Textile Technologies Blog

Understanding Fuming / Smoking from High Temperature Fabrics and Cloths

This article addresses a common concern regarding insulation jackets and fabrics that start fuming or smoking when subjected to high temperatures, often below the fabric's stated maximum operating temperature. This phenomenon is observed in both insulation jackets and fabric components close to or in contact with hot surfaces.

Gland Packing (Compression Packing / Stuffing Box Packing)

Many companies sell gland packing, but do they really understand what it is and the reason for it? Textile Technologies help engineers and maintenance personnel choose the correct size and type of gland packing including advice on installation.

Textile Technologies Gland packing is also known as stuffing box packing or compression packing. It is used to seal the gap between a moving part and a stationary part in various types of machinery, such as pumps, valves, and marine propeller shafts. The primary purpose of gland packing is to prevent fluid leakage along the shaft or stem while allowing for the necessary movement of these components.

Weave Patterns. Do they matter?

Textile Technologies Europe Ltd explore weave patterns and their importance.

The choice of E Glass fabric for thermal or composite applications are determined by considering the following variables:

1. Weight: often expressed in grams per metre squared.
2. Yarn Type: Whether continuous filament or textured.
3. Yarn Finish: Whether for thermal applications or composite. The latter requiring special finishes to promote the absorption of resins into the glass substrate.
4. Weave Pattern.

Temperature Ratings and their Ambiguity

Temperature Ratings are referred to repeatedly for good reason given that different fibres exhibit different behaviours at different temperatures. Therefore, for many industrial applications where heat is present, the choice of fibre can be crucial.

Often fibre producers have differing opinions on how temperature ratings ought to be marketed because the point at which the fibre stops being useful is very much subjective and down to the the application.

Generic Names Vs Brands in Industrial and Technical Fibres and Polymers

Historical brands are often so strong, that it is easy not to know the generic name for the fibre or elastomers used in many technical fabrics we supply. This can cause problems when old brands linger on dated specifications and especially when those brands don't actually exist. 

For example

• Polychloroprene is better known as Neoprene
• Chlorosulfonated Polyethylene is better known as Hypalon
• Flourocarbon Rubber is better known as Viton
• Para Aramid is often referred to as Kevlar
• Meta Aramid is often referred to as Nomex

High Temperature Sewing Threads