WEBINAR: Navy Clothing and Textile Research Facility Textile Workshop

WEBINAR: Navy Clothing and Textile Research Facility Textile Workshop

August 25 and August 26
11:00 AM – 2:00 PM ET
Registrations for this event have closed.

Featured speakers and panel discussions from:
• Navy Supply Systems Command
• Naval Exchange Services Command
• Navy Clothing and Textile Research Facility

This program was convened and supported by 401 Tech Bridge, the Naval X Northeast Tech Bridge, the Rhode Island Textile Innovation Network, and the North Carolina Military Business Center.

The Naval Supply Systems Command (NAVSUP), Navy Exchange Service Command (NEXCOM), and Navy Clothing and Textile Research Facility (NCTRF) are interested in gathering information for potential current and future efforts with industry and academia. The goal is to further develop new and emerging technologies and concepts within the areas of dress clothing, military uniforms, protective clothing, textile and clothing testing and design/pattern development.

The collaborative forum included presentations and a panel discussion with subject matter experts for Navy uniforms, protective clothing, testing, materials, and business development. Participants will have the opportunity to submit written questions.

Topics included:
• Small business development opportunities
• Applied research areas
• Potential areas of basic research applying them towards Navy and military requirements

Areas of Expertise

  • Materials
    • Eco-friendly sustainable alternatives for leather, wool, cotton, nylon, and flame-resistant fabrics/fibers with similar performance characteristics.
    • Protective and performance materials for cold weather environments.
    • Domestic supply base challenges addressed through additive manufacturing. Provide materials that establish the ability to 3D print textile items, i.e., buttons, zippers, etc.
    • Alternative fibers, fabrics, or substrates to trim materials necessary to provide structures to dress uniforms that are typically added onto garments, i.e., interlinings and chest pieces, etc.
  • Manufacturing and Processes
    • Additive manufacturing techniques for 3D printing of component materials such as webbings, tapes, hook/loop, closure systems etc.
    • Agile manufacturing techniques to reduce fabric and garment order minimums to reduce logistic footprint.
    • Rapid prototyping capability and manufacturing assessment for research, development, testing and evaluation projects/programs.
    • Automation methods or processes for garment constructions; expediting “made to order” process for garments and uniforms that are outside of the established tariff.
    • Sustainable practices within domestic textile industry, such as recycled fiber content in blends; creation of circular economies; and implementation of responsible chemistries.
    • Automation of shade evaluations; establish practices to aid and streamline operations.
    • Knowledge repository for uniform and protective clothing information specific to fabrics, patterns, specification, and purchase descriptions enabling streamlined development and sustainment.
    • Garment cost models for estimating unit cost.
  • Testing and Design
    • Understanding of the impact of fit and gender specific sizing of footwear and clothing on biophysical and human performance.
    • Modeling and decision aid tools for predicting system level biophysical performance using fabric level biophysical test data.
    • Automated processes for textile testing lab operations and data management tools.
    • Address ever-changing body types and account for “non-gender” apparel methods.
    • Accurate tools and/or methods to estimate garment wear life.

Day 1

Day 2