QLD Mining and Energy Bulletin
Issue link: http://ebook.aprs.com.au/i/50246
UltraSoft ACTM - Moving ahead with technology UltraSoft AC™ is the latest innovation from the Westex UltraSoft® family of fire resistant fabrics. AC stands for Advanced Comfort and as the name suggests every measure has been taken to ensure that it delivers a performance that is a truly excellent balance of protection, comfort and value. U ltraSoft AC™ was introduced in 2011 as a flame-resistant fabric designed to be used in protective clothing. Comprising of 88% Pima Cotton / 12% High Tenacity Nylon, it has been twill weaved to offer a soft and smooth finish to give that comfort factor which lacks in many industrial wears. Why PIMA cotton? Pima cotton, also called extra long staple (ELS), is considered to be one of the superior types of cotton and is extremely durable and absorbent. This type of cotton is named after the Pima, a group of American Indians who first cultivated the plant in the U.S., but the cotton's origins are from Peru. It bears some similarity to the Egyptian cotton that yeilds a fine thread which can be woven into a piece of fabric to create a dense, soft finish with superb drape and handle. The primary differences between Pima (ELS growths) cotton and Upland cotton are staple length (fiber length) and strength of the fiber. In the world cotton trade, cotton is considered to be ELS, or Pima, if the staple length is 1 inch and 3/8 or longer. Its strength and uniformity measurements are considerably higher than those of Upland cotton. The result of using PIMA cotton in UltraSoft AC™ means that the fabrics are superbly soft, comfortable to wear, and very durable. Products made from UltraSoft AC™ can last as much as 50 per cent longer than fabrics made from other forms of cotton. Ultrasoft AC™ is more durable due to the Double Shrunk Technology Wearers can also expect a 75 per cent extended wear life of garments made from UltraSoft AC™ due to the improved durability provided by the combination of Pima cotton blended with the high tenacity nylon. All this extra wear life and guaranteed flame resistance is made possible by the Double – Shrunk Technology. The Double – Shrunk Technology by Westex is far superior to any other process utilised today. This advanced technology is engineered into every yard of the UltraSoft® fabric and ensures that UltraSoft® fabrics do not suffer premature shrinkage failures. The advanced comfort and the softness of Pima Cotton make the garments more wearable and acceptable by workers. The perceived lightness in weight reduces problems with heat-stress in warmer climates. The UltraSoft AC™ fabrics are particularly suited to use in the military, stationwear, wildlands, tactical and electrical protective clothing applications. The importance of having reliable FR clothings The need for FR clothing is growing and is applicable in any work environment that may be exposed to hazards that could cause severe or fatal burns and injuries. In the event of a momentary electric arc, flash or molten metal splash exposure, everyday non-flame resistant work clothes can ignite and will continue to burn until the fabric is totally consumed even after the source of ignition has been removed. Non-flame resistant synthetic fabrics will burn with melting and dripping, causing severe contact burns to the skin. It is reported that the majority of fatal burn injuries are due to individual's clothing igniting and not by the flame exposure itself. The protection level typically depends on the fabric, its weight and fibre composition to determine the ability to self extinguish after the source of the ignition is removed. Wearing good quality flame resistant garments will result in less body burn while advanced technology fabrics such as UltraSoft AC™ will provide enhanced protection and limit the possibility of over all burn percentage. The flame resistance of the fabric is guaranteed for the life of the garment, provided the manufacturer's care instructions are followed. Today UltraSoft® branded flame resistant fabrics are being worn by thousands of end-users in many industries around the world. With millions of garments in service worldwide, it has a strong reputation for providing an excellent balance of protection, comfort and value. If you would like further information on the UltraSoft AC™ or to see samples, then please contact Charles Parsons & Co Pty Ltd, Technical Division at 1300 147 887 or email: technicalsales@charlesparsons.com.au QLD Mining and Energy Bulletin Summer 2011/12 125 QUICK FACTS: • New in 2011 • Guaranteed flame resistance for the life of the garment • Advanced comfort of cotton • Pima cotton softness • Enhanced protection from electric arc and flash fire exposures • Mutipurpose protection from electric arc flash, flash fire, molten ferrous metal and welding exposures • 75%+ extended garment wear life • Double-shrunk technology • Excellent value equation [Products and Services Showcase] Fire Protection Fabrics and Clothing