Zweave Launches Zdesign Desktop for Fashion Industry

Zweave Inc, the leading solutions company for collaborative Product Lifecycle Management based in New York City is launching the latest product in its Solutions suite called “Zdesign Desktop” on April 7th at Material World Miami Beach. With the introduction of Zdesign Desktop, Fashion companies will now have available to them all the benefits of a professionally managed computer desktop. The Zdesign managed desktop solution provides a cost-effective, outsourced alternative for business applications, and Design applications through a seamless browser based interface.

“Zdesign Desktop can manage the a suite of desktop applications and selected applications necessary to keep the workforce of product development focused organizations productive and connected to their most important product information”, according to Laura McCann-Ramsey, CEO. “Small and medium size organizations require desktop support to manage software maintenance and upgrades, networking, server and file share management, data back up and day to day technical and administrative support.”

As a leader in delivering On-demand solutions to the fashion industry Zdesign Desktop is aligned with Zweave’s mission to provide desktop applications and support, how you need them, when you need them for each member of the organization. Zdesign desktop supports traditional office applications but also Photoshop, Illustrator and Indesign applications commonly used by design teams. The result is a first class IT environment for a fraction of the cost of these services managed by hired staff or consultants at your location.

“Small and large organizations when implementing PLM look at their information management practices with more scrutiny. What we often find is that members of the product development team have inconsistent and inefficient access to product data. When working with their external partners, file compliance from one version of a software product to another is a challenge as well as the ability for the business team to see design output in native file formats.

When traveling having access to all files and directories remotely is a capability that few companies can offer with the proper security and access and a huge benefit of our managed desktop” said David Buck, CTO. “Zdesign Desktop supports these organizations in gaining control over their product information. Often this is the first step to a successful PLM project.”

Zdesign Desktop is powered by MRK Hostwindow a leader in remote desktop management and services.

Source: TenLinks Inc

Eastman acquires Tennesee company

Eastman Machine Company, a 120 year-old manufacturing company specializing in cutting equipment, announced that it has acquired privately-held, Nashville, Tennessee-based Saber Industries, LLC.

Saber Industries, LLC., a manufacturer of fabric spreading machines since the 1930’s, will relocate operations to Eastman’s downtown Buffalo, NY location by the end of March. The acquisition further enhances Eastman’s position as an equipment supplier to fabricators that utilize flexible material goods (apparel; upholstered furniture; composite materials; technical textiles) and complements its line of existing cutting room technologies.

“Eastman and Saber Industries each use modern technology to maximize customers spreading and cutting production and share a long history in the industry,” said Robert Stevenson, Eastman’s president and chief executive officer. “We are excited about the acquisition of Saber Industries for a number of reasons, including their market-leading presence, and we look forward to collaboratively growing our business. Introducing additional models and capacities of spreading equipment to the existing line will emphasize Eastman’s role as a complete resource for material handling, spreading and cutting equipment.”

In addition to Eastman’s line of single-ply cutting systems, a summer release is anticipated for a new multi-ply cutting system. The reciprocating, straight-knife cutting system is capable of cutting up to 5 cm (2”) of compressed material. The Saber line of systems will allow Eastman to offer a comprehensive package for front-end preparation of the fabric, capable of handling up to 2,200 pound rolls of material for spreading, plus a range of cutting and software solutions.

Eastman has been manufacturing manually-operated cutting machines, automated CNC cutting systems, CAD/CAM software programs and material handling equipment in Buffalo since 1888.

Source: Eastman Machine Company

Innovations in Fibres, Technical Textiles, Apparel and Machinery - March 2008

In fibres and yarns, Teijin has developed a false-twist yarn with longlasting antistatic properties. Fiber Innovation Technology (FIT) is producing a new flame retardant fibre based on GE Plastics polyetherimide resin which meets strict regulations on flame retardance, smoke and toxicity and has good dyeability.

Kufner has invented a novel stretchable yarn with electrical conductivity for heated car seats, and Nicca has come up with a technique for removing oligomers from polyester fibres. TrapTek has developed a new encapsulation technique which protects against the deactivation of performance enhancing particles during melt spinning.

In fabrics, developments include a method for improving cleaning cloths and protective clothing used in industrial clean rooms, and a new material from Malden Mills (Polartec) which employs plaited polyester for moisture transport and a refractory carbide for insulation.

In the field of technical apparel, Kimberly-Clark has invented an incontinence garment which resembles conventional boxer shorts. Phild is incorporating titanium powder in clothing to enhance the health of the wearer. Cedric Brochier has an improved method of weaving optical fibres into fabrics in order to produce luminous clothing.

Improvements in protective clothing include: a siloxane rubber coating from Konversipol which gives dramatic improvements in flame resistance; new, lighter weight garments for the US Army which give protection against armour-piercing bullets; and new military suitings for chemical warfare from Blücher which offer improved flexibility and hence mobility. Greater flexibility has also been achieved in the case of a glass fibre yarn for industrial gloves while a UK company has developed clothing which protects against attack by stun guns.

In the case of other textile products, an Italian firm has developed a chemical-free glove for household dusting while Albarrie has come up with a novel textile barrier for containing oil and petroleum spills. BMW, meanwhile, has patented a fabric which offers an alternative to metal vehicle body panels and which has wide-ranging possibilities.

In the coloration and finishing field, Padaluma has overcome the difficulty of dyeing glass fibres for nonwovens while Polymer Group Inc (PGI) has developed a nonwoven fabric with improved softness for use in diapers and feminine hygiene products, and Hills has a method of spinning polymer fibre mixtures for use in the manufacture of nonwoven filters.

Source: Research and Markets

Making the Transition from Traditional to Technical Textile Markets

Technical textiles provide scope for firms in industrialised countries to achieve sustainable growth and escape from the tough competitive environment faced by manufacturers of traditional textiles. Technical textile products are used principally for their performance or functional characteristics rather than for their aesthetics. Consequently, markets for these products tend to be less price sensitive, and greater importance is attached to technical skills, and specialised knowledge, materials, processes and equipment.

End uses served by technical textiles are numerous and diverse. Messe Frankfurt, which organises the trade fair Techtextil, has grouped those end uses into 12 broad categories: agriculture and horticulture; architecture, building and construction; clothing technology; geotextiles; functional textiles for the home; industrial textiles; medical and hygiene; transportation; environmental; packaging; safety and protection; and sports and leisure. Also, a new category is emerging in the form of smart and intelligent textiles.

However, companies looking to enter the technical textile sector must understand the key differences between technical textiles and the traditional industry in which they are used to operating. Customers look for products with highly specific performance attributes and functions, and they are often willing to pay a premium for these features.

In return, manufacturers need to use approved testing methods to convince customers and others in project teams that their products meet the required specifications. Technical textile products belong to niche rather than mass markets and those niche markets are often characterised by small runs. Manufacturers therefore need to be flexible and able to switch production from one product to another product which might be quite different.

Machinery too may have to be adapted for more flexible and smaller production runs. Would-be technical textile manufacturers must ensure that their products meet the quality and technical standards which the application demands. In some cases products must satisfy certain legal requirements. Innovation is often vital so firms must be willing to invest in research and development (R&D) as well as equipmentwhich means that they need to be able to raise the capital required.

And to defend their investments in R&D, they need to understand the laws about intellectual property rights (IPR). Overall, cooperation is needed at all stages of the supply chain so that products meet the exact needs of customers, especially if they are to command a price premium.

Source: Research and Markets

NuMetrex and lululemon athletica Premier New Heartbeat Running Tank Top

NuMetrex, a Textronics, Inc. brand, and lululemon athletica have teamed up to create a technically advanced running tank top that monitors heart rate.

Made of quick drying nylon/Lycra fabric, the Heartbeat Tank contains patented fabric sensors in the inner shelf bra giving the wearer direct feedback that includes the time spent exercising, calories burned, and heart rate performance. A small pocket for a compatible snap-in transmitter is also in the shelf bra relaying the information to a compatible watch or cardio machine.

“This seamless garment is constructed for the athlete who is looking to monitor their heart rate without the traditional strap,” says Deanne Schweitzer, lululemon athletica Product Manager, “The tank top offers moderate bust support, wicking knit construction for moisture management and a smooth next-to-skin-fit that helps to prevent chafing making a more comfortable exercise experience.”

A high performance garment, the Heartbeat Tank maintains a feminine shape thanks to a mesh pattern designed from the lululemon athletica logo. Available in 3 colors (peacock blue, anise and black), the tank retails for $74.00 USD in lululemon athletica stores. Watches are also available for purchase.

Source: Textronics Inc