Resources by Pumpkin Interactive

This resource shows how textile designers are meeting the challenge from government and consumers to meet the 6Rs. Case studies include: shoes made from old tyres and seatbelts; bags made from recycled airline seats and high fashion tailoring created from second hand shop finds. The DVD also shows jute sacks being...

Shape Memory Alloys

This film clip shows some of the latest ideas for aeroplanes being trialled by NASA. Amongst the concepts are wings which change shape while in the air to make the aeroplane faster and more fuel efficient. This is only possible due to a remarkable range of smart materials. One of the materials being used is a...

Smart Materials: the Next Generation

This short film clip looks at the use of different materials in a formula one car. With a carbon fibre material, the car can be designed with the correct balance of strength and stiffness so that if the car crashes it will collapse and not crush the driver.

With extraordinary access to the latest research and development, this resource explores cutting edge smart materials finding out how they are made, how they work and what their potential applications are both now and in the future. Case studies include; shape memory alloys and thermochromatic plastics, as well as...

Sustainable and Recycled Textiles

This film clip looks at how fashion can be created by disassembling, re-cutting and transforming old garments. One business that is using recycled textiles in this way is Junkies Design, who sell their products to an exclusive market. Items in their winter collection are demonstrated, including a jacket made from...

Sustainable Design: Volvo Life Cycle Assessment

This film clip shows how life cycle assessment has resulted in changes to many of the materials used in the production of Volvo cars. The Life Cycle Assessment team test new low emission materials, such as safe plastics and novel textiles, to ensure they have a neutral smell. This is an ongoing process, with...

This DVD explores what the food industry is doing to use less packaging. First it looks at the role and function of packaging. It then looks at the challenges of designing reduced packaging that not only looks good, but gets the product to the shelves in one piece. We also see how plastic bottles are recycled into...

Testing Textiles

As head technologist for shops like Blacks and Millets, it is Martin Stannard’s job to ensure that all the clothing sold in these stores meets the claims about its performance. He tests every claim about a fabric, such as whether it is waterproof or whether it really does meet a British Standard. This is...

This resource looks at the different tests fabrics and products have to undergo before they hit the shelves. Using examples from high street retailer, New Look and outdoor specialists, Millets and Blacks, it shows industrial textiles testing laboratories and includes footage and clear explanations of tests for...

Textiles: Dyeing and Printing

This film clip looks at the process of roller screen printing. The rolling cylinders are loaded onto a machine connected to an ink supply. Inside each cylinder a series of jets continually spray the ink. A steel bar is held in place at the bottom of each roller by an electromagnet to force the ink through the...