October 2010

  • Published On: October 1, 2010

    The German Engineering Association VDMA has put in place a new network for machinery manufacturers engaged in the development and production of technologies for the manufacture and quality control of composite materials. Lightweight construction is a central challenge in design engineering, and composites are key materials for fuel-saving transport equipment as well as for sustainable [...]

  • Published On: October 1, 2010

    After completing an update of ASTM D123, Terminology Relating to Textiles, members of ASTM Subcommittee D13.92 on Terminology decided that the information contained in the annexes was sufficiently important to merit a separate standard. The new standard, ASTM D7641, Guide for Textile Fibers, has now been published, and provides a comprehensive guide to a large [...]

  • Published On: October 1, 2010

    We’re now perfectly positioned for the international market,” says Dr. Christine Lemaitre, CEO of the German Sustainable Building Council (DGNB). Under the general management of board members Dr. Peter Mösle and Johannes Kreissig, the DGNB has been developing its certification system to meet international requirements, and to allow for transparent adaptation to the requirements of [...]

  • Published On: October 1, 2010

    The hottest design during the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing was Speedo’s LZR Racer swimming suit, which helped American Michael Phelps and a host of other world-class swimmers break more than 90 world records with its aerodynamic fit and fabric. Its advantages led to the suit being banned by the Fédération Internationale de Natation, the [...]

  • Published On: October 1, 2010

    Companies supplying oil boom for the Gulf worked around the clock, then found themselves awash in inventory. By Janice Kleinschmidt After more than 30 years in the containment systems business, MPC Containment Systems LLC of Chicago, Ill., found itself thrust full steam into making a new product: oil boom. Immediately after the BP oil spill [...]

  • Published On: October 1, 2010

    The time-honored rules of profitable management are a critical ingredient for building sales and profits when the going gets tough. By William J. Lynott The upheaval in today’s economy has given a rebirth to the basic dynamics of successful business management. Easy to ignore in good times, the time-honored rules of profitable business management are [...]

  • Published On: October 1, 2010

    Printing choices that are sensitive to the environment are also good for business. By Michael Labella With the global economy almost five times the size it was half a century ago, sustainable growth has now become the paradigm of the 21st century: a responsibility that our society has for itself and the environment in order [...]

  • Published On: October 1, 2010

    One of the biggest markets to tap—and likely to expand—is the federal government. By Barb Ernster With its myriad agencies, the U.S. government offers the makers of specialty fabrics and fabric end products ample opportunity for those who learn to navigate this market. Consider the needs of just one agency: Department of Homeland Security (DHS). [...]

  • Published On: October 1, 2010

    “Space articulation” with fabric adds design flair with practical appeal. By Carla Waldemar Heard a lot of hammering lately? Not likely. The construction industry is among the hardest hit in this bleak economy. Few housing subdivisions, office parks, megamalls or public institutions are breaking ground these days. Yet retail businesses, hospitals, colleges, exhibition arenas and [...]

  • Published On: October 1, 2010

    Carole Bellon’s straightforward and tough-minded approach to business results in a win-win situation. By Sigrid Tornquist When I was younger I wanted to grow up to be a doctor or a pilot—or a race car driver. I’ve always liked competition,” says Carole Bellon, owner and president of Bellon Industries, Montreal, Quebec, Canada. “Then I went [...]