Dimension-Polyant (DP), a leader in the production of technical sailcloth, has heard from a number of its manufacturing partners to provide films and fabrics for face shields and gowns as they seek to alleviate the need for medical personal protection equipment (PPE). DP’s vast knowledge and scope of lightweight woven, non-woven, and laminate materials are ideal for these products, said the company, as they are 100% waterproof with zero porosity.
Maine-based Flowfold first approached DP in early March and others quickly followed. Customers include G-Form, Space-X, Sail Works, and UK Sailmakers. So far more than 300,000 units have been produced and shipped to the front-line medical community. The combination of current inventory and a strong supply chain have helped support the increased demand of these materials.
“Our extremely lightweight spinnaker fabrics have been used in protective garments, aprons and patient transfer sheets. We can also apply specialized coatings to make them liquid repellent, slippery or soft,” said Taylor North, head of technical fabrics at Dimension Polyant. “Our fabrics and laminates could be utilized for partitions in containment zones or structural fabric tenting. They can easily be cleaned and disinfected. Our familiarity and access to optically clear films can be used for the fabrication of face shields.”
