In the Circular Textile Lab, machines on a small so-called “pilot” scale are used for the production of fibers, yarns and subsequently for weaving or knitting fabrics. These materials and products can then be analyzed for, for example, chemical composition, mechanical (strength) properties, color fastness, etc. The labs are used for education and research. Students, teachers and researchers from research groups and industry work together on challenges in the short and long term.
Today textile is much more than just producing fabrics!
Today, textile is much more than just producing fabrics. You can also discover this in our unique laboratories. For example, we test how quickly a fabric tears or loses colors. Or we investigate which materials are used in a fabric. In addition, textiles are recycled. This means that new yarns are spun from old clothing, from which new fabrics can be knitted and woven.
In our labs you will find the most modern equipment for carrying out research on textiles, but also for making demonstration material and prototypes. We have a knitting lab with digital and “3D” machines. In our pilot production lab, you will find a complete weaving mill and an industrial embroidery machine. We also have a textile chemistry lab where we conduct color experiments and washing tests. In the mechanical lab we test, among other things, how strong fabrics are or how quickly they start to pill.
In the world of textiles, sustainable materials and circular processes, but also all kinds of functional and 'Smart' textiles are becoming increasingly important and we have research facilities for this too. Such as production facilities in our recycling lab with which we can recycle textiles. First, the recycled fibers are carded, from which a sliver is made and eventually yarn is spun. And thanks to our digital loom, "smart" yarns such as conductive yarns or optical fibers can be integrated into textiles. In addition to the various textile labs, we also have a FABlab at Saxion. In the FABlab you can work with 3D printers and laser cutters.
At Saxion you can go in all directions, from purchasing specialist to materials expert. The Bachelor's degree in Fashion and Textile Technologies and the Master's in Innovative Textile Development are unique in the Netherlands and can only be followed in Enschede. Our new labs have the most modern equipment. Here you can apply all your textile knowledge in practice. Curious what else we come up with in our lab? Or do you want to work with us? Contact us by e-mail textiellab@saxion.nl.
You will find the various Textile laboratories at our Epy Drost location in Enschede (Van Galenstraat 19).