Silver Needle Fabrics

Silver Needle Inc.™ provides high quality aluminized and FR fabrics to suit most high-temperature personal protection applications. Each aluminized or FR fabric provides different levels of protection from radiant heat, high temperature steam, and molten metal splash, and choosing the right fabric for your industry is important. Workers are better protected by the unique insulation and heat reflective qualities of aluminized fabrics. With the ability to reflect radiant heat, these aluminized materials reduce the flow of convective or ambient heat by 50% or greater, and reduce high-heat transfer by shedding both ferrous and non-ferrous molten metals splashed on clothing.

To assure the highest level of protection requires knowledge of the features of the fabric being considered. Front or rear exposure; hand, leg, or foot exposure, and hot or sharp surfaces must all be considered.

NFPA rated and industrial applications are the two primary classifications of aluminized and FR clothing. Whether your needs require a higher governance of standards, such as in firefighting, or whether you require aluminized or FR clothing for less defined industrial environments, you can trust that Silver Needle Inc.™ provides only the highest quality fabrics for your personal protection needs.

Knit aluminized materials vs. woven aluminized fabrics

Knit heat resistant fabrics with aluminum coating often have higher flexibility than their woven alternatives, providing additional comfort and easier movement to the wearer. However, due to the difference in stretch ability of the aluminum and the fabric on a high heat suit, the aluminum might be more likely to delaminate prematurely.

Aluminized Rayon	Aluminized Rayon fabric reflects a high percentage of radiant heat and has good protection where heat is moderate and metal splash is minor.
Aluminized Carbon Kevlar®	Aluminized Carbon Kevlar® (ACK) is a highly flexible high heat fabric consisting of blended CarbonX® and Kevlar® fibers which together provide a superb combination of insulation and strength. Excellent abrasion resistance and hot-spot dispersion.
Aluminized PBI	Aluminized PBI (APBI) provides substantially low density fabric delivering a superior level of comfort for heat resistant clothing. Though more expensive than some aluminized materials, APBI provides significant high heat contact protection which when combined with its slimness provides supreme high heat protection and superior comfort.
Aluminized Preox®	Aluminized Preox offers high thermal insulation while providing very good molten metal splash and radiant heat protection.
Aluminized Leather	Aluminized leather (AL) provides added protection against radiant heat and hot sparks and sheds molten metal better than leather alone. Outstanding wearing characteristics.
Aluminized CarbonX®	CarbonX® (Flexir Technology) is a soft and flexible fabric providing comfort and dexterity. Offers substantially high-contact temperature resistance to radiant heat and molten metal splash protection.
3B	10oz/sq. yd. aluminized knit fabric; significantly lighter weight (40% lighter than most aluminized fabrics typically used in molten metal applications), thin, and durable made from a unique blend of PBI, Kevlar, and PFR Rayon. Weight and flexibility is engineered to provide superb molten metal splash and radiant heat protection. PBI applied as main material offers outstanding fire protection allowing moisture uptake for comfort. Back has a fleeces PFR Rayon layer for added comfort to the wearer. Fabric construction combines excellent adhesive system and durability with high degree of softness (sample can be purchased separately in our fabric test kit offer)
FR9B Vinex®	FR9B Vinex® fabrics are inherently flame resistant and will retain these properties throughout the service life of the garment. Fabric is treated chemically and mechanically to reduce wash shrinkage, and to provide easy care characteristics when washed and dried properly. Many protective flame resistant fabrics show progressive shrinkage during the use cycle. Expect a change of 1 1/4 to 1 3/4 inch in the length of the shirt sleeve and pant leg over the life of the garment. Secondary aluminum splash-resistant fabric. This fabric is sensitive to moist heat. Exposure can result in significant levels of shrinkage. Additionally, it may lose its soft supple characteristics and become stiff. Garments that are machine washed should not be dried in a hot dryer or ironed while damp or using steam.
Kevlar®	DuPont™ Kevlar® provides excellent protection in a light weight fabric that when equally weighted proves five times tougher than steel. KEVLAR®, the revolution in the field of synthetic fibers: resistance to heat and flame, high performance for rigidity and vibration absorption.
Nomex lll-A®	Garments made with DuPont™ Nomex® lll-A offer an excellent value, lasting three to five times longer than other standard and protective fabrics, including 100% cotton and flame-retardant treated (FRT) cotton. This outstanding wear life can contribute to a company’s bottom-line savings. Garments of Nomex® are as comfortable to wear as other everyday work clothing. Lightweight, breathable fabrics of Nomex® brand fiber are designed to transport moisture away from the skin, which helps wearers feel cool and dry. Wear tests show that fabric weight is the greatest factor in controlling garment comfort, and that the lightweight comfort of Nomex® is often preferred over other protective fabrics. NOMEX®, high resistance to flame and high temperatures with excellent performances as for electrical insulation;
CarbonX®	CarbonX® (Carbon aramid blend) is a soft and flexible flame retardant fiber blend fabric providing an extraordinary level of direct flame, extreme heat, molten metal, hot/flammable liquids, and arc flash protection. CarbonX® is an inherently flame resistant, high-limited oxygen index material that will not burn, melt, or ignite under intense contact, and will provide continued strength and integrity during such exposure.
Tecasafe®	Tecasafe® offers built-in fire resistant properties that will not wash or wear out, and offers extremely low heat exposure body burn percentage ratings.
Oasis®	Oasis® is an innovative blend of protective fabric, including Lenzing FR and nylon that offers incredible softness, and has a lightweight flexible feel. It is designed to deliver protection against molten metal splash, radiant heat, flame and other smelting hazards. An outstanding value and the best choice among thermal resistant, metal-shedding fabrics, it has been chosen by leading aluminum manufacturers, worldwide, for its protection, comfort and durability.
Indura®	Indura® 100% cotton flame retardant secondary protection fabric that is FR guaranteed for the life of the garment.
UltraSoft®	UltraSoft® fabric is created using a blend of 88% cotton and 12% high-resolve nylon, keeping safety and comfort in mind. UltraSoft® offers a soft and comfortable feel, enhanced wear life, and superb abrasion resistance. The fabric does not break down from industrial or home washing processes and is FR guaranteed for the life of the fabric making it a supreme choice for secondary protection from electric arc flash, flash fire, molten ferrous metal, and welding exposures.
Banwear®	BANWEAR® was pioneered by ITEX in 1994, incorporating our patented flame retardant technology developed specifically to leverage the durability and endothermic properties of nylon for long wear life and improved flame protection. This blend of 88% cotton with 12% nylon eliminates the need to wear T-shirts to achieve industry standards for flame and electric arc protection.
Banox Certified®	BANOX CERTIFIED® fabrics are 100% cotton fabrics with flame resistance that is guaranteed for the life of the garment. The unique flame-retarding process lasts the life of the garment without reducing the wear life below that of ordinary untreated cotton. They are best suited for working environments where the initial cost is a primary consideration and the garments are expected to last 2-3 years.
Chrome Leather	Chrome Leather is the most popular leather for welding apparel. Invented in 1858, this tanned leather uses chromium sulfate along with other salts to produce a supple and pliable leather product offering superior protection.
100% Wool	Wool provides thermal protection from various exposures from convection (flames), conduction (molten metal splashes) and radiation sources of heat requiring garments for self-protection. Flame retardant fabrics like wool produce a strong char upon heat exposure with no signs of softening or melting. Multiple layers of wool produce even greater protection to the wearer. Wool provides time for the end user to recognize heat threats and provides longer time to withdraw from a heat source prior to serious injury. Fabrics for conduction heat such as from molten aluminum splashes, should be smooth textured and have high density and thickness. Wool fabric offers pointedly better protection than aramid, FR cotton, glass fibre, asbestos, and other FR fibers.
Cane Nylon	Cane Nylon is a netted fabric which offers ventilation, abrasion resistance, and protection from sharp edges.