SuperFabric is a cut and abrasion

Abrasion (mechanical)

Abrasion is the process of scuffing, scratching, wearing down, marring, or rubbing away. It can be intentionally imposed in a controlled process using an abrasive...

 resistant material, and a registered trademark of Higher Dimension Materials, Inc. As a technical fabric, SuperFabric is created with a base fabric such as nylon, polyester, neoprene, crepe, etc. and is overlaid with tiny, hard guard plates in a specific pattern. Spacings between the guard plates allow flexibility, breathability

Moisture Vapor Transmission Rate

Moisture vapor transmission rate , also water vapor transmission rate , is a measure of the passage of water vapor through a substance....

 and are small enough to keep sharp objects from penetrating. This guard plate technology protects the base fabric and contributes to the durability of the material. The geometry, thickness, and size of the guard plates, as well as the base fabric, vary depending on industry requirements. Customized and optional properties include flame resistance and specialized grip.

Cut resistance

SuperFabric materials can provide a barrier against cuts. The tiny, raised guard plates prevent sharp objects from tearing the underlying base fabric. While cottons, knits

Knitted fabric

Knitted fabrics is the third major class of fabric, after woven and nonwoven fabrics.-Elasticity, thickness and warmth:Compared to the other two classes, knitted fabrics are much more elastic, which accounts for their historical use in stockings and other clothing that requires changes in shape...

, and nylon

Nylon

Nylon is a generic designation for a family of synthetic polymers known generically as polyamides, first produced on February 28, 1935, by Wallace Carothers at DuPont's research facility at the DuPont Experimental Station...

s snag from repeated contact with sharp objects, the nature of the SuperFabric guard plates contribute to the overall longevity of the material.

Abrasion resistance

SuperFabric's manufacturer claims that its guard plates provide a flexible armor that resists abrasion

Abrasion (mechanical)

Abrasion is the process of scuffing, scratching, wearing down, marring, or rubbing away. It can be intentionally imposed in a controlled process using an abrasive...

 and protects the underlying base fabric.

Puncture resistance

Specific SuperFabric materials are designed to protect even against surgical and hypodermic needle

Hypodermic needle

A hypodermic needle is a hollow needle commonly used with a syringe to inject substances into the body or extract fluids from it...

s.

Additional properties

Fire resistance is a customized option, as SuperFabric guard plates themselves can be made flame resistant and applied to flame/fire resistant base fabrics. This increases the base fabric's abrasion resistance by a factor of 5–10 times without reducing its flame retardance.

SuperFabric materials also have a range of grip properties enabling them to work on a variety of surfaces for a variety of applications. SuperFabric can be customized with an additional coating of silicone

Silicone

Silicones are inert, synthetic compounds with a variety of forms and uses. Typically heat-resistant and rubber-like, they are used in sealants, adhesives, lubricants, medical applications , cookware, and insulation....

, to further improve grip on smooth surfaces such as metal, glass, and laminate.

Most SuperFabric materials are highly resistant to stains. Many stains bead up on the surface of SuperFabric, which can make for easy cleaning, while retaining their protective and durable properties.

Applications

There is a wide range of applications for SuperFabric:

• Technical outdoor apparel
• Military, law enforcement
• Commercial food-processing protection
• Industrial safety and protection
• Motorcycle apparel and accessories
• Heavy-duty diving suit protection (U.S. Coast Guard, etc.)
• Cleaning products (scrub pads, etc.)