[TC]² Bi-Weekly Technology Communicator |
October 4, 2006 |
[TC]² Pattern Development 3 Day Seminar
October 18-20, 2006
Still Accepting Registrations
 Pattern Development is a comprehensive course guiding each participant through the basics of developing patterns and applying grade rules.
Learn introductory principles of fit, pattern development, and marker making. Hands-on activities include flat pattern manipulations, fabric critique, and garment investigation.
Grading For Fit
November 15-17, 2006
Proper grading ensures good fit of a manufactured garment. Learn basic principles of fit and grading. Hands-on projects include deriving grade rules and manual grading of three basic garments.
• Analyze designs to determine where grading is needed
• Derive grade rules from specs and measurements
• Calculate grade rules
• Apply grade rules
• Emphasize grading to meet specifications and production requirements
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Attendees should understand patternmaking, general grading principles, and basic CAD functions. Program designed for Pattern Makers, Marker Makers, Specification and Costing Engineers, and Graders.
To register for this course or other [TC]² offerings, please contact Elizabeth Salisbury, Program Coordinator at (919) 653-3507 or use our contact form.
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The Annual Australian TCF Technology Network Conference
“Performance Textiles”
By Kim Anderson, Ph.D., writer/reporter for [TC]²
If you needed an infusion of some the latest textile and apparel innovations, the Rydges Riverwalk Hotel Melbourne in Australia was the place to be on August 23. At the Annual Australian TCF Technology Network Conference, a slate of prominent industry professionals, researchers and educators shared their thoughts and findings with over 130 attendees.
Smart Clothes and Wearable Technology by Jane McCann, Director of the Smart Clothes and Wearable Technologies Research Group
Jane McCann, Director of the Smart Clothes and Wearable Technologies Research Group, at the University of Wales, Newport, has put together a multidisciplinary team whose goal is to create the next generation—apparel for the 21st century. In her presentation entitled Smart Clothes and Wearable Technology, McCann outlined the team’s goal—utilize contemporary design principles, new and existing technologies, textiles and production methods to design smart clothing that works, looks attractive and is usable.
Using sportswear as a paradigm, McCann demonstrates how the research group and industry will work together to develop, design and produce an aesthetically desirable, high-performing and culturally suitable product that will meet the needs of the end user.
McCann closed by showcasing a variety of products that have successfully integrated technology into textiles and garments.
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The Audex™ Jacket: A control panel on the left sleeve is used to take or make calls and switch songs on an iPod™
Courtesy of Burton Snow Boarding |
No Innovation, No Future! Colin Purvis representing CIRFS and EATP
After a brief overview of the International Rayon and Synthetic Fibres Committee (CIRFS) and the European Association for Polyolefins (EATP), Colin Purvis launched into his presentation titled No Innovation, No Future! Purvis pointed out that with employment and production down and Chinese imports surging, the long term future for commodity products is dismal. Even so—opportunities do exist.
The European apparel industry is “fighting back” with high fashion, performance sportswear, career and protective wear and quick response. Purvis pointed out that after a period of decline the European interior textile industry is fighting back as well, with a strong carpet and hard floor program, high value upholstery and flame resistant furnishings. European production for technical markets such as agrotextiles, geotextiles, medical and architectural textiles is growing.
Purvis planted a seed of warning: quick response and good fashion sense aren’t enough. He urged the audience to pursue innovation, pointing out some of the latest successful launches—including new and improved synthetic turf, comfortable bullet resistant vests for women and performance sportswear.
Exploring the Digital Supply Chain by Dr. Mike Fralix, [TC]²
Dr. Fralix opened his presentation titled Exploring the Digital Supply Chain by emphasizing the need to embrace change…change is not something to be afraid of but to take advantage of. Dr. Fralix then moved to the heart of his presentation—the impact digital communication, business processes, product design, machine control and manufacturing processes have on today’s industry.
Dr. Fralix pointed out the functions that can now be executed digitally—such as the design and creation of fibers, yarns and fabric; garment sketches; palettes; prints and patterns; fit and garment specifications; 3D products; cost sheets; and catalogues and orders.
Fralix took a look at today’s “converters”—equipment that converts physical entities into digital entities. He answered the sometime ambiguous question—“what is a digital product?”
Digitally created apparel
Fralix compared the stages of the physical product supply chain, mass customization supply chain and the digital supply chain. All include the same steps—design/develop; manufacture/convert; market/sell; and distribute/ship. However, the steps occur in different orders depending on what supply chain you’re maneuvering in. The manufacture/convert step is the last in the digital supply chain, allowing all processes to be executed digitally until the product is delivered to the consumer.
Fralix wrapped up his presentation by pointing out the benefits of the digital supply chain—the ability to reconfigure production requirements and product attributes, be flexible and cater to the individual consumer.
Technical Developments in Performance Sportswear by Dr. Ian Blanchonette, CSIRO Textile and Fibre Technology
Dr. Blanchonette kicked-off his presentation, Technical Developments in Performance Sportswear, by emphasizing the numerous opportunities in the sportswear market. He detailed some of the latest fibers, fabrics and finishes that are being used to impart superior moisture management, breathability, temperature regulation and compression properties into sports apparel.
Dr. Blanchonette pointed out the benefits of using flat and welded seams and no seams at all, via seamless knitting.
He then introduced the concept of “body mapping.” He explained that different parts of the body have different thermal and moisture management requirements. He discussed some of the innovations being used in swimwear and wetsuit products. Dr. Blanchonette closed by sharing his thoughts on the future of the sportswear market.
Medical Applications of Fibers and Textiles by Dr. P.G. Cookson of Deakin University, Centre for Material and Fibre Innovation
Dr. Cookson opened his presentation, Medical Applications of Fibers and Textile, by pointing out the opportunities in the field of medical textiles. End-uses for medical textiles are expansive, ranging from filaments for toothbrushes to implantable vascular grafts.
Dr. Cookson highlighted the fibers and fabric constructions that are successfully being used in medical textiles.
Today, the global healthcare market is a 3.5-4 trillion dollar business. Cookson reviewed the market size of various medical textiles. He pointed out areas of high growth, trends and innovations for different medical textile products.
Dr. Cookson believes that with a large segment of the population ageing, medical textiles offers numerous opportunities; however, with healthcare spending spiraling, the opportunities come with threats. He went on to share some of the innovations in sutures; vascular grafts; nano-fiber wound dressings; embroidered implants; nonwovens; and composites.
QuickDry Merino by Dr. Ron Denning, CSIRO Textile and Fibre Technology
In his presentation, QuickDry Merino, Dr. Denning got right to the heart of things—the problem. Wool is perceived as slow drying and hard to clean…the solution—QuickDry.
Research has led to the development of QuickDry Merino. When compared to other fibers such as untreated wool, cotton and polyester, QuickDry dries fastest through time.
Courtesy of Ron Denning, CSIRO Textile and Fibre Technology
The wool has been treated to reduce the water uptake, increase the water release and improve stain resistance while retaining the attributes of natural wool. Applications include sportswear, fashion apparel, children’s wear and military apparel.
Draggin Jeans by Grant Mackintosh of Draggin Jeans
The Draggin Jean is a leading brand in casual protective clothing for motorcyclist. Grant Mackintosh presented the Draggin Jean concept. The high power apparel is lined with Kevlar® to enhance safety and pleasure while motorcycling.
How is the jean tested?
In an excerpt from the company’s web site: “The concept was simple, attach a victim to a modified drag car and maybe a Harley Davidson or two and drag him up the drag strip!”
Testing Draggin Jeans
Courtesy Draggin Jeans
Draggin Jean not only makes jeans but jackets, gloves, sweatshirts, chino and cargo pants and more.
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[TC]² Activity
[TC]²’s Fully Automatic NX-12 3D Body Scanner at WestQuay Shopping Centre
Saturday 30th of September - Sunday 8th of October
Contributed by Richard Allen, Shape Analysis
Shape Analysis, [TC]²'s 3D body scanning development, distribution, and support partner in the United Kingdom, has installed [TC]²’s fully automatic NX-12 3D Body Scanner in the WestQuay Shopping Centre. To help shopper’s create their perfect look for the new Autumn/Winter Season, the shopping centre, located in the U.K., is giving visitors the unique opportunity to try the NX-12 3D scanner. This is an exclusive event for WestQuay visitors, and something they won't find anywhere else in the region.
Using safe white light, the NX-12 3D Body Scanner provides information on size and body shape in just a few seconds. Used in conjunction with fashion advice for the new season, visitors can find out how to modify key looks to suit them. Plus, the NX-12 3D scanner will tell visitors what sizes they should be looking for in their favorite WestQuay stores!
For more information, follow this link.
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Member Profile
By Karen Davis, [TC]²
Founded in 1935, Avery Dennison is a global leader in pressure-sensitive technology and innovative self-adhesive solutions for consumer products and label materials. Based in Pasadena, California, the company had 2005 sales of $5.5 billion. Avery Dennison develops, manufactures and markets a wide range of products for consumer and industrial markets, including Avery-brand office products, Fasson-brand self-adhesive materials, peel-and-stick postage stamps, reflective highway safety products, automated retail tag and labeling systems, and specialty tapes and chemicals.
The company's businesses are organized in three segments, along with other specialty converting businesses:
 Pressure-sensitive Materials manufactures Fasson-brand pressure-sensitive base materials, reflective and graphic materials and performance polymers.
Office and Consumer Products manufactures a variety of consumer products under the
Avery-brand for the office, school and home.
Retail Information Services provides the retail and apparel manufacturing industries with a variety of price marking and brand identification products.
In addition to these business segments, Other Specialty Converting Businesses is comprised of several businesses that produce postage stamps, battery labels, performance films, and a variety of specialty tapes.
The company's proprietary self-adhesive coating, converting and film extrusion processes incorporate an enormous concentration of technical knowledge, resources and experience. Mastering these technologies has made Avery Dennison a world leader in the high-speed, continuous processing of quality film and paper-based products.
Radio frequency identification, or RFID, technology is changing the way in which information is collected, employed, and managed in the global retail supply chain. Through RFID technology, information can be embedded in a label or tag to create a powerful "smart label" for use in tracking, counting, locating and protecting. Avery Dennison RFID technology creates the ability to identify the location of every item without having to physically see or handle it.
With RFID technology, information is electronically embedded into an intelligent or "smart" label for use in logistics, security, health care, access control, product safety, ownership verification and other applications. As both a materials supplier and a high-volume converter of specialized labels, Avery Dennison is able to manufacture every component of an RFID label, except the microchip itself, uniquely positioning the company to be at the forefront of the RFID revolution.
A new labeling solution that helps companies meet major-retailer and Department of Defense (DoD) RFID and bar-code identification requirements is now available from Avery Dennison Printer Systems. The solution consists of new scalable ItemSight™ software bundled with a scanner, plus optional label production systems.
Avery Dennison Retail Information Services has developed a simple and cost effective supplemental RFID label solution via its global service bureau Ticket Express™. Utilizing Ticket Express can reduce or eliminate in-house ticketing operations and the associated costs. In-country production also significantly reduces lead times, eliminates customs and duties, and dramatically reduces freight costs.
These technologies and applications are an integral part of products used in virtually every major industry, with active product sales currently recorded in 89 countries worldwide.
For more company information, visit http://www.averydennison.com, or the Retail Information Services divison at www.ris.averydennison.com.
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Important Dates
October
8 |
Apparel Executive Forum, Ponte Vedra, FL. For details, visits www.apparelmag.com |
10-11 |
Ergonomics – Create a Program. Seminar at [TC]² - for information, click here. |
17 |
Sewability – Sewing Quality Improvement. Seminar at [TC]² - for information, click here. |
18-20 |
Pattern Development. Seminar at [TC]² - for information, click here. |
24 |
Quality & Systems Improvement, Six Sigma for the Sewing Industry. Seminar at [TC]² - for information, click here. |
24-26 |
SGMA Sports + Technology Convergence, La Jolla CA. Visit http://stc.sgma.com for details. |
31-Nov.3 |
MEGATEX - Georgia World Congress Center Atlanta, Georgia. For details, click here. |
31-Nov.4 |
ITAA Annual Meeting, San Antonio, TX. Go to www.itaaonline.org for details. |
November
8-9 |
Tech Conference at Fashion Institute of Technology, New York. For information go to www.apparelmag.com. |
15-17 |
Grading for Fit. Seminar at [TC]² - for information, click here. |
For detailed information about industry events, visit www.techexchange.com
Thanks to the techexchange site sponsors
Apparel Magazine, Gerber Technology, Intentia, Lectra, Methods Workshop and Reach Technologies.
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A Look Ahead in the Newsletter
Material World
SEAMS Fall Meeting
Apparel Tech Conference
View previous editions of this newsletter
[TC]²
211 Gregson Drive
Cary , NC 27511
www.tc2.com
Phone: 919-380-2156
Fax: 919-380-2181
Email:
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