The United States Armed Forces span the globe, protecting our country’s citizens on the ground, in the air, and on the water. The men and women of the US military need the best equipment and protection; the uniforms they wear must go beyond good looks, they must be made out of the highest quality materials.
Performance fabrics must withstand harsh conditions in all types of environments and be able to last for years. The same is true of military textiles on the whole: from tarps to tents to weapon straps, the quality of the fabric is essential. Look especially for proven strength and durability.
When looking at fabric options, it’s important to know how different manufacturing processes affect overall quality. Some fabrication techniques offer strength but the resulting material may lack flexibility. Others don’t meet specifications on durability or weather resistance. In order to ensure a fabric meets (and even exceeds) expectations for all its material uses, it’s important to look at the base material of the fabric.
What’s the Best Fabric?
Military uniforms are a good example of the importance of fabric type. At the beginning of the twentieth century, uniforms were made out of cotton twill. Most other fabrics for military use were also made from such natural fabrics. Over the past one hundred years, fabrics evolved to incorporate synthetics. Blends of these with cotton, such as nylon, became more important. In order to ensure the highest strength and durability, the most advanced fabrics are made from polyesters. The best, most durable and reliable performance military fabrics rely on knitted polyester scrim technology to achieve these qualities. They can stand up to the elements, better protect soldiers, and last longer than cheaper, weaker alternatives.
Knitted Polyester Scrims: Strength and Flexibility
For many military applications, strength is the most important quality. Whether it’s making sure that uniforms don’t rip, straps don’t break, or tent covers don’t get holes, reinforced fabrics like knitted polyester scrims are the best option. They provide superior strength along with increased flexibility, a combination that helps to prevent tearing. Knitted polyester scrims are made from a continuous fiber instead of using a weave, which helps to provide this flexibility. The scrim itself is used as reinforcement in the creation of these composite fabrics, and this helps to ensure the strength.
Fabrics manufactured using knitted polyester scrims have numerous military applications. Tarps that cover weapons and protect them from weather conditions are created from this type of fabric. This ensures that the weaponry do not get damaged by rain or extreme heat. These types of tarps also serve a similar purpose protecting weapons on Navy ships. Additional applications include tent material used for protecting deployed army and marine soldiers and for constructing rapid deployment medical facilities. Vehicle and aircraft storage sites also may use this material.
Fabrics made with knitted polyester scrims excel in all the most important technical qualities; their tensile strength combined with flexibility is unparalleled. The tear strength is also top-notch, ensuring that the fabric will not fail, even under an intense local stress concentration. Such qualities are important, because these fabrics are used to make the straps of soldiers’ weapons. If these fabrics tear, then the strap could fail.
More Than Just Strength
Some knitted polyester scrim fabrics are superior to others. Herculite produces this type of fabrics and designs them specifically for military use. In the addition to the strength and flexibility inherent in the scrim design, Herculite uses the highest quality material available on the market, which ensures superior durability. Their fabrics are designed for the most extreme conditions. Military fabrics must not only be strong, but also should be able to resist the elements in all kinds of conditions. From rain to seas, these fabrics protect soldiers, military equipment, and weapons. The fabric itself can withstand all extreme temperatures and weather, including rain, snow, ice cold, intense heat, and humidity. These fabrics are waterproof and mildew resistant. They are also flame resistant to Federal Standard 191-5903. You can always depend on these fabrics to get the job done.
In looking at different fabrics for important military uses, it’s always best to go with the strongest and most durable option. The unique design of knitted polyester scrim fabrics make them the best choice for numerous military applications.
Military fabrics are, undoubtedly, specialty fabrics. Their uses and applications demand durability, quality and structural integrity. Download our free Whitepaper to learn more about the four essential characteristics that should be found in all military fabrics.