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Author Archives: Jason Mills

  1. Knits vs. Woven vs. Non-Woven Fabrics: What’s the Difference?

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    When choosing the correct material for a project or application it is important to understand the differences between knits, wovens and nonwovens (and how the physical differences of the materials will ultimately affect the performance of the final product).

    What Are Knitted Fabrics?

    Industrial knit fabrics are designed and manufactured for use in a variety of applications. These fabrics are typically made from strong and durable yarns  such as polyester and nylon.

    In addition to industrial knits durability, some of the advantages of these materials include stretch and breathability.

    Knitting machines are machines used to create knitted fabrics. They can create a wide range of knitted fabrics, from lightweight and delicate apparel to heavy and bulky industrial fabrics. Industrial knitting machines  are computer-controlled and come in various  widths and types. The most common types of knitting machines include:

    • Weft knitting machine: This machine produces fabric from a tube with loops generated horizontally.
    • Warp knitting machine: Opposite to weft knitting, loops are made vertically in warp knitting, and the resulting fabric has an open width.
    • Flat knitting machine: This machine can create fabric in a flat or two-dimensional form.
    • Circular knitting machine: This machine can create cylindrical or three-dimensional fabric.
    • Raschel knitting: This type of knitting is done on Raschel machines, which use a combination of needles and latch hooks to create various fabric types, including netting and mesh, and other industrial and commercial applications.
    • 3D knitting: This machine makes 3D structures such as tubes and spheres possible. A few samples of products with unique shapes and properties include airbags, gloves, and custom-fit products.

    In summary, industrial knitted fabrics are made from strong and durable  yarns and created using knitting machines. These fabrics have various uses and advantages suitable for different industries, depending on the end product and application required.

    Knitted vs. Woven Fabrics

    It is easy for designers to distinguish between knit and woven fabrics, as the two types have distinct visual characteristics. However, there are some instances where it may not be immediately clear to differentiate the two, especially if the fabrics have a unique or complex construction. In such cases, it may be necessary to examine the fabric more closely or to consult with a textile expert.

    Knit fabric is made of interlocking loops from  continuous  yarn that is looped back and forth to create the  material. This structure allows the knit fabric to stretch and move in multiple directions, giving it a unique elasticity that woven fabrics lack.

    Contrarily, woven fabric is made by interlacing two sets of yarns to form a grid-like structure with little inherent stretch and can only stretch slightly along the diagonal or “bias” direction. This structural difference also means that woven fabrics have  very little give when compared to knits.

    Knit fabrics are cool and breathable, but woven fabrics are typically thick and wind-proof.

    At Jason Mills, LLC, our knit fabric manufacturing technologies allows us to manufacture near zero-stretch, high stretch,  fire-resistant, anti microbial and highly UV-resistant fabrics.

    Woven vs. Non-Woven Fabrics

    Although woven fabrics have existed for as long as people have made textiles, contemporary versions provide far more functionality and adaptability. However, the weaving process is still the same.

    In a warp-weft pattern, perpendicular threads can be crossed across one another to create a highly organized structure of tear-resistant  fabrics.

    On the other hand, non-woven textiles are not regarded as fabrics in the literal sense, even if they may appear, feel, and function like fabrics. This is because their organizational systems are different.

    The  yarns in woven fabrics form a closely spaced grid. In non-woven fabrics, the  fibers come together through mechanical, thermal or chemical bonding to form a disorganized web or net of interwoven fibers. They are often less resilient than a comparable woven or knit..

    How To Differentiate Knit, Woven, and Non-Woven Fabrics

    Here are some quick indicators to help you identify and differentiate the three types of fabric:

    • Knits feature a continuous loop.
    • Wovens are made of interlacements of warp and weft yarns.
    • Non-wovens are made of tangled or bonded fibers.

    Industrial and Specialty Textiles by Jason Mills, LLC

    Jason Mills, LLC is a trusted provider of industrial knit fabrics used in industries as diverse as healthcare, occupational safety, indoor and outdoor recreation, filtration, automotive, aeronautical and marine, and more. Some of our specialty materials include antimicrobial finishes (both topically treated and inherent), fire resistance, and UV resistance to fade and material degradation.

    For your industrial and specialty textile needs, contact us today! You may also request a quote to start working with us.

  2. Berry Amendment Compliant Fabrics 101

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    Click to ExpandBerry-Amendment-Compliant-Fabrics-101

    Selling to the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) requires manufacturers to comply with numerous production restrictions that prevent the DoD from purchasing goods or materials from other countries. One such federal regulation is the Berry Amendment. Under this amendment, DoD contractors, as well as subcontractors, are restricted to the purchase of Berry compliant goods, while consumers can also purchase these products to support the U.S. economy. Read on to learn more about the Berry Amendment, why it’s important for the textile industry, and the applications of various compliant fabrics.

    What Is Berry Compliant?

    Acting as an additional limitation on governmental purchasing as part of the Buy American Act of 1933, the Berry Amendment of 1941 ensures that the DoD can only spend funds on goods that are grown, manufactured, or reprocessed in the United States. For textiles, the Berry Amendment covers such items as:

    • Natural fibers like cotton, as well as synthetics
    • Silk products
    • Wool, in everything from its initial fiber form to manufactured end products
    • Garments, including the fabrics that make up their material composition
    • Coverings like tarpaulins and tents
    • Canvas goods

    One exception to this amendment has to do with availability. While the Buy American Act allowed the U.S. government to set up trade agreements for items abroad if they were at least 25% less expensive than their U.S. counterparts, the Berry Amendment further restricts DoD international purchases to only those for which there is no availability domestically. Congress enacted the Berry Amendment to support textile expansion during wartime and safeguard the health of the domestic textile industry.

    Berry Compliant (DoD) vs. Made in America (FTC) vs. Trade Agreements

    Multiple trade regulations exist concerning U.S. government purchases of American products, and it can be confusing for companies trying to ensure any necessary compliance. For example, not to be confused with the Buy American Act, there is also a Buy America Act, which focuses on purchases concerning mass transit. Then there is the Trade Agreements Act, which sometimes overrules the Buy American Act, allowing the federal government to procure goods from specific foreign countries in covered trade agreements under particular circumstances, such as purchases over a $193,000 payment threshold.
    Also, when manufacturers claim that their products are made in the USA, this does not necessarily equate to being Berry compliant. In order for the DoD to purchase it, a product’s materials must be traceable to companies within the U.S. Products claiming to be made in America simply have to be almost entirely produced domestically, with small allowances for materials or parts made internationally. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) oversees made-in-the-USA goods to protect consumers and companies from deceptive or outright fraudulent claims as well as unfair business practices.

    Why Work with a Berry Compliant Fabric Manufacturer

    It is important for businesses to be aware of the origins of their purchased goods and understand the implications of any American-made claims they attribute to their products to avoid penalties or the cancellation of awarded government contracts. Utilizing a Berry compliant fabric producer allows for potential access to DoD funding with the assurance of clear, U.S.-based material origins. Simultaneously, it gives customers who are not affiliated with the DoD the opportunity to support domestic businesses. Purchasing from American producers and Berry compliant manufacturers assures that government and consumer money stays in the country rather than contributing to the economy of another nation.

    Berry Compliant Fabrics from Jason Mills

    The Berry Amendment mandates that compliant manufacturers utilize domestically made textiles, and the team at Jason Mills, LLC can help. By keeping each stage of our operation in-house from ideation and development to dyeing and finishing, we can ensure quality textiles that adhere to not only our clients’ exacting specifications but also industry and DoD standards. Our innovative, USA-made fabric options include:

    • Style 1967. Despite its light weight, this smooth material works well in cold-weather military applications, such as linings for Gen III clothing systems.
    • Style 65. This fabric has common uses in substrates as well as recreational tasks like pool filtration material; however, it was initially intended for healthcare applications.
    • Style 78. This cargo net material is Berry compliant and also meets the standards for garments, safety flags, and sleep system containment bags for marines. As a safety textile, it is available in vibrant, highly visible hues, or hi-viz colors.
    • Style 417. With original applications as conventional mosquito netting, manufacturers now employ this material in military and commercial parachute liners.

    Our textiles not only comply with the stipulations of the Berry Amendment, but they can also satisfy Mil C requirements. The military makes use of some of our fabrics for garments like Gen III parka linings or improved outer tactical vest (IOTV) mesh pockets. Our products emphasize both form and function, providing comfort and any required aesthetics along with high performance and regulatory compliance.

    Contact Us Today for Your Fabric Needs

    The decision to collaborate with the DoD will subject you to a significant number of regulations and prerequisites. For your project to be eligible for DoD funding, it must comply with the Berry Amendment’s requirements for textiles.
    Not only does Jason Mills have the supplies and experience necessary for the job, but we also guarantee that our products comply with the Berry Amendment, with the capability for meeting Mil C requirements, producing specialty textiles with fire and other resistance capabilities, and more. Get in touch with the knowledgeable staff at Jason Mills for any and all of your DoD-related textile projects, or request a quote today to get started.

  3. Heavy-Duty Knit Mesh Fabric: Nylon & Polyester

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    Mesh fabric is a knit material composed of evenly distributed openings to create a netting structure for breathable ventilation in textiles. Designs for these mesh fabrics tend to vary in dimensions, aperture openings, finishes, colors, and material weights. Heavy-duty mesh fabric, in particular, presents a versatile solution for rugged or demanding applications. Nylon and polyester, both durable and elastic materials, are capable of handling such tasks.

     

    Benefits & Properties of Knitted Mesh Fabrics

    Nylon and polyester serve to produce knitted mesh solutions for diverse heavy-duty purposes given their tensile strength and resistance to numerous substances and environmental conditions.

    Benefits Properties of Knitted Mesh Fabrics

    Heavy-Duty Nylon Mesh Fabric

    Composed of plastic-based fibers, nylon mesh fabrics are beneficial for applications that call for durability, strength, and versatility. Nylon is lightweight, soft to the touch, and easy for manufacturers to dye and cut in various sizes and thicknesses. It is also simple for users to clean. The elasticity of this polyamide’s fibers allows it to stand up well to the wear and tear of stretching or bending. Additionally, nylon is hydrophilic and, when accompanying fibers of silver ion, antimicrobial. It is resistant to:

    •     Wear
    •     Corrosive chemicals
    •     Temperatures of up to 340° F
    •     Dust
    •     Acid
    •     Alkalis
    •     Tearing

    Heavy-Duty Polyester Mesh Fabric

    Another material, polyester is the result of a chemical reaction that takes place between alcohol, carboxylic acid, and a petroleum byproduct. These flexible polymer fibers are ideal for a versatile array of commercial and industrial applications due to polyester’s durability. This resilient mesh can stretch by as much as 6% and still return to its original shape for a high level of dimensional stability and elasticity. It is also resistant to:

    •     Wear, even when in constant use
    •     Corrosion from acids, alkalis, and other chemicals
    •     Flame
    •     High temperatures
    •     Ultraviolet light
    •     Mold, mildew, and water, as a hydrophobic material
    •     Stains
    •     Tearing

    Textile manufacturers can increase these resistances with appropriate finishing treatments. As an added benefit, polyester is readily available from most textile manufacturing plants, giving users ease of access.

     

    Common Applications of Heavy-Duty Mesh Fabrics

    heavy duty polyester mesh fabric applications

    While many industries use mesh fabrics, for anything from recreational equipment to occupational safety tasks, heavy-duty applications utilize nylon and polyester mesh for its strength. Nylon is ideal when fabric will need to stretch or bend with superior elasticity, or when aesthetics are important. Polyester is optimal for applications in high-moisture, -humidity, and -sunlight environments as this hydrophobic material dries rapidly and is reliable when stability is necessary. Common applications for heavy-duty nylon and polyester mesh include:

    Cargo Nets 

    A polyester cargo net offers an excellent solution for securing items quickly and efficiently, whether on a trailer or pickup truck bed. Cargo nets strap items down to reduce their mobility and prevent resulting damage.

    Patient Lift Slings 

    Patient lift or transfer slings are crucial for their role in aiding medical personnel, allowing them to move patients comfortably and safely. While these slings are lightweight, at less than 8 oz. or 15 oz. per square yard, these slings can actually hold over 1,500 lbs. Universal, split-leg, and full-body slings reduce the amount of effort that healthcare staff must exert in lifting, and also minimize stress on the bodies of the injured or elderly.

    Contact Jason Mills for Premium Knit Mesh Fabric Solutions

    At Jason Mills, LLC, our focus is on manufacturing, distributing, and warehousing a variety of standard and custom industrial nylon and polyester mesh fabrics. Our team offers these high-performance materials in varying sizes, weights, mesh opening shapes, finishes, and colors to fit our customers’ specific applications. We are equipped with a highly skilled team of experts, high-end fibers, and sophisticated raschel and tricot machinery that enable us to develop warp knits for diverse end uses in industrial, commercial, and recreational fields.

    For cargo nets and scrub pads, Jason Mills offers the following heavy-duty fabric solutions:

    For patient lift swings, we use:

    Our team can help you find the right mesh fabric for your heavy-duty application. Contact us today to learn more about our premium knit mesh solutions or to request a quote.

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