Velcro Textile Fasteners
Velcro hook and loop fastener
Technical progress does not stand still, and every day in the world there are various discoveries in a particular area of human activity. Some inventions get used to immediately; others remain unclaimed for a long time. Textile fastener is an innovation that was a breakthrough in the clothing and footwear industry of the XX century. Earlier, zippers, hooks, buttons, various types of lacing were used to fix items of clothing and shoes, which were not always distinguished by convenience and practicality.
The progressive invention of the Swiss designer
The history of the invention of textile fasteners goes back to the middle of the last century, when the Swiss engineer George de Mestral (1907-1990) came up with the idea to look through the microscope of the burdock head. Multiple zooming allowed the scientist to see miniature “hooks” with which the plant clings to animal hair.
After examining the properties of «sticker» which so vexed his dog during his walks, the inventor thought about the possibility of using this biomimetic property for practical use. A few years de Mestral went to his discovery, which was preceded by a lot of trial and error. As a result, in 1955, an engineer received a patent for his invention - a textile fastener made of nylon, which has been actively used in many industries and national economy.
How it works?
The production technology of textile fasteners is based on the principle derived from the observation of wildlife. Burdock inflorescences are spherical baskets in a "wrapper", the surface of which is covered with a set of microscopic hooks.
George de Mestral noticed this plant feature and created a fundamentally new type of fasteners, consisting of two tapes. The “sticking” effect is achieved by hooking micro hooks into micro-loops. The result is a fairly strong compound, which is one of the most successful examples of biomimetics.
Unbelievable, but it is a fact!
A kind of “burdock” fastener with the greatest tearing force of 5-6 cm2 is capable of supporting an adult’s weight (provided that the load is evenly distributed).
In order to quickly separate the parts of the textile fastener, one should move as if tearing off a sticky tape starting from the free edge. In standards such actions are called exfoliation. In industrial conditions, textile fasteners are made from nylon, since the structure of this material is considered to be the most successful for “drawing out” micro-hook. At the same time, the "fleecy" part can be a woven, knitted, knitted fabric.
Why Velcro?
Textile fasteners are often called Velcro, tape-contact, hook & loop, touch fastener, Velcro, etc. In fact, the name "Velcro" is a registered trademark of the manufacturer in 1961, which was one of the first to launch the industrial production of textile fasteners. Today, the company supplies its products to many countries and confidently holds the position of a market leader. Permanently high quality, variety of product positions, constant updating of the product catalog is the secret of this brand’s success.
The Dual Lock fastener (registered trademark of 3M Company) in its properties and principle of action is similar to Velcro fasteners. Clutching of two elements occurs according to the “fungus-fungus” principle. On the inside of both ribbons there are miniature plastic mushroom-shaped pins that “cling” to each other. Along with the numerous advantages of this type of fasteners there is one major drawback - the lack of flexibility. Dual lock elements are used more in the construction industry, as well as in the implementation of interior solutions, when non-heavy objects should be attached to the walls of the room.
The main types of Velcro textile fasteners and the scope of their application
Textile fasteners of the Velcro Company and other manufacturers are actively used in the clothing and footwear industry, medicine, construction, aviation, astronautics. “Stickers” has long been firmly established in our life and is the usual detail in the design of casual clothes and shoes.
Soft tapes and Velcro panels are great for fitting curved surfaces. Fastening of elements in places of bending goes without problem. Currently on the market there are such varieties of "stickers ":
• Stitched - most demanded among consumers. They differ in size, density of the nylon base, the load capacity, the location of the hook and fleecy parts. For example, on ring type buckles, both elements are placed on the surface of one tape;
• Self-adhesive - have a special adhesive base;
• For hot fixing - fixed to the fabric with an iron;
• Special (interior Velcro, etc.);
• Metal "stickers" - used in the construction industry, can withstand loads up to 35 tons per 1 square meter!
When attaching Velcro panels to the fabric with the help of thread seams, it is not recommended to cross the working surface with suture lines, if the reduction of load capacity is not provided in the technological requirements.
Interesting to know!
Velcro panels are actively used on the International Space Station. Under weightless conditions, it is rather difficult to fix one or other objects, but a solution was found. The walls of the station compartments are plastered with "fleecy" elements and on tools, stationery and other items used by personnel, elements with “hooks” are attached with the help of a sticky backing.
Textile fasteners in the form of tapes of various widths in many cases act as a worthy alternative to zippers and buttons. The most popular are elements with a width of 20, 25, 30, 50, 100 mm.
Use of Velcro “stickers” when sewing tactical clothing and equipment
Textile fasteners are actively used for sewing army uniforms, tactical equipment and accessories. Such elements are able to provide:
• Quick adjustment of harness position, plate carriers, drop leg thigh platform, LBE (Load Bearing Equipment);
• Reliable fixation of the closing flap of cartridge pouches, backpack pockets, EDC (everyday carry) Bags, organizers, etc.
• Fastening to the components of tactical equipment of special insignia, etc.
Textile fasteners are able to withstand significant loads and demonstrate high rates of tensile strength, minimize the load on the material at the places of fastening which prevents deformation of the woven base. Flexible tapes do not hamper movements, which makes them a good solution for equipping equipment and clothing used in field conditions, when performing tactical and combat missions. Opening / closing of a textile fastener takes a split second, which in extreme and close to extreme situations becomes especially important.
The original Velcro fasteners which we use in the production of tactical clothing and equipment, elements of modular systems, plate carriers, bags and backpacks, are durable, reliable, and have no manufacturing defects (the company values its reputation and puts textile fittings under strict control at all stages of production). Buying products from the Ukrainian brand Velmet Armor System you can be sure in excellent quality of materials and accuracy of compliance with the technology of tailoring. At the same time, the cost of our products is lower than that of imported analogs, and is available for a wide range of consumers!
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