The DirecTex Blog

RECENT BLOG POSTS

Part 1 of 4 Series - Bow to Stern: Metal and Plastic Hardware

Manufacturing for the marine industry has many obstacles that must be overcome to be successful. Marine environments are harsh and unforgiving due moisture, UV exposure and salt air. The key is to ensure that you are using the products with the correct finishes, resistant and specifications for your marine application....

Read the Full Article

FR Treatments Explained

Flame resistant fabrics have become a hot topic with manufacturers of Expo and Trade Show booths. These booths must comply with the National Fire Protection Association's standards for flame resistance and retardant. What exactly are flame resistance and flame retardant treatments? What is a FR Treatment? The term "FR" can...

Read the Full Article

What is a DWR Treatment?

What is DWR? Necessary for manufacturers who produce products suitable for outdoor use, DWR is an acronym for D urable W ater R epellent and is added to component materials to make them hydrophobic - meaning they repel water. Fulfilling the needs of manufacturers, DWR treatments are applied to...

Read the Full Article

What Is Elastic and When Should You Use It?

What is Elastic? Elastic is a common textile term used to reference a fabric which has been woven with rubber strips. When released from tension, elastic fabrics can return to their original tensioned shape. Typically, elastic is a spandex core wrapped in nylon or polyester fabric. Elastic was first...

Read the Full Article

Hook and Loop for Orthotics and Prosthetics

Orthotics and prosthetics make up a sizable portion of the textile component industry. With applications ranging from artificial prosthetics to wrist braces, the materials used must not only be durable but also flexible and comfortable for the end users. What are Orthotics and Prosthetics? Orthotics and prosthetics consists of...

Read the Full Article

Product Spotlight: Ballistic Fabric

Introduced by DuPont in the mid-1900's, as the primary covering for flak jackets and aircraft coverings during WWII and Vietnam War, ballistic fabric was retired from military applications in the 1970's when lighter weight Kevlar and ceramic plates offered higher levels of ballistic protection. Ballistic fabric has been a staple...

Read the Full Article

Injection Molded Plastics: What you Need to Know

Hundreds of manufacturers across the nation utilize injection molded plastics, and more specifically plastic side release buckles, in their supply chain. In everyday products, ranging from backpacks to pet collars, injection molded plastics are used and have become a common commodity part for manufacturers. Injection Molded Manufacturing Process ...

Read the Full Article

Understanding Zipper Slider Types

Much like zipper chain, zipper slides are one of the most common and versatile products in the textile component industry. Zipper chain and slides can be found on everything from apparel to outdoor furniture. Read our accompanying blog on Zipper Chain Types Popular Zipper Slider and Zipper Pull Types...

Read the Full Article

Understanding Zipper Chain Types

Zipper chain is one of the most common textile products on the market and can be found on everything from boat cushions to gym bags. While the design is simple, the possibilities of zippers are endless. Finding the Right Zipper Style Zippers, also called zipper chain, are widely...

Read the Full Article

Guide to IFAI Expo 2018

The Industrial Fabrics Association International (IFAI) Expo is the nation's most premier industrial fabrics expo - complete with over 12,000 suppliers, manufactures and end users. In 2018, the IFAI Expo will be hosted in Dallas, Texas at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center, located in the heart of downtown Dallas....

Read the Full Article
Live Chat Support Software