AITEX devotes certain lines of research focus on advanced manufacturing, customisation and digitalisation: some of these R&D lines are highlighted below:

• Development of hybrid electronic solutions on textile substrates
• Research into the incorporation of advanced technologies into the design process and sustainable product development.

INTECDI – RESEARCH INTO ADVANCED TECHNOLOGIES AND DESIGN FOR SUSTAINABLE FASHION PRODUCTS

The core objective of the INTECDI project is the incorporation of advanced technologies into the design and development of sustainable fashion products. Several advanced technologies can contribute to the development of a more sustainable fashion product, but they are not being fully utilised by manufacturers for the design and development of new products. This research aims to create results that can be disseminated throughout the industry and incorporated into manufacturing processes.

Virtual simulation: this technology contributes to the improvement of sustainability by allowing the design and development of the product without the need to produce physical prototypes, avoiding the consumption of materials and energy.

Advanced clothing technologies: ultrasonic welding technologies mean a garment can be made from a single type of material, without adding yarn, facilitating its recycling once it has reached the end of its life. Research in this area will allow us to define the appropriate parameters and processes for the manufacture of garments using ultrasound.

3D scanning and printing technologies: research will be carried out into the combination of these two technologies, seeking their application in a fashion product adapted to the user, with a high added-value factor that extends its life cycle.

HYBRID – DEVELOPMENT OF HYBRID ELECTRONIC SOLUTIONS ON TEXTILE SUBSTRATES

Over the last few years, electronics has begun to transform from its traditional rigid rectangular shapes into more complex and slender forms, better adapted to the body area where the textile will be used. In some cases, flexible stretchable substrates are used, which allow better integration into textile products, to incorporate sensors or data processing and communication elements.

These flexible solutions have advanced greatly with the appearance of conductive, resistive, dielectric, electro-luminescent or semiconductor inks. By superimposing complex structures with specific designs and patterns, it is possible to create tiny sensors and components for specific functions such as electrocardiogram (ECG) electrodes, electroencephalography (EEG) electrodes, pressure sensors, humidity sensors, temperature sensors or even small circuits.

The core objective of the HYBRID project is to undertake R&D of hybrid electronic solutions combining printed circuits and integrated silicon components for textile applications. Application sectors include health, energy and consumer electronics, among others.

FILE: IMAMCI/2020/1

This project has the support of the Conselleria d’Economia Sostenible, Sectors Productius, Comerç i Treball de la Generalitat Valenciana, through the IVACE.