The Textiles Industry is Changing
Many of our customers purchased an automated fabric cutting machine from Autometrix because they need to be able to cut anything – leather, carbon fiber, stretchy polyester panels. As smart textiles make the transition from space age fantasy to practical everyday usage, a textile cutting table that can handle anything will become invaluable.
Smart Textiles Industry is Growing
The sports, automotive, defense, aerospace, medical, and emergency services sectors are all are fueling the demand for innovative, lightweight, durable fabrics. According to a new study from Market Research Future, the market for smart textiles in these industries has been increasing, and is expected to continue to grow over the next four years.
Textiles Can Keep Emergency Responders Safer
A few different trends are fueling this industry growth. Worker safety is a big one. A new report from Fact.MR tells us that increasing awareness about worker safety in high-risk industries will grow the market for flame retardant apparel by 6.2% year over year in 2019. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technology Directorate’s (S&T) is researching textiles that could be used for more durable, comfortable, and flexible gloves for first responders. They are also collaborating with a private manufacturer to develop textiles and clothing that provides better protection against the specific threats that first responders encounter: fluid-resistant textile treatment to repel water, chemicals and bodily fluids; antimicrobial textile treatment to protect against a range of bacteria and pathogens; a flame-resistant textile layer; a chemical protective membrane; and rip/tear protection.
Biotextiles Mimic Human Tissue
In the healthcare industry, new advances in medical technology will spur growth in the market for smart textiles, according to a different report from Market Research Future. Healthcare facilities will use smart fabrics for everything from patient health monitoring, to patient protection and patient safety. Researchers at universities in Canada, Japan, and Switzerland are investigating the use of color-change technology in smart wound dressings. In other parts of the world, researchers are developing bio-textiles that can be implanted in the body to treat scoliosis, bone damage, cardiovascular disease, and more.
New Textiles Mean Lighter, Safer Cars
In the automotive industry, new government regulations that require higher fuel efficiency and recyclable materials are driving demand for new, lightweight textiles that can reduce noise, absorb moisture, and contribute to a safer, more comfortable driving experience. Advanced textiles have the ability to reduce weight in a variety of places, including floor mats, air bags, and even in tires.
Wearable Technology is a Thing
High tech fabrics are hitting the consumer markets as well. NIKE just introduced a basketball shoe made out of a material that remembers your foot shape. You can adjust it through an app. Last month Apple received a design patent for a smart fabric that will be used for watch bands, sofa cushions, wrist bands, wearable devices, and who knows what else.
Self-cleaning Garments Are Coming
On a more mundane note, the U.S. Department of Defense is working on developing self-cleaning garments for military personnel. Of course, the textiles in these garments will provide additional benefits, such as longer wear and the ability to mitigate heat stress.
Manufacturers are innovating with advanced textiles in almost every industry. If you need pattern cutting equipment that can handle anything, consider an Autometrix cutting solution. We’d be happy to demonstrate how our textile cutting tables work with a sample of whatever material you want to provide. Schedule a demo today and find the best solution for your business!