovens; A European Perspective  given by Dr. Matthew Tipper, Operations director, Nonwovens Innovation & Research Institute Ltd., (NIRI), UK
Filtration Media Functionalized with Zinc Oxide  by Dr. Wai-shing Yung, Technical Director, Ascend Performance Materials

For the full RISE program, speaker biographies and other updates, see the RISE website (https://www.riseconf.net/index.html)

Posted July 26, 2021

Source: INDA, Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry

UNIFI’s REPREVE® Receives First Higg MSI Scores

July 26, 2021

GREENSBORO, N.C. — July 26, 2021 — Recycled fiber, REPREVE, made by Unifi Inc. UFI, is now even more transparent. The company’s flagship recycled brand has received its Higg Materials Sustainability Index (Higg MSI) scores. The Higg MSI (version 3.2) is the most comprehensive tool for sustainability analysts, designers and product developers who want to make more informed materials choices.

The Higg MSI study confirms that U.S.-manufactured REPREVE reduces the global warming potential by 21 percent compared to generic, mechanically-recycled polyester and 42 percent compared to conventional virgin polyester. The Higg MSI global warming potential is related to greenhouse gases. Based on the score, REPREVE is verified to have a lower carbon footprint than comparable materials. By using REPREVE, organizations and consumers can greatly reduce their environmental impact compared to using generic rPET (recycled Polyethylene Terephthalate), one of the most commonly used plastics in the world. Additionally, REPREVE is the only eco-performance fiber with U TRUST® verification to certify recycled content claims.

“We continue to build on our commitment to transparency by having the results of our REPREVE Life Cycle Assessment verified and accepted into the Higg MSI,” said James Cooper, Unifi Sustainability Manager. “REPREVE manufactured in the U.S. has a lower global warming potential than standard rPET, providing our customers with a verified pathway to lower their environmental impact and meet their sustainability goals.”

The Higg MSI scores are used to communicate credible data about a product’s performance and validate sustainability progress. These results serve as a public scorecard for sharing the profile and data of a product’s environmental impact, which provides designers and consumers alike with information to make sustainability-based purchasing decisions.

A Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) tool measures the environmental impacts over the whole life cycle of a product or service, including emissions and consumption of material resources. In addition, it provides a more accurate estimate of environmental trade-offs that allows organizations to use more reliable and transparent data to prioritize impact reduction in products and services. The Higg MSI scores are based on an LCA reviewed by the global, multi-stakeholder nonprofit alliance for the consumer goods industry, Sustainable Apparel Coalition, and its technology partner, Higg Co.

“At Unifi, we’re working today for the good of tomorrow, and these scores validate our belief that we are having a positive impact on the future through the growth of REPREVE,” said Unifi CEO Eddie Ingle. “This assessment assures consumers and brands that by purchasing or using REPREVE recycled fibers, they are making a more conscious and sustainable impact on the present and the future. To our shareholders, this transparency reinforces our commitment to REPREVE and the growth potential it has with consumers and brands as they increase their focus on sustainable alternatives.”

Posted July 26, 2021

Source: Unifi, Inc.

Tidal Vision, Leigh Fibers Form Partnership

July 25, 2021

Bellingham, Wash.-based Tidal Vision Products Inc. has announced a partnership with Leigh Fibers Inc., Wellford, S.C. Tidal Vision produces a line of water-based textile treatments formulated using chitosan — a biodegradable, non-toxic, abundant biopolymer — that is extracted from crab and shrimp shells that are unwanted byproducts of the seafood industry. The treatments may be applied using dip, spray or coating methods to fibers, yarns or fabrics; and are cured by simply removing the water through drying.

The partnership includes a new Tidal Vision 24,000-square-foot-facility inside Leigh Fiber’s
1-million-square-foot headquarters location in Wellford. The cooperation offers economies of scale and Tidal Vision hopes to offer its bio-based solutions at a lower price.

“In the textile industry, to have the biggest impact it made sense to start with fibers treated at the top of the supply chain,” said Craig Kasberg, CEO, Tidal Vision. “Leigh Fibers was our ideal partner since their mission, values and business model are so synergetic with ours. Both of our companies produce sustainable solutions by upcycling byproducts that would otherwise end up in landfills, and through vertical integration we provide high performance products out of what was previously considered waste.”

“Partnering with Tidal Vision is a win-win for our company, our customers, and the environment,” said Eric Westgate, senior vice president of Leigh Fibers. “Their Tidal-Tex product line delivers the key benefits that our customers look for in textiles at a lower price and is made from sustainable materials in the USA.”

July/August 2021

Mannington Commercial To Buy AtlasMasland Assets

July 25, 2021

Mannington Commercial, Calhoun, Ga., reports it has entered into an agreement to purchase select assets of The Dixie Group company’s commercial flooring business AtlasMasland — including existing product lines, and tufting machinery and other equipment assets from The Dixie Group’s Atmore, Ala., facility.

The Atmore plant is not part of the transaction, and Mannington will relocate and install the assets at its facility in Calhoun upon the close of the transaction. During the transition, AtlasMasland will continue to produce products for Mannington until the purchased assets are fully operational in Calhoun.

“Today marks an important day for Mannington Commercial’s future and for our customers,” said Mannington Commercial President Tom Pendley. “We will be adding significantly more sales and carpet manufacturing capacity to meet the continued demand for our commercial product line. We are also gaining proven product lines that are well-established within certain commercial segments where we see expanded growth opportunities. Taken together, we will be accelerating our growth and better serving our customers with a more comprehensive set of floor covering solutions.”

July/August 2021

Standard Textile Announces Expansion

July 25, 2021

Standard Textile has announced plans to expand capacity at its Union, S.C., operation
with an investment of $15 million. The expansion is anticipated to be complete by October 2021 and will create 45 jobs.

It was reported that the Coordinating Council for Economic Development has approved job development credits related to this project, and also awarded Union County a $400,000 Rural Infrastructure Fund grant to assist with related project costs.

“We are excited about the expansion of our facility in Union, S.C.,” said Bradley Fry, COO
and CFO, Standard Textile. “In addition to meeting growing demand, this expansion allows us to create a state-of-the-art rapid prototyping center for the development of innovative products and a showroom to share the company’s innovation history and unique products.”

July/August 2021

Messe Stuttgart Expo To Collocate With IFAI Expo 2022

July 25, 2021

Germany-based Messe Stuttgart has announced its new Sun Shading Expo North America that was planned as a collocated event with IFAI Expo 2021 will now make its debut October 12-14, 2022, as a collocated event with IFAI Expo 2022 in Charlotte, N.C.

During IFAI Expo 2021 — to be held November 2-4, 2021, at the Music City Convention Center in Nashville, Tenn. — Messe Stuttgart will provide expertise in sun shading systems by the way of expert talks and discussions, as well as present its Sun Shading Expo concept.

“A large number of international R+T exhibitors have already shown their interest in the North American market,” said Roland Bleinroth, president of Messe Stuttgart. “In our capacity as a professional trade fair organizer, our objective is to offer all participants planning security in particular along with a high-quality and successful presentation platform. After analyzing the currently valid general conditions and in view of the long-term success of the new trade fair brand, we decided to stage Sun Shading Expo North America as a co-location to IFAI Expo 2022.

July/August 2021

Global Triennial Nonwovens Show Moves Ahead

July 25, 2021

Originally scheduled in early 2020, INDEX™20 is confirmed to move forward with a new October 2021 date.

TW Special Report

Typically, once every three years Belgium-based EDANA — the international association serving the nonwovens and related industries — and show organizer Palexpo bring together the entire nonwovens industry at the INDEX™ trade show. The event, with its unique nonwovens focus and highly vertical format, offers four intensive days of insights, networking and rewarding business activities, according to EDANA.

But the year 2020 was anything but typical, and INDEX 20 did not escape the upheaval and uncertainty caused by the global COVID-19 pandemic. Originally planned for March 31-April 3, 2020, the show was initially postponed and tentatively rescheduled.

The Swiss Federal Council authorized large-scale public events and trade shows to take place again beginning in July. This allowed EDANA and Palexpo to reschedule and plan INDEX 20, albeit much later than planned and with strict health measures in place to ensure the event is enjoyable and exhibitors and attendees will be able to conduct business in a safe atmosphere.

Therefore, after three reschedules, organizers are excited to confirm that INDEX 20 — the 13th consecutive edition of the show to be held in Geneva, Switzerland at the Palexpo Exhibition and Conference Centre — will take place October 19-22, 2021.

The Palexpo Exhibition and Conference Centre, Geneva, Switzerland, will host INDEX™20 October 19-22, 2021

Exhibitors, Attendees

At the event held in 2017, 666 exhibitors from 41 countries showed their wares to a total of 12,758 visitors who made their way through the doors of the exhibition center. Participation in the October show is harder than usual to predict, however.

“This year’s edition is going to be difficult to gauge, owing to the unpredictability of the pandemic and its effect on the attendance figures,” said Magali Fakhry Dufresne, INDEX exhibition director. “Under normal conditions, we would expect in the region of 12,000 to 12,500 visitors over the four days, and more than 750 exhibitors.”

Can’t Attend In Person?

The organizers understand that with some international travel restrictions still in place, corporate travel bans in effect and reluctance from some people who are not yet ready to travel, not all willing participants will be able to go to Geneva for the show. To combat this problem, for the first time INDEX will include an interactive virtual platform where visitors anywhere in the world will be able to watch more than 80 presentations, arrange live video meetings and chats with speakers, as well as interact with exhibitors and other participants using the digital tool to gain a taste of INDEX. “We are confident that this will further increase our visitor numbers and help extend the awareness and reputation of the event to new audiences,” Fakhry Dufresne noted.

On Site Happenings

The event focuses on six sectors: Filtration; Geotextiles & Civil Engineering; Hygiene & Cleaning; Medical: Infection Prevention; Transportation; and Packaging.

INDEX 20 will feature a Sector Seminar Programme on-site comprising six half-day seminars on topics including Infection Prevention, Smart Nonwovens, Nonwovens and Sustainability, Geotextiles, Filtration and Transportation. The free seminars will be held live in person and also broadcast in parallel on the virtual platform. All participants will have an opportunity to interact with speaks and ask questions during the Q&A sessions.

In person visitors also have the opportunity to explore the INDEX Innovation Lab. The lab is dedicated to showcasing the level of innovation and imagination residing in the nonwovens industry, aimed to inspire. The Innovation Lab includes research poster displays, demonstrations of experiments and testing equipment, and a display with samples to illustrate the benefits of nonwovens in daily life and their myriad of uses.

The exhibition is open October 19-21 from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m., and on October 22 from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. Organizers are offering a four-day ticket option only at a cost of 100 euros ($118). No daily tickets will be available. Participation in the virtual event will be free to all.

Facemasks are not required, but visitors will need to prove they are fully vaccinated; provide proof of a negative PCR test conducted within the preceding 72 hours, or an antigen test performed within 48 hours of attendance; or provide proof of immunity.

“We were indeed much relieved when the Swiss Authorities decided to end the restrictions on public and trade fairs at the end of June this year, following the uncertain times which we have all been through over the past 18 months,” Fakhry Dufresne said. “We are all very much looking forward to holding INDEX™ again, and to extending the event’s offer with the addition of a rich virtual offering too!”