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HDPE basics
August 1st, 2010
Compiled by Juli Case We were looking at some shade fabric that said it was made from “HDPE.” What does that mean? HDPE is the abbreviation for High Density Polyethylene. From a chemical standpoint, that means there is less branching that occurs in the molecular composition of the compound, resulting in a higher density. What […]
Decoding UV protection claims
August 1st, 2010
Compiled by Juli Case My company makes temporary shelters and I’m wondering, when the product literature on a fabric says that the material has been UV protected, does that mean the fabric’s been protected, or that it offers protection from sunlight? Sunlight tends to degrade a lot of fabrics, so it’s most likely that the […]
NFPA 701 for indoor vs. outdoor fabrics
August 1st, 2010
Compiled by Juli Case My local fire marshal is rejecting the fabric I’m using because it’s certified to NFPA 701. He says it’s because 701 doesn’t account for the fabric being used outside. I’ve never had a problem before; is he correct? NFPA 701 is a commonly quoted flammability specification in our industry. Titled “Standard […]
Keying fabric for television studios
August 1st, 2010
Compiled by Juli Case I’m doing a project for a local television studio and I need to use a “keying” fabric. What is it and where do I get it? Hollywood special effects are so common, you’ve probably heard of a “blue screen,” where actors are filmed in front of a special blue screen. The […]
Ballistic armor products covered under defense regulations
August 1st, 2010
Compiled by Juli Case I’ve had an inquiry from a customer in another country about one of my ballistic armor products, but my fabric supplier tells me that it might fall under special restrictions because it’s a defense item. Where can I get more details? The International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) authorizes the U.S. […]
Protective products meet the challenge
August 1st, 2010
An overview of the U.S. safety and protective products industry. By Jeffrey Rasmussen The U.S. Safety and Protective Products (SPP) market is a diverse and fragmented range of market segments: biological/nuclear, chemical, conductive/anti-static, ballistic/cut and slash, particulate, thermal, vacuum/high pressure, and visibility. Major applications for safety and protective products reside in key markets such as […]
New grand format fabrics available
August 1st, 2010
Fisher Textiles has introduced two new fabrics to its Grand Format line for dye sublimation and UV printing. GF 9049 EZ Stretch (FR) is an 8.4 oz. knit, 100 percent polyester, flame-retardant and completely wrinkle-free, a heavyweight stretch fabric that offers good opacity and excellent color definition for applications such as geometric displays, photographic backdrops […]
Nonwoven performance fabric offers durable protection
August 1st, 2010
Pavenex® is a new stitch-bonded, nonwoven performance fabric that offers superior, direct-contact protection from spark, weld splatter, arc flash and extreme heat and flame. Both durable and abrasion-resistant, it can be used as an internal or exterior barrier for a variety of industrial, chemical and welding protective gear and garments, including gloves, spats, torch shields, […]
New window covering eliminates dangerous cords
August 1st, 2010
In response to safety concerns about standard corded window coverings, Stevenson Vestal has introduced the Safe-T-Shade™, which completely eliminates hazardous cords in Roman, woven wood, screen and roller shades. Patent-pending design enables all styles of shades to function smoothly and freely without entangling lift cords, control cords and unsightly rings, combining increased child safety and […]
New line of stylish sun control options
August 1st, 2010
Tri Vantage® has launched the Shade Inspiration Collection™, a line of decorative window shades for interior and “outdoor room” applications that is designed to offer fabricators and consumers a variety of stylish sun control options. The collection’s shade choices range from bright to blackout, available on manually operated or motorized shade systems. Four design groupings […]