Thesis- Development of elongation test for fabrics

For many years, IKEA has been making the everyday life better for the many people. 
That is IKEA's vision and this vision extends beyond home decor. 
At IKEA Range Area Seating, we develop products to enable a smarter life at home for people all over the world. 
We are curious and passionate about creating solutions that solve real-life problems and help people realize their dreams. All on their terms. 

Right now we are looking for a Master or bachelor student for a thesis project
Within Range Area Seating we develop IKEAs global sofa, sofa bed, armchair and pouffe´s range. 
We work with a wide range of fabrics that we dress our upholstered furniture in. 
Depending on the fabric, the fabric characteristics has a crucial impact on the fit and perceived quality of the products. To offer the best possible experience for our customers, 
we at IKEA, try to be as pro-active as possible in verifying different parameters of the 
product construction early in the development process. 
In this thesis you will be responsible for developing a new test methodology for 
elongation / permanent deformation in fabrics. The elongation measures will be used 
to define different fabric elongation levels, to secure the right process during 
manufacturing and ensure that the right fabric is chosen for the right application 
with the correct set of tolerances.
Your assignment will include following:
• Work closely with the textile team and pattern maker to understand fabric 
production, fabric application and manufacturing of upholstered products.
• Explore and develop new test methodologies and evaluation methods.
• Analyze test results and structure model for classification of fabric elongation and tolerances.

You are probably a bachelor or master student within the field of textile engineering, design, 
product development or equivalent. You should have a working understanding of textile weaving construction, fabric production or manufacturing.
The task consists of both theoretical and practical aspects, thereby you should be able to carry out the test either at the university and/or at IKEA’s test facility.

The assignment will be carried out on location in Älmhult or per agreement. 
The final result should be delivered as a report along with “work” files for further use.
If you have any questions about the role please contact IKEA Supervisor 
Johan Rice Svensson, [email protected]. 
We are looking forward to your application! Please submit both your CV and motivational letter in English latest 3rd of December.
We are reviewing applications as they come through so don’t wait to apply!

To take part of the Thesis work, you must be enrolled in a thesis course provided at university level/Thesis agreement with a university in Sweden.