since-1 915 mar ch 20 06 making sail the · i could finally start going to dingy blues bars again...
TRANSCRIPT
M A R C H 2 0 0 6
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match fabricperformance tobuyer demand
Making
Sailthe
match fabricperformance tobuyer demand
Making
Sailthe
Selling shelters:Where there’s smoke...there’s opportunity
TENTNET:Take part in asmartersupply chain
I N D U S T R I A L F A B R I C P R O D U C T S
S I N C E - 1 9 1 5
Selling shelters:Where there’s smoke...there’s opportunity
TENTNET:Take part in asmartersupply chain
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54
48
44
Fabric Testing: What’s your score?Fabric testing plays a crucial role in gauging
product quality, assuring regulatory compliance,
and assessing the performance of textile materials.
By Peter Hildebrandt
44
F E A T U R E S
Sail of the centuryModern synthetics match the need for strength,
speed and stretch-resistance on the water and
in the wind.
By Jamie Swedberg
48
Where there’s smoke...there’s opportunityIn an increasingly foggy expanse of anti-smok-
ing regulations and quirky building codes,
steering for the smoking shelters market
requires considerable navigation.
By Carla Waldemar
54
TENTNET: a smartersupply chainGetting through the procurement gate-
way with the Tent Network for Technology
Implementation.
By Dennis Dudek
60
COLUMNSGoing Global Found in translation: For Safety Components International, the demands and rewards of global expansion offer a crash course in business and cultural affairs ...........16
In the Shop The hidden cost: The diligence, talent, planning—and sense of humor—necessary to rebuild the cockpit of a 40-foot Sea Ray ...........20
Expo Watch A Georgia peach: IFAI Expo 2006 brings the year’s premier textile event to Atlanta ...............................24
DEPARTMENTSForeThought Air apparent: no butts about it ....... 6
Swatches Saving a beach, blankets to the rescue, and a new denim ..................8
IFAI Update Recognizing excellence ..................64
New Products and Services Textile testing helps keep quality high ......................................68
Calendar of events ...........................70
Marketplace .......................................73
Editorial Sources ..............................74
Advertiser Index ...............................75
Information Central ..........................76
M A R C H 2 0 0 6 n V O L U M E 9 1 n N U M B E R 3
Showroom Flying style: Through form and function, banners make their mark as a public display ...........................28
World Views The Chinese market: Geosynthetic development, market facts and prospects in the world’s hottest construction arena ..........................30
Connections Digital Expo hosts imaging community ......................36
The Basics Stick to it: Tips for selecting and applying upholstery adhesives ........40
ON THE COVERDifferent types of sails (and sailors) demand different performance qualities, different fabrics, and
different construction. For “Evolution,” the winning boat at the 2005 Farr 40 World Championship
Regatta in Sydney, Australia, Bainbridge AIRX fabric was used to make the spinnaker.
COVER DESIGN by Heidi Hanson. Photo courtesy of Bainbridge International Inc.
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LGalynn Nordstrom, Senior Editor
Published by the Industrial Fabrics Association
International since 1915
PublisherMary Hennessy, e-mail [email protected]
Editorial DirectorSusan R. Niemi, e-mail [email protected]
Senior EditorGalynn D. Nordstrom, e-mail [email protected]
Associate EditorJeff Barbian, e-mail [email protected]
Contributing WritersDennis Dudek, Amy J. Garvin, Peter Hildebrandt,Chi Jing-Kui, Mark Ruediger, Jamie Swedberg,
Carla Waldemar, Betsy Taylor
Production ManagerRussell Grimes, e-mail [email protected]
Senior DesignerJennifer Oswald
Graphic DesignersHeidi Hanson, Kari Norland, Cathleen Rose
Production Coordinator/Graphic DesignerHeaven Kebret
Circulation ManagerMary Moore
Assistant Circulation ManagerSusan Smeed, e-mail [email protected]
Advertising Sales DirectorSarah Hyland, e-mail [email protected],
800 319 3349
Classified Advertising SalesTrisha Allex, e-mail [email protected]
Advertising SalesJane Anthone, Karen Lien, Mary Mullowney,
Susan Parnell, Elizabeth Welsh, Dawn Westermann
IFAI PresidentStephen M. Warner
e-mail [email protected]
Industrial Fabric Products Review provides timely and accurate industry intelligenceto the members of the Industrial Fabrics Association International and the global
specialty fabrics marketplace.
Industrial Fabric Products Review is the official publication of the Industrial
Fabrics Association International.
Industrial Fabric Products Review® (ISSN 0019 8307), is published monthly (with an annual Buyer’s Guide in May) by Industrial Fabrics Association International, 1801 County Road B W, Roseville, MN 55113-4061. Periodicals Postage Paid at St. Paul, MN and at additional mailing offices. Post master send address changes to IFAI, 1801 County Road B W, Roseville, MN 55113-4061. Return Undeliverable Canadian Addresses to Station A, PO Box 54, Windsor, ON N9A 6J5.
ForeThought
Air apparent :
no but ts about i t
Last year, the city of Minneapolis banned smoking in all public facilities, after
years of requiring “nonsmoking areas” in restaurants; areas that often consisted of
a group of small tables in a corner where we determined nonsmokers would sit and
watch all the smoke from the rest of the dining area waft gently toward us, attracted
by our negative ions, or something. I, for one, was thrilled with the ban, which meant
I could finally start going to dingy blues bars again without stumbling outside after
an hour coughing my blackening lungs out and reeking of other peoples’ stale
exhalations. Free at last, we thought. Excellent.
Naturally, there were two utterly foreseeable, and foreseen, problems with this
decision. First, the areas outside of the Minneapolis city limits were under entirely
different restrictions, or no restrictions at all. Second, bar owners complained vocifer-
ously that their facilities were not being immediately filled up with nonsmokers at all
hours of the day and night. So, in true stalwart political fashion, our city leaders began
to reconsider their decision. As I write this, things are still up in the air. So to speak.
On page 54 of this issue, the article “Where there’s smoke … there’s opportunity”
talks about how increasing regulation of smoking presents a lot of market space
for companies that can provide smoking shelters—as long as they can figure out
those regulations, and help interpret them to prospective customers. I’d guess that
second qualifier is by far the more important in the long run. As we look at markets
created, or destroyed, by our changing society, there are two very important things
to remember:
• It may be true, as posited in the February issue article about truck tarp regula-
tions, that the general long-term trend is always toward more regulation, not less. But
as shown by the deft footwork in Minneapolis’ nonsmoking dance, that long-term
trend could undergo a lot of reversals. Think short-term.
• It was pretty stupid to think that nonsmokers would replace smokers in bars
overnight; there are many factors involved in who occupies a barstool, how often,
and how long. A new clientele will form eventually, depending upon what that par-
ticular bar has to offer besides a place to sit and smoke. It doesn’t happen overnight.
Think long-term.
A bad economy may be good news for marine fabricators, as yacht owners update
rather than replace; increasing health regulations may push smokers outside into
shelters; a warming planet and spiking energy costs may make shade products far
more attractive to homeowners. But it’s important to see what is, as well as what’s
coming; and neither will make much difference in business if you can’t make your
customers see it as well.
Society continues to change, creating new opportunities. But we create our
own markets.
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To subscribevisit www.reviewmagazine.info
or call 800 225 4324 or +1 651 222 2508
With story ideascontact Galynn Nordstrom, +1 651 225 6928
To advertisecontact Sarah Hyland, 800 319 3349
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Subscription inquiries, orders and changes contact: Sue Smeed, Assistant Circulation Manager, Industrial Fabric Products Review, 1801 County Road B W, Roseville, MN 55113-4061 Phone 800 225 4324 or +1 651-222 2508, fax +1 651 631 9334 e-mail: subscriptions @ifai.com. 1-year USA $71, Canada and Mexico $85, all other countries $171, payable in U.S. funds (includes air mail postage).
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© 2006 Industrial Fabrics Association Internationalall rights reserved
Advisory Committee
Lorne AndrasStayput Fasteners/Sunpoint Marine,
Sidney, B.C., Canada
Harry Daugherty, P.E.Whitehouse, Ohio
Peter DouglasL.F. Pease Co., East Providence, R.I.
Kenneth KeberlePrime Event Group Inc., Tucson, Ariz.
Bruce Mabb, MFCJB Mabb and Associates, Mesa, Ariz
Rosemary Ward-Krienke, MFC, IFM, CPPNorth Texas Tarp & Awning,
Witchita Falls, Texas
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In 1998, an $11 million dredging and beach replenish-
ment project commenced at Stump Pass Beach State Park in
Charlotte County, Fla. Stump Pass is a scenic stretch of sand—a
natural inlet—that connects the Gulf of Mexico and Lemon Bay
in Englewood, Fla. The ambitious erosion control project in-
cluded the nourishment of three miles of badly eroding beaches
adjacent to Stump Pass. All told, more than 800,000 cubic yards
of sand were pumped onto surrounding beaches, making the
pass 150 feet wide and at least nine feet deep.
But the sand wouldn’t sit. Nautical markers became misleading.
Boaters who weren’t familiar with the sandbars went aground.
In 2003, county commissioners budgeted $12 million over
12 years for the repeated dredging of the area. The southern
portion of Stump Pass had experienced more than 45 feet of
shoreline erosion since the hurricanes of 2004, affecting park
property and habitat.
Last June, a team from Beach Restoration Inc. (BRI),
Lebanon, Tenn., gathered just north of Stump Pass to measure
beach profiles, wind exposure, tide patterns, current directions
and other detailed information. Using the data, BRI embarked
on the assembly of a beach erosion control system that was the
first-of-its-kind in the United States, according to BRI president
Tim Engle. BRI—working with Florida Department of Enviro-
mental Protection and Char-
lotte County—designed an eco-
friendly system of submerged,
low-profile, sand-filled geotex-
tile tubes meant to reduce sand
drift into the channel and to
stabilize the troubled portion
of the beach.
It appears to be working.
To slow the annual rate of sand
filling into the channel, the
experimental system of six tubes
is creating sand-deposit zones
that cut down on cross-shore
sand movement.
The tubes, which run from the dunes of Stump Pass Beach
State Park up to a spot 350 feet into the Gulf, are buried under
the beach or submerged underwater, so only a small portion can
be seen. The system is called a submerged groin system and is
designed to block sand from flowing south into Stump Pass by
creating deposit zones on the bottom of the Gulf.
Since June, when three of six tubes were initially installed, 20
feet of shoreline has been restored, according to Engle.
The geotextile-treated Stump Pass Beach State Park in Charlotte County, Fla. So far, the geo-tubes are creating sand deposit zones that cut down on shore movement.
S W A T C H E S
Breaking the waves
Geotextile tube beingstuffed with sand. Thefabric is designed to blendin with the beach.
DuPont wants to resurrect a mostly
defunct plant in Lenoir County, N.C.,
to boost production of its new textile.
DuPont will manufacture a type of
corn-derived polymer that requires
30 percent to 40 percent less energy
to produce than competing materi-
als. DuPont Sorona polymer is used
in clothing, carpeting, upholstery,
plastics and other items. The chemi-
cal maker will invest $24 million to
expand the Kinston-area plant and
add 66 workers by 2008. The news was
announced by North Carolina Gover-
nor Mike Easley. DuPont expects to
invest $55 million at the facility over
time. In return, DuPont will receive
more than $3.2 million in incentives
from state and local governments and
economic developers.
“Our business-friendly climate and
low tax burden are helping existing in-
dustries, such as DuPont, succeed and
grow in our state,” Easley said. The
investment will help North Carolina
become a world leader in nonwoven
textile production, he added.
Corn-based textile gets boost in North Carolina
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Innovative blanket hits disaster areasNecessity truly is the mother of
invention. When Chicopee, a divi-
sion of N. Charleston, S.C.-based
Polymer Group Inc., was developing
a blanket for emergency medical
use, a humanitarian relief ministry,
called Church World Service, asked
whether the company could develop
a covering that could be used in
disasters in tropical areas. Polymer
worked for several months with the
ministry, eventually designing the
Disaster Relief Blanket. The blan-
ket was awarded the 2006 Visionary
Award at VISION 2006 Consumer
Products, held January 15–18 in
Denver, Colo. (See “Connections,”
page 36.)
The nonwoven blanket is light-
weight and warmer than traditional
blankets woven of cotton or wool.
It’s soft on one side, providing com-
fort to the body; the other side has
a backing to provide a barrier from
moisture, dirt and debris. The blan-
ket sheds water so it dries more
quickly and needs less water to clean.
“These people are typically out of
their homes and are sitting on the
ground in an open environment,”
says Cliff Bridges, a spokesman for
the Chicopee division. “The last
thing you want to do is wrap your-
self in a product that is going to hold
water, because water is the biggest
vector of bacteria and fungus.”
The Polymer Group has donated
tens of thousands of the blankets
to hurricane victims in the Gulf
Coast, earthquake victims in the
mountains of Pakistan, and areas in
Southeast Asia hit by the tsunami.
The blanket is not for sale to the
general public.
A simple blanket: Children snuggle under a Disaster Relief Blanket, designed and donated by the Polymer Group. The nonwoven blanket provides warmth, and repels disease-causing moisture.
Sun-proof canvas artA new line on outdoor art printed on canvas
has been released by International Arts, a Nor-
cross, Ga.-based designer and manufacturer of
wholesale custom framed art. The line—called
ArtzScapes—is printed on WeatherCanvas, a
weather-resistant canvas developed by Inter-
national Arts that uses UV-resistant inks and
a high-tech clear coat to protect the artwork
from the effects of UV light transmission, oxi-
dation, moisture, temperature and abrasion.
WeatherCanvas is stretched on special poly-
styrene stretcher bars using weather-resistant
security hardware for mounting.
The official debut of ArtzScapes was in Janu-
ary at the Atlanta International Gift & Home
Furnishings Market.
Two examples of outdoor canvas artworks that are resistant to UV rays, oxidation, moisture, temperature and abrasion.
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SWATCHES
Flax meets denim
Samples of raw flax (darker fluff) and raw cotton (lighter fluff) and yarns, woven denim, and knitted fabrics made with various blends of cotton and flax.
Blue jeans have enjoyed a cool factor for
decades; that is, they are forever fashionable and
trendy. But a pair of denim blue jeans in the hot
sun can feel decidedly uncool under the weight
of absorbed moisture. Agricultural Research
Service (ARS), the main in-house research arm
of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, chal-
lenged its scientists and engineers to created
a cotton-flax denim blend that will make jeans
more comfortable to wear even in summer heat.
Denim is one of the largest commodity fab-
rics produced in the world. Flax is nearly three
times stronger than cotton, making it among the
strongest natural fibers known. Clothing materi-
als, such as woven denims and knitted fabrics
made from these particular cotton-flax blends,
could be compared to a new, nonwrinkling form
of linen.
At the ARS Cotton Quality Research Station
in Clemson, S.C., mechanical engineer Jonn
A. Foulk has been working with technicians to
blend cotton with flax to create new yarns. The
specific ratio of the new blends imparts “mois-
ture management” to woven denim and knitted
fabrics. The work is being done at the station’s
model, state-of-the-art spinning facility.
Adding flax to clothing fabric helps keep skin
cool partly because the flax improves moisture
wicking, the ability of fabric to pull moisture
away from the skin. Another value-added feature
is air permeability, the ability of fabric to dry
quickly. The researchers are evaluating cotton-
flax blends for use in athletic performance and
other apparel.
The Clemson station’s researchers are also
embedding flax fibers into polymers to create
composite materials and nonwoven sheets for
various industrial uses.
The station is now looking for additional
industry partners, including mill and apparel
manufacturers, to take the technologies to the
next level of development.
Read more about the research in the Novem-
ber 2005 issue of Agricultural Research magazine.
Teflon: A slippery issueA chemical used in the manufac-
ture of Teflon® and other nonstick
and stain-resistant products should be
considered a “likely” carcinogen, ac-
cording to an independent scientific
review panel advising the Environmen-
tal Protection Agency (EPA).
The recommendation in-
cluded in the panel’s final draft
report is consistent with its pre-
liminary finding, which went
beyond the EPA’s own determi-
nation that there was only “sug-
gestive evidence” from animal
studies that perfluorooctanoic
acid (PFOA) and its salts are po-
tential human carcinogens.
PFOA is a processing aid
used in the manufacturing of fluo-
ropolymers, which have a wide variety
of product applications, including
nonstick cookware. The chemical
also can be a byproduct in the manu-
facturing of fluorotelomers used in
surface protection products for appli-
cations such as stain-resistant textiles
and grease-resistant food wrappings.
Taking issue with the panel’s con-
clusions was Wilmington, Del.-based
DuPont, the sole North American
producer of PFOA.
“We disagree with the panel’s rec-
ommendation on the cancer classifi-
cation, and we continue to support
the EPA’s draft risk assessment,” says
Robert Rickard, director of health and
environmental sciences for DuPont.
“This reflects recommended clas-
sification; what’s more important is
risk, and we are confident that PFOA
does not pose a cancer risk to the
general public,” added Rickard,
who said the carcinogenicity classi-
fication was based on animal data
and does not reflect data from
human studies.
DuPont officials have since
stated that “soil, stain and grease
repellents are made from fluo-
rotelomers, not PFOA. Fluoro-
telomer products are not made
with, nor do they use, PFOA in
the manufacturing process. PFOA is
an unintended byproduct created dur-
ing the manufacture of fluorotelomers
and is present at trace levels in some of
these products.”
Pixel awardStephanskirchen, Germany-based 3P InkJet Textiles AG has
won the DPI Product-of-the-Year Competition 2005 in the Tex-
tile Products Category. The winning product is Studio Canvas,
a white-coated canvas that consists of 65 percent polyester and
35 percent cotton and is developed for the specific require-
ments of digital fine art printing. It’s mostly used for realistic
reproductions of paintings, but also works decoratively as an
indoor banner. Because of its high flexibility, the canvas may be
stretched and framed without cracking. For more information,
visit www.3p-inkjettextiles.com/us/textilien.htm.
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A Michigan environmental group is
alleging that at least part of the so-called
“new car smell” is toxic, and that the
interior of an automobile has danger-
ous levels of various chemicals. Seat
cushions, arm rests, floor coverings and
plastic parts used in most car interiors
are made with toxic chemicals known
to pose major public health risks, the
group contends. PBDEs, used as fire re-
tardants, and phthalates, used to soften
PVC plastics, have been linked to birth
defects, impaired learning, liver toxic-
ity, premature births, and early puberty
in laboratory animals, among other
serious health problems.
The report, “Toxic at Any Speed:
Chemicals in Cars and the Need for
Safe Alternatives” comes from The Ecol-
ogy Center, an Ann Arbor, Mich.-based
group. The group is recommending
more stringent regulations that would
phase out the use of the chemicals, as
well as voluntary moves by the auto
manufacturers to avoid using the prod-
ucts inside new cars.
Car owners also are encouraged
to take steps to reduce the release
and breakdown of these chemicals
by using solar reflectors, ventilating
car interiors, and parking outside of
sunlight whenever possible.
Auto manufacturers have already
agreed to phase out two of the three
flame-retardant chemicals cited in the
report, Eron Shosteck, a spokesman for
the Alliance of Automobile Manufactur-
ers, told the Detroit News. The remaining
chemical has been studied by the Euro-
pean Union for 10 years and has been
proven safe, Shosteck said.
The report was released Jan. 11 dur-
ing the North American International
Auto Show in Detroit, but it received
little attention outside of Michigan.
Sen. Elizabeth Dole, R-N.C.
An aide to Sen. Elizabeth Dole, R-N.C., Scott Quesenberry, has joined the office of the
U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) as special textile negotiator, the position responsible for
the negotiating the country’s agreements related to trade in textiles and apparel.
“The U.S. textile industry has gone through a lot of changes over the past decade, as Scott
has seen firsthand working for Senator Dole, and he will play a key role in helping USTR
and the industry face future challenges in exploring new markets overseas,” U.S. Trade
Representative Rob Portman said in a statement.
Quesenberry has worked for Dole for the past three years, most recently as legislative
director. Before that he worked in various political campaigns and in the private sector.
SWATCHES
Dole aide becomes chief U.S. negotiator for textiles
Mounting evidence for the prudence of side air bags in
cars has led the Australian New Car Assessment Program
(ANCAP) to urge car makers to make the bags standard in
all models to reduce head injuries in crashes.
Following the latest crash tests conducted by ANCAP,
spokesman Mark Borlace says that the results showed side
airbags could halve the chance of a fatal or serious head
injury in a severe side-impact crash.
“With the increasing proportion of overall fatalities
coming from side-impact crashes with vehicles, poles and
trees, the inclusion of head protection is extremely impor-
tant to reduce the risk of head injuries,” Borlace says.
ANCAP officials also urged car producers to make side
airbags available on base models, without using them with
other luxury features that could add up to $10,000 to the
price of the vehicle.
Side airbags can halve the chance for a fatal or serious head injury in a severe side-impact crash, according to the Australian New Car Assessment Program.
Greater side impact
Better living through textilesA recent study of trends and perspec-
tives in the textile and clothing industry
revealed that “considerable significance
for the future functionality of textiles is
being attributed to new approaches to
fabric finishing using nanotechnology.”
The purpose of this study—which was
set up by Nürnberg, Germany-based
Bayern Innovativ GmbH, in coopera-
tion with the Association of the Bavarian
Textile and Clothing Industry—was to
identify new technologies, new markets
and new opportunities. To this end, sci-
entific institutes and leading companies
were deliberately included so as to cover
the whole spectrum of textile technol-
ogy and important user segments.
The study also highlight a group
of completely new materials, so-called
Phase Change Materials (PCM). Inte-
grated into fabrics, this special foam
relies on technology designed for space
travel and evens out extreme tempera-
ture fluctuations to ensure a perma-
nently temperate environment. This
technology has already found its way
into bedding products in the home and
household textiles sector.
“New car smell” toxic?
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SWATCHES
PEOPLE
• Suminoe Textiles of America has
announced an $8 million expansion to
its Gaffney facility and plans to hire 55
more employees. The expansion will add
45,000 square feet to the plant, located in
the Meadowcreek Industrial Park near
Spartanburg, S.C. The additional employ-
ees will bring the total employment at the
plant to 130, the number company of-
ficials had promised county leaders when
the facility opened in June, 2004. Suminoe
Textiles is one of Japan’s original textile
companies with operations dating back
to 1883. The company produces a variety
of textile products, but the Gaffney plant
produces seat covers and headrest uphol-
stery for Japanese automakers Toyota,
Honda and Nissan.
“As we’ve said so many times this year,
South Carolina’s automotive cluster con-
tinues to thrive, and we’re pleased that
Suminoe Textiles has been able to grow so
quickly since beginning its operations in
Gaffney last year,” said Secretary of Com-
merce Bob Faith in a written statement.
• NILIT, the Israel-based nylon pro-
ducer, has acquired Invista’s nylon ap-
parel facility in Oestringen, Germany and
will buy Invista’s nylon apparel product
line from Gloucester, UK. Invista will
continue to operate the apparel facility in
Gloucester and sell all of its production
through Nilit. Under the deal, Invista
will grant Nilit an exclusive license for
the trademarks Tactel®, Cordura®, and
Supplex® in Europe, the Middle East
and Africa.
• American Capital Strategies Ltd.,
Bethesda, Md., has invested $114 mil-
lion in the One Stop Buyout™ of DelStar
Technologies Inc., a manufacturer of
engineered, thermoplastic nonwoven
products used by OEMs in filtration,
healthcare and industrial applications.
American Capital’s investment takes the
form of senior term loans, senior subor-
dinated debt and equity.
• Collins & Aikman Corp., Troy,
Mich., has announced that Auburn
Hills, Mich.-based DaimlerChrysler AG’s
Chrysler Group has selected them as the
supplier for a significant portion of the
interior systems on a future platform
of vehicles scheduled for 2008. Sup-
plying a complete range of services,
Collins & Aikman will be responsible
for all design, engineering, logistics and
quality planning for instrument panels,
integrated cockpit systems, center floor
consoles, pillar and garnish trim, rear
package trays, molded carpet flooring
systems, accessory mats, rear cargo and
trunk trim and other components for
the upcoming vehicle program.
• Citing substantial growth in de-
mand for its fibers and yarns, American
Fibers and Yarns Co. announced plans to
increase its fiber extrusion capacity by
30 percent and its texturing capacity by
25 percent. The company will be hiring
an additional 25-30 employees. Most
of the expansion will occur at the com-
pany’s Bainbridge, Ga., manufacturing
plant, which is also home to the AF&Y
Technology Center.
EXPANSIONS & ACQUISITIONS
In Memoriam: Ryotaro NohmuraRyotaro Nohura, the innovative chairman
of Taiyo Kogyo Corp., passed away on Janu-
ary 19, 2006.
Nohmura, an Honored Life Member of
the Industrial Fabrics Association Interna-
tional (IFAI), started his business, then called
Nohmura Sewing Company, in 1946 in the
city of Osaka, Japan, which was devastated
by Allied bombing during World War II.
Nohmura and his wife started the business
with one sewing machine, $5.00, and one
worker, sewing tents for those left without
shelter after the war. A year later, Nohmura changed the
name of his company to its current name, Taiyo Kogyo
Corp., and pursued the vision he had set for his company:
“To be the number one tent company in the world.”
Many accomplishments of Taiyo Kogyo are legendary,
including the Denver International Airport, Tokyo Dome,
Georgia Dome and Millennium Dome.
These accomplishments and others have been recog-
nized in the form of numerous IFAI International Achieve-
ment Awards, as well as a number of Japanese and inter-
national awards throughout Nohmura’s fifty-eight years in
the industrial fabrics industry.
The Nohmura family and Taiyo Kogyo Corp. would like
to express sincere gratitude and appreciation to those who
supported Chairman Nohmura and his efforts.
• Adhesives Research Inc., a devel-
oper and manufacturer of high-per-
formance pressure-sensitive adhesives,
tapes, specialty coatings, films, and lami-
nates, has hired Thomas S. Rimel Jr. as
commercial development manager.
Rimel is responsible for identifying
new market segments and applications
that would benefit from Adhesives Re-
search’s products and technologies,
while assisting in the commercializa-
tion of new and existing technologies.
Rimel also will formulate strategies to transfer commercial-
ized products and technologies to the company’s existing
or new divisions.
• Ed Small, president of Duracote
Corp., Ravenna, Ohio, has appointed
Tony Guerini as technical services man-
ager. He is responsible for “providing
technical services and development for
continuing operations and new prod-
ucts [as well as] managing quality con-
trol operations” at Duracote. Guerini
aims to increase product base by devel-
oping new products and streamlining
processes to create more efficient meth-
ods of manufacturing while maintain-
ing product quality.
Ryotaro NohmuraTom Rimel
Tony Guerini
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Automotive Safety Components International (ASCIC), in the port city of Changshu City, China. Located near Shanghai, Changshu City is a textile boom town.
GOING GLOBAL
M
Found in
t ranslat ionThe mount ing wor ld market has bred common ground in business and cul tura l a f fa i rs . For Safety Components Internat ional , the demands and rewards of g lobal expansion of fer a crash course in both .
Safety ComponentsInternational Inc.Founded: 1920
U.S. headquarters:Greenville, S.C.
Offshore operations:Automotive Safety Components
International (ASCIC),Changshu City, China
ASCI s.r.o., Jevicko, Czech Republic
ASCI GmbH & Co. KG,Hildesheim, Germany
ASCI SRL, Sighisoara, Romania
ASCI GT Durban, South Africa
Much is made of the hyper-drive
market of the Asian auto industry. The
boundless prospects found in China,
in particular, have rallied countless
foreign investments from companies
looking to exploit all angles of produc-
tion and distribution. Those who’ve
broken ground overseas are confronted
with daunting internal and external is-
sues that go beyond basic management
and assembly.
For Bart Hanaway, president of Safety
Components International’s (SCI) Asia
Pacific Automotive division, running a
global operation in China is an immer-
sive investment of time and patience.
Communication and training are para-
mount, as well as establishing a good
reputation with local municipalities.
SCI is a supplier of automotive air-
bag fabric and cushions and techni-
cal fabrics, with operations in North
America, Europe, Asia and South Af-
rica. The company sells airbag fab-
ric in the United States and cushions
worldwide to the major airbag mod-
ule integrators. SCI also manufactures
value-added synthetic fabrics used in
a variety of niche industrial and com-
mercial applications. SCI, through its
subsidiary, ASCI Holdings Asia Pacific
(DE) LLC (collectively referred to as
“Safety”), entered into a partnership
with Huamao Technical Textile Co.,
breaking ground on a factory in Janu-
ary, 2005. Located in Changshu City,
China, Huamao produces more than
90 million yards of fabric annually.
We spoke with Hanaway about the
ground-level challenges and rewards
of running this major factory satellite
in China.
Review: What were the reasons for
the company’s expansion into China?
Bart Hanaway: Our primary reason
was the emerging and expanding auto
market in China. Our customers were
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GOING GLOBAL
in the process of expanding and con-
tinue to grow their operations in China
in order to support the original equip-
ment manufacturer (OEM) growth
in China. Our first goal was to move
quickly, and participate early in this
expansion of our customers and the
overall auto market growth. Secondly,
our customers are very large conglom-
erates who, more and more, expect
flexibility of production from their
suppliers around the world.
Various production sites for similar
products help support our customers’
global needs, and in turn, may offer
us a competitive advantage. Also, our
end-user customers include Japanese,
Korean and almost all Asian carmak-
ers. An operation in China may allow
us to improve our relationship with this
growing category of carmakers.
Naturally, we want to position our-
selves as a low-cost supplier. Price
and cost reduction pressure will not
go away for textiles and automotive
parts. In the case of airbag fabrics, and
airbag cushions, we believe
that the supply chain will pre-
dominantly remain localized
because of low cost and effec-
tive operations in Mexico and
Eastern Europe (airbag cush-
ions). There also is a signifi-
cant level of design and local
technical support required for
such a demanding product
(life saving device/the inte-
grated airbag module). We desire to
have a presence around the world and
capitalize on the unique advantages for
our special market.
In your experience, what are the
greatest challenges to setting up manu-
facturing operations overseas?
The greatest challenge is simply tak-
ing the right approach. Every mar-
ket and every product is different. It
might make sense to establish a WFOE
(wholly owned foreign enterprise). It
may make better sense to partner with
an established company in China. A
third alternative is to simply subcon-
tract certain work. I would venture to
say that there are many more failures
than successes; although, I do not have
statistics to validate this. What I mean is
that there is no simple solution. Once
the right approach is established, all
other challenges can be overcome with
the right leadership and hard work.
than you might expect. A big question
is, what are you trying to achieve? Is it
to replace operations in other parts of
the world because of cost advantages?
Is it to enter the growing Asian mar-
kets? Transfer costs to China are high
and return-on-investment calculations
become challenging, no matter what
the cost advantages. Be prepared for
the long haul.
Beyond the challenges, what has
been the most rewarding thing about
your role at SCI AP-China, both per-
sonally and professionally?
The most rewarding professional
experience is that customers have
supported our decision and we were
quickly awarded business for the local
market. This is not windfall business;
however, this is critical to begin to off-
set ongoing expense costs. Many of
us know how difficult a start-up can
be when you have absolutely no busi-
ness, and expenses of the operation
carry on.
I must also say that my professional
learning has been at light speed. It is
inevitable. If you are the first person to
arrive on the scene, you become more
intimately involved than you can imag-
ine in every issue: legal, shareholder
and corporate governance, funding and
financial, tax, duty, freight, local HR
and production challenges, logistics,
most important sales and marketing,
and everything else you can think of.
Personally, the most rewarding thing
is the opportunity to live in a foreign
country and experience first-hand the
differences and similarities. Work has
been almost all-consuming; however, my
wife and I have been able to see parts
of the world that otherwise we wouldn’t
have seen. The Chinese people are
friendly, outgoing, enthusiastic and
very hard-working. The biggest similar-
ity is simple: Most Chinese simply want
a better life for themselves, and more
importantly, for their children.
How have you dealt with labor and
management issues, culturally and
organizationally?
This is a work in process. We have
been successful building a team with
a great attitude. Hire and develop a
good HR manager, and a senior local
leader, as quickly as possible. This is
what we have done, with success. In-
ternational workers are, for the most
part, very adaptable. It is a great experi-
ence for each of them; however, do not
bring anyone over who is not prepared
to work long hours and do a little bit
of everything. Keep in mind that the
more remote the Asian location, the
more difficult it will be.
Organizationally, the approach
we are taking is that any anyone who
comes over here is a potential trainer,
with the goal of training the local staff.
It’s a mistake to put foreign work-
ers into a position where they have
no local person to take over. We are
Bart Hanaway, president of SafetyComponents International’s (SCI) AsiaPacific Automotive division.
There is a great willingness to partner with international companies. You must ask yourself if this partner truly adds value. Do everything possible, including deep due diligence of potential partners, competitors and themarket evolution, to develop the right approach first.
It should also be recognized that it is
expensive to get started. Expatriation
costs for leaders in China are high.
It takes time to develop the staff,
and support will be required for longer
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GOING GLOBAL
attempting to build the organization
locally, and most international work-
ers become trainers and not “doers” as
quickly as possible.
ASCIC is a joint venture with Hua-
mao Technical Textile Co. Is it difficult
to calibrate your operational philoso-
phy with the philosophy and standards
of this Chinese company? Are there
things that are “lost in translation” that
have made this partnership challeng-
ing? How is this addressed?
Huamao is a partner and produces
airbag fabrics for us. Our relationship
is clean, but complex. Despite the fact
that we have a joint venture with them
for airbag cushion manufacturing, we
independently manage the airbag op-
eration. We intentionally desired to
keep the management accountability
simple. Again, a million questions exist
on how to organize any structure in
Asia. Clear control of various aspects of
running any partnership is important. I
think it would be difficult if there were
joint-management of any element of
a partnership. The structure of any
partnership is absolutely critical, so
that differences in philosophies do
not enter into running the business.
I would recommend to try and have
separation of duties everywhere pos-
sible, if a partnership or joint venture
is constructed.
Finally, what advice would you give
to a U.S.-based textile/specialty fabric
manufacturer that is looking to expand
its operations overseas?
My leading advice is that a top man-
agement leader and visionary must
be assigned to the project full-time.
This leader must be “on the ground”
in China to evaluate the specific chal-
lenges of the unique products, play-
ers and market. This person will need
support from a good English- and Chi-
nese-speaking leader or international
consultant. Either hire a person, or
engage with a consultant who has good
experience with many ways to invest
in China. Good consultants are hard
to find and some are very expensive;
however, it is necessary to have some-
one with real experience, added to the
in-house person with specific product,
customer and market experience to get
the job done in the beginning. Do not
be fooled by the fact that everyone will
“partner” with you.
There is a great willingness to part-
ner with international companies. You
must ask yourself if this partner truly
adds value. Do everything possible,
including deep due diligence of po-
tential partners, competitors and the
market evolution, to develop the right
approach first. Do not just say ‘we are
going to China or anywhere in Asia,’
without the commitment to study and
analyze all options, all opportunities,
and risks. Do this with your best person
leading the way. Be prepared to invest
the time necessary to make the right
decisions. I believe there is generally
one best route to success in Asia, and
many routes to failure. I am optimistic
that we have chosen the one best route,
for our special case. Once the right
approach is determined (if there is a
right approach), things will move more
quickly than can be imagined.
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Sea Ray resuscitation: A before-and-after shot of a remodeled panel.
IN THE SHOP
W
The h idden costThe d i l igence, ta lent , p lanning—and sense of humor—necessary to rebui ldthe cockpi t o f a 40- foot Sea Ray.
By Mark Ruediger
Mark Ruediger, MFC, works for Custom Canvas Solutions/Pet Project Inc., Lake Norman, N.C.
When deciding whether to take on
a project of this nature, with many un-
knowns, my feeling is: Some projects
have to be on my terms, without room
for negotiation. I’m sure most marine
fabricators would agree some jobs call
for sticking to the shop rate and the
amount of time it actually takes. Most
people, including myself at times, don’t
realize how labor-intensive that quality,
custom, and the far too frequent one-off
products are. This practice allows me to
stay profitable enough to continue in a
thriving custom marine business, keep
the bill collectors away and put bread on
the table. What a great life!
Customer consultation:12 months
I had done previous projects for this
particular customer, including custom
cockpit carpeting and a camper back
enclosure. So he was used to spend-
ing money on his boat, and as with any
boat this size, he had the budget for
it. (The ol’ “hole in the water to throw
money” theory, or, “bring out another
thousand” applies here.) We had been
talking for a while about a time when
he would have me fabricate new side
panels for his cockpit area. It was one
of those “hornet’s nest” jobs that I really
wasn’t in a big hurry to do, since I had
plenty of other canvas work. On a whim
one day I contacted him and asked if
he was ready to do it. His reply was, “I
had better do it before it stains the rest
of the very expensive marine Berber
carpeting” I had made for him.
It was already too late for one piece of
carpet. The rot from the plywood lurk-
ing under the vinyl and foam covering
had run down and literally caused the
backing to wrinkle and the gray carpet
Part 1:
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IN THE SHOP
to turn brown. My customer asked if I
had an idea how much it would cost to
rebuild the panels. My reply was, “no.” I
have learned that on a one-off job such
as this, figuring time would just about be
impossible, not to mention that I didn’t
want to sell myself short and under-
quote the job.
I further explained that the materi-
als would be approximately four to five
hundred dollars, depending on the
quality of the components I used to
rebuild the panels. The majority of the
cost of this job, as with most jobs I do,
is labor. I explained I would just have to
charge my shop rate per hour for the
work I do. He understood my position
and asked me to move forward and start
the process of the rebuild. After some
discussion it was decided to use the best
materials for this particular job, which
meant no plywood.
Materials: two hoursThere were three different suppli-
ers I used for this project, not includ-
ing the trusty local hardware store. (Is
it just me, or do you find that when
you need a particular item, like an
8/32 nut for something, the bin is
empty?) I took some initial measure-
ments of the panels and figured how
much vinyl and foam to order, match-
ing as closely as possible the existing
vinyl. The existing vinyl was foam-
backed, so I knew I would most likely
have to glue foam and vinyl to achieve
the desired plush effect.
I chose one-half-inch EZ Dri foam
to sandwich between the vinyl and the
backing board. For the board, I chose
King Star Lite XL, which is a variation
of the more expensive Star Board, used
for many exterior components such as
countertops, paneling, and many OEM
applications. The Star Lite is an excel-
lent alternative for a backing board for
this particular application, because it
will not rot. It’s more expensive, but as
with anything we do as fabricators, ma-
terials are “cheap” compared to the big
picture of quality and longevity of the
product. I doubt I would have taken on
the job if my customer had wanted to
use plywood. With a plywood applica-
tion, I’d be setting myself up for an un-
happy customer a few years down the
road (or, if you prefer, a few thousand
nautical miles down the lake).
Disassembly/patterning:eight hours
My shop space is limited, and I had
to commit most of the shop to this
project by getting organized and hav-
ing everything needed at hand before
I started. Like any project we do as
fabricators, our finished product is
only as good as our pattern. But where
was my pattern?
As indicated in the photos, there
were only a few sections that didn’t
turn to dust when handled during dis-
assembly. I took the better part of a
day to remove the two larger panels
and the “cubby hole” fronts from the
boat. They were mounted using screws
and one-quarter-20 T-nuts, which were
not easily accessible by mere mortals.
Boat builders never seem to consider
that their boat panels might have to
be disassembled one day by some guy
that (like most “normal” people) only
has the sum of three joints in his elbow,
wrist, and shoulder. (If I’d wanted to
be a contortionist I would have joined
the circus).
There were some plumbing and
electrical issues involved in this project
as well. (Note: I turned off the master
circuit breakers and relieved pressure
off all the water fixtures and let them
drain.) There is usually one faucet
lower in the cabin than in the cock-
pit, where there was a faucet for the
sink supply line, allowing most of the
water to drain out to the cabin fixtures,
eliminating a big wet cockpit deck.
A few towels to soak up drips will be
Above and below: “Only a few sections did not turn to dust during disassembly.“
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sufficient. One panel had a 110v outlet,
so I disconnected the wires and used
wire nuts to cap them off, since the
owner would be using the boat while I
was fabricating the panels in the shop.
As for getting that pattern, I had
the luxury of knowing where another
40-foot Sea Ray sister boat was moored.
I had done some work for her owner as
well, and requested that he allow me
to pattern off her panels the parts of
the ailing Sea Ray that no longer held
the original shape of the manufacturer.
He was happy to help. I marked some
“landmarks,” using canvax, the shape of
the panels, and where two panels meet.
Next, to get the majority of the large
panels, I patterned from the old panels
that still retained their original shape,
using canvax and the same landmarks
from the intact Sea Ray.
To double-check my patterns, I de-
cided to go to the project boat and mark
out the UV lines with a washable pencil
on the gel coat. By doing that, I’d have a
third canvax pattern to line up with my
landmarks and compare the three pat-
terns; it would give me a clue (and a lit-
tle confidence) as to the original shape
and points where two panels/cushions
meet. After I laid the patterns on the
table and lined up all the landmarks, I
was able to make a master pattern for
each panel.
How confident was I? Very? I know
better! That’s why I took the patterns
back to the project boat and taped them
to the sides of the cockpit and checked
all the T-nut and bracket locations.
As I always say, “Measure four times,
cut once.” On a project of this scale,
I wouldn’t want to make these things
twice. You can never double-check
things too often. It saves many hours of
re-makes in the long run … something
that any fabricator learns very quickly.
Note: Stay tuned for part two of Mark Ruediger’s “Remodeling a 40-foot Sea Ray” in the April issue of the Review, where Rue-diger rebuilds and installs the brand-new cockpit for his customer.
“After I laid the patterns on the table and lined up all the landmarks, I was able to make a master pattern for each panel.“
IN THE SHOP
Ruediger working up a new pattern.
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EXPO WATCH
“We are extremely pleased to be co-locating IFAI Expo 2006 with ATME-I and the AATCC International Con-ference and Exhibition in Atlanta,” says Steve Warner, president of IFAI. “The synergy created by bringing these three events together in the heartland of the U.S. textile industry is an extraor-dinary opportunity for both attendees and exhibitors.”
Attracting international buyersIFAI is also pleased to announce that
MEGATEX has been selected by the U.S.
Department of Commerce (DOC) for the
prestigious International Buyer Program
(IBP) designation in 2006. This means that
the DOC considers the IFAI Expo to be
one of the top exhibitions in the country.
Hundreds of shows in the United
States apply each year to be considered
for an IBP designation by the DOC. A
survey of U.S. Commercial Service of-
fices around the world reviewed all of
the applications and concluded that
the IFAI Expo 2006 and MEGATEX
will attract international business buy-
ers. Since MEGATEX has received this
designation, it is the dedicated mission
of the DOC to do everything possible to
bring buyers to the show, including the
organization of trade delegations.
U.S. companies that are interested in
meeting potential buyers from around
the world are encouraged to exhibit
at IFAI Expo 2006. More than 450 ex-
hibitors on the IFAI Expo 2006 trade
show floor will offer tailored products
and services to suit the needs of every
market of the specialty fabrics indus-
try—from safety to medical to marine
to sports and recreation, and much
more. The IFAI Exposition consistently
increases business opportunities for
specialty fabric professionals from every
part of the industry. In the textile indus-
try, IFAI Expo 2006 will be the number
one event in the Americas to conduct
global business in 2006.
For more information about attend-
ing or exhibiting at IFAI Expo 2006,
contact IFAI Conference Management
at 800 225 4324, +1 651 222 2508, fax
+1 651 631 9334; e-mail confmgmt@ifai.
com, Web site www.ifaiexpo.info.
nation will give all attendees access to
three huge, highly regarded textile
trade shows in one location—a can’t-
miss opportunity.
ATME-I is a trade show for textile
machinery, equipment, accessories, sup-
plies and services for the yarn and fiber,
weaving, knitting, dyeing, printing and
finishing, and other nonwoven manu-
facturing industries. The AATCC trade
show leads in education, technology
transfer, and test method development
for the textile design, materials, and wet
processing industries.
IIFAI Expo 2006 will be held at the
Georgia World Congress Center in
Atlanta, Ga., October 31–November
2, 2006.
This year IFAI will collaborate with
the ATME-I® 2006 and AATCC Inter-
national Conference & Exhibition
2006 trade shows to create MEGA-
TEX—an event that will bring hun-
dreds of suppliers and manufacturers
under one roof. The events will be held
in conjunction with one another, but
will remain separate so as to keep the
individual flavor of each. This combi-
A Part of
A Georgia peachIFAI Expo 2006 br ings the year ’s premier text i le event to At lanta .
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SHOWROOM
Flying styleThrough form and funct ion, banners make their mark as a publ ic d isp lay.
Hoop dreamsFlying Colors Inc., Berkeley, Calif.
Flying Colors Inc. created the look and feel of the 2005 NBA All-Star
Game in Denver, creating connectivity to the varying personalities of the
game venue, the community and region, as well as the 13 event hotels. The
overall package centered around the local landscape, featuring cool blues
and browns evoking the icy elegance and dynamic range of the Rocky
Mountains. The banner program was installed along the 16th Street Mall
and created the “spine” of the visitors’ visual experience, connecting the
venue to hotel events. At each hotel, Flying Colors tailored its materials
to match the décor of the facilities in which they were adorned, creating
a seamless presence for the event, yet remaining respectful of Denver
architecture and interiors. The architecture of the event venue (the Pepsi
Center in downtown Denver) was enhanced with 50 foot x 65-foot imaged
mesh “wedges,” while ten 45 foot x 8-foot panels featured action-oriented
player profiles against the mountain backdrop. Installation was done by
Rhino Staging and Event Solutions, Denver; fabrication was performed by
Great Big Color, Commerce City, Colo.; Flag Crafters, Chula Vista, Calif.,
and New Vista Image in Golden, Colo.
Toddler towersQueen City Awning, Cincinnati, Ohio
The Proctor & Gamble (P&G) Baby Care project consists of eight
double-sided banners with full color digital images on both sides.
Five of the banners measure 5-feet wide by 20-feet high and three
of the banners are 5-feet wide by 24-feet high. Total banner surface
area measures approximately 2,300 square feet. The banners were
hung on the facade of the new building edition for the baby-care
products division at P&G in Cincinnati. While reinforcing brand
image, the banners also act as a sunscreen for the three-story high
glass facade. As for the image quality and ink colors, the banner
designers were exacting. The process required several generations
of proofs to achieve the intended results. The designers wanted
100 percent opacity between each side of the banners. To achieve
this, the banners were constructed with two outside layers of vinyl
and an additional interior layer of blackout vinyl. Installation of this
project was overseen by ASI Limited, Indianapolis. Kolar Design
Associated, Cincinnati, carried out the design, and Seattle-based
Rainier Industries did the graphics.
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Atrium impact, with spiritThe Design Loft, St. Louis, Mo.
The architectural firm Brackett and Kennerich contacted The Design
Loft Inc. to create an atrium sculpture for the new headquarters of Liberty
Bank in Jonesboro, Ark. The architect requested that the work be dynamic,
explosive, and abstract, and that it incorporate the U.S. flag, which is part
of the Liberty Bank logo. The flag elements—stars and stripes—were split
into thirteen stripes and seven sections for the star field. The red stripes
and blue star field were made of 200 denier nylon. The white stripes were
made of 80 by 80 stainless steel mesh wire cloth. The mesh was chosen to
give the work breathing space, as it was designed for a very tall, narrow
area. Too much nylon would tighten the space more than necessary. The
stainless is versatile; it can be transparent at certain angles or can create a
solid-looking stainless reflective surface depending on the light. For this
project, the mesh was “crunched” to increase the reflective qualities of the
material and to add texture together with the smooth nylon fabric.
SHOWROOM
Bridging the gapHendee Enterprises Inc., Houston, Texas
The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo commit-
tee wanted a banner to stretch across the walkways
that carry patrons from the parking area on one side
of Kirby Drive to Reliant Stadium on the other side
of the street, where the rodeo was held. This banner
served as an advertisement for the rodeo and added to
the festivity of the event. Due to wind loads, however, a
solid fabric could not be used for the project. Hendee
Enterprises provided the solution with its shade fabric
banner, which allows wind to pass through, but also
can be screen-printed. The banner also had to fit the
contour of the walkway frame precisely and be installed
securely to prevent traffic interruption. Graphics were
provided by Signtex Imaging, Tomball, Texas.
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G
Chi Jing-Kui is a board member of the ChineseTechnical Association on Geosynthetics (CTAG).
Xia Qi-Xing, the article translator, works for theGeosynthetic Quality Inspection Center of theMinistry of Water Resources, Shanghai Designand Research Institute, Shanghai.
The editors would like to thank Li Ying Yu, IFAI China, www.ifai.com, for arranging this article.
Geosynthetics have been used in
China since the 1970s. Use of the ma-
terials developed slowly in the 1980s,
a period during which woven textiles
were the primary choice. In the 1990s,
with the rapid development of the na-
tional economy, a lot of manufacturing
equipment and production lines were
introduced. At the same time, domes-
tic companies developed equipment,
too. Since then, the product varieties
have changed significantly, and the
scope of applications has broadened
gradually. This has been especially
true for flood control applications and
other hydraulic projects. For example,
the Shanghai Chenhang Reservoir
Project, Phase 1, used roughly 1.5
million square meters of geotextiles.
Through 1995, 500 million square
meters of geosynthetics had been used
in 10,000 projects. In 1998, China was
hit by an extremely harmful flood
disaster. The flood at Lake Dongting
killed 4,000 people. Since then, the
national leadership has given a great
deal of attention to flood control, and
a large amount of geosynthetics have
been put into flood prevention and
dam repair schemes.
Although geosynthetics were used
in China relatively later than in the
United States and European nations
(where some uses extend back to the
1950s), China has developed rapidly
in recent years in almost every respect:
manufacturing, design capabilities,
quality inspection, installation tech-
niques, standards, codes, theory and
research. Notably, great advances have
been seen in leakage prevention, re-
inforcement and filtration. Manufac-
turing processes have improved and
applications have broadened.
Basic classificationsIn China, geosynthetics are gener-
ally classified according to the manu-
facturing processes:
• Woven textiles: woven-braided,
woven, woven-knitted
• Nonwoven textiles: spun-bonded
(integrated mainly by needle-punching),
needle-punched, short filaments (inte-
grated mainly by needle-punching)
• Synthetics: geomembrane (pressed
and stretched, blown plastic), geogrid
(single direction stretched, double
direction stretched), geocell (honey-
comb, or bee-cell, construction)
• Composites: geomembrane/textile
(thermo-bonded, 1 textile/1 mem-
brane, 2 textiles/1 membrane, 3 tex-
tiles/2 membrane, etc.), drainage pipe
(chemical bonded), drainage tube
(composite filtration), geosynthetic
clay liner [GCL] (needle-punched,
seamed, and thermo-bonded)
Now in its 10th five-year plan, China has the world’s top hydraulic and hydro-engineering market. It also has earmarked 700 billion Yuan($86 billion) for environmental protection projects.
WORLD VIEWS
TheChinesemarket
Geosynthet ic development ,market facts and prospectsin the wor ld ’s hot testconstruct ion arena.
By Chi J ing-KuiTranslated by X ia Qi-Xing
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als on both sides will not mix, main-
taining the installation’s integrity even
as the materials are extruded under
the load. This function has been used
widely in railroads, highways, earth
and/or rock dams, soft foundations,
and river rehabilitation.
• Protection. The function of protec-
tion can be seen in two cases: surface
protection and internal protection.
The former applies to the installation
of the geosynthetic on the surface of
the soil to protect the soil body from
the possible damaging effects of ex-
ternal forces. The latter applies to the
installation of geosynthetics between
two materials in the soil so that when
one kind of material is exposed to fo-
cused stress the other kind of material
is not affected.
Market potentialChina is now in a phase of heavy
investment in its infrastructure. Both
central and local governments and
international investors have poured
WORLD VIEWS
Main functionsGeosynthetics can be used in broad
applications as determined by the ma-
terials’ various functions. In general,
geosynthetics have six functions:
• Filtration. A filtration layer, on one
hand, should have good permeability
so that when water flows through it the
flow rate maintains good performance;
on the other hand, it also should have
an adequate number of pores with
small sizes so that it keeps the soils
from diminishing dramatically and
destroying the soil body.
Geotextiles, especially nonwoven
textiles, possess both characteristics.
They have not only good permeability
performance, but relatively small pore
sizes. These pores can be manufac-
tured specific to the site soil particle
sizes so that the majority of the soil can
be retained as water flows through.
Filtration is the primary function
of textiles in Chinese civil engineer-
ing, and for this geotextiles have been
used widely in hydraulic constructions,
railroads, highways, buildings, airports,
and environmental protection proj-
ects—especially in dams, bank bases
and hydraulic project embankments.
• Leakage prevention. Geomem-
brane and geomembrane composites
are recommended for leakage preven-
tion. They are not only used widely in
dams, rivers and reservoir banks as an
alternative for clay cores, but to prevent
reservoir leakage. Also, they are used in
drains, water tanks, waste water tanks,
swimming pools, substrate buildings,
waste proposal projects, and environ-
mental protection projects to solve seep-
age, leakage, and dampness.
• Reinforcement. Geosynthetics are
often used to reinforce a weak earth
base. Geogrids, especially, offer high-
strength performance for this applica-
tion. When they are installed in the
earth, the base will have improved load
capabilities and better integral stress
performance. The stability of soil lay-
ers can be enhanced greatly. Geogrid
reinforcement is used mainly for soft
and weak earth foundations and for
steep retaining walls.
• Drainage. Textiles, especially
nonwoven textiles, are excellent po-
rous materials, both in the in-plane
direction and the normal direction.
They can collect water from the soil
and pull it into and through the tex-
tiles to protect the constructions be-
hind embankments or to consolidate
a soft foundation.
• Separation. Geosynthetics can be
installed between two different materi-
als, different sizes of the same material,
or the soil surface and its upper layers
to separate. When exposed to external
loads, the separation function of the
geosynthetic ensures that the materi-
large amounts of money into projects
to ensure adequate funding and timely
construction. The projects require vast
numbers of new materials. This require-
ment creates a good opportunity for the
development and application of geosyn-
thetics, and provides a much broader
market for the sale of new materials.
China is now in the implementa-
tion of its “10th five-year plan.” Bet-
ter understanding and analyzing how
these plans affect Chinese construction
projects is vital to knowing the market’s
dynamics, grasping reliable informa-
tion, and guiding geosynthetic manu-
facturers along the right track.
Hydro-electrical projectsIn this 10th five-year plan, China
plans to invest 460 billion Yuan ($55
billion) in 947 projects of hydraulic
infrastructure with 159 pivotal ones; 900
billion Yuan ($110 billion) in 19 electric
plants with a total capacity of 700 mil-
lion kilowatts; 4 nuclear electric plants;
and some pumped storage hydro-plants.
Among these projects, the biggest hy-
draulic project will lead southern water
to the north. The project investment is
535.1 billion Yuan ($66 billion).
China is second to none in the
world in terms of the scale and the
investment amount for hydraulic and
hydroelectric projects. In addition to
the important projects planned by the
central government, the provincial,
While port construction has helped spur growth in eastern China, the western region isgrowing quickly with the aid of significant transportation investment.
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WORLD VIEWS
municipal, and autonomous regional
governments have also invested large
amounts of money in the hydraulic
and hydroelectric projects to assure
their smooth implementation. From
small-scale hydroelectric plants and
water tanks to first-rate hydraulic and
hydroelectric projects, the vast major-
ity of geosynthetics have been and will
continue to be used.
In dams and banks and cofferdams,
knitted woven textiles, woven textiles
and nonwoven textiles top the list.
Geomembranes are mainly
used for leakage preven-
tion in dam foundations,
banks, watergates, upper
stream caps, lower stream
aprons, cofferdam lining,
upper reservoir storage
pumped from hydro-plants,
and important trenches. In
the south-to-north water
transport project, liners
will be key to the success
of the canals and to prop-
erly isolate and dispose of
polluted water. Close to
3,000 km (1,865 miles) of
main canals will rely on an
extremely large amount of
geomembranes.
Environmental protection
Another aspect of the 10th five-year
plan involves China’s investment of 700
billion Yuan ($86 billion) in environ-
mental protection projects. Important
funds within this plan include 270 bil-
lion Yuan ($33 billion) for the disposal
of polluted water and 90 billion Yuan
($11 billion) for solid waste manage-
ment. These two sectors are the main
consumers of geosynthetics. In current
landfills, various kinds of geosynthet-
ics—geomembranes, GCLs, nonwoven
geotextiles, geogrids, and flexible drain-
ing composites—are used to form an
integral leakage prevention system.
China has 345 waste management
plants. With its rapid growth, the coun-
try has 800 urbanized towns, with a
combined population of 450 million. It
is estimated that by 2010, these figures
will rise to 1200 towns and a popula-
tion of 630 million. There will be a
corresponding, urgent need for waste
landfills. It may be that each town,
given their sizes, growth prospects, and
diversity of waste, will require their own
landfills. The amount of geosynthetics
needed will be huge.
TransportationThe scope of current Chinese invest-
ment in the development of railroads,
highways, ports, water transportation
and city mass transit systems is without
global precedent. In particular, the
transportation infrastructure in the
country’s western region is significant.
railroad foundations. Geosynthetics will
see more and more applications in rail-
road construction.
Highway developments focus on
strengthening the main national lines
and the western regions. In the south-
western region, 43,000 km (26,718
miles) will be built with an investment
of 220 billion Yuan ($27 billion). Riv-
erbank and waterfront roads will also
be built.
Geosynthetic use in highways is
broader than in railroads. In high-
ways, geosynthetics are
used mainly to resolve the
reflective fissures of the bi-
tumen surfaces, and there
are more tunnels and re-
taining walls in highway
applications. As such,
more geomembranes and
reinforcement materials
are used here than in the
railways. Also, municipal
roads adopt geosynthetics
to reduce long-term re-
pairs.
For ports, waterways, air-
ports, and mining plants,
geosynthetics play an im-
portant role. In addition
to the regular functions of
filtration, leakage preven-
tion, and reinforcement,
many projects use sand-
filled pipes to reclaim the sea coast,
drainage pipes (geocomposites) to
consolidate soft foundations, geobags
to protect banks, and so on. In a word,
the variety, scope, and the quantity of
geosynthetics used in this construction
segment is vast, and the quality and
selection is the best it has ever been.
Still, there is room for growth
in research and development. With so
much money being directed into infra-
structure, this is a prime opportunity to
further develop geosynthetic products,
designs and construction techniques.
WaterwaysThree kinds of geotextiles are clas-
sified: knitted, woven, and nonwoven.
In recent years, to meet the needs of
coastal reclamation projects, municipal
improvement plans and waterway regu-
lations, high-strength round woven,
reinforced braided woven, counter-
aging braided woven, and nanometer
braided woven geotextiles have been
The nation’s 800 urbanized towns account for 450 million of the nearly onebillion population. Within five years, the number of urban areas is expected to exceed 1,200 with a combined population of 630 million. A tremendous amount of lining will be needed to manage municipal waste and protectwater resources.
In railroads, the investment amounts
to 350 billion Yuan ($43 billion), with
6,000 km (3,700 miles) of newly built
single lines, 3,000 km (1,865 miles) of
double lines, 5.000 km (3,100 miles)
of electrified lines, and 1,000 km (620
miles) of local lines. Because the rail-
roads are so long and the geographic
conditions and the natural environ-
ments are so different, there are many
problems to be solved. Generally speak-
ing, the geosynthetics used in railroad
applications are geogrids, geomem-
branes, composite geomembranes,
and nonwoven geotextiles. At the pres-
ent time, the railroads being built are
located largely in the northwest and
southwest regions. There, geomem-
branes are used primarily to seal tun-
nels. Furthermore, to protect the land
surrounding the railroads and to beau-
tify them, three-dimensional geowebs
are used. In addition, in order to speed
up the trains, a lot of problems need to
be addressed—especially the stability of
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WORLD VIEWS
introduced to the market to comple-
ment the traditional flat, woven prod-
ucts. Woven geotextiles are mainly used
with the nonwoven textiles to form
composite sand-filled pipes in recla-
mation applications. For instance, in
the Yangtze River Estuary Deep Wa-
terway Development Project, 34 mil-
lion square meters have been used. In
the Shanghai Yangshan Deep Water
Port Project, similar large numbers
of woven/nonwoven composites have
been used.
Nonwoven textiles are mainly made
of short terylene filaments and used
mainly as a filtration layer, and some-
times as a component of the geomem-
brane composite. In contrast, long
terylene filament nonwoven textiles
have seen a dramatic increase in the
production and application in recent
years. Yet, production techniques and
quality still need improvement. In the
long run, there are bright prospects
for manufacturing, engineering, and
designing these materials with a grow-
ing number of manufacturers.
Leakage prevention With the continued rapid develop-
ment of hydraulic, environmental, and
building projects, the requirements
for leakage prevention have increased.
The variety of sites in need has spurred
geomembrane development, its sci-
ence and market. Currently, extruded
and plastic-blown geomembranes can
be made in China. These products
include polyvinyl chloride (PVC), poly-
ethylene (PE), high-density polyeth-
ylene (HDPE) and low-density poly-
ethylene (LDPE). For specific project
needs, double-smooth, smooth/rough,
double rough geomembranes, re-
inforced geomembranes, and GCL
Roughly 34 million square meters of woven geotextile have been used to create sand-filled geotextile tubes. This has enabled considerable reclamation and development along the Yangtze River.
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WORLD VIEWS
Application Est. annual geomembrane use
Hydraulic and hydroelectric projects 52.5 million m2
Environmental protection 37.5 million m2
Transportation 27 million m2
Construction 18 million m2
Mining plants 6 million m2
Miscellaneous 9 million m2
Table 1. Estimated annual geomembrane use for leakage prevention in various industries.
leakage prevention mattresses can be
produced. Few factories in China are
capable of making extruded products,
and there are very few large-scale man-
ufacturers. Also, the qualities of differ-
ent manufacturers are very different.
Geomembranes and the correspond-
ing installation techniques still need to
be developed to suit the disparate site
conditions and client needs.
Reinforced materialsWith the demands of railroads, high-
ways and environmental protections
there is a great need for reinforced
materials. To date, single-direction
protruded geogrids, double-direc-
tion protruded geogrids, glass-fiber
geogrids, and warped geogrids can
be produced and used widely in these
projects. However, there are still few
large-scale and high-quality manufac-
turers in China.
ConclusionGeosynthetics have developed
quickly in China-based manufacturing,
applications, and research. The pri-
mary trends are to make a whole range
of products, to synthesize new prod-
ucts, and to make composites from ex-
isting different materials. Applications
lean towards medium- and large-scale
projects. The guiding research, test
techniques, installation techniques,
and the related codes and standards
have all been improved. These facts
suggest a strong manufacturing capa-
bility in China, and they indicate that
a strong team of geosynthetic profes-
sionals has formed.
Geosynthetics have been found to be
highly economical, and with their vital
applications in China, of great social ben-
efit. As infrastructures enter new phases,
so too should geosynthetic practices. As
a field, we should seize the present op-
portunity to make this happen.
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CONNECTIONS
W
Digi tal Expohosts imaging community
When Hurricane Katrina shut down
the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center
in New Orleans, the Specialty Graphic
Imaging Association (SGIA) was forced
to relocate its 2005 Expo from late Sep-
tember to Dec. 8-10 in Phoenix, Ariz.
Despite the inconvenience, SGIA Digital
Expo 2005 scrambled together a success-
ful show that reflected the diverse, thriv-
ing industry it represents. Total attendees
topped 5,300, with 147 exhibitors, a great
percentage of which represented the
textile industry. Non-U.S. attendees and
exhibitors came from 47 other countries,
with Canada, Mexico, and the United
Kingdom most well-represented.
On the show floor was a mixture of
digital imaging leaders from several key
market sectors to share ideas and expe-
riences. Textile printing was well repre-
sented, with innovations demonstrated
and displayed for such things as banners,
signs, posters, wraps, apparel, interior
design, bags, labels, and decals.
The concept of print shop as market-
ing partner was prominent. “What life
is about today is marketing and design
… what you do with the technology,”
says Gordon Brown, New Vista Image,
Golden, Colo.
Lynn Krinsky, of Stella Color, Seattle,
Wash., agrees. “I bring customers in, and
get them all jazzed up, and they walk
about thinking, ‘look what I can do.’”
Krinsky was instrumental in creating
the Interior Design Display on the show
floor. The display presented four room
concepts—a bedroom, a dining area,
a living room, and a washroom—each
decorated with digitally imaged materi-
als (direct to substrate or dye sublima-
tion). At the Wrap Display Area, Santa
Ana, Calif.-based Arlon Inc., Avery Den-
nison, Painesville, Ohio, and St. Paul,
Minn.-based 3M demonstrated the latest
materials and techniques in the bur-
geoning digital wrap trade.
Practical futurist Michael Rogers pro-
vided the keynote address. Exploring the
interactions between people and technol-
ogy, Rogers notes that there is a genera-
tion coming of age that has never known
life without the Internet. As digital imag-
ing continues to develop and competes
with mature technologies, this too will
change the way people and technology
interact. Your customers, staff, colleagues
and partners are all dealing with technolo-
gies that are different from what they were
last year. Business practices are constantly
evolving to sustain growth.
Connections is a forum for news
and information from cooperation
organizations within or connected
to the specialty fabrics industry. For
news from the Industrial Fabrics
Association International, publisher
of the Review, turn to IFAI Update on
page 64.
The show floor at SGIA Digital Expo 2005. After Hurricane Katrina shut down conventionactivity in New Orleans, the show successfully relocated to Phoenix, Ariz.
Hot trend: Special demonstrations were held daily at the SGIA Digital Expo, featuring the technologies and techniques of digital building and vehicle wraps.
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Mile-high nonwovensINDA, the Association of the Non-
woven Fabrics Industry, organizer of the
fifth annual event that brings together
companies from both the consumer prod-
ucts and engineered fabrics industries,
reports that almost 400 attendees from
around the world converged in Denver,
Colo., for the four-day VISION 2006
Consumer Products show (Jan. 15-18).
“Once again, VISION 2006 succeeded
in its goal of being the place and time
for consumer products companies to
meet and network with their suppliers
from the nonwovens and engineered
fabrics side of the business,” says INDA
President Rory Holmes.
A highlight of the conference was
the selection of the Disaster Relief
Blanket from Chicopee, a division of
Polymer Group Inc. (PGI), N. Charles-
ton, S.C., as the recipient of the 2006
Visionary Award (see “Swatches”, page
Textile printing demonstrations were a popular attraction, and the possibilities of this growing trend were on full display.
CONNECTIONS
9).VISION 2006 attendees chose the
Disaster Relief Blanket over four other fi-
nalists—the Mr. Clean Magic Reach from
The Procter & Gamble Co.; Johnson &
Johnson’s Stayfree Advanced Protection;
the Disposable Mitt with Body Wash from
Kimberly-Clark; and Cotton Enhanced
Baby Wipes from PGI Nonwovens.
“Consumer products that are utilizing
nonwoven fabrics are playing an increas-
ingly important role in both our everyday
lives as well as in extraordinary situa-
tions,” says Michael Jacobsen, Visionary
The Disaster Relief Blanket, by Chicopee, a division of Polymer Group Inc.
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CONNECTIONS
Award project coordinator. “The Vision
2006 attendees recognized the contribu-
tions the Chicopee Disaster Relief Blan-
ket is making in emergency situations
around the world, and it was chosen over
four other extremely deserving and suc-
cessful consumer products from some of
the biggest names in the business.”
AAPN celebrates aquarter-century of evolution
The American Apparel Producers’
Network (AAPN) is celebrating its 25th
year of operation. The group was orga-
nized in 1981 as the Garment Association
of Georgia.
AAPN founder Don Strickland
started the organization in Georgia with
apparel contractors to drive down the
cost of workers’ comp insurance. Word
spread throughout the South, and the
organization grew to represent the cut-
and-sew industry in the United States
and Canada. Don passed away suddenly
in 1990, and his wife, Sue C. Strickland,
took over the leadership.
In 1994, AAPN was the first apparel
organization to list its members on-
line. By 1996, Ms. Strickland took the
database to the Internet. “I’ve seen two
things every year I’ve been here—first,
new technology from us for our mem-
bers. Second, far fewer organizations
in this industry. There were dozens of
associations ten years ago, today only a
handful. There’s a relationship there,”
says Strickland.
But the major innovation in AAPN
remains its constantly evolving global
business model.
AAPN member John Stevenson of
Standard Textile recently wrote to say,
“I must say that AAPN has transformed
itself from the group I met in 1995. Do
you ever stop to realize how far you have
come?” Since 1995, the AAPN has gone
global with contractors on every conti-
nent; has recruited the U.S. industry’s
leading sourcing executives into full
membership; grown its supply chain
membership into fiber and yarn; and in-
corporated leaders from every step and
stage of the supply chain worldwide.
As Ms. Strickland wrote in her edi-
torial in the 2006 AAPN JOURNAL,
“We’ve changed from a U.S. contractor-
centric outfit to become the industry’s
only global supply chain organization.
As I write this, we have 230 members,
10 percent of whom were members 10
years ago.”
The American Apparel Producers’
Network is a nonprofit industry net-
work based in Atlanta, Ga. All mem-
bers are detailed online at www.aap-
network.net. The AAPN Journal can
be ordered by contacting the staff di-
rectly. AAPN’s motto is “Marketing is a
contact sport.”
Aid for rental equipment industryThe American Rental Association
(ARA) distributed grants totaling
$190,000 to 20 rental equipment busi-
nesses that incurred severe damage
from Hurricane Katrina or Hurricane
Rita. The grants are intended to pro-
vide immediate relief and to help
quickly restore a rental business to full
operation. Cash contributions from 98
donors to the Rental Industry Relief
Fund made the grants possible.
Nearly 80 rental stores and suppli-
ers and nearly 20 ARA state and local
organizations contributed to the fund.
In addition, the ARA and ARA Insur-
ance Services contributed $75,000 and
$25,000 respectively. In total, slightly
more than $200,000 was raised.
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Fire Retardant MaterialsThis book provides a detailed analysis of the burning behavior
and flame retarding qualities of polymers, composites, and textiles. It also covers reducing fire hazards of real materials such as textiles, composites, and natural polymers. In addition it also explores emerging methods and anticipated changes to performance-based tests. (2001, hardcover, 444 pages)
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Handbook of Technical TextilesContents: Technical textiles market - an overview; technical
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Textile Testing & AnalysisThis book presents basic information on methods and tech-
niques used to analyze textile fabrics for end-use performance and product quality standards. (1998, paperback, 374 pages)
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Textiles (9th Edition)This textbook provides a solid background on textiles and is
an excellent fundamental source of information about fabrics and their characteristics. It introduces the basics on fibers, yarns, fabric construction, fabric finishing, and other textile-related issues. While not specifically written for the industrial fabric industry, most of the information is readily applied to any aspect of the textile industry. Our technical staff was particularly impressed with its fiber comparative information, charts, and easy to understand language. (1998, hardcover, 419 pages)
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Understanding TextilesDesigned for an interactive, analytical approach to learning
the basics of textile structures and textile performance, this text helps students understand—not just know—how the compo-nents of textiles—fiber, yarn, fabric, dye, and finish contribute to the performance of products for specific end uses. (2000, hardcover, 575 pages)
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Techno Textiles 2 Techno Textiles 2 highlights advanced textiles in production
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0106rvw_bkstrad.indd 1 1/3/06 3:22:28 PM
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THE BASICS: UPHOLSTERY
U
Stick to i tTips for se lect ing and apply ing upholstery adhesives.
By Amy J . Garv in and Betsy Taylor
Amy J. Garvin is a former editorial intern at IFAI, and Betsy Taylor is a freelance writer basedin Memphis, Tenn.
Upholstery must be durable. After
all, a sofa may endure the tossing
and turning of overnight guests, and
boat seats may be called upon to
hold dripping children in the glar-
ing summer sun. Durability’s a func-
tion of fabric, filling, fasteners and
construction technique, of course,
but adhesives play an important
supporting role.
Upholstery involves bonding foam
to sur faces as varied as fiber fill,
foam, fabric, wood, and metal. These
bonds should be so tenacious that
the foam will tear before the bond
separates. In short, a lot is asked of
adhesives. Although most uphol-
sterers swear by brands they’ve used
for years, the search continues for
the perfect product and the ideal
method of applying it.
Finding the right adhesive for the
job requires an understanding of
the performance characteristics of
the various adhesive components.
Adhesives include two component
categories: solids and carriers, ac-
cording to the Polyurethane Foam
Association (PFA), based in Knox-
ville, Tenn. Solids include bonding
compounds and tack agents, which
are the compounds that produce an
adhesive’s initial adherence. After
that step occurs, carriers deliver sol-
ids to the surface of the foam, and
then evaporate to allow the bonding
compound to cure. Besides bonding,
the most important requirement of
adhesives is that they not stain or
show through the fabric to which
they are applied.
Safe applicationBeing able to apply adhesive
evenly helps to ensure fabric protec-
tion. Application equipment is dic-
tated by the type of adhesive used,
and varies from a simple spray can,
to a pistol, air gun or pump device,
to hot-melt application systems.
Inherent in applying adhesives is
the problem of removing adhesive
from a surface for which it wasn’t
intended. One solution to this prob-
lem is to use solvents that are mass-
marketed to the upholstery industry,
although some in the craft have de-
veloped home remedies.
High-grade mineral spirits may
be purchased at any hardware store,
although you should make sure that
it’s mineral spirits and not thinner.
Thinner has oil in it, and that’s not
clean enough for adhesive removal.
Mineral spirits also are useful for
dislodging cotton balls and fluff
that sometimes gets trapped in the
sticky areas.
Obviously, the type of fabric
being upholstered figures into the
home remedy. “The best thing that
I’ve found, especially on leather, is
Coleman’s lantern fuel,” says Mitch
Whiteley of Phoenix Furniture and
Upholstery of Lincoln, Neb. “It nor-
mally doesn’t take any of the dye off.
It works on most fabrics where you
wouldn’t want to use lacquer thin-
ner.” Plus, he adds, it’s inexpensive.
Lantern gas also works for removing
small items that get stuck to an adhe-
sive surface, according to Whiteley.
Bonding agents, like other tools,
must be used responsibly for safe
operation. Although many people
are pushing for more environmen-
tally friendly alternatives, some up-
holsterers doubt that such products
can be developed. “I haven’t seen
anything on the market that’s envi-
ronmentally safe that actually sticks,”
says Whitely.
Some upholsterers working with
traditional adhesives use air-filtering
masks to protect themselves against
inhaling airborne particulates. Michael
Lanowski of UpholsteryShop Oregon
Inc., Portland, Ore., designates spe-
cial spray areas for adhesives use. “In
nice weather, we simply do it outside,”
he says. “We wear masks and goggles,
anything to cover the intake into the
breathing and the eyes. We’ll put up
some plastic to create special areas, and
we do have fans.” Lanowski says that he
has first aid on hand, including oxygen
tanks, in case of an emergency.
Sticky situationsThe most important detail to keep
in mind when choosing an adhesive
is the application for which you need
it. The type of fabric should be con-
sidered, as well as the conditions
to which the end product will be
exposed, such as direct contact with
water or the interior of a car on a
summer day. Safety is also an impor-
tant issue, and as with all tools and
chemicals, it is imperative that each
upholsterer take necessary precau-
tions when applying adhesives.
The chart on page 41 is a reference guide for the various types of adhesives, including their benefits, drawbacks, applications, and environ-mental concerns.
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THE BASICS: UPHOLSTERY
Adhesive Type
Benefi ts Drawbacks ApplicationsEnvironmental
or Safety concerns
Working Properties Equip-ment
Invest-ment
Tack time
Dry pliability
Bond time
Hot melt; Pressure Sensitive
(PSA);Non-PSA,
bulk or stick forms
Fast tack; no volatile organic chemicals
(VOC); non-fl ammable; 100% solids; non-toxic;
bonds a variety of porous and nonporous
materials; products available in stick form
for portability.
Standard hot melts have poor heat and
plasticizer resistance; higher performance hot
melts are expensive; equipment to apply in volume is expensive,
bulky and harderto handle.
PSAs (Pressure Sensitive):
plastic adhesion and foam bonding; Non-PSA bulk or sticks: spot-
tacking.
Potential burn hazard; fuming
may occur, requiring
ventilation.
fast poor fast high
Flammable Solvent base; bulk supplied
for spray application
Fast tack; low cost; provides strong bonds to a variety of fabrics and porous materials, good heat resistance, application equipment
reasonable in price; many formulations
available fromcontact cements
Usually contains VOC and toxic materials;
fl ammable - therefore requires explosion proof
lighting and electrical wiring in spray area.
Foam and fabric bonding
(low tension with soft seams),
High strength contact
cements such as “trim”
adhesives.
Contains VOC that may require EPA reporting; products are
fl ammable and are an explosion
or fi re hazard (undesirable for use in buildings with wood dust).
fast good fast high
Non-Flammable
Solvent base bulk supplied
for spray application
Fast tack; provides strong bonds to a variety
of fabrics and porous materials; often has
good heat resistance; application equipment
reasonable in price; non-fl ammable; needs no special lighting or
electrical wiring in shop.
Higher cost than fl ammable solvent
adhesives; contains VOC ( methylene chloride or n-propyl bromide); requires fume hood to
keep air concentrations TLV/TWA (threshold limit
values/time weighted averages) of VOC below
25 ppm (partsper million).
Foam and fabric bonding,
contact cements such
as “trim” adhesives.
ContainsMethylene
chloride and n-propyl bromide:
serious acute and long term
health hazards; require exposure
monitoring.May require
EPA reportingon VOCs.
mod–erate
goodmod–erate
high
Solvent base aerosol cans or canisters;
(both fl ammable and non-
fl ammable)
Fast tack; provides strong bonds to a variety
of fabrics and porous materials; good heat
resistance; requires no additional equipment,
special lighting or electrical wiring; very
mobile and easily moved throughout the shop.
Higher cost than bulk supplied adhesives; potential fi re hazard
(even products labeled “non-fl ammable”);
contains same toxic materials as bulk supplied solvent
adhesives; needs ventilation, monitoring,
and VOC reportingto the EPA
Foam and fabric bonding,
contact cements such
as “trim” adhesives.
Depending on whether it’s
fl ammable or non-fl ammable, these cans or
canisters have the same health
and safety concerns as
mentioned above.
fast good fast low
Water base;(Wood
and fabric adhesives,
Spray-applied contact
cements)
Provides good bonds to many substrates;
typically has best heat resistance; products can be fed from small containers or sprayed
with economical systems; little toxicity,
non-fl ammable; requires no special lighting or
electrical wiring in shop.
Requires longer working time to assemble
parts (although two component adhesives
can provide instant adhesion); clamp time important in
wood bonding; spray adhesives tend to fl oat in air (fog) in shop (ventilation recommended).
Wood adhesives
(white glue and aliphatic high performance);
fabric adhesives
(fl exible) for fabric and gimp
bonding;sprayable foam and
fabric contact cements.
Fogging particles might need to be controlled
with some type of fume hood
with fi lter, as the adhesive mist is
considereda “nuisance
dust” hazard.
slow good slow low
Adhesive character is t icsCompi led by Gary Groat , bus iness manager, UPACO Foam Fabr icat ion Adhesives Group, R ichmond, Va. ,and Steve Adams, UPACO technical serv ice manager.
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Peter Hildebrandt is a freelance writer based in Leesville, S.C.
Throughout the textile supply chain, from distributors
and textile mills, to dyers and finishers, specialty textiles
continue to grow in complexity. Today, more and more
countries and markets have a stake in the treatment and
testing of fabric. As consumers become more aware—and
more demanding—of products, the number of tests re-
quired for textile materials has grown. As a result, the test-
ing industry is increasingly varied, in constant flux, and
full of the unprecedented challenges of globalization.
“Globalization has clearly led to more U.S. companies
selling in Europe, Asia and worldwide,” says Louann
Spirito, director of technical support for SGS, a fabric
testing laboratory and inspection company with labs in
New Jersey, California, China and India. “As a result, these
companies are looking for more testing methods that will
satisfy everyone. They don’t want to have to test to U.S.
standards and then adjust to European standards.”
Test methods, of course, depend primarily on the
fabric’s end-use. Fit and shrinkage, strength, colorfastness
in laundering, flammability, crocking, permeability, solu-
bility, or light conditions all are critical considerations
for textiles. Specific test methods in the United States
are often set by either the AATCC (Association of Textile
Chemists and Colorists) or ASTM (American Society for
Testing & Materials). All fabrics sold in the United States
must meet requirements for various standards, according
to Spirito.
The ISO (International Standards Organization)
sets universal standards, but according to Spirito they
haven’t been tremendously effective. “Most of our U.S.
clients seldom request those ISO methods,” Spirito
says. “Maybe people just aren’t as familiar with them as
the [U.S.] test methods. Some are very similar, translat-
ing almost directly. Others require different conditions
and equipment.”
A quality-assurance program is key, says Spirito; one
that sets up a program with the test methods most suit-
able for the products a company imports. The goods are
tested overseas and inspected for quality before they are
exported to the United States. These tests must be done
early in the process. “You cannot use junky yarn and in-
ferior dye and expect to have a quality product,” Spirito
Fabric testing:
What’s your score?Fabr ic test ing p lays a crucia l ro le in gauging product qual i ty, assur ingregulatory compl iance, and assessing the performance of text i le mater ia ls .
By Peter Hildebrandt
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says. “The old expression ‘garbage in garbage out’ defi-
nitely applies to this situation.”
Standards and practicesA hot button issue in fabric testing is the use of re-
stricted substances, like formaldehyde, hazodyes, lead,
and heavy metals that may be used in specialty textiles or
in components such as lead in paint on zippers to match
the fabric. Paints containing these harmful substances are
banned in some countries.
Materials referred to as “functional fabrics” also are a grow-
ing trend, according to Spirito; such as fabrics with the ability
to “wick” moisture from the body—called moisture manage-
ment—and anti-bacterial and anti-microbial apparel.
For the most part, all of SGS’ testing methods are stan-
dardized, whether the test is done in New Jersey or Hong
Kong. Everyone uses the same technology, equipment and
methods. “If you don’t have a standardized method, you
have no way of comparing one location to another,” says
Spirito. “We are conscious of making sure everything is
controlled and calibrated. It is also important that testing
is done at different stages of production, too. It’s easy to
test one perfect sample, but in production something
completely different might be done. You must keep test-
ing a product, being certain it’s something representative
of what is actually going to be shipped.”
Luther Myers is a manager with Charlotte, N.C.-based
Textile Innovators, whose parent company is SDL Atlas,
a global textile-testing equipment firm. According to
Meyers, the differences among laboratories have become
increasingly acute. He feels that everyone is looking for
short cuts, even though many of the tests involved are
rather simple. “If you don’t have the fabrics conditioned
properly, if you don’t have the correct weight, or if the
peg wears, you are not going to get a smooth circle,” Mey-
ers says. “We are involved with the washing area because
we supply the test loads that are specified for the wash-
ing machines. All we do is supply a consistent standard
substrate. The hard part for us is maintaining the quality
of the fabric for testing year after year.”
The cloths that Textile Innovators use must have a
pure finish, free from protections, finishes or resins. In
testing there must be only one variable: the cloth that is
being tested.
“We are meticulous in maintaining the quality of that
testing fabric,” says Myers. “Where we have problems is
when our supplying textile mills keep closing down. I pick
up the newspaper and it seems like every other day there
is another plant closing in this country. We have to keep
finding new sources, and the new mills don’t do things
the same as the last mill did, or people don’t understand
what our needs are. This is one of the biggest challenges
we face.
“We also have companies in China that are making the
same testing machines our parent companies are mak-
ing—but for half the price. Yet, they have never gone to
the trouble of having these testers verified.”
One way that Myers suggests agencies such as the
AATCC deal with the problem is to invite individuals from
India or China, for example, to come to this country to
be trained in all the different testing methods. These
people could then go back to their own countries and set
up training centers.
New fabrics, new sources—new tests John Boyle & Co. Inc. manufactures and distributes
a broad category of products under the classification of
industrial textile, including awnings, boat tops, and large
tents. The Statesville, N.C.-based company also carries out
fabric testing for such things as flame retardance, strength
and durability, mildew and UV resistance. Bill White,
vice president of sales and marketing, says the challenges
the industry has had to face have largely come with the
changes associated with a shift from cotton to synthetic
fabrics. “A lot of the tests, historically, have been written
around cotton fabric, which is very heat-resistant,” says
White. “Now we are going into PVC and synthetic fabrics
that have a low melting point. Some of those test methods
are going away from the cotton-type test methods into the
more modern methods.” If untreated, cotton is very flam-
mable, but it has a very high melting temperature (which
is why cotton gloves are good for handling hot items). PVC
melts at 350 degrees, whereas cotton is still good up to five
What they’re testing for:The following list is a snapshot of some of the
numerous tests performed on specialty fabrics.
• Acidity
• Air, oil and water
permeability
• Alkalinity
• Appearance retention
in laundry
• Biocompatibility
• Colorfastness
• Denier/count
• Dimensional changes
• Dyeing analysis
• Elastic recovery
• Fabric construction
• Fabric elongation
at break
• Fabric count
• Fabric construction
• Fabric weight
• Fabric thickness
• Flammability
• Horizontal rate of
flame spread
• Hydrostatic pressure
• Insoluble matter
• Lightfastness
• Moisture content
• Material thickness
• Number of filaments
• Oil repellency
• Oily stain release
• Solubility
• Thermal qualities
• Water repellency
• Water resistance
Source: Contract Laboratory.com
A quality-assurance program is key; one that sets up a program with the test methods most suitable for the products a company imports.
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or six hundred degrees; cotton chars
before it melts.
“But those issues are being ad-
dressed,” says White. “UL-214 is
being considered by California State.
NAFDA realizes that small-scale test
methods are not appropriate for
PVC-coated fabrics. The old tests
involved charring, so if the product
melts away it would give you a high
char length and a cotton-type fabric
would not melt away.”
White says when goods are im-
ported problems arise in getting the
supplier to understand U.S. testing
methods. “Quite often we have to
have those tests run domestically in
this country,” says White. “It is con-
venient for us because we do have a
laboratory in our company and can
run those tests on a regular basis.”Another problem that White sees
with moving fabric around the world is that some fabrics coming into this country contain such things as heavy metals that are banned in the United States. The fear is that those
substances will escape into the water system during disposal, washing and cleaning. “There are a lot of heavy metals and things that are prohib-ited in the manufacturing and sell-ing of products here,” says White. “The real challenge for some of the fabric manufacturers abroad is that they need to understand that some of those ingredients must be taken out for the fabrics to be used in this
country. It’s also a problem for the people importing the fabric to be sure heavy metals do not exist in the products they are bringing in and selling, because they are responsible for the consequences.”
How reliable is testing data? Taber Industries, North Tonawa-
nda, N.Y., manufactures an instrument
known as the Taber® Rotary Platform
Abraser, used in the evaluation of abra-
sion resistance in fabrics. It is used in
a number of industries, including tex-
tiles. The auto industry has used the
Taber Abraser to evaluate seat mate-
rial, the nonwovens used in headlin-
ers, luggage compartments, carpeting
and trim material. It also has been
used for evaluating safety components
in fire suits, rubber-coated textiles,
corduroy materials, leather shoes and
many other materials.
Existing test methods that tend
to be internationally known (such as
those from ASTM and ISO] are used
to call out what the load is, what the
number of cycles performed should
be, how to hold the specimen in
place, and the type of abrasive wheel
that should be used.
“When you perform some of the
abrasion testing on materials, it be-
comes a visual test for wear resis-
tance,” says Alan Jaenecke, product
marketing manager with Taber In-
dustries. “There are so many differ-
ent construction issues that come
into play that we find that there are
differences between laboratories if
the materials being tested are not
treated the same way.”
Though technicians are gener-
ating test data, the real question is
whether that data is valid or meaning-
ful because of the language barrier.
During a recent trip to China, Taber
found that a lot of the operators did
not speak English. Therefore, though
they have the instrument, they did
not know how to operate it. “They
The Taber® Abraser 5155. The Taber Abraser, first introduced in the 1930s, was developed to perform accelerated wear testing.
FABRIC TESTING
Though technicians are generating test data, the real question is whether that data is valid or meaningful because of the language barrier.
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FABRIC TESTING
are not reading the owners’ manu-
als; not finding how to follow the
test methods,” says Jaenecke. “It was
an eye-opener because the customer
we visited gave us a copy of the test
method they were following. When
we compared it to how they were
conducting the test, we found they
were not following the directions
properly. This dilemma is going to
be one of the biggest issues facing
the industry as more people look
to outsource manufacturing in the
lower-wage countries.”
Quality and responsibilityWhen it comes to fabric testing,
you must be able to simulate how
long that material will last before
it wears out. A common procedure
is to establish a benchmark test in
order to ensure that fabrics that
may all look the same are in fact of
the same quality. This factor is es-
pecially important in working with
the auto industries in construction
of automobile upholstery. They
deal with many different fabrics that
may appear to be of the same qual-
ity yet are different, and the only
way to identify these differences is
through testing.
“We provide a tool that is primar-
ily there as a resource to verify a war-
ranty issue,” says Jaenecke. “Before
a mill releases a fabric, they’ll have
conducted the testing to insure that
it is up to their quality standards. If
somebody is not following the test
properly and they release a bolt of
material or production run that’s
substandard, the company that is
manufacturing it is responsible for
any warranty claims against its end-
use application.”
If testing has been done improp-
erly, problems may not arise until a
year after the product has been in
use. “We recommend that the per-
son who is subcontracting or buying
material from China validate the test
results through an independent test
lab,” says Jaenecke. “This way they can
confirm that the results are meaning-
ful and have a control. A lot of the
suppliers do not understand what
the test is that is being conducted
and they may not necessarily send
the right people to China. A quality
manager would be the ideal person
to go over, but typically a manager,
salesperson or an operations man-
ager is sent. In this case, that person
may simply ask the supplier if they
have conducted the test, the person
answers ‘yes,’ and that’s where things
stop. They should be pressed to show
how they arrived at the data.”
According to Jaenecke, 75 per-
cent of Taber Industries’ customers
in China were not conducting their
tests properly. “It may have been that
just this small group that we visited
were doing the test wrong,” says
Jaenecke. “But they did not under-
stand the proper setup for the instru-
ment. They were generating data but
it was worthless.”
To offer feedback or comment on this article, please contact Galynn Nordstrom, Senior Editor, at+1 651 225 6928, e-mail [email protected].
Turn to page 74 to contact the sources interviewed for this article.
I n d u s t r i a l F a b r i c P r o d u c t s R e v i e w M A R C H 2 0 0 648
O
Sail of the
centuryModern synthet ics match the need forstrength, speed and stretch-resistance on the water and in the wind.
by Jamie Swedberg
Once upon a time, sails were made of canvas.
We still talk about boat canvas, in much the same way
that we describe music MP3s as “records” and digital
mobile phones as “cell phones.” But the word is a relic.
Right after World War II, sailmakers started to adopt
synthetics such as nylon and polyester. And they’ve never
looked back.
These days, even historic tall ships, with their billow-
ing white “canvas” sails, are not what they seem.
“We do a spun polyester for vintage-type ships,” says
Hal Bates, marketing manager at Glen Raven Technical
Fabrics, Glen Raven, N.C. “They don’t put the cotton
sails on them anymore, because cotton doesn’t dry when
you roll it up, and it stretches. It is something that looks
like cotton, instead.”
What, then, constitutes the per fect modern sail
fabric? That depends partly on the kind of sail you’re
talking about.
Shaped by the windSailboat regattas are colorful, like flocks of exotic
birds. But the sails you’re seeing, emblazoned with pho-
tos, logos and other art, are generally not the mainsails.
They’re large, rounded sails called spinnakers.
Sailboats usually use a spinnaker when they’re sailing
downwind in steady, unidirectional winds. Spinnakers
add speed and steadiness, but they’re only for pulling
and lifting and are limited in their use; in cross winds,
gusty gales, or light winds, they’re more trouble than
they’re worth.
Modern spinnakers are generally made of lightweight
nylon ripstop weighing between ½ and 3 ounces per
square yard.
The mainsail is the workhorse—the only sail that is
flown at all times on most boats. It must be light enough
to be sensitive in light winds, yet it must resist stretch-
ing under extreme wind loads so that it can maintain an
airfoil shape.
The headsail is a smaller sail that contributes most of
the forward motion when the boat is sailing in a wind-
ward direction. It also must be light and low-stretch.
Both mainsails and headsails are most commonly made
of woven polyester or some kind of laminate.
Jamie Swedberg is a Georgia-based freelance writer.
“Evolution” was the winning boat at the 2005 Farr 40 World Cham-pionship Regatta in Sydney, Australia. Bainbridge AIRX fabric was used to make the spinnaker. Different types of sails demand different performance qualities, different fabrics, and different construction.
Bainbridge International Inc.
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Even within the same general type of fabric, there are
variations for different types of sails. “We carry hundreds
of different sailcloths, and often make and stock con-
structions of which we sell only a few hundred yards a
year, since we are committed to having every woven that
“Windsurfing materials are typi-
cally very balanced,” McGill says.
“Many windsurfing sails are made
out of just straight monofilm, say a
5-mil polyester film. We introduced
a product a dozen years ago or so
where we put a very loose scrim in
the middle to act as somewhat of a
ripstop. You get a little bit of extra
durability because you have two films
glued together instead of a single
film. It tends to be at the upper end
of the windsurfing market.”
But there’s more: Sails are not uni-
form panels of fabric; they can be
sewn in a variety of ways in order to
distribute stress. Spinnakers, for ex-
ample, are attached only at the three
corners, so they are usually made
using tri-radial construction. In this
construction, the stress radiates along
the seams toward the corners, mini-
mizing stretch. Radial panels are cut
from fabrics that are strongest in the
warp direction, such as laminates.
Some sa i l s are sewn us ing a
combination of radial-cut and cross-
cut panels. They’ll tend to use two
types of fabric—one type that is
strongest in the warp direction, and one that is strongest
in the fill direction.
Some new types of racing mainsails have evolved in the
last five years. Instead of using sewn panel technology, sail-
There are a lot of different kinds of sailors: cruisers, racers, windsurfers. All of them are looking for a fabric that’s light, stretch-resistant, and cheap. But you can’t have all three.
Windsurfing sails undergo a lot of sudden stresses and present a completely different set of fabric requirements.
Dim
ensi
on-P
olya
nt S
ailc
loth
Inc.
a sailmaker could want,” says Bob Bainbridge, president
of Challenge Sailcloth Inc., Vernon, Conn. “We make a
different fabric for each shape of sail. A short, fat “low
aspect” sail has different loads than a tall, skinny “high
aspect” sail. So we make a different fabric for each, and
in fact, some in-between, too.”
Windsurfing sails are in a category of their own.
“A lot of the engineering and the concepts behind a
windsurfing sail are completely different than a yacht
sail,” says David McGill, who works industrial sales at
Dimension-Polyant Inc., Putnam, Conn. “First of all, it’s
a completely un-stayed mast. Basically, the sail itself is a
freestanding wing. A lot of the loads on a windsurfing
sail are unique to that kind of wing structure.”
Load can shift suddenly from the bottom corner to the
back corner, he says, causing extremely high momentary
stresses. So a laminate, which is strongest in the warp
direction, is ill-suited to the application.
The perfect mainsail usually lies somewhere within what Dimension-Polyant’s David McGill calls the “design triangle” of weight, stretch resistance, and price.
Dimension Polyant Sailcloth Inc.
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makers produce one-piece membranes
with adhesives and reinforced corners.
But these sails remain in the minority,
because they are relatively costly.
The design triangleThe choice of sailcloth also de-
pends on the characteristics the cus-
tomer is looking for. There are a lot
of different kinds of sailors: cruis-
ers, racers, windsurfers. All of them
are looking for a fabric that’s light,
stretch-resistant, and cheap. But you
can’t have all three. And depending
on a sailor’s individual needs, one of
those three requirements is likely to
outweigh the others.
The perfect mainsail usually lies
somewhere within what McGill calls
the “design triangle” of weight,
stretch resistance, and price. It’s a
matter of give and take, of compro-
mise. Tear strength is important, too,
he says. But that’s not as big a deal
SAIL OF THE CENTURY
as you’d imagine, and it’s not what
sailors ask for.
“In most cases, by the time you’ve
got sufficient stretch resistance,
you’ve got plenty of strength,” he
explains. “Although sails do occa-
sionally rip or break, usually when a
sail is retired, it’s retired because it
has lost its shape, not because it is in
two pieces.”
Low stretch is a priority on a day-
to-day basis, too. Sailmakers have
the same goal no matter what kind
of working sail they’re making: They
want the sail to act as a vertical airfoil
or wing. The faster the boat goes, the
flatter that wing should become. But
the force of the wind is constantly
working against that goal, trying to
bow the sail out.
“The vast, vast majority [of sail-
cloth] is still just woven polyester,”
McGill says. “If you are just looking
for long-term durability and service-
At a certain size, perhaps a 30- or 40-foot boat, the weight of a polyester sail starts to outstrip the sail’s stretch resistance. At that point, a hybrid laminated sail is desirable.
Dimension-Polyant Sailcloth Inc.
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ability, woven polyester is probably
the best. Within that group you have
various gradations in terms of per-
formance—tighter weaves, maybe
one or two more finishing steps.
The next step up is usually some
kind of laminate.”
Within woven polyesters, there
are lower and higher tenacity yarns,
corresponding to lower and higher
stretch resistance. There are also
variations in weave.
Challenge Sailcloth makes more
than four grades of levels of sailcloths,
with duplicate weights in each grade;
so they often have three fabrics that
could be used in the same sail. “The
reason is to offer something for each
type of sailor,” says Bob Bainbridge.
“Four sailors could own the same
type of boat. The first might be a
serious racer; another might be a
serious cruiser who circumnavigates
the world; the third might be an oc-
casional racer and cruiser; and yet
another might go for an occasional
afternoon or evening social sail with
friends.” The racer would want the
firmest, highest performance, low-
est stretch “bulletproof” fabric; the
world cruiser would want high perfor-
mance and the most durable fabric
that money could buy. The occasional
sailor might need a combination of
durability and performance, but not
want to pay top dollar. And the social
sailor might prefer the least expen-
sive fabric for his infrequent activities
on the water.
“We do a lot with your America’s
Cup-type sailboats,” says Glen Ra-
ven’s Hal Bates. “We’ve got some
highly specialized looms that really
make it a tight, strong fabric. By
weaving very densely, you can help
avoid the problem of stretch.”
Racing boats often use resin-
coated fabrics, which are very stiff
and resistant to stretch in all direc-
tions. But they are a poor choice for
cruising sailors because their coating
is easily damaged in day-to-day han-
dling. They also require much more
skill to sail with.
Finally, the size of the boat can
make a difference in sailcloth choice.
At a certain size—perhaps a 30- or
40-foot boat—the weight of a poly-
ester sail starts to outstrip the sail’s
stretch resistance. At that point, a
hybrid laminated sail is desirable. A
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SAIL OF THE CENTURY
Kevlar® or Spectra® scrim adds cost
and weight, but it can make a big
difference in dimensional stability.
Grand Prix-level boats, such as those
used in the America’s Cup, often use
sails made of a blend of Kevlar and
carbon fibers.
The three biggest enemies of sail-
cloth are moisture, ultraviolet radia-
tion, and physical wear. For the first
two, it’s possible to apply coatings
that can protect the fibers within.
“Nylon, especially, is really suscep-
tible to the environmental conditions
because it really sucks up moisture,”
says Rich McGhee, director of the
sailcloth division of Bainbridge Intl.,
Canton, Mass. “We do all kinds of ex-
otic coatings on it to minimize this.”
For physical wear and tear, it’s
the inherent durability of the fibers
that counts.
“That’s where you go to selecting
which material is going to be the
best,” McGill says. “And that’s where
you have a tradeoff. Carbon fibers or
Kevlar are not as good in flex as, say,
a polyester. But of course, they’re
much stiffer and they are not going
to stretch as much. That’s where
you are going to have to choose
which fiber is going to be the best
for you.”
Sails and marketingOne aspect of sailcloth that has
become increasingly important in
recent years is its appearance. Sails,
by their very nature, are like mobile
signs on a grand scale. They are ex-
ceedingly attractive to advertisers for
that reason. Sponsorship is a major
component of competitive sailing.
In the past, logos, ads, and art
were silkscreened onto the fabric; in
fact, silkscreening is still widely used
on windsurfing sails. But today, most
images are digitally printed onto
sails, using the same large-format
printers that are used by the bill-
board industry.
Almost any kind of sailcloth can
be digitally printed. The exceptions
are certain high-tech materials such
as ultrahigh molecular weight poly-
ethylene, which are occasionally
used because of their low stretch. But
these are generally sandwiched in the
middle of laminates or constitute a
minority of the fibers in the fabric.
To a certain extent, Bates says, sales
of sailcloth are tied directly to con-
sumer confidence. When the econ-
omy is growing and people have dis-
posable cash, the business thrives.
“Right now the stronger market is
the really big boats and the higher-
end materials,” McGhee says. “The
average price of a sailboat sold at a
boat show is pretty high. The lower-
end market is a little unstable.”
With all the advances in materials,
you’d think sails would last longer
than they used to, and that demand
for replacement sails would have
dropped. But sailcloth makers agree
that that’s not the case. It goes back
to McGill’s “design triangle”: Some
buyers are looking for durability, but
many have other priorities.
“If someone’s competing for an
America’s Cup, they have a certain
budget that they’re going to spend,”
he explains. “If they can get an extra
bit of performance by saving some
weight, but the sail doesn’t last that
long, that’s not a big deal.”
“It depends on the application,
and on what type of material is se-
lected for that application,” says
Glen Raven’s specialized looms can create a very tight, strong fabric to cut down on stretch-ing in sails, a prime performance requirement.
Glen Raven Technical Fabrics
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McGhee. “You can’t say ‘Overall sails
last longer,’ because there’s a whole
end of the market where longevity
is not a huge issue. Everyone wants
sails to last a long time, but they know
there are tradeoffs.”
Typical polyester sails—the ones
built more for durability than for
speed—tend to last about seven or
eight years, he says, depending on
how well they’re maintained.
Outside the boatBecause sailcloth is so specialized,
it is not often used for nonsailing ap-
plications. But manufacturers some-
times find that their equipment is
useful for making other small-niche
custom materials.
“Part of what we do here is make
laminates that are based on the same
equipment and manufacturing tech-
niques that we use to make sailcloth,”
says McGill. “For example, we make
some materials for drums for march-
ing bands. We have a customer who
uses our fabrics for photographic
lighting equipment. What we try
to do is find a product that we can
produce on the same equipment for
other end uses.”
Bainbridge, too, produces sailcloth-
like woven materials for other uses.
McGhee says some woven materials
are sold for pool cover bindings; other
ripstops are sold to makers of kites
and advertising inflatables.
To some extent the sailcloth market
is susceptible to fashion trends. Like
skateboarding and snowboarding, it
is dominated by celebrities who have
a lot of advertising clout. The hot sail-
cloth is often determined by who’s
using what at a given time.
But in the long run, sailing fabrics
will likely continue to be a small, self-
contained market, served by a few se-
lect companies. Sailcloth makers may
race against each other to innovate
and capture segments of the market.
But unless someone invents a sail-
powered commuter vehicle that’s safe
on America’s highways, the winds will
probably remain light but steady.
To offer feedback or comment on this article, please contact Galynn Nordstrom, Senior Editor, at +1 651 225 6928, e-mail [email protected].
Turn to page 74 for contact information on the sources used in this article.
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away from other structures—unless,” he laughs, “it can be
right up against another structure, if it doesn’t impede the
exit. Before, that meant an awning over the back door.
Now to comply,” Etzel says, “it might have to go in the
parking lot.”
But not—eureka!—if it’s smaller. Etzel notes, with some
irony, “According to the IFC, a 10 by 20-foot tent doesn’t
require a permit, unless (back to Catch 22) the structure
is for ‘public assembly’ of more than ten people; in which
case, a permit is needed. And if it’s a permitted tent, it
must have a ‘No Smoking’ sign.” Go figure.
Managing the mazeThere are ways to win at this game, however. Some states
do allow a freestanding structure up against a building.
HHamlet had it easy. He could puff away wherever
he wanted while pondering his eternal question.
For today’s tent and structure manufacturers, the
question becomes, “To pitch or not to pitch?” What
and where is the market now for outdoor smoking
shelters, and what do you need to do to capture it?
First, what about those public smoking bans
being enacted by cities, states and entire nations: Is
this a trend that’s gaining ground, or a passing fad?
According to Cynthia Hallett, executive director of
Americans for Nonsmoking Rights (check www.anr.
com for your city’s and state’s status), the concept
is “definitely gaining momentum in legislatures.
It’s still a grassroots movement, but more and more
legislators are receptive to it.”
Bans have been enacted in 12 states (with trend-
setting New York and California leading the way)
and countless municipalities. Hallett counts five
Canadian provinces on board, too, along with na-
tions from Norway to New Zealand. Developing
nations are joining that number, too. “Thailand
and Uruguay have signed on for 2006. And in 2006,
the entire Westin hotel chain will go smoke-free,
including balconies,” Hallett reports. Nonethe-
less, she notes, smoking remains popular in many
areas both socio-economic and geographic, and public
facilities can’t afford to ignore these customers, clients,
employees and visitors.
Sounds promising for makers of smoking shelters—if their
clients do their homework. Spencer Etzel, CEO of the SEC
Group in Wilsonville, Ore., notes wryly of his home base,
“Washington State now requires that tents be 25 feet away
from a building”—meaning, perhaps, that a bar’s customers
are expected to huddle in the midst of traffic in the Alice-in-
Wonderland world of smoking regulations.
“Typically, the International Fire Code (IFC), adopted
by 44 states, says that a tent larger than 200 square feet
requires a permit and generally must be located 20 feet
For a Hustler Casino in Los Angeles, Calif., Eide Industries built a state-of-the-art smoking refuge, with glass enclosed sides and eight diamond-shaped fabric panels, attached to a steel-framed roof portal, that open and close with a hydraulic drive.
Where there’s smoke …
there’s opportuni ty
Carla Waldemar is a Minneapolis-based freelance writer.
In an increasingly foggy expanse of ant i -smoking regulat ions and quirky bui ld ing codes, s teer ing for the smoking shel ters marketrequires considerable navigat ion.
By Car la Waldemar
Eide Industries
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And it can be attached permanently if it qualifies in their
terms as an awning (6-8 feet wide). Clients also can get
temporary permits for use 180 days in a 12-month period.
If the structure is used by an office building that’s open
only five days a week, or seasonally, such as at a state fair,
the number of days extends accordingly.
“Otherwise,” Etzel suggests with another hint of irony,
“If you’re [operating] like a casino in Las Vegas, you take
it down, move it across the street to another property you
own, and then move it back.”
IFC’s Chapter 24 (a.k.a. the “bible”), says that a canopy
without sides can be larger—up to 700 square feet, or
(go figure again) up to 10,000 square feet if it’s next to
a building but doesn’t impede anything. Generally, it
cannot be in excess of 200 square feet if it has sides, or
400 square feet as a canopy. (Remember, however: more
than 200 square feet, and you’ve got to post “No Smok-
ing” signs.) Supports must “provide substantial evidence
of withstanding the elements,” Etzel quotes IFC’s ruling.
And, of course, the material must be flame-resistant.
IFC’s rules can be amended by any entity, he says, and
many do, creating “quirky plans. The code is very general
in language, very nebulous, and is interpreted differ-
ently by different inspectors, to add to the hurdles.” And
many codes and regulations use the terms “awning” and
“canopy” somewhat loosely; see “By any other
name …” on page 16 of the January Review for
a list of industry terms put together by IFAI’s
Code Committee.
But you don’t have to be stuck forever in
Wonderland. To win at the game, Etzel advises,
“Build a tent of 200 square feet or less for ten
people, and you won’t need a permit.”
Location, location, confusionPeter Joy, Warner Shelter Systems Ltd. in
Calgary, Alberta, agrees that Canada is moving
in the direction of smoking bans. “But the real issue,” he
contends, “is the building code requirements, which can
kick in at 300 square feet, or longer than three days’ use,
so builders have to work with existing codes. Check with
local jurisdictions to see what’s accepted,” he counsels.
“Here, in Calgary, it’s 33 meters away from the building,
and it cannot obstruct a neighboring building.
“You’ll need permits,” he adds, offering a heads-up.
“It’s not just a matter of a little shack in front of a build-
ing for employees; there are so many bylaws, like having
snow loading up to code. And in Alberta, you need a tent
with a door, not just three sides. When it comes to loca-
tion, an owner may have to choose if he wants to
sacrifice the beautiful trees on his patio. He also
has to weigh how many of his clientele smoke: Will
he lose or gain [money] by this?”
Scott Sutherland, Tacoma Tent and Awning Co.
Inc., Tacoma, Wash., notes that “the big problem
is, where do you put it? Industrial sites of 20 acres
can scatter shelters around, but restaurants usually
have nowhere to put them because of the [Wash-
ington] 25-foot ban—unless it’s in a parking lot, and then
you sacrifice space. To a bar owner, we say, put benches
and a heat lamp outside and stock umbrellas! (“Sure,”
he adds, “they can buy a pop-up shelter from Costco for
$100, but it won’t withstand windstorms or snow load.”)
Instead, we’re focusing on more business with commercial
properties than with bars.
“The more interesting trend is toward stricter enforce-
ment of codes, which has generated discussion about
the viability of tents and awnings,” says Sutherland. “In
the past, they were inexpensive; but with stricter codes, a
$1,000 awning often requires another $1,000 of engineer-
ing. And with the new International Building Code (IBC)
‘We want a soft, user-friendly, warmenvironment, so we use fabric—which is also less costly than solid metal and looks more warm and inviting.’
—Joe Belli, Eide Industries
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haven’t heard of that.” Unhampered
by that rule, “We design in character
with the main structure—something
aesthetically pleasing, especially for
high-end establishments, using fab-
rics that create a nice look. You can
buy a 10 by 10 from Home Depot, but
we try designing with some fanciness.
A club may want it designed stylishly,
like a gazebo.”
Making the cut“All fabrics work,” Burak contends.
“Vinyl outlives the others,” but that
advantage fades for a restaurateur,
“who shouldn’t have the same look
for ten years, anyway. You need to
remodel as styles change. Vinyl,” he
notes, “is easy to clean, especially
dark blue or green, which won’t show
dirt. Odor is not a problem outside,
because the shelters are ventilated by
modified screens.
“For framing, we feel steel and
aluminum are interchangeable [in
budgeting] because it’s the labor
that costs. The difference is in what
they’re intended for: sun or wind and
WHERE THERE’S SMOKE. . .
replacing the Universal Building Code
(UBC), we’re hearing that it gives
much broader guidance for inspectors
to ask for things they didn’t use to; it’s
caused them to examine our product
more closely. For most clients, it cre-
ates a bigger challenge.
“We’re still seeing cost-effective
alternatives to permanent structures,
but the gap is closing,” he points out.
“We’re seeing less fabric and vinyl
and more metal because they now
cost about the same.
“My sister company, Olympia,
sells a vinyl structure with aluminum
framework they can call ‘temporary’,
but if that becomes a permanent
shelter, then we’re talking about
footings, $450 footings, for each leg
of a steel frame.”
From Bayonne, N.J . , Edward
Burak, president of Hudson Awning
& Sign Co. Inc., offers an East Coast
perspective: “Smoking shelters are
a big trend now in restaurants and
bars in New York.” Ask him about
the 25-feet-from-building stipulation
in some regions, and he answers, “I
Regulations for smoking shelters vary widely, not only from region to region but for different types of facilities. Tacoma Tent & Awning is focusing more on commercial properties rather than bars and restaurants, due to Washington’s requirement that tents be 25 feet away from a building.
Tacoma Tent & Awning Co. Inc.
snow. You’ve got to engineer those
safety factors in.”
Warner Shelter Systems’ Joy swears
by vinyl-coated polyester. “We have a
30-year history of confidence in it.
To clean it, just use a mild detergent,
never a pressure wash. For framing,
either aluminum or steel, depending
on the size. Steel is a little more rigid,
which provides longer use; but,” he
finds, “it’s priced through the roof.
“The important thing is to make
sure a tent is built to meet different
requirements for different regions.
For instance, the snow load in Salt
Lake City [Utah] is different from
in Park City, just a few miles away. A
supplier needs to make suggestions as
to the depth or spacing of trusses to
withstand a snow load. Also, consider
the level of risk a client wants to take.
As a responsible supplier, let them
know in Florida to take high winds
into consideration.”
Sophisticated solutionsIf you’re building a smoking refuge
for Larry Flynt, it’d better be over the
top (and, in this case, under it, too).
For a Hustler Casino in Gardena City
in the middle of Los Angeles, “We
did something extremely sophisti-
cated,” attests Joe Belli, vice-president
of marketing for Eide Industries in
Cerritos, Calif.: “The most sophisti-
cated smoking room,” he amends in
Hustler-speak. “Of course, we had to
comply with ‘outside’ regs,” but in
an iconoclastic manner. “We built a
building 150 by 150 feet in the center
of the casino with a 45-foot diameter
‘doughnut hole’ wide-open roof. It’s
glass-enclosed on the sides so the ca-
sino can be viewed, but uses a very
sophisticated hydraulic drive to open
and close eight diamond-shaped fab-
ric panels attached to a huge portal
steel frame in the roof so the fabric
won’t bunch up. You push a button to
open the roof if it’s sunny or close it
when it rains—a real far-fetched idea
that fits Hustler,” he laughs.
Back in the real world, Eide de-
signs canopies with sidewalls, either
freestanding or attached to buildings.
“The number-one consideration in de-
signing them is, what is the snow load?
We want a soft, user-friendly, warm
environment, so we use fabric—which
also is less costly than solid metal and
looks more warm and inviting.
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provide papers to confirm what they
are sending.”
“The International Fire Code
(IFC) is accepted by 44 states,”
says Etzel, but “California’s not play-
ing the game. It’s still on Title 19
for temporary tents (the old UBC
code); therefore, it’s a lot harder
to do tents in California, where so
many cities have adopted different
variances to it. Any entity can add
amendments on the IFC code, and
many of them do.”
Amenities appealWhen it comes to adding ameni-
ties like heat, light, and dancing girls
(well, maybe not), tent providers can
include whatever extras a client’s
heart desires and budget fosters, and
will design accordingly. “If you tell
us ahead of time, we can build an
adequate frame to support misters,
televisions, lights, sprinklers, what-
ever,” says Belli. “For heating, you
need exterior-grade ceiling beams.
Freestanding space heaters work well,
if you pay attention to how far they’re
WHERE THERE’S SMOKE. . .
“Number two, we employ some kind
of traversing, a rolling top curtain to
open and close, plus clear or mesh-
type windows with fabric side curtains,
insuring they’re pretty tight and sta-
tionary. For framing, it’s aluminum or
steel, depending on the strength and
budget requirements.
“In choosing fabric for ventilation,
we like mesh or woven. If it needs to
be waterproof, then vinyl. We join
the vinyl widths together by melting;
while with woven, you sew it together,
which creates perforations, which
may leak. (Vinyl mesh also allows
some water through,” says Belli.)
“From a cleaning standpoint, the
most forgiving material is vinyl. It’s
relatively easy to hose off, or use a
scrub brush. It’s best to use clean-
ing companies that have experience
and use the correct chemicals; if not,
you’re dead,” he cautions.
Where there’s fire … Most important: a fabric must be
fire-retardant—not fireproof, Belli
qualifies: “For that, we use PTFE
Teflon® -coated fiberglass, which
meets the flameproof requirements
of a Class A roof. For flame-retar-
dant structures, we use a number of
fabrics—Main Street™, Pyrotone®,
Starfire®—all woven, or vinyls like
Weblon®, Patio 500® and the new
Ferrari 502 from France. For mesh,
it’s Awntex®, Textilene® and Soltis®.
Most carry 5-to-8-year warranties from
the fabric maker, but the flameproof
PTFE, which costs four or five times
more, carries a 15-year warranty (and
I’ve seen it last 30 years,” he adds).
“All our tents are easy to install be-
cause we prefabricate them, then dis-
mantle them and ship them.”
“We adhere to the California fire
marshal code because it’s the tough-
est,” explains Burak. “The materials
come to us tested by the manufactur-
ers, with a very specific certificate at-
tached. We sell fabric internationally,
but each country’s requirements are
different.”
In Canada, Joy says, “Canadian lab-
oratories do the flame-testing; each
manufacturer has its own, and should
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positioned from the fabric and they
don’t send radiant heat in the direc-
tion of the fabric. For lighting, exte-
rior-grade fluorescent fixtures pro-
vide relatively low heat. Spotlights can
be attached to the frame if they’re far
enough away from the fabric.”
Etzel agrees that heating the tent
is a piece of cake. “You can use typi-
cal approved tent heaters to comply
with code requirements—radiant
heat, too, if it’s spaced the required
number of feet from the ceiling.
And,” he adds, “you must have a por-
table fire extinguisher.”
“Everything has a cost to it,” adds
Joy. “For larger structures, we suggest
space heaters or propane.” However,
“a heater is a pretty chancy thing,”
warns Burak. “You now need ap-
proval. An upright propane heater
works in a temporary tent, which can
be mounted without contact with the
roof for safety. We have engineers in-
house [to design and specify], which
saves money.”
A healthy businessIf Elvis showed up and wanted a
smoke, chances are … he’d have to
leave the building. As public health
concerns intensify and smoking bans
expand, so do sales opportunities,
according to Belli. “Opportunities
are growing, and we in the tent and
canopy industry can accelerate that
growth by marketing to potential
customers. California is leading
the way—so maniacal about saving
everybody!—and it’s number-one
in population, followed by Texas
and Florida, so that’s where the real
growth is.”
Who’s buying? “Believe it or not,
even people at the residential level,”
he attests. “We also recently did a
high-rise office in downtown L.A.,
out of fireproof fabric. It took four
months and $27,000 to get the engi-
neering permits—one fourth of the
total cost—so it’s not for every small
mom-and-pop. Yet,” he adds, “if you
build a $10,000 cabana, you’ll probably
recoup that amount in business.”
To offer feedback or comment on this article, please contact Galynn Nordstrom, Senior Editor, at +1 651 225 6928, e-mail [email protected].
Turn to page 74 for contact information on the sources interviewed for this article.
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TENTNET:a smartersupply chainGett ing through the procurementgateway wi th the Tent Network for Technology Implementat ion.
By Dennis Dudek
Mr. Dennis Dudek is currently Director of Supplier Operations for the Clothing and Textile Supply Chain at the Defense Supply Center Philadelphia (DSCP) .
“It takes all the running you can do just to stay in the same
place. If you want to move ahead, you must at least run twice
as fast as that.” So advised the Red Queen in “Alice Through
the Looking Glass.”
I first saw this quote used in a Bobbin Magazine article
published in June, 1992. It has always stuck with me, for a
very simple reason—it has been just as true each year since
then as it was when I originally read it. At a recent seminar I
attended, a Penn State professor offered a similar sentiment,
stating that if you are just now recognizing change, it has
already passed you by.
Both statements highlight the fact that the last ten to twenty
years have seen practices in the business world accelerate at
dizzying speeds. To keep up, you must evolve. One of the
means by which the Defense Supply Center Philadelphia
(DSCP) stays ahead of the power curve is through a collabora-
tive effort called TENTNET: a program designed to improve
purchasing and supply timelines for military tents.
Best Value BuyingThe DSCP Clothing and Textiles Supply Chain is respon-
sible for buying many of the apparel and textile items used by
the Department of Defense worldwide. With a budget of more
than $2.1 billion, the DSCP ensures that U.S. service men and
women are outfitted with all of the clothing and equipment
items needed to perform their missions.
The vast majority of buying performed at DSCP is through
a method called Best Value Buying. As the name implies, the
basic idea is to buy the product that provides the best value
to the government. Under the Best Value procedures, a new
procurement has a synopsis posted on the government Web
site FedBizOpps (http://fedbizopps.cos.com). The Request
for Proposals (RFP) is subsequently posted on another gov-
ernment site called Procurement Gateway (https://progate.
daps.dla.mil/home) for interested supplier businesses to
download. The responding firms would typically provide a
product sample, a technical proposal, and a pricing proposal
as part of their submittal.
The product sample, which we call a PDM (Product Demon-
stration Model), is nothing more than the actual product that
the firm would produce under any resultant contract. Typically,
the PDM is held as an approved manufacturing guide should the
firm receive the award. The Technical Proposal is a document
that addresses the firm’s ability to perform the proposed work,
comprised of a quality assurance plan, a production plan, and a
technical capability assessment. For mobilization items, we also
include surge clauses and evaluate the applicant’s surge plan as
part of their technical proposal. The Pricing Proposal completes
The TENTNET program brings together partners from industry, educa-tion, research and the government to get tents and shelters into the field faster.
Defense Supply Center Philadelphia
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the package and provides the per-unit price for the
work. All of the responses received are then evaluated
against the criteria described in the RFP. Technical
factors are considered separately; as technical factors
become more equal, price becomes more important.
This highlights a critical point: The government is no
longer seeking just the lowest price. In fact, Best Value
buying allows the DSCP to pay more for an item to a
firm that can best satisfy the needs of the government.
Stated another way, it places contracts in the hands of
vendors that are found to have the highest probability
of success in fulfilling the contract.
Future tentsDSCP has done a tremendous amount of busi-
ness in tent and tent support items over the years.
However, with the advent of Operation Enduring Freedom
(OEF) and Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF), the business
has grown substantially. The following table illustrates this
growth in business in terms of money spent on contracts per
fiscal year.
FY02 FY 03 FY 04 FY 05
$76M $103M $182M $192M
Even with this increased business production, it has not
been enough to meet the needs of the U.S. military and the
requirement to ramp up immediately. Backorders occurred,
which impaired our ability to meet supply needs.
In mid-2005, an Industrial Base Study performed by the
Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) concluded that the entire
logistical system needs to be improved to provide the kind of
rapid support to the U.S. Armed Services that’s needed for
the continuing conflicts in the Middle East. One immediate
outcome of the study was to apply more dollars on contract in
FY05 to avoid having the backorders continue to increase in
FY06. More important, however, was the initiation of a com-
plete rethinking of how we need to design, build, store, and
distribute tentage items in the future. Enter the new program
called TENTNET.
TENTNETThe Industrial Base Study recommended undertaking
some research and development efforts to determine where improvements could be found. The task was given to the DLA group that has been responsible for many innovations in the government business of clothing and textiles. They leveraged another ongoing program in the food industry to develop TENTNET (Tent Network for Technology Implementation). The program will be a collaborative effort among industry, academia, and the government.
The purpose of TENTNET is to make significant improve-ments in the surge capabilities of military tentage products and systems, by reducing lead-time while improving product availability with equal or improved quality and equal or reduced costs. The goal is to provide an environment to pro-mote collaboration within the manufacturing base to identify and implement solutions and improvements to the process of supplying the military with tents, without backlogs.
The end result of the TENTNET program will be to award contracts to business partners to further develop the tentage support to the U.S. Department of Defense. Multiple awards
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TENTNET
are planned under this program, to be set up as three-year base plus two two-year options contracts. The focus will be on tents and shelters, utilizing the specific technical expertise of each partner in the program: from industry, educational institutions, distributors, software developers, manufacturers and equipment vendors. Manufactur-ing experience will be emphasized, with each partner cooperating with other TENTNET participants to iden-tify and develop research activities. The system will facilitate open dialog be-tween partners to identify mutual areas of concern and plan for the implemen-tation of results within two years of the awarded contract.
One step aheadThe TENTNET program is just be-
ginning, but the efforts of the DSCP
and others to improve support to the
warfighter have been ongoing. We hope
that TENTNET, along with our other
efforts, will lead to better support of
the armed forces in the future. To date,
fourteen partner contracts have already
been awarded.
The results of our efforts in the
TENTNET program can’t yet be evalu-
ated—but we can certainly expect that
a collaborative effort among industry,
academia, and the government should
produce results greater than the mere
sum of the total. One thing is for cer-
tain: Change is coming. The late eco-
nomics author Peter Drucker once said,
“The way to predict the future is to cre-
ate it.” We are anticipating great results
from the TENTNET program, and we
are banking on the expertise of this
industry to help us keep one step ahead
of the Red Queen.
To offer feedback or comment on this article, please contact Galynn Nordstrom, Senior Editor, at +1 651 225 6928, e-mail [email protected].
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The Industrial Fabric Products Associa-tion is a complex organization that offers assistance to the specialty fabric industry in many areas. To get more information on specific programs and divisions, please contact the following staff:
AdvertisingSarah Hyland, Advertising Director +1 651 225 6950, [email protected]
BookstoreBarbara Connett. Bookstore Manager +1 651 225 6913, [email protected]
Certification Deb Stender, Certification Programs Manager+1 651 222 2508, [email protected]
Conferences Tracie Coopet, Conference Management+1 651 225 6947, [email protected]
DivisionsAutomotive Materials AssociationKristy Osman, Managing Director+1 651 225 6959, [email protected]
Banner, Flag & Graphics AssociationJan Schieffer, Managing Director+1 651 225 6944, [email protected]
The Casual Furniture Fabrics AssociationElizabeth Newman, Managing Director+1 651 225 6925, [email protected]
Geosynthetic Materials AssociationKathleen Mattson, Managing Director+1 651 225 6942, [email protected]
Inflatable Recreational Products DivisionRuth Stephens, Managing Director+1 651 225 6920, [email protected]
Lightweight Structures AssociationBeth Hungiville, Managing Director+1 651 225 6952, [email protected]
Marine Fabricators AssociationBeth Hungiville, Managing Director+1 651 225 6952, [email protected]
Narrow Fabrics InstituteKaren Musech, Managing Director+1 651 225 6948, [email protected]
Professional Awning Manufacturers AssociationKaren Musech, Managing Director+1 651 225 6948, [email protected]
Safety and Protective Products DivisionRuth Stephens, Managing Director+1 651 225 6920, [email protected]
Tent Rental DivisionJan Schieffer, Managing Director+1 651 225 6944, [email protected]
IFAI UPDATEThe Industrial Fabric Products Association is a complex organization that offers assistance to the specialty fabric industry in many areas. To get more information on specific programs and divisions, please contact the following staff:
AdvertisingSarah Hyland, Advertising Director +1 651 225 6950, [email protected]
BookstoreBarbara Connett. Bookstore Manager +1 651 225 6913, [email protected]
Certification Deb Stender, Certification Programs Manager+1 651 222 2508, [email protected]
Conferences Tracie Coopet, Conference Management+1 651 225 6947, [email protected]
DivisionsAutomotive Materials AssociationKristy Osman, Managing Director+1 651 225 6959, [email protected]
Banner, Flag & Graphics AssociationJan Schieffer, Managing Director+1 651 225 6944, [email protected]
The Casual Furniture Fabrics AssociationElizabeth Newman, Managing Director+1 651 225 6925, [email protected]
Geosynthetic Materials AssociationAndrew Aho, Managing Director+1 651 225 6907, [email protected]
Inflatable Recreational Products DivisionKristy Osman, Managing Director+1 651 225 6959, [email protected]
Lightweight Structures AssociationBeth Hungiville, Managing Director+1 651 225 6952, [email protected]
Marine Fabricators AssociationBeth Hungiville, Managing Director+1 651 225 6952, [email protected]
Narrow Fabrics InstituteElizabeth Newman, Managing Director+1 651 225 6925, [email protected]
Professional Awning Manufacturers AssociationMichelle Sahlin, Managing Director+1 651 225 6941, [email protected]
Safety and Protective Products DivisionRuth Stephens, Managing Director+1 651 225 6920, [email protected]
Tent Rental DivisionJan Schieffer, Managing Director+1 651 225 6944, [email protected]
Truck Cover & Tarp AssociationKristy Osman, Managing Director+1 651 225 6959, [email protected]
Recognizing
excel lenceIndustry profess ionals are encouraged to enterpro jects for the 2006 Internat ional Achievement Awards to be presented at IFAI Expo in At lanta .
For the 59th year, IFAI presents the International Achieve-
ment Awards, a world-class competition designed to recognize
outstanding projects in the specialty fabrics industry.
Projects represented among the competition’s entry cat-
egories include both those that demonstrate superior work
on traditional projects and highly technical innovations that
break new ground and set new industry standards. Industry
professionals compete to earn an Award of Excellence or an
Outstanding Achievement Award in one or more of the competition’s 27
categories.
“Winning this award has benefited our company in two ways,” says Keith
Bartlett, Outstanding Achievement Award Winner, C. E. Bartlett Party Ltd.,
Wendouree VIC, Australia. “First, it has been great for our staff to have the
satisfaction and recognition that the product they designed and produced was
world-class and worthy of winning such
an award. Second, it is a great market-
ing tool we will use within our future
marketing to show our current and
potential customers that our company
has achieved international recognition
for our products. This is a benefit few
can claim, and something our company
is very proud of.”
The 2006 competition results will
be announced during IFAI Expo 2006,
Oct. 31–Nov. 2, 2006, in Atlanta, Ga.,
marking the beginning of significant
industry exposure to come. Award win-
ners receive publicity through multiple
industry media outlets, as well as a dis-
play plaque describing their accomplish-
ment.
Previous award winners have seen
valuable results from winning the com-
petition, ranging from a morale boost
within the company to clients placing more confidence in their work. This often
translates to more commissions.
“We enter the IAA for a number of reasons, principal among them a chance
for a smaller company such as ours to show the quality and creativity in design
and manufacturing that we do that furthers the specialty fabrics applications
for our clients. It is also a wonderful reward for our dedicated staff and clients,
to show how we value their contributions by sharing in the achievements these
awards represent,” says Bud Weisbart, IFM, Outstanding Achievement Award
Winner, AR Tech Div. A & R Tarpaulins Inc., Fontana , Calif.
The awards competition is for all designers, manufacturers or subcontractors
of end-products described by one of the 27 competition categories. A complete
listing of categories can be found at www.ifai.com under the International
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Truck Cover & Tarp AssociationKristy Osman, Managing Director+1 651 225 6959, [email protected]
United States Industrial Fabrics InstituteRuth Stephens, Managing Director+1 651 225 6920, [email protected]
Education ProgramsJill Rutledge, Education Program Manager+1 651 225 6981, [email protected]
IFAI CanadaElizabeth Newman, Managing Director+1 651 225 6925, [email protected]
IFAI JapanKikuko Tagawa, Executive Director+81 727 80 2803, [email protected]
Information Services HotlineJuli Case, Information & Technical Services Manager800 328 4324, [email protected]
International Achievement AwardsChristine Malmgren, Achievement Awards Manager+1 651 225 6926, [email protected]
MagazinesFabric ArchitectureBruce N. Wright, Editor+1 651 225 6953, [email protected]
GFRChristopher Kelsey, Editor+1 651 225 6988, [email protected]
Industrial Fabric Products ReviewGalynn Nordstrom, Senior Editor+1 651 225 6928, [email protected]
InTentsKatie Harholdt, Editor+1 651 225 6970, [email protected]
Marine FabricatorMelissa Kaudy, Editor+1 651 225 6922, [email protected]
Upholstery JournalJanet Cass, Editor+1 651 225 6933, [email protected]
Magazine SubscriptionsSusan Smeed, Assistant Circulation Manager+1 651 222 2508, [email protected]
Market ResearchRobin Simoson, Market Research Manager+1 651 225 6946, [email protected]
MembershipMatt Mason, Membership Manager+1 651 225 6949, [email protected]
Web SiteTris McCann, Web Site Manager+1 651 225 6954, [email protected]
United States Industrial Fabrics InstituteRuth Stephens, Managing Director+1 651 225 6920, [email protected]
Education ProgramsJill Rutledge, Senior Manager of Education and Conferences+1 651 225 6981, [email protected]
Deb Stender, Education and Programs Manager+1 651 225 6940, [email protected]
IFAI CanadaElizabeth Newman, Managing Director+1 651 225 6925, [email protected]
IFAI JapanKikuko Tagawa, Executive Director+81 727 80 2803, [email protected]
Information Services HotlineJuli Case, Information & Technical Services Manager800 328 4324, [email protected]
International Achievement AwardsChristine Malmgren, Achievement Awards Manager+1 651 225 6926, [email protected]
MagazinesFabric ArchitectureBruce N. Wright, Editor+1 651 225 6953, [email protected]
GeosyntheticsRon Bygness, Editor+1 651 225 6988, [email protected]
Industrial Fabric Products ReviewGalynn Nordstrom, Senior Editor+1 651 225 6928, [email protected]
InTentsKatie Harholdt, Editor+1 651 225 6970, [email protected]
Marine FabricatorMelissa Kaudy, Editor+1 651 225 6922, [email protected]
Upholstery JournalJanet Cass, Editor+1 651 225 6933, [email protected]
Magazine SubscriptionsSusan Smeed, Assistant Circulation Manager+1 651 222 2508, [email protected]
Market ResearchHeather Mattson, Market Research Manager+1 651 225 6946, [email protected]
MembershipMatt Mason, Membership Manager+1 651 225 6949, [email protected]
Web SiteTris McCann, Web Site Manager+1 651 225 6954, [email protected]
IFAI UPDATE
Achievement Awards tab. Project en-
tries include photos of outstanding
specialty fabric projects and descrip-
tions of their unique and important
characteristics, challenging construc-
tion and successful results. Eligible
projects must have been completed
between July 15, 2004 and July 15,
2006. The deadline for submitting
entries is July 15, 2006.
IFAI members may enter up to six
projects at no charge if entries are
received by July 15, 2006.
Both IFAI members and nonmem-
bers are eligible to participate in the
2006 International Achievements
Awards competition. For more in-
formation, please contact Christine
Malmgren, International Achieve-
ment Awards manager, at +1 651 225
6926 or 800 225 4324, e-mail awards@
ifai.com.
Industry experts needed!IFAI is currently accepting propos-
als for IFAI Expo 2006 educational
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New MembersThe Industrial Fabrics Association Inter-national (IFAI), publisher of the Review, is a not-for-profit trade association that facilitates the development, applica-tion and promotion of specialty fabric products manufactured by its diverse membership. The following companies have made an investment in their future by joining IFAI.
Awnings and MoreDerik Gutshall, Mgr.
2020A Market Sq. Blvd.
Waynesboro, PA 17268-3812
United States
+1 717 762 2225, fax +1 717 762 7653
E-mail [email protected]
IFAI division(s) joined: Professional
Awning Manufacturers Association
Awning manufacturer and installer
Event Partners Sales & ConsultingCraig Seitz, Pres.
P.O. Box 29152
St Louis, MO 63126
United States
+1 314 729 7776, fax +1 314 849 2909
E-mail [email protected]
IFAI division(s) joined: Tent Rental Division
Tent and event services
Eventstar ProductionsAlain Perez, Sec./Vice-Pres.
9100 N.W. 97th Terrace
P.O. Box 970667
Miami, FL 33178-1457
United States
+1 305 969 0191, fax +1 305 969 2761
E-mail [email protected]
Web site www.eventstar.net
IFAI division(s) joined: Tent Rental Division
Temporary structures
The Flexene Corp./Edge-Craft ProcessKurt Godigkeit, Pres.
108 Lamar St.
West Babylon, NY 11704-1312
United States
+1 631 491 0580, fax +1 631 491 3162
E-mail [email protected]
Web site www.flexenedgecraft.com
Contract hot knife slitting of industrialfabrics to produce sealed edges, customlabeling and packaging
Global Clearspans Inc.Todd Barrett, Owner
929 S. Hohokom Dr.
Tempe, AZ 85281
United States
+1 480 446 8368, fax +1 480 753 5887
E-mail [email protected]
Web site www.globalclearspans.com
IFAI division(s) joined: Tent Rental Division
programs. Members of the specialty
fabrics supply chain, including man-
ufacturers, designers, architects,
engineers, textile technicians, busi-
ness and marketing professionals,
are invited to deliver an educational
presentation to the diverse specialty
fabrics industry.
IFAI Expo 2006 educational pro-
grams will feature eight special sym-
posiums: Architectural
Structures, Automotive
Materials, Awnings &
Canopies, Marine Fab-
rication, Medical Tex-
tiles, Safety & Protec-
tive Products, Sewing & Welding and
Textiles & Graphics. Proposals are
needed for seminars, case studies,
technical papers, workshops, panels,
and roundtable discussions.
Acceptance will be based on the
originality and timeliness of the
topic, how well the topic contributes
to advancing the industry, and how
relevant and interesting the subject
matter is to the proposed audience.
Each special symposium will be de-
signed to provide an in-depth review
of design, new trends and develop-
ments, materials and new technolo-
gies rapidly advancing in the specialty
fabrics industry.
Speakers are recognized in a multi-
tude of promotional media, including
IFAI magazines, the IFAI Expo Web
site www.ifaiexpo.com, and e-mailed
news blasts. More than
8,000 industry profession-
als from around the world
will visit IFAI Expo 2006’s
expansive exhibit hall and
high-quality educational
programs—an audience of other ex-
perts ready to hear your information.
Presentation proposal forms and
instructions are available at Web site
www.ifaiexpo.info. For questions con-
tact Jill Rutledge, senior manager of
education and conferences, +1 651 225
6981, e-mail [email protected]; or
Deb Stender, education, programs and
certification manager, +1 651 225 6940,
e-mail [email protected].
IFAI UPDATE
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IFAI UPDATE
Heartland Supply Inc.Tom McLaulin, Pres.P.O. Box 40 Homeland, FL 33847 United States+1 863 533 0946, fax +1 863 533 8304E-mail [email protected] division(s) joined:Professional Awning Manufacturers Association, Marine Fabricators AssociationCommercial and residential awningsand marine canvas
HQN Industrial FabricsPaul Hardy, Pres.760 Chester St. Sarnia, ON N7S 5N1Canada+1 519 344 9050, fax +1 519 344 5511E-mail [email protected] site www.hqnfabrics.comIFAI division(s) joined:Truck Cover & Tarp AssociationManufacturer of tarps, covers, liners,F. R. products
K.C. Super Tent Technology SDN BHDMr. Jason Lim Fok HoLot 49, Bukit Angkat Kajang, Selangor 43000Malaysia+60 38 736 6932, fax +60 38 736 5362E-mail [email protected] site www.kctent.com
IFAI division(s) joined: Tent Rental DivisionSales and rental of tents and platform systems
Manufacturier Tenta Inc.Maurice Monette, Gen. Mgr.990 Armand Bombardier Terrebonne, PQ J6Y 1R9Canada+1 450 433 9357, fax +1 450 433 0730E-mail [email protected] site www.tenta.comSelf supporting structures and tent manufacturer
Miami Prestige InteriorsRichard De La Rosa, Vice-Pres./Gen. Mgr.4798 E. 10th Lane Hialeah, FL 33013 United States+1 305 685 3343, fax +1 305 681 3146E-mail [email protected] site www.miamiprestige.comIFAI division(s) joined:Marine Fabricators AssociationMarine upholstery
The Nautical NeedleCindy Boersema100 N. Fairbanks, Ste. B-3 Holland, MI 49423 United States+1 616 396 5700, fax +1 616 396 5701E-mail [email protected] division(s) joined:Marine Fabricators AssociationCanvas fabrication
Plastomer Technologies,an EnPro Industries Co.Mr. Tony Liuzzo, Mktg. Mgr.23 Friends Lane Newtown, PA 18940-1803 United States+1 215 968 5011, fax +1 215 968 7640E-mail [email protected] site www.plastomertech.comePTFE tapes and fiber
Vantage Partners LLCPeter DeMao, Partner1000 Bucks Industrial Park Statesville, NC 28625 United States+1 704 871 8700, fax +1 704 871 9700IFAI division(s) joined:Truck Cover & Tarp AssociationWoven fabrics, bags, and products
Veldeman USAMike Belisle, Bus. Dir.2200 Kumry Rd. Quakertown, PA 18951 United States+1 215 529 9921, fax +1 215 529 9936E-mail [email protected] site www.veldemanusa.comIFAI division(s) joined: Tent Rental DivisionTent manufacturer
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Measure for measureText i le test ing helps keep qual i ty h igh
1. Tinius Olsen universal testing machines (UTMs) are now available exclusively
to the global textile market through SDL Atlas. Testing machines are available in both
single- and dual-column configurations. Designed for easy, accurate testing of tension,
compression, flexure, shear and peel on all types of materials, the UTMs are factory-pro-
grammed with powerful TexMAT Pro testing software that contains actual test specifica-
tions, machine set-up instructions and report formats for nearly 300 international textile
testing methods. The test methods reflect the latest specifications and practices from
ISO, ASTM, BSI and other international bodies. The Tinius Olsen software provides a
data and file examination package for statistical process-control functions.
For more information, contact Tinius Olsen Inc., Horsham, Pa.; +1 215 675 7100, fax +1 215 441 0988, e-mail [email protected], Web site www.tiniusolsen.com.
2. ColorChex is designed to simplify the process of grading the color of
textiles and apparel. SDL Atlas has designed its new cabinet units to meet
and exceed existing international standards. Designed for the requirements
of suppliers to the North American market, the compact ColorChex N7
model viewing booth offers five different light sources: artificial daylight
Fluorescent D65; TL84 cool white fluorescent; Horizon; Type A (filament
incandescent); and Black Light Blue UVB. A remote control selects between
light sources.
For more information, contact SDL Atlas, Charlotte, N.C., +1 704 329 0911, fax +1 704 329 0914, e-mail [email protected], Web site www.sdlatlas.com.
NEW PRODUCTS AND SERVICES
1.
2.
3. SDL Atlas’ new version of its M233B automatic flammability tester
features an optional radiator assembly that allows for testing to the most
recent BS EN 13772: 2003 Standard. Fitted with the new radiator option,
the upgraded flammability test unit can be used to assess flame spread on
fabric samples and simulate the effects of burning caused by a large flaming
source, such as a burning wastepaper basket. The upgraded tabletop tester
provides critical test parameters for flame resistance in vertically oriented
fabrics such as curtains and drapes. The upgrade was designed with inter-
changeable test frames and burners, automatic flame ignition and flame
application timer, and new Windows-based software. Standard configuration
for the tester includes a processor, software and an inkjet printer.
For more information, contact SDL Atlas, Charlotte, N.C.; +1 704 329 0911, fax +1 704 329 0914, e-mail [email protected], Web site www.sdlatlas.com.
3.
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Personal safety onsiteThe Drager Pac 7000 is a single gas
personal monitor that can reliably warn
of the presence of harmful concentra-
tions of carbon monoxide, hydrogen
sulphide or oxygen. The instrument has
an impact-proof housing and is resistant
to corrosive chemicals. The XXS sensor
reacts virtually instantaneously, imme-
diately indicating any gas hazards on
the screen, which continuously displays
the concentration. If the selected alarm
thresholds are exceeded, the instru-
ment warns the user with audible, visual
and vibrating alarms. The Pac 7000 also
features a data logger, which stores con-
centrations and events together with
their respective dates and times.
For more information, contact Draeger Safety Inc., Pittsburgh, Pa.; +1 412 787 8383, fax +1 412 787 2207, [email protected], Web site www.draeger-safety.com.
Have a seatTaylor Made Products has added a
new family of replacement seats for
runabouts and fishing boats. All seats
are covered with heavy-duty marine-
grade vinyl, treated for UV and mil-
dew resistance. The runabout seats
are available in back-to-back and single
configurations; back-to-back models
open easily into a lounging position.
The interior frames are made with
molded high-impact polypropylene
to eliminate rotting and warping. The
fishing-boat seats include high-back
models, folding models and pro-casting
seats. Hinges and hardware are made
from corrosion-resistant aluminum.
For more information, contact Taylor Made Group Inc., Gloversville, N.Y.; +1 518 773 9400, e-mail [email protected], Web site www.taylormadeproducts.com.
Hot cutsThe Hot Tool HK-60 Hot Knife is a
safer alternative to using razor blades
for cutting rubber and synthetic gaskets,
padding and insulation materials. The
knife features a double-edge blade tip
that reaches 1,050 degrees Fahrenheit
within two minutes and cuts and seals
rubber and synthetic materials simulta-
neously, with little preasure. The indus-
trial-grade electric hot knife operates on
115 VAC, and the .060-inch thick blade
tip fits directly over the heating element.
The tool is comfortable to hold, with a
tapered wood handle that stays cool.
For more information, contact Hot Tools division of M.M. Newman Corp., Marble-head, Ma.; +1 781 639 1000, fax +1 781 631 8887, e-mail [email protected], Web site www.mmnewman.com.
An end to a meansThe EF42 slip-on structural pipe fit-
ting provides a 90-degree crossover joint
to build railings, racks, tables, frames,
awnings, displays, store fixtures, carports,
boat docks, playground equipment, safety
barriers, theatrical sets, greenhouses, and
other tubular pipe structures. The cross-
over fitting can be used to build original
structures or for adding to existing struc-
tures. It is constructed of malleable iron
for durability, and galvanized for corro-
sion resistance.
For more information, contact Easyfit Inc., North Canton, Ohio; 877 327 9348, or +1 330 494 9610, fax +1 330 494 9615, e-mail [email protected], Web site www.easyfit.com.
NEW PRODUCTS AND SERVICES
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CALENDAR
October 31 – November 2, 2006AtlantaGeorgia World Congress Center
Organized by the Industrial Fabrics As-sociation International (IFAI), IFAI Expo 2006 will be the largest event in the world for the specialty fabrics indus-try. Innovation, technology and global networking will defi ne the show.
In addition to networking opportuni-ties on the show fl oor and in network-ing events, IFAI Expo 2006 will provide you with valuable market-specifi c pre-conference symposiums, high-lighting the tools you need to excel in your business.
IFAI Expo 2006 will collaborate with ATME-I 2006 and the American Asso-ciation of Textile Chemists and Color-ists tradeshow to create MEGATEX of the Americas, the world’s largest specialty fabrics tradeshow that will bring hundreds of suppliers, manufac-turers and small shop owners under one roof. The events will be held in conjunction with one another, but will remain separate so as to keep the in-dividual fl avor of each.
For more information about IFAI Expo 2006, contact IFAI Conference Manage-ment at 800 225 4324, +1 651 222 2508; fax +1 651 631 9334; e-mail [email protected] or visit www.ifaiexpo.info.
A Part of
March
Mar. 16–18, WCPA 2006 Expo-WestAt the Renaissance Seattle Hotel, Seattle. The event will include vendor market days, seminars, round-tables, and keynote speakers from the Western Canvas Products Association industry. For more information, call +1 206 583 0300 or 800 546 9184, Web site http://marriott.com/proptery/propterypage/SEASM.
Mar. 22–25, 28th International Cotton ConferenceAt the Bremen Town Hall, Bremen, Germany. For more information, call + 49 421 30800 18, fax + 49 421 30800 89, e-mail: [email protected], Web site www.baumwollboerse.de/.
Mar. 28–29, Doing Business in ChinaFocus: Exporting nonwovens. Presented by INDA and organized by the Business and Industry Center at Wake Technical Community College, Cary, N.C., in cooperation with the North Carolina Department of Commerce International Trade Division. For more information, call +1 919 233 1210, +1 919 233 1282, e-mail [email protected], Web site www.inda.org.
Mar. 28–30, Techtextil North America 2006At the Cobb Galleria Center, Atlanta. Companies in the technical textiles and nonwovens industry will meet for education, networking and business development. The show will showcase the higher performance areas of tech-nical textiles through an eclectic collection of research-ers, manufacturers and product specifiers. For more information, contact Daniel McKinnon, +1 770 984 8016,fax +1 770 984 8023, e-mail [email protected], Web site www.usa.messefrankfurt.com.
Mar. 28–31, Prime Source Trade Showand International Apparel ForumAt the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center. This is where exporting countries, garment manufac-turers, textile firms and other suppliers and service providers can promote their products, facilities and abilities to service the demands of the industry. For more information, contact Amy Ng, +1 852 2827 6211, [email protected], Web site www.primesourcetradeshow.com/.
April
April 4–6, Material World MiamiAt the Miami Beach Convention Center, Miami. Spon-sored by the American Apparel and Footwear Associa-tion. For more information, call 800 318 2238, or +1 678 285 3976, Web site www.material-world.com.
April 4–6, The 3rd International Conference of Textile Research DivisionAt the National Research Center, Cairo, Egypt. For more information, contact Martin Jacobs, +1 215 540 0760, fax +1 215 69 4835, e-mail [email protected].
April 4–7, Saigon Textile & Garment Industry Expo 2006Held concurrently with Saigon Fabric & Garment Accessories Expo 2006, HIECC, Hochiminh City, Vietnam. Contact Ivy Lau at +1 852 2511 7427, fax +1 852 2511 9692, e-mail [email protected].
April 7–8, SWIFASpring ConventionThe Southwest Industrial Fabrics Association’s spring convention will be held at the South Shore Harbour in Clear Lake, Texas (just South of Houston). For more information contact Duane Davidson, Davidson Quality Awnings, at +1 337 898 1870, e-mail [email protected].
April 24–25, Outlook 2006“Prospering in a Global Economy.” At The Home-stead, Hot Springs, Va. For more information, contact Ruth A. Stephens, +1 651 225 6920 or 800 636 4642, fax +1 651 631 9334, Web site www.usifi.com.
April 24–26, SPESA Annual MeetingAt the Rio Hotel, Las Vegas. Sponsored by the Sewn Products Equipment & Suppliers of the Americas (SPESA). For more information, call Benton Gardner at +1 919 872 8909, x203, fax +1 919 872 1915, e-mail [email protected], Web site www.spesa.org.
April 25–26, Direction: Textile Design ShowAt the Penn Plaza Pavilion, New York. For moreinformation, call +1 973 761 5598, fax +1 973 761 5188, e-mail [email protected], Web sitewww.directionshow.com.
MayMay 7–10, The Web Sling & Tie DownAssociation (WSTDA) Annual MeetingAt the Pan Pacific Hotel, San Francisco. For more information, contact WSDTA at +1 443 640 1070, fax +1 443 640 1031, e-mail [email protected], Web site www.wstda.com.
May 10–13, IMB 2006-World of Textile ProcessingGlobal fair for the processing of flexible materials will be held in Cologne, Germany. In addition to showcas-ing technologies for the production of clothing and processing of textiles, this trade fair will feature for the first time a new product sector: technical textiles. For more information, contact Cordula Busse, +49 221 821 2083, fax +49 221 821 2826, e-mail [email protected], Web site www.koelnmesse.de.
May 16–18, Nonwovens Training CourseSponsored by the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, at INDA Headquarters, Cary, N.C. For more information, contact +1 919 233 1210, fax 919 233 1282, Web site www.inda.org/
May 16–18, FESPA Digital Printing Europe 2006At the RAI Exhibition Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. For more information, contact Franz Chesterman +44 1737 240788, fax +44 1737 240770, e-mail [email protected], Web sitewww.fespa.com.
May 16–19, Graphics Four-Color WorkshopSponsored by the Screen Printing Technical Founda-tion, Fairfax, Va. phone 888 385 3588, e-mail [email protected], Web site www.sgia.org/sptf/classschedules.cfm.
May 18–28 ASAP China Buying Trip ‘06Visit Shanghai, Hangzhou and Jinjiang, China to develop distribution channels and joint venture pos-sibilities that can expand your global contacts for your apparel and textile company. Fore more information, contact +1 626 636 2530, e-mail [email protected] www.asapbuyingtrip.com.
May 21–23, Southern Textile ResearchConference Annual ConferenceAt the Kingston Plantation and Hilton Resort, Myrtle Beach, S.C. For more information, contact Tim Heller, e-mail [email protected].
May 24–26, Anex 2006Asia Nonwovens Exhibition and Conference, orga-nized by the Asia Nonwoven Fabrics Association, Tokyo Big Sight, Tokyo. For more information, contact Sharon Deutch +1 301 493 5500, fax +1 301 493 5705, e-mail [email protected], Web site www.anex.info.
JuneJune 4–7, ShowtimeSemiannual fabric markets, sponsored by the Interna-tional Textile Market Association (ITMA), Highpoint, N.C. For more information, contact +1 336 885 6842, e-mail [email protected], Web site www.itma-showtime.com.
June 7–8, Nonwovens SymposiumIn Vienna, Austria. Sponsored by the European Dis-posables and Nonwovens Association (EDANA). For more information, call Catherine Lennon at +32 2734 9310, fax +32 2733 3518, e-mail catherine.lennon@ edana.org, Web site www.edana.org.
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CALENDAR
June 11–14, AUTEX World ConferenceAt North Carolina State University’s College of Tex-tiles, for the AUTEX (Association of Universities of Textiles) Conference. Contact N.C. State News Services, +1 919 515 3470, fax +1 919 515 2556, e-mail [email protected], Web site www.ncsu.edu/news.
June 27–July 2, ITM 2006The International Textile Machinery (ITM) Exhibition will be held at the CNR World Trade Center, Istanbul, Turkey. For more information, call +90 212 663 08 81, fax +90 212 663 09 73, Web site www.cnrexpo.com.
July
July 5–8, ShanghaiTex 2006At the Shanghai New International Expo Centre, For more information, contact Glenn F. Jackman, +1 919 733 2829, e-mail [email protected], Web site www.2456.com/shanghaitex.
August
Aug. 5, PAMA Fabrication and Installation WorkshopAt Bluegrass Awning Co., Louisville, Ky. For more information, contact, Michelle E. Sahlin, +1 651 225 6941, fax +1 651 631 9334, e-mail [email protected], Web site www.awninginfo.com.
Aug. 28–30, Special Effects:Enhance Your Textile PrintsAt the Screen Printing Technical Foundation’s labora-tory in Fairfax, Va. Make your work stand out and earn more profits at the same time by printing specialty inks in your designs. For more information, contact +1 703 359 1366, Web site www.sgia.org/sptf/wrkshps.cfm.
September
Sept. 20, Regulatory Compliance for theFlammability of General Wearing ApparelSponsored by ASTM Intl., New York City. For more information, contact Eileen Finn +1 610 832 9668, fax +1 610 832 9668, e-mail [email protected], Web site www.astm.org.
Sept. 24–26, ITMF Annual ConferenceBy invitation of the Fabric & Accessories Manufactur-ers Association (FAAMA) of Sri Lanka, the 2006 In-ternational Textile Manufacturers Federation annual conference will be held in Colombo, Sri Lanka. The invitation brochure will be available towards the end of May 2006. For more information, contact +41 44 283 63 80, fax +41 44 283 63 89, e-mail [email protected], Web site www.itmf.org.
October
Oct. 31-Nov. 2, IFAI Expo 2006IFAI Expo 2006 will collaborate with ATME-I 2006 and AATCC to create MEGATEX of the Americas, the world’s largest specialty fabrics trade show. For information, contact IFAI Conference Management at 800 225 4324, e-mail [email protected].
Oct. 31-Nov. 3, ATME-I® 2006The American Textile Machinery Association (ATMA), Falls Church, Va., and England-based Mack Brooks Exhibitions Ltd. will hold their 2006 exhibition under the umbrella of Megatex, which will be held Oct. 31 through Nov. 4, 2006, at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta. For more information on ATME-I, call +1 703 538 1789; e-mail [email protected], Web site www.atmanet.org.
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I n d u s t r i a l F a b r i c P r o d u c t s R e v i e w M O N T H Y E A R2
For more information on classified advertising in IFAI’s Industrial Fabric Products Review,
contact Trisha Allex at IFAI, 1801 County Rd. B W., Roseville, MN 55113-4061 USA.
Phone: 800 225 4324, fax: +1 651 225 6966 , e-mail: [email protected]
Help WantedWanted
Help Wanted
Look for classifieds on our website
www.ifai.com
For Sale
Phone 864/242-3491 Fax 864/232-5658P.O. Box 1984, Greenville, SC 29602
E-mail: [email protected] our Web site for additional
positions: www.godshall.com
Call Richard Heard
Quality Engineer, $60K
Synthetic Wovens Process Eng, $60K
Nonwovens Development Eng, $60K
Automotive QC Manager, $65K
Tech Service Engineer–Nonwovens, $70K
Plant Engineer w/BSME, $75K
Robert Graham
Needleloom Tech/Weaver, $50K
Weave Department Manager, $60K
Rando Department Manager, $70K
Manufacturing Mgr-NY, $75K
Weave Plant Manager, $90K
Webbing Sales Director, $90K+
GODSHALL & GODSHALL CONSULTANTS
Textile Industry Specialists Since 1969Fee Paid Positions
WE BUY
SHELF-DATED BANNER FABRIC, IND. FABRIC, LAMINATED & COATED VINYL,
SECONDS & CLOSEOUTS.
CALL CANVYL 514/866-4255
SALES
A leading international manufacturer
of coated products is seeking a highly
motivated salesperson to cover our Mid-
western region. Prior sales experience a
must, experience in industrial textiles a +.
Individual will be responsible for calling
on new and existing customers.
We offer a competitive salary, com-
missions, health benefi ts, dental and a
401K.
Send resume in confi dence to:
IFAI, 1801 County Road B W,
Box 123, Roseville, MN 55113
or e-mail [email protected]
Upholstery, Auto Trim & Canvas experi-
ence. Southern Louisiana Shop. Family
business 3rd generation.
Custom Canvas & Auto Upholstery, LLC
451 Red Oak St. Slidell, LA 70460
(985) 781-7766 or (985) 705-9192
HELP WANTEDFOR SALE
Eyeletting Machine, Model F w/Table
& Baldor 3 phase motor, runs off 4
horsepower. 25 gallon air compressor
with Hercules foot petal & basket for rolled
rim eyelets. Approximately 35 years old.
Needs some adjustment. Asking price
$5000.00
Contact Lisa at 731.648.5401
Awning of Hollywood in Hollywood, FL
is looking for awning installers/ welders/
layoutpeople. Enjoy 80˚ weather and get
paid. Great health & 401k benefi ts!
Call 888 745 3671
WANT TO LIVE IN SUNNY FL?
Do you need assistance with custom
sewing projects? Do you have a business
for sale that involves custom sewing?
If so, contact
715-446-2281
we can help!
EMPLOYMENT – BUSINESSVENTURE IN SEWING PROJECTS
Services
0306RVW_Mktplace.indd 2 2/24/06 4:29:11 PM
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L is ted below is contact in format ion for the ind iv iduals and companies consul ted for th is month’s ar t ic les .
EDITORIAL SOURCES
Page 20
The hidden cost
Custom Canvas Solutions/Pet Project Inc., Lake Norman, N.C.+1 704 622 4225E-mail [email protected]
Page 26
Flying style
The Design Loft, St. Louis, Mo.+1 314 621 1332, fax +1 314 621 1262Web site www.flagloft.com
Flying Colors Inc., Berkeley, Calif.+1 510 526 9100, fax +1 510 526 9444E-mail [email protected] site www.flycolors.com
Hendee Enterprises Inc., Houston, Texas+1 713 796 2322, fax +1 713 796 0494E-mail [email protected] site www.hendee.com
Queen City Awning, Cincinnati, Ohio+1 513 530 9660, 800 611 2800Fax +1 513 530 0662E-mail [email protected] site www.queencityawning.com
Page 36
Digital Expo hosts imaging community
The American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA), Arlington, Va.+1 703 524 1864, 800 520 2262Fax +1 703 522 6741Web site www.usawear.org
The American Rental Association (ARA), Moline, Ill.800 334 2177, fax +1 309 764 1533Web site www.ararental.org
INDA, Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, Cary, N.C.+1 919 233 1210, fax 919 233 1282Web site www.inda.org
Specialty Graphic Imaging Association, Fairfax, Va.+1 703 385 1335, fax +1 703 273 0456E-mail [email protected] site www.sgia.org
Page 40
Stick to it
Polyurethane Foam Association (PFA), Knoxville, Tenn.+1 865 690 4648, fax +1 865 690 4649E-mail [email protected] site www.pfa.org
UPACO Foam Fabrication Adhesives Group, Richmond, Va.+1 804 275 9231, 800 446 9984Fax +1 804 743 8366Web site www.worthenindustries.com
UpholsteryShop Oregon Inc., Portland, Ore.+1 503 309 0005E-mail [email protected] site www.upholsteryshop.org
Page 44
Fabric testing: What’s your score?
The American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists (AATCC)Triangle Park, N.C.+1 919 549 3532E-mail [email protected]
John Boyle & Co. Inc., Statesville, N.C.+1 704 872 8151, 800 438 1061Fax +1 704 878 0572E-mail [email protected] site www.johnboyle.com
SDL Atlas, Charlotte, N.C.+1 704 329 0911, fax +1 704 329 0914E-mail [email protected] site www.sdlatlas.com
SGS, Rutherford, N.J.+1 973 575 3057E-mail [email protected] site www.sgs.com
Taber Industries, North Tonawanda, N.Y.+1 716 694 4000, 800 333 5300, Fax +1 716 694 1450Web site www.taberindustries.com
Page 48
Sail of the century
Bainbridge Intl. Inc., Canton, Mass.+1 781 821 2600, 800 422 5684Fax +1 781 821 2609E-mail [email protected] site www.bainbridgeint.com
Challenge Sailcloth Inc., Vernon, Conn.+1 860 871 8030, 800 962 4499
Dimension-Polyant Inc., Putnam, Conn.+1 860 963 7413, fax +1 860 928 0161E-mail [email protected]
Web site www.dimension-polyant.com
Glen Raven Technical Fabrics, Glen Raven, N.C.+1 336 227 6211, fax +1 336 226 8454E-mail [email protected]
Web site www.glenraven.com
Page 54
Where there’s smoke ... there’s opportunity
Eide Industries Inc., Cerritos, Calif.+1 562 402 8335, 800 422 6827Fax +1 562 924 2233E-mail [email protected] site www.eideindustries.com
Hudson Awning & Sign Co. Inc., Bayonne, N.J.+1 201 339 7171, 800 624 1012Fax +1 201 339 9858E-mail [email protected] site www.hudsonawning.com
SEC Group, Wilsonville, Ore.+1 503 570 8700
Tacoma Tent and Awning Co., Tacoma, Wash.+1 253 627 4128, 800 481 4128Fax +1 253 572 7791E-mail [email protected] site www.tacomatent.com
Warner Shelter Systems Ltd., Calgary, Alberta, Canada+1 403 279 7662, 800 661 6155Fax +1 403 236 2633E-mail [email protected] site www.wssl.com
Get listed on this page!Share your knowledge and expertise;
offer input on Review stories; or become
a published author yourself in these
pages. The following topics will be ad-
dressed in upcoming issues, and we’re
looking for knowledgeable sources:
Upcoming features:• In the shop: Equipment and ROI
• Who buys digital printing?
• Market report: Chemical and
biological protection products
• Your business: Re-inventing your
business
Don’t forget your cameraWe rely on our readers for most of
the images that appear in the Review.
However, we do have specific require-
ments for photos. We can use high-
resolution digital images—specifically,
300 dots per inch (dpi), sized at least
4-by-5 inches (1200 by 1500 pixels)—
in jpg, tif or eps formats. (We cannot
use images embedded in Word docu-
ments, PowerPoint or PDF files.)
In order to get print-quality im-
ages, your digital camera must be a
2.4 megapixel model (or higher).
We can also use glossy printed photo-
graphs (printed from standard pho-
tographic film), of course; but we
cannot use computer print-outs of
images. We must have originals.
Contact Galynn Nordstrom, Senior Editor +1 651 225 6928, e-mail [email protected].
We’re looking for a wicking test that can be used on laminated fabrics. Any suggestions?
Wicking is a term used for the phenomenon
in which moisture moves through a fabric,
either vertically or horizontally. We located a
test method from the Society of Automotive
Engineers (SAE) that can be used on laminated fabrics,
SAE J913 “Test Method for Wicking of Automotive
Fabrics and Fibrous Materials.” The laminated mate-
rial would need to have a fibrous or foam component,
however, for this test method to be applicable. For more
information on purchasing this test method, contact
SAE at SAE world headquarters, 400 Commonwealth
Drive, Warrendale, PA 15096-0001; +1 724 776 4841, fax
+1 724 776 0790, Web site www.sae.org.
I N F O R M A T I O N C E N T R A L?Don't le t a quest ion
s idetrack your
business. The tex-
t i le profess ionals at
Informat ion Centra l
answer quest ions
about sources of
supply, bu i ld ing
codes, technical
issues, and more.
This f ree serv ice is
exclus ive ly for IFAI
members . For mem-
bership in format ion,
contact IFAI at 1801
County Road B W. ,
Rosevi l le , MN 55113-
4061 ; 800 225 4324 ,
+1 651 222 2508 ,
fax +1 651 631 9334 .
Need an answer?
Contact Informat ion
Central , 800 328 4324,
+1 651 225 6935 ,
fax +1 651 222 2508 ,
e-mai l in focentra l@
ifa i .com.
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76 I n d u s t r i a l F a b r i c P r o d u c t s R e v i e w M A R C H 2 0 0 6
Complied by Juli Case, IFAI Information and Technical Services Manager, and Christine Malmgren, IFAI Information Services Representative.
We have a client specifying a “Mossy Oak” pattern of camouflage. Any idea of where we can purchase this material?
Unfortunately, it’s not quite that easy. Ge-
neric camouflage patterns like “woodlands”
or “desert” are not trademarked, but most
of the highly technical patterns are. Mossy
Oak falls into that category. The owner of the Mossy
Oak trade name is Haas Outdoors, and if the product
you’re producing is to be sold (i.e. it’s not for your
own use), then that product has to be licensed in
order to use its camouflage pattern. For more infor-
mation, contact the company at Haas Outdoors Inc.,
P.O. Box 757, West Point, MS 39773; +1 662 494 8859,
fax +1 662 494 8742, Web site www.mossyoak.com.
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I’m looking for a supplier of real Ultrasuede, not an imitation. Where can I get it?
Ultrasuede is a faux suede material that has
the look and feel of real suede, but is more
cleanable. Ultrasuede is made by Toray Ul-
trasuede. We contacted them and were told
that their distributor for aftermarket applications such
as marine work is Gulf Fabrics. For more information,
contact Gulf Fabrics at 3709 N. Armenia Ave. Tampa,
FL 33673-1303; +1 813 875 2707, fax +1 813 348 9540,
Web site www.gulffabrics.com. If you’d like to contact
Toray Ultrasuede directly, they may be reached at
Toray Ultrasuede (America) Inc.,1450 Broadway, New
York, NY 10018; +1 212 382 1590, fax +1 212 382 1551,
or Web site www.ultrasuede.com.
In the winter, our temperatures can reach below zero and the ground freezes up to three feet. Can you recommend a fabric to cover golf tees that will protect the grass from the ice build-up and frost that can occur during the winter months in Canada?
We contacted experts in the geosynthetic in-
dustry and they recommend a turf blanket as
the best possible solution. A turf blanket will
allow sun and moisture to pass through and
protect the greens from snowmold build-up. It also will
help the greens and tees to “green-up” much faster in
the springtime. For a supplier of turf blankets, contact
Colorado Lining Intl./WeatherBeater Golf, at 1062 Sing-
ing Hills Rd., Parker, CO 80138-4653; +1 303 841 2022,
fax +1 303 841 5780, Web site www.coloradolining.com.
Or, try Covermaster Inc., at 100 Westmore Dr., 11-D,
Rexdale, Ontario, Canada M9V 5C3; +1 416 745 1811,
fax +1 416 742 6837, Web site www.covermaster.com.
I’m working on a projection screen for a casino and need to find a white vinyl-coated fabric that won’t produce a glare. Do you have any suggestions?
We contacted suppliers of vinyl-coated fab-
rics and found the following suppliers of
vinyl fabrics that had fabrics available for this
particular use:
• DAF Products Inc., 420 Braen Ave., Wyckoff, NJ
07481-2949; +1 201 251 1222, fax +1 201 251 1221,
Web site www.dafproducts.com.
• Denver Tent Co./American Canvas Co., 6489 E
39th Ave, Denver, CO 80207-1334; +1 303 399 3232,
fax +1 303 399 1362.
• Mehler Texnologies Inc., 175 Mehler Lane, Mar-
tinsville, VA 24112-2037; +1 276 638 1007, fax +1 276
638 1472, Web site www.mehlerhaku.de.
• Vytech Industries Inc., PO Box 5288, Anderson,
SC 29623-5288; +1 864 224 8771, +1 864 224 8410,
Web site www.vytech.com.
We’re looking for a polyester Sateen filter fabric with a 20 CFM for a filter bag. What does CFM stand for?
CFM is an abbreviation used to describe the
airflow of fabric, and stands for cubic feet per
minute. It refers to the number of cubic feet
of air that will pass through one square foot
of fabric in one minute at a standard pressure drop of
a half an inch. This piece of information is referenced
in the ASTM D737, Test Method for Air Permeability of
Textile Fabrics. For a supplier of sateen polyester filter
fabric with a 20 CFM contact the following:
• Dodenhoff Industrial Textiles Inc., 28045 Ranney
Pkwy., Westlake, OH 44145-1144; +1 440 892 5511, fax
+1 440 892 0387, Web site www.dodenhoff.com.
• Liberty Textile Mills Corp., 75 Spruce St., Paterson,
NJ 07501-1720; +1 973 742 2400, fax +1 973 742 4334.
• Mopus Filtration LLC, 933 Caldwell Lane, Nashville,
TN 37204; +1 615 469 1148, fax +1 615 469 1147.
• Syfilco Ltd., 320 Thames Rd., East, Exeter, ON N0M
1S3, Canada; +1 519 235 1244, fax +1 519 235 1280, Web
site www.syfilco.on.ca.
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