®Meta-aramid
The foundation of thermal resistance
An aramid fiber whose structure provides inherent flame resistance. It forms the largest part of this blend and the foundation of its thermal behavior.
Knowing the fabric is part of protecting people.
Concepts and technical data for manufacturers, safety professionals and buyers. From the role of each fiber to the construction of a garment.
UL certification. Confidence built on evidence.
In industrial protection, certification provides an independent evaluation of a product against defined safety requirements.
What is UL certification?
UL Solutions is an independent testing, inspection and certification organization. Its evaluation determines whether a product meets the requirements of the standards covered by its certification.
Why does it matter?
It gives buyers, garment manufacturers and safety teams a technical basis for identifying materials and reviewing conformity when selecting protective textiles.
Beyond the initial test
UL's Follow-Up Services program includes manufacturing-site inspections to check that certified products continue to meet the requirements of their original evaluation.
Three fibers. Complementary roles.
Inherent flame resistance starts in the nature of the fibers. Each component of the blend plays a distinct role.
Para-aramid
Reinforcing the textile structure
An aramid recognized for its mechanical strength. It reinforces the blend; final fabric performance is established through strength and abrasion testing.
Anti-static fiber
Dissipating electrostatic charge
Helps control static electricity buildup within an appropriate clothing system. It does not provide electrical insulation or establish an arc rating.
Protection is also in the seam.
FR garment construction brings fabric, thread and seams together. Aramid sewing thread contributes flame resistance at garment joins.
- Aramid sewing thread
- Aramid sewing thread with flame-retardant behavior, self-extinguishing when the flame source is removed.
- Ne 40/3
- Nominal count 40 in the English numbering system, assembled in three plies to form the sewing thread.
- 5,000 m · red 207C
- Sewing-thread presentation: 5,000 meters in red 207C.
- Double stitching and safety seams
- Seam constructions used in industrial clothing to join panels and reinforce working areas.
Questions worth asking.
What does inherent FR mean?
FR means flame resistant. In an inherently FR fiber, that property is part of its structure. This differs from applying an FR finish to a fiber that does not originally have that behavior.
Is an FR fabric the same as an arc-rated fabric?
No. Arc protection requires specific testing and a rating. Composition and weight alone cannot establish an ATPV, energy limit or PPE category.
What does 150 g/m² mean?
It is the weight of one square meter of fabric. SPRING FR® 4.5 OZ has a fabric weight of 150 g/m².
What does anti-static fiber contribute?
It helps dissipate electrostatic charge. Its behavior is evaluated with the garment and grounding system. It does not replace insulating gloves or other electrical protective equipment.
How should garments made from this fabric be cared for?
Follow the garment manufacturer's washing, drying, inspection and repair instructions. Even with inherent flame resistance, contamination, wear and garment components require attention.
How does welding protection differ from molten-metal protection?
These are different exposures. Welding involves small projections and heat; with molten metal, the alloy, quantity and adhesion to the textile also matter. Each exposure has specific testing requirements.
References for further reading
OSHA · FR clothing and electric arc protectionCoats · Thread numbering systemsYour next specification starts with a conversation.
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