SUCCESS STORY | AMADEE-24 MARS SIMULATION
HOW TO EMBELLISH HIGHLY ELASTIC FABRICS WITH HEAT TRANSFERS
Together with our partner Born GmbH, we have embellished training suits for EasyMotionSkin as part of a special mission called AMADEE-24.
AMADEE-24 MARS SIMULATION
The AMADEE-24 is a Mars analog simulation, controlled by the Austrian Space Forum in collaboration with the Armenia Aerospace Agency. In this mission, scientists simulate life on Mars in Armenia and astronauts wear training suits tailored for this unique expedition.
THE CHALLENGE
The challenge was to apply the EasyMotionSkin logo, along with flags and nameplates of participating astronauts on these suits, as well as to implement the logo of the AMADEE-24 mission. But here's the tricky part: the knitted materials, designed for extreme flexibility and breathability, made finding a suitable heat transfer solution challenging.
The central question was: "How can we embellish these highly stretchable trainings suits using heat transfers?" This challenge formed the starting point of our work.
THE SOLUTION
As the trainings suits arrived for material testing, our journey began. We analyzed the 100% polyamide material and embarked on a series of tests to find the most effective heat transfer solution, one that also meets the specific requirements of the testing laboratory.
Testing FLAT PU Heat Transfer: Uncovering Challenges
We experimented with using a FLAT PU heat transfer to apply the EasyMotionSkin logo, which consists of freestanding letters. But because the flat PU material is thin, it didn't work well. The structure of the suit material pressed through the logo, causing damage to the freestanding letters, which tore because the suits were too stretchy. So, we realized that a FLAT PU logo wouldn't work for this situation.
Overcoming Elasticity Challenges with 3D SILICONE
So, we tried a different approach. We looked into using 3D SILICONE, which is thicker and more robust. This material worked much better because it didn't let the suit fabric push through the logo.
Preserving the Integrity of the EasyMotionSkin Logo
But we still had to figure out how to keep the EasyMotionSkin logo from tearing. One idea was to backing the freestanding parts of the logo to make them stronger. We also matched the background colour exactly to the suit colour, so the logo still looks the same but is tougher and less likely to tear.
These intensive testing procedures enabled us to find an effective and durable solution that meets the specific requirements of the textile. After finding the right method for the logos, we used the same approach for the nameplates and flags.
External Testing for Mission-Ready Durability
We tested the suits thoroughly in-house to make sure they could handle the tough conditions of the Mars simulation. After our testing, EasyMotionSkin subjected the finished product to external tests by a certified testing institute to ensure that the suits not only meet our own standards but also withstand the high demands of activities during the AMADEE-24 mission.
Customer-Centric Excellence: Beyond Logo Delivery to Comprehensive Support
Our goal is to make sure our customers are happy with our work. Our services go beyond heat transfer delivery – we also provide comprehensive support and testing to make sure everything is just right.
THE RESULT
The result? We've developed heat transfer logos that have transformed regular training suits into space-ready gear perfect for the AMADEE-24 mission. They're durable, they look great and they're ready for action. We're proud to have worked with Born GmbH and EasyMotionSkin to make this happen.
Exploring solutions for highly elastic textiles or fabrics?
If you need help with stretchy and knitted textiles or fabrics like these, we're here to help. Contact us for all your embellishment needs!
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