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Archive for the ‘Materials’ Category

Multifunctional Flame Retardant Fabric with Comfort at its Core by Carrington Textiles

Wednesday, May 31st, 2023

Adlington, United Kingdom: Flamestat 250, a flame retardant fabric with antistatic properties developed by global manufacturer Carrington Textiles, is a product which main attribute is its lightweight features while maintaining the company’s usual high standard in protection and performance.

At a weight of 250gsm, and with a high cotton content in its composition, Flamestat 250 provides a soft handle for comfort to the wearer, while the polyester in it offers durability and strength.

Regarding the reasons that drove this development, R&D Manager, Kirsty White, explains: “We are able to adapt quickly to market requirements, and as we have been seeing a growing trend for wearer comfort which has transitioned from workwear to flame retardant fabrics, we created Flamestat 250. We also wanted to develop a lighter weight quality to complement our Flamestat 290 without impacting product performance.”

Flamestat 250 is the latest addition to the Flamestat family, industrially launderable and guaranteed to last the lifetime of the garment due to its robust construction. With 75% cotton, 24% polyester and 1% antistatic, this fabric’s flame retardancy is to the standards EN ISO 11612, EN ISO 14116 index 3 and EN ISO 11611; while its antistatic properties are to the EN 1149-3-5 standard.

Available in a range of colours that include high visibility yellow, black and navy, just to name a few, Flamestat 250 also provides electric arc and chemical splash protection to the EN 61482-1-2 and EN 13034 standards respectively.

Flamestat 250 is a perfect flame retardant fabric with antistatic for workwear jackets, trousers and coveralls in industries that require protection against flash fire and electrostatic discharge like electric vehicle manufacturing, oil and gas as well as engineering.

For more information about Flamestat 250, visit the Carrington Textiles’ website.

Spex•Lite Shooting Bag Fill – A Lightweight Alternative

Friday, May 26th, 2023

Made in America, Spex•Lite Shooting Bag Fill is purpose-built alternative to many materials being used. This video explains the various options.

spexlite.com/shooting-bag-fill-1

DIVERSITEX Forms Partnership with Carolina Performance Fabrics to Stock & Distribute Premium Grade Laser Laminates Made from Invista Cordura in North America and Canada

Friday, May 19th, 2023

Fairfield, NJ, May 15, 2023 – Diversitex is proud to announce an official partnership with Carolina Performance Fabrics to distribute Endurance brand, premium grade laser laminates in the USA & Canada. Endurance brand laser-laminates are engineered with high tenacity nylon 6,6 multi-filament fiber that is solution dyed, locking  the color in at the molten polymer extrusion level. CORDURA® TrueLock™ fabric has excellent color fastness, UV-fade/abrasion  resistance, extended UV strength stability, and long-lasting color vibrancy. All fabrics are woven/constructed in-accordance with MIL-C-32439B, have a dull matte appearance, and meet NIR spectral reflectance ratings.

Marc Bergman the Vice President/Principal of Diversitex, Inc. states “Diversitex and Carolina share our values, quality, professionalism and focus on the client. Both companies will work as a team to offer the best products, logistics and customer service, which is so important in these times of crisis and insecurity.”

Diversitex provides automated order processing & stock program rolls for immediate shipment. Stock program colors include all the popular military colors & unique colors such as RESCUE RED, TAN 499, and CAMO GREEN in 63” widths. All shipments will originate in North Carolina. Custom stocking programs with blanket purchase orders are also available. NEMESIS™ camoflauge available soon.

Diversitex also offers a variety of value-added services to increase efficiencies and shorten the supply chain. These indispensable advantages include;

-Reducing freight-charges by 70%

-Increasing your material yields by 20%

-Optimize inventory levels & reduce laminate carrying costs

-Eliminate inventory service cost, inventory risk, & inventory storage costs

DIVERSITEX, INC. was founded in 1970 and has been a major supplier of camouflage to the US Department of Defense and around the world. Diversitex holds a unique position in the industry, blending technical know-how with a customer-focused approach to deliver just the right fabric for any application. Its focus is domestically crafted products and fast delivery times.

Please contact us at WWW.DIVERSITEXINC.COM and download the PREMIUM GRADE LAMINATE SPEC-SHEET.

Trelleborg Announces MMI Textiles as TACTWEAR HANK Distributor

Wednesday, April 26th, 2023

RUTHERFORDTON, NC – April 21, 2023 –Trelleborg Engineered Coated Fabrics operation announced today the signing of an exclusive distribution agreement with MMI Textiles for TACTWEARTM High Abrasion Neoprene Kevlar® (HANK).

MMI Textiles will offer TACTWEARTM HANK in a variety of weights, colors, and quantities – effective immediately. This partnership will enable Trelleborg to better serve a broader range of customers in a more responsive manner.

Purpose-built TACTWEARTM HANK is formulated to meet the demands of law enforcement, first responders, defense, and extreme recreational activities and sports. The rubber-based coated material boasts excellent abrasion resistance and is flexible, flame resistant, waterproof, laser cuttable in well-ventilated areas, and is manufactured in the USA to meet Berry compliance standards.

“We’re excited to expand the availability of TACTWEARTM HANK to the marketplace. It’s an extremely versatile material that we’ve seen customers use in a variety of end applications that require uncompromising performance in tough conditions, including modular lightweight load-carrying equipment (MOLLE), tactical climbing harnesses, durable backpacks and pouches, reinforced protective clothing, ballistic helmet and shield covers, and heavy-duty Individual First Aid Kit (IFAK) systems,” says Karli Wolf, Business Development Manager for Government & Defense at Trelleborg.

The distribution agreement expands the already-established partnership between MMI Textiles and Trelleborg. MMI Textiles began offering MultiCam® Printed Narrow TACTWEARTM HANK in 2022 through an exclusive partnership with Mikan Printing.

“We are excited to expand our partnership with Trelleborg Engineered Coated Fabrics after successfully launching the Printed Narrow HANK product line. Our team is ready to provide great service and committed to growing the TACTWEARTM HANK brand of products that Trelleborg offers to our vast array of markets and customers,” said Amy Bircher, CEO & Founder of MMI Textiles.

Trelleborg Engineered Coated Fabrics has provided MMI Textiles with comprehensive education and training on the product, positioning the distributor as an expert on TACTWEARTM HANK.

“At MMI Textiles, we offer various options for our end customers. This enhanced collaboration with Trelleborg will solidify our commitment as we grow our product offering. Building these positive relationships in business is one of the most important foundations in our joint success,” said Joey Smith, Director of Business Development of MMI Textiles.

To learn more about Trelleborg’s TACTWEARTM product line, please visit TactwearDefense.com or MMITextiles.com.

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.

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.

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

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.