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Pincroft Invests £1+ in New Military Printing Tech

Thursday, August 15th, 2024

£1m+ investment to dramatically boost Pincroft’s camouflage printing capacity

(Adlington, United Kingdom): Global leader in military fabric printing, dyeing and finishing, Pincroft, has announced an investment of over £1m for the purchase of state-of-the-art equipment for its factory in the United Kingdom that is set to increase the textile manufacturer’s camouflage printing capacity to over 8 million metres a year.

The new equipment boasts the latest technology in rotary screen printing, including a magnet combined system for uniform application across the width, digital synchronisation for better accuracy, short setup times, automatic repeat settings, design memory, and faster reproduction of re-orders.

It also includes a pre-bulk strike-off machine, which allows for preparation prior to the printing production process. This facilitates the development and verification of paste viscosities, colour concentration and magnet power adjustment.

Pincroft’s new rotary screen printer will allow the manufacturer to process a complex range of technical textiles, from lightweight fabrics for waterproof applications, to heavy weights for load carriage and equipment handling.

This new investment is Pincroft’s strategic move to continue its growth in the military fabrics segment and continue offering customers the best quality in camouflage textile printing.

Mike Collins, Pincroft’s Managing Director, says: “This investment is hugely important for our business. We expect delivery of the machine at the end of the year and aim to be ready for production at the start of 2025.”

Posted in Camo, Industry, International, Materials, Press Release | Comments Off on Pincroft Invests £1+ in New Military Printing Tech

Trelleborg Announces Investment in Rutherford County, North Carolina

Thursday, July 11th, 2024

RUTHERFORDTON, NC – July 10, 2024 – Global leading engineered polymer group Trelleborg has announced a greenfield development for its engineered coated fabrics operations in Gateway West Commerce Park in Rutherford County, North Carolina.

The site, part of Rutherford County’s development vision for advanced manufacturing, will be Trelleborg’s second major facility in the area and is expected to cement Trelleborg’s position both as an industry leader and as a major local employer.

In addition to investments in state-of-the-art production capabilities Trelleborg will further invest in ensuring that the building and its operations are at the forefront of sustainability. The initial investment exceeds $30 million.

“By investing in sustainability as well as capacity, we will be better positioned to meet our customers’ needs and have a positive impact on our local community,” said Steve Brockman, President of Trelleborg Engineered Coated Fabrics. “Our new facility will be built to achieve LEED certification, and our operations will be carbon neutral and emit zero emissions. This investment helps us expand our use of bio-based polymers and recycled raw materials, aiding Trelleborg and our customers in meeting their product circularity targets.”

“I would like to thank Trelleborg for its continued investment and commitment to our community” said Rutherford County Board of Commissioners Chairman Bryan King. “As one of the county’s top employers, and a valued partner in community initiatives, this expansion underscores Trelleborg’s dedication to Rutherford County. “

“Trelleborg was the first corporate sponsor of our new Engineering Technology and Workforce Development Building and is a key partner in our international student exchange program,” added Dr. Margaret Annunziata, Isothermal Community College President.

“We have a long history working with Trelleborg and are so excited about this new investment and its close proximity to our college.”

Steve Brockman continued, “Our partnerships with local governments and Isothermal Community College have been instrumental in our decision to locate the new facility here. We have collaborated with Isothermal Community College for over twenty years. This new facility will strengthen our collaboration with the college and other local stakeholders, ensuring we continue to build a skilled workforce and drive economic development in the region. We hope our investment will expand career opportunities within the local community and attract further investments from other multinational companies.”

Trelleborg expects to break ground on the new facility in Q4 2024 and start production in Q1 2026.

www.trelleborg.com

Posted in Industry, Materials, Press Release | Comments Off on Trelleborg Announces Investment in Rutherford County, North Carolina

Carrington Textiles Releases First Sustainability Report

Wednesday, July 10th, 2024

Adlington, United Kingdom: Global workwear textile manufacturer, Carrington Textiles, has announced the release of its first sustainability report, highlighting some of the company’s significant achievements in environmentally responsible activities.

The report, presented by RTS Textiles Group, Carrington Textiles’ parent company, outlines various aspects, including the organisation’s structure, sustainability approach, social performance and future targets.

Key highlights include an investment of over €16.7 million across sites to enhance environmental performance through the purchase of state-of-the-art equipment, such as a Combined Heat and Power (CHP) unit, biomass boilers and solar panels.

Additionally, the report sheds light on the workwear textile manufacturer’s carbon roadmap, covering emissions under scopes 1, 2, and 3.

John Vareldzis, RTS Textiles CEO, commented: “This year, we are publishing our first sustainability report to reflect the increasing importance of sustainability in everything that we do. We understand that this is a long-term journey, and publishing this report, with clear targets and performance metrics, is just one step along that journey. It will help us create transparency and accountability throughout our operations, which, in turn, will push us further along that path.”

To read the full report, visit carrington.co.uk.

Posted in International, Materials, Press Release | Comments Off on Carrington Textiles Releases First Sustainability Report

Vertx Tactical Tuesday – Tackle the Elements

Tuesday, July 9th, 2024

Stay prepared to tackle the elements. Every aspect of the Integrity Shell Jacket is focused on keeping elite operators and their gear at peak efficiency, regardless of the weather. Powered by 37.5® Technology, the Integrity works with you to keep warm and dry when needed, and also works to reduce humidity when things start to heat up. No matter what she throws your way, Mother Nature is no match for the Integrity Shell Jacket.

Posted in Advertiser, Clothing, Guest Post, Materials | 1 Comment »

Smart Magnetics Innovation by Exxelia: Enhancing Next-Generation Resonant and Bidirectional Power Converters

Monday, July 8th, 2024

Exxelia, global manufacturer of complex passive components and subsystems introduces groundbreaking innovations in smart magnetics technology, specifically tailored for resonant bidirectional power converters. These advancements are set to redefine efficiency and performance standards across a spectrum of applications.

The advent of electrification, especially in electric or hybrid mobility including EVTOLs, buses, heavy vehicles, military/defense applications, off-road vehicles, and space thrusters, as well as electric energy storage systems & Smart Grid networks, implies the management and storage of large quantities of electrical energy. This necessitates the use of specific architectures such as DAB, LLC, and interleaved converters. These structures enable very high efficiencies.

EXXELIA SMART MAGNETICS INTEGRATED TECHNOLOGY

Combines an inductor and a transformer into a single ultra-compact/miniaturized, lightweight component, regardless of the inductance value, for a seamless integration.

• High Power Applications (up to 300kW)

• High Frequency (10-500kHz): fits next-generation semiconductors (SiC, GaN) : Enables compact, lightweight designs.

• High Efficiency: minimizing losses, achieving efficiencies above 99% even at high frequencies.

• Lower Total cost of ownership: Ensuring straightforward integration and optimized system costs.

• EMI Reduction: Enhances electromagnetic compatibility for reliable operation.

TECHNICAL CHARACTERISTICS

3 Phase 24 kVA Integrated Component (Transformer + Inductors) 360/27 V @ 100kHz

– Incorporates Series Inductors (18?H)

– Withstands Net Bias Current 10% of Load Current

– Size 1085cc, Mass 3.86kg

Dual Active Bridge Transformer 2kW / 10:1 / 300 kHz and Chokes 10?H

– Incorporates Series Inductors 10?H ? Size 40x40x40 mm, Mass 250g

Meet the Challenges in Converter Development:

• Miniaturization: Designing smaller systems without compromising performance.

• Thermal Management: Efficiently managing heat to enhance durability and efficiency.

• Cost-Effectiveness: Balancing efficiency enhancements with cost-effective solutions.

Exxelia’s commitment to the development of these new technologies shows its willingness to anticipate the needs of advances power electronics.

For more information on Exxelia’s smart magnetics innovations, visit Exxelia’s website.

This project was financed by the government as part of the Recovery plan.

Posted in International, Materials, Power, Press Release | Comments Off on Smart Magnetics Innovation by Exxelia: Enhancing Next-Generation Resonant and Bidirectional Power Converters

Prototypes Come to Life in MakerSpace Challenge

Thursday, June 27th, 2024

ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND, Md. — The U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Chemical Biological Center wrapped up its center-wide MakerSpace Challenge to encourage the use of the lab’s unique capabilities. The four-week long competition pitted the CBC workforce’s potential mission-related prototypes against each other, all while leveraging the various 3D printers offered by the lab.

The competition was touted as a way to promote MakerSpace’s full potential as being the center’s main hub for proof-of-concepts to take shape. All CBC employees were encouraged to participate in creating their own physical or virtual model to be evaluated, as long as it pertained to mission readiness. Competitors were judged by a panel from CBC’s Innovation Council with winners announced in several categories during a Coffee with Colleagues poster session in late May.

CBC acquired its first 3D printer in 1989, just four years after the first commercial grade printer became available to the public. While those antique, hulking machines cost nearly half a million dollars then, MakerSpace now offers 28 machines encompassing 7 different processes, varying from cost-effective tabletop plastic filament models that retail closer to $1,200, to larger units capable of printing with metals.

Bradley Ruphrecht, the MakerSpace lead and an engineering technician at CBC, has been working with additive manufacturing for over 20 years. He says that the MakerSpace challenge offers the chance for all employees to try their hand at experiencing the significant advantages that a physical prototype of one’s own design can offer.

“We had an open house this past November to spread the word on what our lab can offer,” said Ruprecht. “We have a couple of experts here that are always ready to give a quick introduction to our printers to help everyone get started on their first iteration of whatever their trying to achieve.”

Curtis Kreuziger, a general engineer from CBC’s satellite campus located at Rock Island Arsenal, Illinois, was one of several participants and teams selected on the merit of their initial proposals to the competition. Kreuziger had a novel solution to develop a 3D printed, plastic version of the tool that Soldiers use to perform maintenance on their M53A1 protective mask. The valve cassette removal tool — currently a proprietary part that retails for about $2,500 — could possibly now be replicated by utilizing a cost-effective and field-ready solution.

“The challenge announcement gave me an outlet — and an excuse — to go after this prototype I’ve been thinking of for a while now,” said Kreuziger. “This new tool I’m developing can hopefully cut down cost by up to 90 percent for this tool that gets pretty regular use.”

Kreuziger traveled to CBC’s Edgewood, Maryland, headquarters specifically for the MakerSpace challenge due to its multiple printer solutions and material types. He also anticipated his prototype to be created using FDM machines due to their ubiquity in the field. These designs can be utilized from a database, thus making them an ever-ready staple that Soldiers can have access to wherever they have access to a printer.

“The ability to print via multiple techniques and materials cannot be understated,” said Kreuziger. “Some portions of my design, such as the smaller protruding tabs, are just inherently difficult for certain machines due to cooling time or their specific manufacturing process. I would never have known about that until physically holding it. Thankfully I have access to all the different types of printers as the intent is to try them all out.”

– Courtesy of the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command (DEVCOM) Chemical Biological Center (CBC).

Posted in Army, Guest Post, Materials | Comments Off on Prototypes Come to Life in MakerSpace Challenge

Tactical Tuesday: Beat the Heat with 37.5 Technology

Tuesday, June 25th, 2024

At Vertx® we incorporate the best performance technology into our apparel. In any condition, 37.5® fabrics are working with your natural microclimate to evaporate moisture to keep you cool or reflect it back to you to keep you warm so, you can stay comfortable no matter the weather or activity. This performance technology now encompasses a full line of shirts, pants, and accessories.

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Wilkie Announces Strategic Partnership with Ocean State Innovations (OSI)

Friday, June 21st, 2024

Lowell, MA – Wilkie Technical Textiles, a global leader in advanced technical textile solutions, is delighted to announce a significant strategic partnership with Ocean State Innovations (OSI). OSI, renowned worldwide for its exceptional textile solutions, quality, and service, will now serve as the primary liaison for a variety of Wilkie America products manufactured in Lowell, MA. Wilkie America has unique capabilities for applying a broad range of polymer coatings onto textile substates for military, medical, workwear, automotive, and heat protection fabrics. Wilkie America draws on the expertise of the wider Wilkie group for spinning, weaving, and finishing of base fabrics.

This collaboration marks a pivotal step in our journey towards growth and progress, leveraging the combined strengths of Wilkie and OSI to enhance our service offerings and deliver superior textile solutions to our valued customers.

Key Benefits of the Partnership:

Enhanced Service and Quality: OSI’s commitment to outstanding quality and service aligns perfectly with Wilkie’s mission to provide locally manufactured advanced textile solutions. This partnership will ensure that our customers continue to receive the highest standards of products and services.

Innovation and Product Development: Wilkie and OSI are mutually dedicated to product innovation and improvement. Drawing on our global knowledge pool and development resources, we look forward to working with existing and new customers to develop the next era of advanced technical textiles.

Primary Liaison for Wilkie America Products: Moving forward, Ocean State Innovations will be the main point of contact for a variety of Wilkie products manufactured in Lowell, MA. This streamlined communication channel is expected to improve efficiency and customer satisfaction.

This partnership exemplifies our shared commitment to pioneering cutting-edge solutions and delivering unparalleled service in the textile industry.

We look forward to a prosperous future together and appreciate your continued support as we embark on this exciting new chapter.

A representative from the OSI team will reach out to you shortly to discuss how this partnership can benefit you. In the interim, should you have any queries or require further information, please do not hesitate to contact Bryan Boulis directly at OSI via email at Bryan.Boulis@1947llc.com or by phone at 508-801-3685. Jim Lauer will stay on as President of the Lowell facility and can be contacted at jim.lauer@wilkieamerica.com or by phone at 847-257-2337.

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