Technical Fabric Library - Z

| Z-Flex |  

Z-Flex

Z-Flex® is a registered trademark of NewTex Industries Inc.® Z-Flex®Multi-Layer Aluminized fabrics are specifically designed for protective apparel and shields used in environments that pose serious fire risk or safety hazards associated with hot works or radiant heat sources.

The proprietary Multi-Layer Aluminization (MLA) process delivers outstanding reflectivity, durability and flex-bond. When deployed properly, protective gear made with Z-Flex® MLA reflects up to 95% of heat, with no organic flame contribution. Z-Flex® fabrics have been independently tested against the most demanding US & EN standards and have proven to consistently deliver superior performance against competitive offerings.

Fabric choices include texturized and filament E-glass, spun and core spun aramids, O-PAN / aramid blends, FR rayon, Nomex®, PBI and others. The temperature ratings of the base fabrics range from 500°F - 2000°F (260°C - 1095°C). Z-Flex®  Aluminization resists radiant heat up to 3000°F (1650°C).

 

Z-Flex Silver 

Z-Flex® Silver™ is a revolutionary multilayer aluminized fabric system specifically engineered to provide superior radiant protection, insulation, and durability to front line Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF) personnel.

3D Mock Knit Technology & PBI

Z-Flex® Silver combines our Multilayer Aluminization (MLA) technology with a patented 3D Mock-Knit™ high performance fabric featuring PBI flame resistant fibers. The 5-layer outer shell composite has been completely engineered to provide durable, comfortable and superior protection from high energy, radiant heat. By reflecting up to 95% of radiant heat, Z-Flex® Silver allows close flame proximity while reducing the rate of heat absorption that can lead to thermal fatigue.

Anatomy of Z-Flex Silver

  • Layer 1: Z-Flex® Aluminized Film
    High purity aluminum particles reflect up to 95% of infrared radiant energy from heat, flames, and hot objects.
  • Layer 2: HT Film
    A high temperature barrier film is used to significantly reduce conductive heat transfer though the multilayer system.
  • Layer 3: Z-Flex® Aluminized Film
    A secondary layer of pure aluminum particles increases the effectiveness of the outer layer of Z-Flex while providing added radiant reflectivity and another layer of safety.
  • Layer 4: Proprietary Bonding System
    An advanced thermo-set polymer system that delivers superior thermal performance over traditional rubber-based adhesives.
  • Layer 5: 3D Mock-Knit™ Fabric with PBI. The Mock-Knit design is a patented, innovative weave structure that delivers the hand and comfort of a knit while providing the strength and insulation of a woven fabric. The multidimensional weave structure significantly enhances the bond of Z-Flex to the fabric, leading to improved field performance and durability. The fabric features PBI fibers blended with aramid with a rip-stop.

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Typical Applications & Industries

  • Firefighting
  • Foundry Casting & Glass
  • Military & Homeland Security
  • Personal Protective Apparel
  • Radiant Heat Control
 

Z-Flex Air

RADIANT PROTECTION THAT BREATHES

Proximity gear is intended to protect from radiant heat, however, in ambient environments, traditional proximity gear is linked to increased risk of heat stress. Z-Flex Air, the first ever breathable aluminized fabric, is designed to keep you cool, comfortable, productive, and protected in ambient temperature environments. We use a proprietary process to optimize the placement, pattern, and dimensions of micro-perforations to create a breathable barrier that offers all of the same radiant heat protection as standard Z-Flex Multi-Layer Aluminized fabrics.

BENEFITS OF Z-FLEX AIR:

  • Breathability: Body heat and sweat escapes through the proprietary micro-perforated outer shell.
  • Radiant Heat Protection: Z-Flex Air offers exactly the same radiant heat protection you have come to expect from standard Z-Flex fabrics.
  • Increased Abrasion Resistance: The micro-perforation process creates a textured layer that helps protect the aluminized surface from abrasion.
  • Improved Bonding: The micro-perforation process creates a mechanical bond that works with the adhesive's chemical bond to further reduce the risk of de-lamination.

Typical Applications & Industries

  • Personal Protective Apparel
  • Firefighting
  • Foundry Casting & Glass
  • Radiant Heat Control
 

Z-Flex Glass

INSULATED RADIANT HEAT PROTECTION

Woven from highly texturized DE glass and aluminized using the Z-Flex® MLA process, these fabrics are best suited for applications requiring superior insulation and strong protection from radiant heat, sparks, and molten metal splash. Lighter weight base fabrics are intended for use as an outer layer in combination with liner materials. Heavier base fabrics offer greater protection against heat and splatter and are best suited for applications where rigidity is an advantage, such as in industrial heat shielding. Z-Flex Glass fabrics are made from inorganic materials so they will not produce hazardous out-gassing.

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Typical Applications & Industries

  • Personal Protective Apparel
  • Firefighting
  • Automotive & Transportation
  • Foundry Casting & Glass
  • Radiant Heat Control
 

Z-Flex Aramid

Woven from a core spun para-aramid yarns with a fiberglass core and aluminized using the Z-Flex MLA process, these fabrics provide enhanced abrasion resistance and protection from radiant heat. Z-Flex Aramid fabrics are often used to fabricate hand protection and personal protective equipment (PPE) for industrial and manufacturing environments in which workers are exposed to hot materials like molten metal. Aramid is commonly known by the brand name Kevlar®, a registered trademark of DuPont.

Related Downloads

Typical Applications & Industries

  • Automotive & Transportation
  • Foundry Casting & Glass
  • Military & Homeland Security
  • Personal Protective Apparel
  • Radiant Heat Control
 

Z-Flex Performance Blends

These advanced weaves and blends deliver superior radiant heat protection, outstanding molten metal and burn protection, and great flexibility and comfort. These high performance fabrics are used extensively in the fire service, but they are also great for industrial protective apparel. 

Related Downloads

Typical Applications & Industries

  • Automotive & Transportation
  • Foundry Casting & Glass
  • Military & Homeland Security
  • Personal Protective Apparel
  • Firefighting
  • Radiant Heat Control

Z Flex 0-250 58"

Item: 1100305
Weight: 9.40 oz/sq yd
Thickness: 18 mils
Length: 50.00 yards
Style: O-250
Width: 58.00 in
Radiant Temp: 3000 °F
Ends X Picks: 69 x 45

  

Z-FLEX R-540

Item: 1100310
Weight: 17.00 oz/sq yd
Thickness: 36 mils
Length: 50.00 yards
Style: R-540
Width: 40.00 in
Radiant Temp: 3000 °F
Ends X Picks: 41 x 20

  

Z-FLEX O-500 40”

Item: 1100312
Weight: 16.00 oz/sq yd
Thickness: 41 mils
Length: 50.00 yards
Style: O-500
Width: 40.00 in
Radiant Temp: 3000 °F
Ends X Picks: 22 x 20

  

Z-FLEX O-505 40”

Item: 1100313
Weight: 16.00 oz/sq yd
Thickness: 40 mils
Length: 50.00 yards
Style: O-505
Width: 40.00 in
Radiant Temp: 3000 °F
Ends X Picks: 24 x 24
             

Z-FLEX X-390 58” KOVENEX

Item: 1100275
Weight: 13.00 oz/sq yd
Thickness: 49 mils
Length: 50.00 yards
Style: X-390
Width: 58.00 in
Radiant Temp: 3000 °F

  

Z-FLEX R-480 40”

Item: 1100304
Weight: 15.00 oz/sq yd
Thickness: 30 mils
Length: 50.00 yards
Style: R-480
Width: 40.00 in
Radiant Temp: 3000 °F
Ends X Picks: 45 x 23

  

Z-FLEX O-310 58” OPAN/ARAMID

Item: 1100214
Weight: 10.00 oz/sq yd
Thickness: 24 mils
Length: 50.00 yards
Style: O-310
Width: 58.00 in
Radiant Temp: 3000 °F
Ends X Picks: 56 x 40

    
 

Z-Flex Aluminum Foil

A COST EFFECTIVE ALTERNATIVE TO Z-FLEX MULTI-LAYER ALUMINIZED FABRICS

Foil offers comparable radiant heat reflectivity to Z-Flex MLA at a significantly lower cost. Although it offers comparable protection, foil is not a suitable alternative to Z-Flex MLA in applications where the material will be subject to stretching, twisting, vibration, or other repetitive movement.

Z-Flex Aluminum Foil can resist radiant temperatures up to 3000ºF (1650ºC). The foil can tolerate direct contact with temperatures up to 200ºF (93ºC) while the base fabric below can tolerate temperatures up to 1000ºF (540ºC).

Related Downloads

Typical Applications & Industries

  • Automotive & Transportation
  • Welding & Fire Protection
  • Radiant Heat Control