Rip stop fabrics

2. Analysis of tissues

2.1 Appearance

Preliminarily inspection of the fabric:

- Size of the square ripstop (axb) mm. We must measure the length of 10 or more squares and divide by the distance in both directions, longitudinal (warp) and transverse (weft).
- Single or double ripstop. See if the fabric of yarn is formed by one or two threads.
- Touch soft or rough
- Noise crunchy or no, rubbing the fabric
- Fabric color
- Coating in one or both sides. The brighter side is usually carrying the coated. The usual coating is generally based on polyurethane or silicone.

2.2 Analysis with optical microscope (or scanner)

Next Laboratori purchase: an optical microscope. The microscope will allow to observe and count the individual threads within each square of rip, and in both directions. It also lets us check and "see" the porosity of the fabric, and regularity of crossing threads.

2.3 Weight

The tissue should be measured by weighing a substantial amount of tissue divided by its surface. We get the weight in g/m2. The standard weights are:

27 g/m2 hyper lightweight tissues
36-40 g/m2 lightweight tissues
45 g/m2 normal tissues
52 g/m2 heavy tissues

2.4 Porosity test

Is described in this chapter of the laboratory.

2.5 Tear resistance (Bettsometer)

The Bettsometer is a curved needle attached to a dynamometer. Involves pricking the tissue and pull up slightly to get tear in the ripstop. The resultant force (kg) is the result of the experiment. Indicates the overall status of the tissue, compared with the force required to tear a new one.

2.6 Force versus displacement analysis

One of the most interesting experiments to perform, with a piece of ripstop, is the progressive loading of a tape 5 cm wide, measuring the deformation and the load simultaneous, to fracture (20 kg - 30 kg) in experiments conducted so far .

This experiment is described here.

3. Where to find ripstop fabric

Cerf volant service (France):
http://pagesperso-orange.fr/cerfvolantservice/index1.html
Spinnaker CX2 polyester 42 gr

La Vieille Usine (France)
http://www.vieilleusine.com/
http://pagesperso-orange.fr/vieilleusine/cerfvolant.htm

Economat (Belgique)
http://lencb.be/economat_spi.php
Chikara

Shelby (Finland)
http://www.shelby.fi/catalog/default.php
http://www.shelby.fi/catalog/default.php?cPath=22

Kitebuilder.com (USA)
http://www.kitebuilder.com/catalog/index.php/cPath/24_108_230?osCsid=c3de0b63695e7a1c39c4ef5d3b2eaa6c

El Ventilador (Barcelona)
http://www.ventilador.com/Productos.asp?IdCategoria=5&IdSubCategoria=54&vCat=5
Ripstop Eolo 42gr y 60gr

Manufacturers:

Gelvenor Textiles http://www.gelvenor.com/ (Durban, South Africa)
Porcher Sport http://www.porcher-ind.com/ (France)
Dominico (Korea)
Chikara
Terraza (Barcelona)
http://www.productpilot.com/alis.php?zoom=6FyHfL2J%2BfFxQxcmu2YLFw%3D%3D
http://www.terraza-sl.com

4. Hang glider sails

The big brands WW, Moyes.., use Dacron 170 g/m2 as basic option.
Finsterwalder Perfex use Dacron 110 g/m2, and optional 160 gr/m2
Thomas Finsterwalder flight from Kilimanjaro (1976) was performed with a Bergfex and
spinnacker nylon fabric with 32 g/m2...
Polyester=Dacron=Terylene

Wills Wing article
http://www.willswing.com/features/sailcloth.asp
http://www.willswing.com/Articles/Article.asp?reqArticleName=Sailcloth
http://www.willswing.com/Articles/Article.asp?reqArticleName=Sailcloth#

Dimension Polyant:
http://www.dimension-polyant.com/en/Sailcloth_Technology_2.php

Bainbridge:
http://www.marine-covers.com/searchCatalogue.asp?id=311

Units:

1oz=28.35 g
1 lb=453.6 g =16oz
1 yard = 0.9144 m

NCV Skytex 45 gr/m2 gnupwing (scan 300 ppi)	NCV Skytex 45 gr/m2 Double ripstop. gnupwing (scan 1200 ppi)	Fortex 45 gr/m2 Pampacat/Ascender (300 ppi)	Fortex 45 gr/m2 Pampacat/Ascender (1200 ppi)
Chikara (300 ppi)	Chikara (1200 ppi) Double ripstop	Chikara (300 ppi)	Chikara (300 ppi)
Eolo 42 gr/m2. Ventilador BCN. Double ripstop. (300 ppi)	Eolo 42 gr/m2. Ventilador BCN. Double ripstop. (1200 ppi)	Eolo 60 gr/m2. Ventilador BCN Single ripstop	Eolo 60 gr/m2. Ventilador BCN Single ripstop
Gelvenor 38 gr/m2 (1.3oz) Nylon F01PZ F1-11 Reserve	Gelvenor 38 gr/m2 (1.3oz) Nylon F01PZ F1-11 Reserve	Gelvenor 45 gr/m2 LCN066 Polyester. Double ripstop. OLKS. Paragliders	Gelvenor 45 gr/m2 LCN066 Polyester. Double ripstop. OLKS. Paragliders
Gelvenor 38 gr/m2 LCN066 Polyamide F01 LOPO Military parachutes	Gelvenor 38 gr/m2 LCN066 Polyamide F01 LOPO Military parachutes	Gelvenor 38 gr/m2 LCN065 Nylon single ripstop. C41 F106 K27. Parachutes zero-P	Gelvenor 38 gr/m2 LCN065 Nylon single ripstop. C41 F106 K27. Parachutes zero-P
LVU-04 Double ripstop	LVU-04 Double ripstop	LVU-05 Double ripstop	LVU-05 Double ripstop
9017 gnuLAB2	9017 gnuLAB2	AIRX500VGM gnuLAB2	AIRX500VGM gnuLAB2
wwII-parachute A	wwII-parachute A	wwII-parachute B	wwII-parachute B