FDA Approved Lightweight Fiberglass Clothing for Compositing /
Buildings
There are a variety of applications for industrial fabrics when
weight, strength, and durability are important, and one common
solution to these needs is fiberglass cloth.
Fiberglass cloth is a strong and durable woven textile used mainly
for industrial, non-apparel applications. Its unique set of
valuable properties makes it ideal for many industrial uses, such
as for the interiors of circuit boards and conveyor belts.
Fiberglass cloth is woven in various configurations from four basic
weave patterns, called plain, leno, satin, and basket. It is sold
in rolls that range in length from 150 feet (45 meters) to 9,000
feet (2740 meters), and in many different widths. It also offers a
wide choice of controlled properties depending on the industry it
will be used in.
Fiberglass cloth has numerous applications as thermal insulation,
electrical insulation in the electronics industry, and even as a
component in armor plating on U.S. Military vehicles, helmets, and
aircraft carrier decks. Light-weight cloths also provide a smooth
finish and are ideal for producing a waterproof layer over wood or
other surfaces, such as is needed in boat repair and other marine
applications.
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Glass fibers are known to produce fabrics with excellent
dimensional stability as well, meaning that fiberglass fabric
stretches only very minimally under stress- usually about three
percent or less. Like glass itself, fiberglass is highly resistant
to most harsh industrial chemicals.
Oddly enough, despite its resilience and resistance to almost every
possible type of industrial hazard, it is important that fiberglass
cloth be rolled onto a tube for shipment, and not folded,
regardless of how large or small the order may be.
Folding it for shipment can damage the cloth where it is creased.
If this one precaution is followed, the structural integrity of the
fabric will be preserved to provide strength or protection in
whatever context it is needed for.
