When inspiration hits, momentum shifts, or changes must be made for a new safety product line, it’s human nature to fast forward to the finished features. Pump the brakes, though, because understanding the characteristics and limitations of your base materials (like the fabric) from the earliest design stages will pay off immeasurably when the product is in the customer’s hands.
What’s at stake? Proper fabric selection for use in safety products will help protect employees from workplace hazards, safeguard equipment from damage and wear, and ensure products perform in demanding environments. Misunderstanding the full scope of the fabric’s capabilities could compromise the product’s durability and reliability.
Starting elements to consider up front:
- expected lifespan
- abrasion
- weather and environmental exposure
- heavy use or challenging jobsite conditions
- moisture exposure
- mildew potential
- compliance requirements
- cleaning or sterilization expectations
- exposure to hazardous materials
Certain fabrics offer specific solutions for expected challenges:
For Abrasion & Tough Wear
- Ballistic Nylon
- Magnatuff® Polyester
For Environmental Protection
- Vinyl-Coated Polyester
- Ripstop Fabrics
For Specialized Safety Applications
Tap into a fabric partner with 50+ years of expertise who can lay out the protection, durability, and performance features safety product manufacturers need to succeed. Bring in a TVF Sales Consultant early in your development process to help deliver a clearer vision and fewer issues, so your product can exceed customer expectations.
