When it comes to protective fabrics, temperature and flame retardancy are often confused. According to the fabric manufacturer, Chapman Innovations, “flame retardancy is commonly measured by the ‘LOI’ or ‘Limit Of Oxygen Index’, the amount of oxygen needed in the atmosphere to support combustion. Fibers and fabrics with an LOI greater than 25 are said to be flame retardant, meaning there must be at least 25% oxygen present for the fabric to burn. Obviously, the higher the LOI, the more fire retardant the fabric is.
“The LOI rating for the majority of the fire retardant fabrics on the market is usually achieved by adding a flame retardant finish to the fiber or fabric, which results in deterioration after continued UV exposure and normal laundry care. CarbonX® (the material used in the manufacture of Torch Wear), on the other hand, is also a manmade fiber but is never treated with any additives or chemicals. UV exposure, laundry and chemicals will not significantly affect the performance properties.”
Chapman Innovations also states, “Another relevant rating system that has been used for years is the Thermal Protective Performance, or ‘TPP’. This applies to the garment's ability to provide thermal protection when exposed to both direct flame and radiant heat, and the length of time before a person is subject to second-degree burns. After extensive TPP, flammability and shrinkage test comparisons between the leading fire retardant fabrics and CarbonX®, based on SFI standards, the results show CarbonX is a superior product.
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“At approximately 600° F., the leading fire retardant fabrics burn, begin to shrink while charring, then crack and decompose. This is all in about 10 seconds. Under flammability testing, the fire retardant fabrics will ignite and they often have problems passing the shrinkage test. Under the same conditions, CarbonX® is not effected in any way. It even disburses the heat energy and will take about 60 seconds before the heat will start penetrating the next layer of fabric. CarbonX® will not ignite or burn even when exposed to temperatures exceeding 2600° F. for over 120 seconds. As for material shrinkage, it does not exist with CarbonX®.”
So far so good, but what products does Torchwear offer? One of them is a new protective welding sleeve. These welding sleeves feature a three-layer design that encapsulates armor material to provide superior protection. The sleeve is intended for harsh applications such as carbon-arc, _sub-arc, spray-arc and heavy-arc welding, as well as pipe and heavy TIG welding and standard MIG
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That’s not the extent of it either. The Torch Wear line of protective clothing includes overalls, aprons, several different styles of welding coats, mittens, welding hoods, torch covers, welding blankets and heat sink pads.
Doubt the hype? Check out the accompanying video presentation. You’ll come away a believer. We did.
For more information, contact Torch Wear:
Torch Wear
2374 Edison Boulevard
Twinsburg, OH 44087
PH: 800-479-7165
PH: 330-425-2738
Fax: 330-425-2739