[TC]² Bi-Weekly Technology Communicator

US Coast Guard Body Scanning Success Story

By Karen Davis, [TC]²

The US Coast Guard induction center at Cape May, New Jersey is now fully automated in their measurement and size selection systems using [TC]2’s NX-16 body scanners. In a collaborative effort, Coast Guard staff and [TC]² implemented the [TC]² auto-size selection system for the range of initial issue garments that are given to new recruits. The [TC]² system is integrated into the body scanner software, and is available at no additional charge with the body scanners. "We are now processing recruits at approximately 1 per minute and the sizing accuracy matches that of our expert manual measurers from our previous process; we are really pleased with our scanners and the service too," according to [Mr.] Carol Brewton, Coast Guard Uniform Program Manager.

“We have greatly appreciated our association with the US Coast Guard using our 3D body scanning technology, and likewise with the US Navy at Patuxent River, Maryland and the UK Ministry of Defense through their contractor, Qinetiq,”  comments Dr. David Bruner, Vice President of Technology Development for [TC]².   

Bruner continues, “Historically, military organizations around the world have spent millions of dollars and years of development on 3D body scanner-based sizing solutions and now this US Coast Guard implementation, active for over a year, proves the cost and performance effectiveness of the [TC]² commercially integrated automatic sizing infrastructure which is included with the [TC]² NX-16 3D body scanner solution."

NX-16 3D Body Scanner	US Coast Guard Scan Subject

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SizeUSA User Group Meeting
“Advancing Technologies and Next Survey”
June 18, 2008

By Jim Lovejoy, [TC]²

The SizeUSA User Group and Scanner Owners meeting will be held at [TC]² (5651 Dillard Drive, Cary, NC) on June 18, 2008, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Users will share some of their research and uses of the sizing information. To present research findings or project highlights on work conducted in the past year, please submit a brief description of the proposed program content. Some of the agenda topics include:

The one day program is open to SizeUSA license holders, [TC]² 3D body scanner owners and [TC]² scanner distributors. Registration fees for attendees are $195 for SizeUSA license holders/scanner owners and $295 for non-license holders. A dinner will be held the evening of June 17th for attendees – more details to follow.

Accommodations are available at the Holiday Inn and Suites, 5630 Dillard Dr., Cary, NC ph. 919.852.1220. Ask for the [TC]² Group rate of $95/night. The hotel is across the street from [TC]²’s new location.

The meeting is open to all industry members. To register, or for more information, please complete the contact form.

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Fiberactive: A Sustainable Company

By Kim Anderson, [TC]²

[TC]²’s consulting team assists both large and small companies in addressing numerous issues, including quality, costing and growth. On a recent consulting visit, [TC]² staff met with a company with a unique culture.

Julie Mullin is a lot of things—a talented artist, successful entrepreneur and consummate quilter. Since 1993, Mullin has operated a unique business located in Apex, North Carolina. Fiberactive Organics, LLC, her company, specializes in custom quilts for the bed or wall, standard and custome sized table linens, quilted placemats, table cloths and napkins—all constructed with 100% organic cotton fabrics and threads. Mullin is also a teacher and humanitarian who inspires everyone to do more. She employs 5 Montagnard women—teaching them to cut, sew and quilt—which not only gives them valuable skills but helps them put food on the family table. Mullin is dedicated to helping them transition and assimilate into an unknown and sometimes confusing and overwhelming environment.

Product samples courtesy of Fiberactive Organics, LLC

After completing her BFA in illustration and graphic design from the University of Missouri in Columbia, Mullin began designing and constructing pictorial quilts made from recycled fabric items and scraps.  In 1993, she opened Fiberactive. After years of sewing she began to experience numbness in her right hand that eventually prevented her from doing what she loved. But what might have left some people in a state of despair—inspired Mullin to go on a humanitarian venture.

Through her church, St. Paul’s Christian Church in Raleigh, NC, Mullin heard about the Lutheran Family Service’s (LFS) plight to bring Montagnard refugees to the U.S. Montagnards, pronounced mon-ten-yards, means "mountain people" in French and is a carryover from the French colonial period in Vietnam. The term is preferable to the derogatory Vietnamese term moi, meaning "savage."

The Montagnards are an indigenous people from the central highlands of Vietnam. During the Vietnam War Montagnards were recruited by the U.S. Special Forces to serve as front-line fighters with the U.S. Army. After the U.S. withdrew from Vietnam, the Montagnards were targeted by the Communist Vietnam government as traitors and U.S. spies.

Since 1986, a number of organizations including the LFS have focused on resettling Montagnard refugees to the U.S., predominantly in North Carolina. In 2002, about 900 Montagnards were resettled in North Carolina. This last group brought with them troubled histories of persecution and their resettlement has proved to be much more difficult. In addition, because of the slow economy, recent arrivals are facing more employment challenges.

One of Mullin’s main missions is to increase the market for organic cotton in order to promote organic farming throughout the world and especially in the U.S.  Mullin’s second mission is to provide work for those who would otherwise be unemployed. 

Mullin says the “Montagnard women have lived in the jungles of Vietnam and that they arrive in the U.S. with no marketable skills and no way to understand instructions.” Mullin adds that at Fiberactive “the women receive basic training in English, reading, health, and skills that help them maneuver in a technologically advanced society.” Mullin cross-trains her employees so they are well versed in all of the processes involved in making Fiberactive products. She also provides them with the necessary tools so that they are able to work from home, if needed.

Mullin not only offers the Montanards employment but is learning the Montagnard Jerai language specific to the village of Plei Grak where her women come from, so she will better understand their culture and be able to communicate. Mullin accompanies the Montagnard women to the dentist and doctor, helping them to translate medical information and ease their fears. In a movement which Mullin is helping to create, called “Domestic Fair Trade” Mullin arranges medical insurance for her workers, provides free transportation and child care and pays them a middle class wage.

With orders from Hyatt Grand Cypress in Orlando, and restaurants and organic laundries across the U.S. and Canada, Mullin is ready to grow her business.  However, even with increased profits on the horizon, there is no doubt that Mullin will never lose her dedication to her people and the planet.

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Member Profile
Lori Coulter® Goes Vegas; Brings Personalized Style Poolside

By Karen Davis, [TC]²

This summer, Lori Coulter® is getting some serious sun exposure as the model servers at the new ultra pool, Wet Republic, at MGM Grand Las Vegas flaunt select looks from the Made-to-Order line.

“It’s a privilege to contribute to the high-fashion and ultra style that Wet Republic brings to Las Vegas,” says Lori Coulter, President and Founder of Lori Coulter Made-to-Order Swimwear. “We worked closely with MGM Grand Las Vegas to design stylish options for the model servers of this exclusive pool experience. Our line brings a layer of personalization to the standard uniform offering chic, glamorous styles that exude confidence and elegance.”

Using [TC]²’s 3D body scanning technology, Coulter scanned and outfitted over 25 employees in time for the April 10 opening of Wet Republic. Each female model server was provided with four custom-designed swim sets including a bikini, tankini and one-piece and coordinating micro mini skirts. The model servers have the freedom to mix and match the Avorio (cream) and Akakus (champagne gold) trimmed pieces to create an even more customized look.

Photos courtesy of Lori Coulter, Napkin Nites, Localitesvegas.com and Wet Republic

Coulter combines a unique blend of 3D body scanning technology and high-fashion to create a personalized experience for fashion and body conscious women. Coulter uses the safe white light scanning technology developed by [TC]² to measure the entire human body in less than 10 seconds to produce a true-to-scale 3D body model within a minute. These accurate and precise measurements allow Coulter and her team to help clients to select the color, style, bra type, lining, embellishments and hardware to create the desired look and fit.

The 2008 made-to-order swimwear collection combines the latest in colors, shapes and accessories to create chic, wearable swimwear with a true fit for all ages, lifestyles and activities. 

In addition to the swimwear line, Coulter can produce low minimum private label and uniform programs for hotels, resorts, retailers or even small designers.  Lori Coulter Made-to-Order Swimwear is available at select Macy’s locations.  For more information about Lori Coulter, please visit www.loricoulter.com.

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[TC]² and AATCC Present
Innovative Textile Printing: Green & Global

September 17-19, 2008
Sheraton Imperial Hotel, RTP
Raleigh/Durham, North Carolina

This educational symposium will highlight innovative approaches for textile printing and provide insight into the development and production of textile prints within the global supply chain.  Digital textile printing will be highlighted as both an established solution for product development and an emerging opportunity for production printing of yard goods as well as finished garments.  The symposium will also address the issue of sustainability and feature information regarding the need to develop printed textile products with environmental considerations in mind. 

On September 19th, participants will have the opportunity to visit Cotton Incorporated for a tour of their digital print and textile processing areas.  The tour will then proceed to [TC]², where visitors will gain insight into 3D technologies for product development and the integration of digital printing into the sewn product manufacturing environment. 

For more information, go to www.aatcc.org.

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Important Dates

June

July

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.

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A Look Ahead in the Newsletter



Intermoda

View previous editions of this newsletter

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[TC]²
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Cary , NC 27518
www.tc2.com
Phone: 919-380-2156
Fax: 919-380-2181

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