Edita Vujasinović

Investigation of the strength of ultrasonically welded sails

Purpose – Today when the newest high‐tech fibers and sophisticated material constructions are used for the production of sails, forming 3D sail shape from 2D sailcloth has still remained very primitive because classic sewing techniques are mostly used. Since, the clothing and technical textile industry has been recently using some of contemporary joining techniques (ultrasonic, thermal, high‐frequency) replacing classic sewing, this paper seeks to investigate the possibility of ultrasonic welding in the production of sails, and the strength of obtained bonds.Design/methodology/approach – Concerning the aim, sails were made employing the classic and modern (ultrasonic) joining technique whereby bonding parameters such as amplitude and welding speed, geometry of anvil wheels were varied. Objective quality evaluation of the bond made in such a way, was performed in order to be more exact about its strength.Findings – Based on the obtained results it has been concluded that ultrasonic welding may successfully...

Ceremonial academic gowns of the University of Zagreb – idea to a finished product path

Purpose – To design, develop and construct specific garment designs for use in Croatia as academic gowns using advanced engineering principles.Design/methodology/approach – The synergism of historians, designers, engineers, clothing technologists and textile finishers using specialised equipment has been employed in this project.Findings – Using interdisciplinarity can yield good results.Research limitations/implications – The research targets specific products, but its methodology may be used for any other products/end users also.Practical implications – Gowns have been designed, made and used in academic ceremonies successfully.Originality/value – Design/technology approach to new product development.

Multifunctional design of footwear for hot environment condition

For some time design of a new product is not connected only with aesthetic, artistic appearance but moreover with functionality and engineering (from rightful selection of materials, construction, and technological concept to prototyping). One good example of this is design of multifunctional footwear as well as hiking footwear, footwear for soldiers, police officers, first responders etc. All mentioned kinds of footwear have lot of specific requirements to fulfil starting from maintaining and enhancing mobility to maximizing protection and eliminating or minimizing the risk for the wearer. Therefore, designing appropriate footwear represents a great challenge not only for designers but for engineers as well. Having that entire in mind few years ago, Faculty of Textile Technology University of Zagreb started the research with the aim to develop 21st century multifunctional footwear for e.g. military, police, first respondents or any special human forces for different weather environment. The paper presents how it was done in the case of boots for hot environment conditions