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Strategies for compliance with building codes
July 1st, 2008
It’s a story that’s becoming all too familiar: An awning company takes a job fabricating a simple entrance canopy. It’s the type of installation that this company has done hundreds of times before—but this time, that company is given a veritable laundry list of additional requirements. Provide evidence that the material meets NFPA 701; demonstrate […]
Measuring tools can be used as fabric is unrolled
July 1st, 2008
We’re looking for a fabric counter, something that we can use to measure yardage as the fabric’s being unrolled. Where can we get one? We found a couple of different types of measuring tools. Measuregraph and Rowley both have table-top models; the Measuregraph device sits on the table, and the Rowley clamps onto it. The […]
NSF develops standards for health-related products
July 1st, 2008
We’re told that the fabric we’re using to contain a water filter has to meet NSF 61. Where can we get more information about this requirement? NSF is a not-for-profit organization that develops standards and product certification, among other activities, for public health related products and issues. NSF 61 pertains to drinking water system components. […]
Novatex offers Unisuede for various applications
July 1st, 2008
Where can I find Unisuede fabric? Unisuede is a faux suede fabric, also available perforated for use in automotive interiors, upholstery and garments. The Unisuede tradename is registered to Novatex International: SOURCE Novatex International Juli Case is IFAI’s information and technical services manager.
UL 94 includes 12 flame classifications
July 1st, 2008
We’ve been told that an insulated cover we’re fabricating has to meet UL HB. What does that mean? Underwriters Laboratories, an independent product safety certification organization, writes a number of specifications, including the flammability specification UL 94. UL 94 is titled “Standard for Flammability of Plastic Materials for Parts in Devices and Appliances,” and includes […]
Types of ballistic fabrics
July 1st, 2008
What is a ballistic fabric? Ballistic has two different meanings when it comes to fabric. First, it can mean the type of material used for soft body armor. These materials are usually woven with high-strength fibers, such as a para-aramid, a high-performance polyethylene (HPPE) or high-modulus polyethylene. Those types of ballistic fabrics have a very […]
Thermoforming used for fabrics
June 1st, 2008
We want to shape a multilayer laminated fabric into a three-dimensional form. What is the process and where can we get the equipment? It sounds as though you’re describing thermoforming, a process that is used with plastics, but has also been used for fabric. In thermoforming, a material is heated and stretched over a form. […]
Understanding the differences between NFPA and CSFM
June 1st, 2008
What is NFPA 701? What test and specs must be met to earn the NFPA 701 Registered Flame Retardant Seal from the State of California Fire Marshal? Our sales team struggles when this question is asked. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and the California State Fire Marshal (CSFM) are two separate entities. While both […]
Suppliers offer lightweight ripstop fabric
May 1st, 2008
We’re looking for a very lightweight ripstop fabric, something around 20 denier. Do you know of any suppliers? By its very definition, ripstop is a lightweight fabric, with heavier yarns woven in a crosshatch pattern to help prevent ripping. It’s used for applications like hot air balloons, kites, and sleeping bag covers. A fabric made […]
Stock photo company provides images of awnings
May 1st, 2008
We want to make a banner for an upcoming home show and are in need of some professional-quality awning photos that we can use. Do you know where we can get some? Obviously, the ideal would be to have a professional photographer take photos of your company’s work, but that’s not always practical. While associations […]