[TC]² Bi-Weekly Technology Communicator
New SizeUSA Data Availability
By Karen Davis, [TC]²
SizeUSA is a sizing survey database of over 10,000 people in the United States that was completed in September of 2003. Over 200 body measurements and demographic profiles were created for each subject. Since its release in February of 2004, over sixty companies have sponsored or purchased SizeUSA data and have utilized the information for product improvements in several industries.
[TC]² is announcing the availability of the over 10,000 individual 3D scan datasets in addition to the original measurement and subject demographic information database. As part of this offering, purchasers will receive a single license of [TC]²'s automatic 3D measurement software which includes features to extract measurements, surface areas, volumes, shapes, and approximate internal joint locations.
For information in acquiring these 3D datasets, click here.
Fabrics That Light-up and Glow
By Kim Anderson, [TC]²
In today’s competitive environment both textile and apparel companies are on a constant search for the next big trend. Knowing what will be “in” might give them just the momentum they need to keep going. Fabrics that light-up and glow are worth checking out. After years of research these fabrics are finally transitioning from prototype to reality—and some unique multi-purpose products are being produced.
Flexible arrays of colored light-emitting diodes or LED’s have been incorporated into a fabric—without affecting the drape, flexibility or hand. Basically, LEDs are just tiny light bulbs, but unlike ordinary incandescent bulbs, they don't have a filament that will burn out, and they don't get especially hot.
The electronics and LED arrays are fully integrated and invisible to the observer. Royal Philips Electronics, based in the Netherlands, is on the forefront of this technology. They have developed a line of fabrics called Lumalive. The light-emitting textiles can display text messages, colored patterns, logos and even animation.
Companies are partnering with Phillips to produce drapes, cushions, sofa covers, jackets and shirts intended for safety, advertisement, and aesthetic purposes. For ease of care, the batteries and electronics are simple to connect and disconnect.
The Specialty Group, based in Australia, has produced energlo—a photo-luminescent coating that glows in the dark. Photo-luminescent crystals are scattered within several layers of a textile coating. After being exposed for just twelve minutes to a natural light, a new futuristic fabric can glow in the dark for more than three hours. The “glow-in-the-dark” fabric is waterproof, breathable, safe and permanent. Solar panels, wires, or batteries are not required.
Energlo apparel is perfect for law enforcement officers and paramedic crews where visibility at night is especially advantageous. A number of major outerwear brands plan to incorporate the energlo technology into their Winter 07/08 line. Targeted products include snowboard and ski wear, kids’ rainwear, cycling and running gear, back packs and sports bags, marine products and safety work wear.
The coating is also printable, machine-washable and has a renewable luminescent capability.
Poncho with energlo
Courtesy of energlo
www.energlo.ca
There is great potential for producing many creative new products using light emitting fabrics. Companies are using these new technologies to produce a wide array of aesthetic and utilitarian products.
Lumalive
Courtesy of Royal Philips Electronics
http://www.lumalive.com/business
[TC]² Activity
SEAMS Celebrates 40th Anniversary
By Jim Lovejoy, [TC]²
Myrtle Beach, SC was a great venue for the SEAMS spring meeting and 40th Anniversary celebration. The two day event was perfectly timed to finish just as the weather turned sour. Dan Hopping, from Next Retail Group, presented “Trends and Technologies That Will Affect Your Business” with lots of gadgets that are under development. He predicted that many new services and capabilities will be available via your cell phone.
Tipton Shonkwiler, a retailer from EmbroidMe, gave a history of their fast growing retail chain and highlighted the company’s success factors. More success stories from a panel of fabric and sewn products companies kept the SEAMS attendees’ attention as participants described how they work with their customers to solve problems and get new business.
Rick Horwitch from Bureau Veritas described opportunities and challenges in his talk entitled “Going Global, The Next Great Frontier – Do You Have What it Takes?”
Dr. Chris Cole from Clemson Apparel Research presented an update on doing business with government and military agencies. There have been many changes in military uniform styles and contracts.
The highlight of Saturday evening was lively presentation by Patti Fralix of the Fralix Group and Mike Fralix of [TC]² called “The Gender Divide - Making Cents of Nonsense.” Mike presented things that women do that irritate men and Patti presented things that men do that irritate women. Then, suggestions came from the audience, which added to both lists. It was all presented with a sense of humor and most attendees said it was very enlightening.
The final event featured the introduction of invited guests who were past SEAMS presidents and Board members and a slide show of the history of SEAMS. Jim Lovejoy was honored with the annual “SEAMS Person of the Year” award.
Cool Zone Profile
Assyst/Bullmer and The “Cool Zone” at SPESA Expo 2007
Hot Technologies Transforming the Industry
By Karen Davis, [TC]²
Can you imagine visualizing your 2D pattern joined onto a 3D avatar in the desired size and fabric, and in a variety of poses? Attendees at the SPESA Expo Event in Miami can view the process created through Assyst/Bullmer’s vidya software.
A garment can be displayed on an avatar in adjustable poses to determine the fabric’s behavior on the body. Fit problems or issues with drape are immediately apparent, and a tape measure and virtual pins provide the vidya user with familiar tools to make alterations and view their effects. Pattern pieces are checked using 3D visualization to detect any possible flaws prior to the initial cut. Material characteristics and fabric types are stored in a database for easy access. The system is designed to eliminate the high costs associated with creating prototypes, and the digital images can be shared with partners internationally.
Since the inception of Assyst/Bullmer in 1985, the heart of its business philosophy has been a steadfast commitment to the highest quality equipment with excellent customer service, support, and consultation. Its product line includes robust and proven solutions for textile and product design, product development management (PDM/PLM), pattern design (CAD), manual and automatic marker making or nesting, marker plotting, cut and cost planning and optimization, automated material handling, and spreading, and automated single, low and high-ply cutting (CAM/CNC). Several of these products such as automatic marker making, cost planning or data conversion are offered as a web service on its e-commerce platform automarker.com. Assyst/Bullmer is headquartered in Germany, with offices in China, Italy, the UK and U.S.
In addition to participating in the Cool Zone, Assyst will feature its complete product line in Booth 1100.
Cool Zone Profile
Shapely Shadow Demonstrates FastFit™ 360o in The “Cool Zone”
at SPESA Expo 2007
Hot Technologies Transforming the Industry
By Karen Davis, [TC]²
Can you imagine viewing a garment in 360o for merchandising and quality inspection, without having the physical garment? SPESA Expo attendees in Miami, May 8-10, will be able to experience this firsthand with Shapely Shadow’s FastFit™ 360o in the Cool Zone, Pavilion 670.
FastFit™ is a visual communications software tool that allows users to capture movement and view garments in 360 degrees. Users can also record live video or import existing video into a computer using a digital video camera. The video camera can then be connected to a computer to download the video to create rotating images of garments in a matter of seconds.
Shapely Shadow, Inc. was launched in 1997 to provide solutions for the apparel industry to improve fit. As a pioneer of the commercial utilization of 3D data, Shapely Shadow produces three types of forms: traditional linen forms for global quality control of outerwear; RealForms™, which are pin-able and washable with soap and water; and RealFlesh™ forms, the softest of the form products, designed to show pressure (bra underwire) for the lingerie and swimsuit industry.
Shapely Shadow will be part of the Merchandising/Sales area of The Cool Zone, a 4,000 sq. ft. pavilion that [TC]² is coordinating. The pavilion is the largest exhibit of multiple suppliers, and will showcase leading edge technologies that are in support of a totally digital supply chain. The space will be divided into four areas of concentration: Product Development, Merchandising/Sales, Product Conversion, and Distribution.
In addition to participating in the Cool Zone, Shapely Shadow will be featuring its solutions at Booth 1124 in the Convention Center.
Cool Zone exhibits will be accompanied by live presentations during show hours, describing the various technologies and pavilion activities in depth. Plan to visit the Cool Zone, Pavilion 670, at SPESA Expo 2007, May 8-10, at the Miami Beach Convention Center to view these technologies firsthand. For free registration or more information, go to www.spesaexpo.com.
Important Dates
April
23-24 |
Two Fast Fashion Workshops, Mexico City, for more information click here. |
23-27 |
Intro to Apparel Manufacturing Seminar, at [TC]² , for information or to register click here |
26-29 |
AAFA Supply Chain and Enterprise Competitiveness Committees, Key Largo, for more information www.apparelandfootwear.org. |
May
8-10 |
Material World/SPESA Expo, Miami Beach, for more information, click here. |
8-10 |
Material World and Technology Solutions, Miami Beach Convention Center, |
29 |
[TC]² Student Internship program begins |
June
28 |
SizeUSA User Group Meeting at [TC]² |
For detailed information about industry events, visit www.techexchange.com
Thanks to the techexchange site sponsors
Apparel Magazine, Gerber Technology, Lawson, Lectra, Methods Workshop and Reach Technologies.
A Look Ahead in the Newsletter
SPESA Expo 2007
View previous editions of this newsletter
[TC]²
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