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ProTact by Haartz Now Available for Tactical Applications

Monday, April 24th, 2023

New line of materials offers increased durability and versatility for military and first responders

Acton, Massachusetts, April 24, 2023 – The Haartz Corporation, a global leader in highly engineered and uniquely designed textile materials, recently announced ProTact by Haartz™ – a new range of coated fabric products for use in tactical applications.

ProTact is a multi-layer textile laminated together to form a superior product with all the qualities required for tactical vests worn by military, law enforcement, SWAT teams and other first responders. ProTact is compliant with the Berry Amendment.

“We understand the importance of strong, durable fabrics when used in high-stress environments. Our analysis has shown ProTact by Haartz offers a high tensile strength and proven durability when tested against flex and fatigue, fabric fraying, high-temperature laundering and high-temperature and humidity endurance testing,” stated Samit Sadavarte, director, business development – new markets at Haartz. “Our development of premier-quality material is drawn from decades of developing flexible fabric laminates and a deep understanding of application-specific performance requirements through our long history as a trusted supplier to the world’s largest automakers.”

ProTact laminates are compatible with high-energy laser ablation cutting processes which offer a lighter weight and more versatile replacement to the widely used Modular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment (MOLLE) system. Laser ablation avoids the risk of fabric tearing and allows for attachment points to be placed anywhere on the fabric, offering flexibility for applying the webbing feature in more sizes, shapes and locations. The laser cutting process also makes it easier for the wearer to adjust their ballistic load carrier and to remove ballistic plates when they are not needed.

A broad range of colors and prints are available, including solid colors using solution-dyed nylon fiber technology and multi-colored prints that can be adapted to conform to multiple common camo patterns. ProTact is available for large scale manufacturers and smaller individual companies in the United States and Europe in standard material constructions of 500x500d, 500x1000d and 1000x1000d yarn structures.

To learn more about ProTact by Haartz, please visit www.haartz.com/products/ProTact.

Posted in Armor, Materials, Press Release | 1 Comment »

DuPont Announces Kevlar EXO, a Groundbreaking Next-Generation Aramid Fiber

Friday, April 14th, 2023

Kevlar® EXO™ offers an unmatched combination of protection, lightness and flexibility

Law enforcement officers and military personnel to be the first to experience the new fiber in soft body armor

WILMINGTON, Del., April 14, 2023 – DuPont (NYSE:DD) today unveiled Kevlar® EXO™ aramid fiber, the most significant aramid fiber innovation in over 50 years and an entirely new technology platform developed to serve endless applications where performance and protection is required in the midst of intense and demanding conditions. Life protection will be the first of many Kevlar® EXO™ use cases that will offer an unprecedented combination of lightness, flexibility and protection from an aramid fiber.

DuPont™ Kevlar® has long been the advanced material behind high-performing body armor that protects those who serve. Now, with body armor crafted using Kevlar® EXO™, military and law enforcement officers can experience previously unavailable levels of ballistic protection without compromising on mobility and comfort. With unmatched pliability, Kevlar® EXO™ contours to curves and body lines, providing a more body-inclusive solution while still offering maximum protection.

“We’ve spent over a decade developing, refining and perfecting Kevlar® EXO™, and the result is an industry-altering platform that has catapulted our life protection capabilities to a whole new level,” said Steven LaGanke, global business leader, DuPont Life Protection. “Developed and tested by leading materials experts at DuPont, Kevlar® EXO™ offers never-before-seen ballistic and thermal performance while also providing a flexible and lightweight solution that empowers users to operate at peak performance. Whether for military members, law enforcement officers, private security or emergency responders, pound for pound, Kevlar® EXO™ users can better manage energy output even during the most demanding physical tasks.”

First-of-its-kind Kevlar® EXO™ aramid fiber is incomparably better and more durable than even the highest-performing soft body armor materials available. Kevlar® EXO™ offers the following benefits:

The highest ballistics performance among all aramid fibers without compromising on weight, enabling the best-in-class, lightest weight ballistics soft armor solutions available on the market today

Peak flexibility, offering increased comfort and mobility, contouring to curves and body lines with less restriction for maximum defense, when paired with exceptional carrier design

Inherently flame- and temperature-resistant; melt- and ignite-proof up to 500°C (932°F)

Delivers the same level of protection after five years as it provides on day one

Made in the USA at DuPont’s new manufacturing facility in Spruance, Virginia

Endlessly customizable wearability for use case and body type

DuPont will debut Kevlar® EXO™ at the Best Ranger Competition (April 14-16, 2023), which brings together some of the United States military’s most talented soldiers to go head-to-head in a grueling competition that simulates the physical and mental challenges of combat. At this year’s competition, United States Army Rangers will be the first soldiers in the world to wear body armor vests made with Kevlar® EXO™, enabling them to experience peak flexibility and comfort as they conquer each challenge.

To learn more about Kevlar® EXO™ aramid fiber, visit www.KevlarEXO.com.

Posted in Armor, Materials, Press Release | 6 Comments »

CORDURA NYCO Fabric, CORDURA TrueLock Fabric and CORDURA re/cor Fabric Uniform & Equipment Solutions Take Center Stage At LAAD ‘23

Friday, April 7th, 2023

Kennesaw, GA, USA – April 6, 2023 Kennesaw, GA, USA Set to propel and underscore its commitment to best-in-class solution-dyed nylon 6,6 fiber technology innovation as well as developing the durable, long-lasting fabric solutions of tomorrow; INVISTA’s CORDURA® Advanced Fabrics will focus on responsible uniform solutions, and military and tactical equipment, tailored to the South America market at this year’s LAAD Defence & Security show, April 11-14 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Join the CORDURA® team at booth #C20 Pavilion 2.

The CORDURA® Advanced Fabrics comprehensive, global, head-to-toe military, tactical and law enforcement portfolio will showcase:

• CORDURA® NYCO Fabric has a 3-5x slower flame spread versus polyester/cotton alternatives.* 50/50 CORDURA® NYCO Fabric outperformed heavier weight Poly/Cotton Military fabrics in Abrasion Resistance testing.**

• CORDURA TrueLock™ Fabric Solution Dyed Nylon 6,6 (SDN) provides unparalleled lot-to-lot color consistency plus long-lasting color durability and Stewardship benefits; now available in Navy Blue and a palate of 7 military colors.

• CORDURA re/cor™ RN66 The brand’s latest fabric made from 100 percent post-industrial nylon 6,6 fiber material that is Global Recycled Standard (GRS) certified.

Also on display will be a full collection of lightweight, breathable, quick dry, head-to-toe mission critical performance fabrics including CORDURA® Classic Fabric.

The CORDURA® Advanced Fabrics global military, law enforcement and tactical applications include: Combat Uniforms, Ballistic Vests, Packs, Load Carriage Equipment, Webbing and Trims, Footwear, Base Layer, Combat Shirts, Headwear, Seat Covers and many more.

Erik Walker CORDURA® Global Military Segment leader explains:

“Throughout our 55-year brand journey, we’ve worked to establish a foundation built on durable and long-lasting fiber technologies, including our legacy of solution dyed, high-performance nylon 6,6 offerings. As we advance on this journey, we continue to invest and expand our capabilities to include solutions that are not only durable but lead down the path to using fewer resources to make the products our customers value. We continue listening to the demands of the market; identifying unmet needs, solving problems, and utilizing innovation to create cutting-edge solutions to meet the ever changing needs of global militaries and law enforcement.“

Luciano Salazar CORDURA® South America Business Manager added:

“At CORDURA® brand we know life in law enforcement, military or with a tactical unit can be demanding. So, we develop fabrics specifically designed for combat uniforms. Engineered to be comfortable even in the most challenging conditions; fabrics that are tough, versatile and engineered to excel in the field. We continue to push the boundaries of durable fabric development to meet the physical and environmental demands of combat and tactical life.”

More about CORDURA® brand innovations in focus at LAAD:

CORDURA® NYCO Fabric – Comfort of cotton with enhanced durability

Originally designed as a rugged, lightweight comfort solution for military combat uniforms, durable CORDURA® NYCO Fabric is engineered with an intimate blend of INVISTA T420 nylon 6,6 staple fiber and cotton delivering enhanced abrasion and tear resistance, No Melt No Drip*** performance and 3-5x slower flame spread* versus internally tested equivalent weight polyester/cotton. CORDURA® NYCO Fabric Extreme based on INVISTA T420HT high tenacity fiber technology has a mission to create a new generation of durable, yet even lighter weight fabrics.

CORDURA TrueLock™ Fabric – Responsible fabrics with locked-in color

CORDURA TrueLock™ Fabric is engineered with high-tenacity nylon 6,6 multi-filament fiber that locks in the color at the molten polymer extrusion level to create deep, durable color throughout the entire fiber structure. CORDURA TrueLock™ Fabric has excellent color fastness, UV-fade and abrasion resistance, extended UV strength stability, and long-lasting color vibrancy. Color consistency is crucial when pairing fabric with other materials such as webbing and elastic to create military and law enforcement gear. Additionally, compared to conventional level acid piece dyeing, the process used to make CORDURA TrueLock™ Fabric uses less water, energy and emits fewer greenhouse gases****.

CORDURA® TrueLock™ Fabrics are already available in Navy Blue, Desert Sand, Tan-499, Coyote-498, Ranger Green, Camo Green-483, Wolf Gray and Black. End-uses include bags, load carriage, and reinforcements as well as use in responsible webbings and trims.

CORDURA re/cor™ Fabric RN66 – ‘Expect More, Waste Less’

The new recycled nylon 6,6 (RN66) collection is ‘durable, responsible and innovated to last.’ CORDURA® re/cor™ RN66 fabric is made from 100 percent post-industrial fiber material that is GRS (Global Recycled Standard) certified and can be produced in a full range of mil-spec colors.

CORDURA® Classic Fabric

The original CORDURA® fabric made with a cotton duck appearance optimized for abrasion resistance.

Designed for living and built to last, the original durable CORDURA® fabric has proven performance in many of the world’s toughest environments. Made with high tenacity air jet textured nylon 6,6 filament yarns in a range of sizes – 330, 500, 700, and 1000 denier.

*Flame Spread rate as measured according to ISO 6941.

**ISO 12947-2 (woollen abradant, 12 kPa) after 5 home laundering cycles at 60°C

***No Melt, No Drip Performance based on ASTM 6413.

****2013 LCA study based on the average comparison of conventional level acid piece Dyeing to SDN at 3 independent/3rd party dyeing and finishing mills.

Learn more at cordura.com/military

Posted in Materials, Press Release, Tradeshow | Comments Off on CORDURA NYCO Fabric, CORDURA TrueLock Fabric and CORDURA re/cor Fabric Uniform & Equipment Solutions Take Center Stage At LAAD ‘23

20 Years of Protection from Westec Insulation System

Tuesday, March 21st, 2023

SUN PRAIRIE, WI – For two decades the patented Westec® Insulation System has been protecting training structures — both inside and out. Introduced in 2003, the burn room insulation system is designed to provide the best overall performance possible for burn room conditions in fire training structures.

“Strong stainless steel wall panels line our burn rooms are tough enough to withstand the most strenuous training exercises,” says Aaron Adams, president of Fire Facilities, Inc. “Behind the stainless steel wall panel, a Westec® Insulation Blanket protects the tower from extreme temperature during training. Over the years we have seen how the innovative Westec Insulation System provides the highest level of protection for burn room conditions with minimal maintenance costs.”

Hundreds of Fire Facilities structures have been manufactured with the Westec system and put into use by firefighters across the country during the past 20 years. Some fire training buildings, like those in Panama City, Florida; Wellsville, New York; and Hereford, Arizona were amongst the first to get Westec systems two decades ago. Others, like those in Bentonville, Arkansas and Cushing, Oklahoma, are getting their new structures with Westec systems this year.

Components of the Westec Insulation System

There are six basic components of the Westec Insulation System. Each is designed to handle important aspects of performance during a live fire burn:

• Framing System – Insulated steel channels are designed to resist all imposed loads while allowing the system to flex under thermal expansion.

• Westec Insulation Blanket – A 2-inch thick blanket that is stable at temperatures up to 2300 degrees Fahrenheit. The blanket is unaffected by flame, heat, cold or chemicals.

• Stainless Steel Panels – Type 304 stainless steel is formed into rigid panels and provides unparalleled protection against impact and water pressure damage. The formed panels allow for thermal expansion across the width of the panels which are installed to expand freely along their lengths.

• Thermal Break – There are no screw penetrations between the framing system and the stainless steel panels, providing a complete thermal break. This barrier prevents the direct transfer of heat through the framing system to the building structure.

• Flexing and Sliding Connections – The connecting elements from the framing system to the stainless steel panels are made from Type 304 stainless steel and are individually designed to allow the walls and ceiling to expand freely across the length and width of the room.

• Corner Guards – All outside corners, doors and window openings are continuously protected with heavy Type 304 stainless steel corner guard angles.

“Under intense heat, the steel channels flex, allowing the panels to expand freely,” says Adams. “This allows the system to maintain its integrity. In the long run the Westec system helps protect both the training structure and the burn room.”

Tested for Long-Term Endurance

Designed to provide high performance for all burn room conditions, the Westec Insulation System has been tested for many situations. The impressive system is resistant to impact, rust and corrosion, plus direct flame impingement. Thermal performance and high temperatures do not affect the system. The stainless steel panels resist high pressure of hose stream along with freeze cycles.

Finally, Westec incorporates a unique system of structural supports, stainless steel panels, and flexible elements that allow the configuration to move with the heat rather than resist it.

“For 20 years we’ve successfully used the Westec system in our Fire Facilities training structures,” says Adams. “With a 15-year non-prorated warranty for temperatures up to 1850 degrees Fahrenheit, and minimal ongoing maintenance costs, there is no better live fire burn room liner system on the market.”

For more information, visit www.firefacilities.com or call 800-929-3726.

Posted in FR, Materials, Press Release | Comments Off on 20 Years of Protection from Westec Insulation System

Enforce Tac 23 – British Tactical x Flimmuur Tactical MagPI Line

Wednesday, March 8th, 2023

Horizon Laminate is a collaboration between British Tactical and Flimmuur Tactical. Patented, it’s seen here in the construction of British Tactical’s MagPI line of pouches.

They’ve managed to save weight by transitioning from a Kydex retention system to using Curv as a stiffener which facilitates retention. Curv is lighter and easier to cut meaning it can be scored and folded in order to created strong shapes.

Posted in Enforce Tac, Materials | 7 Comments »

Enforce Tac 23 – Adept Armor

Thursday, March 2nd, 2023

Adept Armor is a US company that specializes in ballistic armor innovation like their NovaSteel Ballistic Buckler.

They took the opportunity of Enforce Tac to preview their latest product, a hard armor plate that replaces the ceramic strike face with treated glass. The result is both weight and cost savings. We should have some definitive ballistic performance and weight data soon.

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Textile Business at Milliken & Company Successfully Eliminates PFAS from Portfolio

Wednesday, March 1st, 2023

Spartanburg, SC (Feb. 22, 2023) – The Textile Business of global manufacturer Milliken & Company announced it has successfully eliminated all per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, commonly referred to as PFAS, from its textile fibers and finishes portfolio, becoming the first U.S.-based multi-market textile manufacturer to remove PFAS.

“This is a tremendous accomplishment and tribute to our team who worked around the clock to develop solutions that meet our customers’ performance requirements and reflect our purpose to positively impact the world for future generations,” said David Smith, executive vice president, Milliken & Company, and president, Milliken’s Textile Business.

The manufacturer announced in February 2022 an aggressive plan to eliminate PFAS as an ingredient in its textile portfolio by the end of the year. As of Dec. 31, 2022, the Textile Business at Milliken had removed PFAS-based finishes and fibers, which spans multiple industries including flame-resistant, military, uniform and decor fabrics.

Milliken’s Textile Business began evaluating its portfolio in 2020 and segmented its evaluation efforts between three areas of focus: durable water repellency (DWR), soil release and oil repellency. Alternative DWR solutions were readily available in the market through accredited organizations such as bluesign®. The Milliken research team assessed and implemented appropriate alternatives to maintain the performance and quality standards customers expect for DWR.

Soil repellency proved to be both a challenge and an opportunity for the Textile Business. Working with Milliken’s internal research team, a new soil release technology was developed and integrated into suitable textile applications without PFAS as an ingredient. The new technology, proprietary to Milliken & Company, has shown equivalent and, in some cases, superior performance to previous PFAS-containing finishes. Currently, the new technology is not an alternative to every soil-repellent finish application. After an extensive search and vetting process for alternative oil repellency, no alternative was found, and the company exited those lines of business as a result.

“Our work was intricate, and our team, including research and development, sourcing, compliance, sales, and many other functions, approached this initiative thoughtfully and with great care for our customers,” added Jeff Strahan, Ph.D., director of sustainability, compliance and research for the Textile Business. “We’re thrilled to be leading the industry in taking meaningful action that will have an immediate impact.”

Effective Jan. 1, 2023, Milliken no longer treats textiles with PFAS chemistry. This achievement follows Milliken’s recent announcement that its science-based net-zero targets were approved by the U.N.-backed Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi).

Posted in Materials, Press Release | Comments Off on Textile Business at Milliken & Company Successfully Eliminates PFAS from Portfolio

CORDURA NYCO Fabric, CORDURA TrueLock Fabric and CORDURA re/cor Fabric

Friday, February 24th, 2023

Uniform & Equipment Solutions Take Center Stage At ENFORCE TAC ‘23

Kennesaw, GA, USA – Feb 24, 2023 Kennesaw, GA, USA Set to propel and underscore its commitment to best-in-class solution-dyed nylon 6,6 fiber technology innovation as well as developing the durable, sustainable fabric solutions of tomorrow; INVISTA’s CORDURA® Advanced Fabrics will focus on responsible uniform solutions, and military and tactical equipment, tailored to the EU market at this year’s ENFORCE TAC. Join the CORDURA® team for Happy Hour on February 28 at 16:30, booth #8-218 hall 8.

The CORDURA® Advanced Fabrics comprehensive, global, head-to-toe military, tactical and law enforcement portfolio will showcase:

• CORDURA® NYCO Fabric has a 3-5x slower flame spread versus polyester/cotton alternatives.* 50/50 CORDURA NYCO Fabric outperformed heavier weight Poly/Cotton Military fabrics in Abrasion Resistance testing.**

• CORDURA re/cor™ RN66 The brand’s latest fabric made from 100 percent post-industrial nylon 6,6 fiber material that is Global Recycled Standard (GRS) certified.

Also on display will be a full collection of lightweight, breathable, quick dry, head-to-toe mission critical performance fabrics including CORDURA® Classic Fabric.

The CORDURA® Advanced Fabrics global military, law enforcement and tactical applications include: Combat Uniforms, Ballistic Vests, Packs, Load Carriage, Webbing and Trims, Footwear, Base Layer, Combat Shirts, Headwear, Seat Covers and many more.

Erik Walker CORDURA® Global Military Segment leader explains:

“Throughout our 55-year brand journey, we’ve worked to establish a foundation built on durable and long-lasting fiber technologies, including our legacy of solution dyed, high-performance nylon 6,6 offerings. As we advance on this journey, we continue to invest and expand our capabilities to include solutions that are not only durable but lead down the path to sustainability. We continue listening to the demands of the market; identifying unmet needs, solving problems, and utilizing innovation to create cutting-edge solutions to meet the ever changing needs of global militaries and law enforcement.“

David Gatti CORDURA® Military and Tactical European Business Manager added:

More about CORDURA® brand innovations in focus at ENFORCE TAC:

CORDURA® NYCO Fabric – Comfort of cotton with enhanced durability

Originally designed as a rugged, lightweight comfort solution for military combat uniforms, durable CORDURA® NYCO Fabric is engineered with an intimate blend of INVISTA T420 nylon 6,6 staple fiber and delivers enhanced abrasion and tear resistance, ‘No Melt No Drip*** performance and 3-5x slower flame spread* versus equivalent weight polyester/cotton. CORDURA® NYCO Fabric Extreme based on INVISTA T420HT high tenacity fiber technology has a mission to create a new generation of durable, yet even lighter weight fabrics.

CORDURA TrueLock™ Fabric – Responsible fabrics with locked-in color

CORDURA TrueLock™ Fabric is engineered with high-tenacity nylon 6,6 multi-filament fiber that locks in the color at the molten polymer extrusion level to create deep, durable color throughout the entire fiber structure. CORDURA TrueLock™ Fabric has excellent color fastness, UV-fade and abrasion resistance, extended UV strength stability, and long-lasting color vibrancy. Color consistency is crucial when pairing fabric with other materials such as webbing and elastic to create uniform garments and gear. Additionally, compared to conventional level acid piece dyeing, the process used to make CORDURA TrueLock™ Fabric uses less water, energy and emits fewer greenhouse gases****.

CORDURA® TrueLock™ Fabrics are already available in Navy Blue, Desert Sand, Tan-499, Coyote-498, Ranger Green, Camo Green-483, Wolf Gray and Black . End-uses include bags, load carriage, and reinforcements as well as use in responsible webbings and trims.

CORDURA re/cor™ Fabric RN66 – ‘Expect More, Waste Less’

The new recycled nylon 6,6 (RN66) collection is ‘durable, responsible and innovated to last.’ CORDURA re/cor™ RN66 fabric is made from 100 percent post-industrial fiber material that is GRS (Global Recycled Standard) certified and can be produced in a full range of mil-spec colors.

CORDURA® Classic Fabric

The original CORDURA® fabric made with a cotton duck appearance optimized for abrasion resistance.

*Flame Spread rate as measured according to ISO 6941.

**ISO 12947-2 (woolen abradant, 12 kPa) after 5 home laundering cycles at 60°C

***No Melt, No Drip Performance based on ASTM 6413.

****2013 LCA study based on the average comparison of conventional level acid Piece Dyeing to SDN at 3 independent/3rd party dyeing and finishing mills.

Learn more at cordura.com/military.

Posted in Enforce Tac, Materials, Press Release | 1 Comment »