, one of the world
s largest privately-held textile and chemical manufacturers, recently announced the introduction of Amplitude
, a patent-pending line of premium, high-performance flame resistant (FR) fabrics for industrial workwear. The new proprietary fabrics are processed ammonia-free and are constructed of a cotton/nylon blend designed to help mitigate potential injuries due to electric arc and flash fire exposure, while providing enhanced durability and comfort. The combination of these capabilities makes it an ideal fabric for industrial workwear occupations in manufacturing, utilities, electrical maintenance, petrochemical, welding, and steel.
Government and industry information notes that
the majority of severe and fatal burn injuries are
due to the individual
s
clothing igniting and continuing to burn, not by the
exposure itself. Therefore, extensive independent
testing of FR clothing fabrics must be conducted to
evaluate the protective capabilities these fabrics
exhibit when exposed to hazards such as electric arc
flash and flash fires.
Independent testing of the Amplitude fabrics was
conducted by Kinectrics to test electric arc flash
and North Carolina State University to evaluate
flash fire protection. Test results concluded that
Amplitude offers Hazard Risk Category (HRC) 2
electric arc protection for NFPA 70E, ASTM F1506 and
OSHA 1910.269 compliance, as well as flash fire NFPA
2112 . Amplitude consistently delivered a higher
degree of protection as compared to the industry
required standards. The Flash Fire Mannequin or
Pyroman testing for Amplitude
s
7.0 ounce fabric resulted in less body burn for the
three-second market standard test, as compared to
typical industry results. Amplitude also performed
better in arc protection tests required by NFPA 70E
HRC 2.
"Milliken is the largest supplier of performance
workwear fabrics to the U.S. market and entry into
this adjacent performance market was a natural fit
for us," said Jack Spoon, business manager for
Workwear Fabrics.
Milliken
will now offer a wide range of protective fabrics in
addition to CXP
, our FR
aramid product, giving our customers a first-rate
option from a supplier known for its quality, shade,
color consistency, and excellent overall process
control.
The industry and end users alike want fabrics and garments that provide a substantial degree of FR protection while providing enhanced comfort and improved aesthetic characteristics. Amplitude delivers this by combining technologies that deliver greater freedom of movement through stretch, improved breathability and softness. Amplitude is able to address these needs utilizing innovations developed by Milliken Research.
About Milliken & Company
Founded in 1865, Milliken & Company is a
privately held textile and chemical company that
employs approximately 11,000 associates worldwide.
Milliken operates nearly 50 manufacturing facilities
in the U.S. and 8 other countries. Having over 2000
patents issued or applied for, the company produces
over 19,000 high performance products. To learn more
about Milliken, please visit the Company
s
Web site at
www.milliken.com.
