Services
Research and Development
Engineered Fibre Structures has a well established track record ofproviding research and development services in the following areas:
- Knitting technology
- Knitted technical textiles
- Smart and intelligent fibre based products
- New technologies for manufacturing
- Rapid prototyping
- Technology Translation
Our core expertise lies in the field of knitting technology, were we have a truly unique blend of industrial and research and design/ development based knowledge and skills. We have specialist knowledge in flat, circular and warp knitting and other textile technologies and their application for technical end uses. We take a multi-disciplinary approach to research and product development and bring together partners with the necessary skills and knowledge to deliver tangible results.
Engineered Fibre Structures has been providing clients with textiles based solutions since 2001. As the demand for complex 3D fibrous structures for medical, healthcare, sportswear, personal protection, industrial, engineering, automotive and other technical applications has increased, we have developed products for many traditional textiles companies, enabling them to diversify into newly emerging technical textiles markets. Today many of our clients are medical, engineering and industrial companies to whom we provide textiles based solutions.
Engineered Fibre Structures is active in the development of future intelligent textiles, including electro-textiles, textile based switches and sensors with electro conductive pathways, heating textiles, textiles to manage ambient noise, and light emitting and electronic yarns and fabrics.
Innovation is the key driver of growth and creating and adopting new technologies allows companies to generate rapid and sustainable growth. Engineered Fibre Structures assists companies with the development and implementation of new products and technologies, giving them an important competitive edge in today's knowledge based economy.
We add value to businesses via wide ranging technical and scientific expertise and capabilities. We also partner companies in innovative ventures to access preferential research and development services and establish commercialization linkages. Our work is carried out with passion and enthusiasm, entrepreneurial spirit and integrity and has a strong commercial slant to it.
We combine proven scientific capabilities, resources and processes, with business development and marketing expertise to offer quality market focused research and development services across a range of specialist sectors.
We utilise superbly equipped technical knitting laboratories, specialist testing laboratories and SMART textiles laboratories. We focus on technical knitted structures for smart and intelligent textile structures and also carry out mathematical modelling of such fibre assemblies. We integrate knitting technology with other technologies and have extensive expertise in precision yarn delivery systems, 3D body scanning, 3D printing and 3D knitting. We also have the capability to develop CAD/CAM software systems.
Engineered Fibre Structures is a world leader in applying science and engineering to the world of textiles for technical and industrial applications. We excel in product and process development and evaluation services in the fields of fibre and textiles related products. An experienced staff of scientists and engineers combined with an infrastructure of laboratories and testing facilities enable Engineered Fibre Structures to offer its research and development capabilities to a variety of scientific fields such as:
- Healthcare and Medical, including Orthopedics, Woundcare and Surgical
- Personal Protective Equipment, including Military, Security and Industrial applications
- Automotive
- Engineering
- Machinery and equipment development
Engineered Fibre Structures is widely experienced in the development of electrically active textiles for medical, automotive, personal protection and industrial applications. We have extensive knowledge in the areas of electronic yarns, light-emitting yarns, knitted switches and control textiles. We are also involved in the commercial exploitation of these technologies.
Our activities are multidisciplinary and include work on dry fibre processing and product performance mechanics and creation of novel fibre assemblies via the routes of knitting, embroidery and 3D printing. We are also involved in the integration of knitting technology with other technologies and the modelling and characterisation of fibrous structures.
Consultancy
Engineered Fibre Structures has wide industrial experience in consultancy, technical problem solving and complaints resolution. We are a leading source of technical information and resources for technical textiles, offering clients a range of consultancy and information-based products and services.
Working closely with clients, Engineered Fibre Structures assists with the appropriate expertise and advice and provides access to its international networks and business relationships. Our services include:
Onsite Consultancy
Our onsite consultancy services include:
- Machinery and equipment selection and recommendation
- Plant surveys, evaluations, audits and industrial trouble shooting
- Resource management and environmental issues
- New product and process development
- Process improvement
- Manufacturing efficiency studies
Product Performance and Quality
Engineered Fibre Structures assists organizations to improve production through the provision of product testing and analysis, process monitoring services and methodology development. Accurate product specification and the continuous monitoring of quality throughout the production process are key factors in achieving consistently high product performance.
- Fibres
- Specification for products
- Knowledge of the effects of fibres and blends on processing
- Product performance
- Yarns
- Designing for purpose
- Development of new processes
- Problem solving
- Efficiency auditing
- Industry or consumer complaint investigation
Technology and Materials Consultancy
The directors of Engineered Fibres Structures each have very considerable experience in the Textile Industry. Between them they have worked in the spinning industry, the knitting industry, the machine building industry, the garment industry, and the electrical and electronics industries.
They have made extensive networks of contacts during their careers and the combination of their direct hands-on experience and ready access to support in many different industry sectors enables them to bring an innovative integrated approach to developing novel solutions to clients problems.
Technology Transfer
We provide Technology Transfer services to clients for whom we develop products and who are licensing our technologies. Our services include, preparing patent applications, further development of new technology, training, preparation of technical specifications, risk assessments, evaluation of machinery and equipment and development of test procedures and equipment.
Scan2Knit – Customized Engineered Compression Stockings
One of the core technology platforms developed by the William Lee Innovation Centre, resulted in the creation of a new high-tech medical devices manufacturing company in the UK. Technology developed under a Wellcome Trust funded project was protected by UMIST in four different patents, which have now been licensed to the industrial partner.
Advanced Therapeutic Materials Ltd, was set up to commercially exploit the technology and introduce the customised medical compression products to healthcare markets. The engineered compression stocking manufacturing technology has been trade marked by the company as Scan2Knit, and since the licensing of the intellectual property, Engineered Fibre Structures has assisted with the further development and transfer of the technology by providing the following services:
- Design and development of a compact, user friendly and cost effective leg scanner with a 3D scanner manufacturer
- Risk assessment of the technology of engineered compression stockings manufacture, required for the registration of ATM as a manufacturer of medical devices
- Development of the specifications for the manufacturing platform, including evaluation of several flat-bed knitting machines and the selection of the most suitable electronic flat-bed knitting machine type, machine gauge etc
- Preparation of a design brief for the development of a commercial version of the True Positive Feed system
- Development of test procedures and equipment for quality control
- Conceptual design of an automated engineered compression stocking manufacturing process
Testing
Engineered Fibre Structures uses state of the art laboratory facilities and methodologies for product testing, process monitoring services and quality control in support of a wide range of industries. Our laboratory provides technical data for quality control, product grading, purchase decisions, litigation support and forensics. We are experienced in the development of objective tests and standard test methods (national and international) and have the mechanical and electronic engineering know-how to design, develop and manufacture new test rigs and test methodologies.
Knowledge and Information
Engineered Fibre Structures is a leading source of technical knowledge and information and resources, offering clients a range of information-based products and services, including education and training programmes. We also compile technical reports and industry reports.
Processing and Manufacturing
Engineered Fibre Structures can assist in product development and innovations using its comprehensive range of textile machinery. Flexible and adaptable facilities enable quick turnaround and the ability to handle pilot and small lot production.