Top 10 Accessories You Need For Your Heat Press Machine

The right heat press accessories can elevate your designs from amateur to pro-quality. Much like a ninja becomes skilled with a set of weapons, equipping yourself with the essential heat press supplies is key to mastering the art of transfer printing.

Xinxing FR supply professional and honest service.

This comprehensive guide highlights the best tools to take your transfer printing to the next level. Whether you just bought your first heat press or are a veteran seeking to step up your game, this article provides the proper toolkit needed to create professional-grade heat transfers easily.

Table of contents

We're assuming you already have a heat press (if not, check out our blog post on how to pick a heat press machine). Now we break down the top 10 heat press supplies and accessories. While not all these are absolutely necessary (some cater to specialized needs), some are indispensable. Combined with some knowledge and practice, these hold the power to transform good results into great ones. Let's begin.

1. Pressing Alignment Set

Save hours of frustration trying to perfectly center transfers with this positioning guide set. Achieve precise alignment each time like a pro with these specially designed clear rulers.

Why it's useful
Eliminates the guesswork, misprints, and wasted transfers caused by eyeballing placement and making small repeated adjustments. Allows you to confidently position designs exactly where intended in a fraction of the time.

How it works
Choose the right size guide for your garment from the 5 options. Align the horizontal neckline markings on the guide with the collar seam of your shirt. Then use the vertical lines on the guide to identify the ideal center position and lower your transfer precisely into place before pressing.

For more on this topic, read our heat transfer size and placement guide.

Key features

• The set includes sizing guides for 2XL-6XL, Adult, Youth, Toddler, and Infant apparel.

• Made from durable PVC plastic that resists fading and warping.

• Dual horizontal guidelines accommodate both crew neck and v-neck garment styles.

• Provides 1-inch vertical line increments for dialing in centered alignment.

Price range: $20 - $25

2. Fast Cool Peel Air Blower

Speed up your heat transfer workflow and maximize productivity with a Fast Cool Peel Air Blower. Reduce pre-peel cool-down time significantly and move to the next transfer like a ninja.

Why it's useful
Cuts your wait time between pressing and peeling transfers in half or more. This allows you to complete jobs much quicker, increasing efficiency on large orders. The time savings are useful for businesses with high order volumes or turnaround expectations. Even hobbyists can benefit from minimizing the unproductive idle time waiting for transfers to cool.

How it works
After pressing a transfer, hover the blower nozzle over the area briefly at a distance of 1-2 inches. The powerful 60,000 RPM airflow will quickly lower the surface temperature allowing you to peel seconds instead of minutes after pressing. The variable speed trigger lets you control the intensity. Portable and lightweight, the blower is easy to maneuver around garments.

Key features

• The rechargeable battery provides up to 50 minutes of sustained use per charge.

• Includes multiple nozzle attachments to direct airflow for small or large transfers.

• Brush attachments help keep blower intakes dust-free and operating optimally.

• Fast USB charging (cable included) powers up the empty battery in 2-3 hours.

• Adjustable speed control toggles between high and low settings as needed.

Price range: $25 - $30 per set

3. Protective Guard Sheet

Keep your heat press spotless and prevent ink or paint transfer to the platen with reusable non-stick protective guard sheets.

Why they're useful
The durable sheets prevent scorching, ink marks, and other residue from staining the heat platen surface over repeated use. They provide a disposable protective barrier between your press and garments. This helps keep lower platens pristine, avoiding the cleanup hassle that reduces productivity over time.

How they work
Place a guard sheet onto the lower platen before each job, smoothing any wrinkles with your hand. Then position your garment over top and proceed with heat application as normal. The sheet prevents direct contact between the platen and fabric, which could cause unwanted markings.

Key features

• Withstands temperatures up to 600°F without melting, burning, or releasing chemicals.

• Made of tightly woven fiberglass material coated in PTFE for extreme heat resistance.

• Measures 16 x 24 inches to fit most average-sized heat press machines.

• Easily cut into customized sizes and shapes using scissors or a utility knife.

• Waterproof composition allows minor spills and drips to be wiped clean after use.

Price range: $10 - $12 per set

4. Heavy-Duty Magnet Set

Secure guard sheets firmly in place while pressing these heavy-duty neodymium magnets to pin them flat.

Why they're useful
The heavy-duty magnetic hold prevents guard sheets from slipping, bunching up, or moving during pressing. This avoids wasted transfers from misalignment issues. The strong downward pull allows you to use lighter, thinner sheets that conform better without movement.

How they work
After positioning your guard sheet on the lower platen, place a magnet in each corner with the magnetic side facing down. The 1/2-inch thick magnets will create a powerful connection through the sheet to securely anchor it. Their strong grip withstands the motion and vibration of heat press operation without loosening or sliding, allowing precise transfer positioning.

Key features

• The set includes 4 compact yet extremely potent rare earth neodymium magnets.

• Rated to withstand temperatures up to 176°F. Pull force exceeds 8 lbs per magnet.

• 1/2 inch thickness allows good surface contact despite any platen texturing.

• Use caution: Avoid electronics, mechanical devices, and medical implants.

Price range: $8 - $10 per set

5. Heat Press Pillow Set

Avoid marring delicate fabrics and prints with heat press imprints using these pillows. They provide smooth, even pressure on uneven garment surfaces.

Why they're useful
Ideal for eliminating pressure marks and indents when pressing knits, fleece, textured cotton, and other fabrics with buttons, zippers, seams, mesh paneling, or other surface variances. The pillows raise the print location to create a flat plane for uniform heat and pressure transmission. This helps novice printers avoid ruining garments as they learn proper techniques.

How they work
Select the appropriate-sized pillow for the garment area you want to print on. Then slide the pillow underneath that section of the fabric before lowering the heat press. The added loft underneath fills any gaps between the platen and garment surface to spread pressure evenly throughout the transfer during pressing. This prevents concentrating force on raised areas like buttons that could leave permanent dents.

Key features

• The set includes three different size pillows to suit any garment size and print location.

• Made of heat-resistant foam covered in durable, non-stick PTFE paper for longevity.

• The compact and lightweight design allows for easy positioning and storage.

• It can also be used as an ironing cushion when steaming and pre-pressing garments.

Price range: $30 - $40 per set

6. Precision Knife with Replacement Blades

Achieve meticulous trimming and intricate transfer cuts without tearing using the precision knife. Clean, smooth results made quick and easy.

Why it's useful
The super sharp blade allows detailed, effortless, and accurate cutting around curved contours and fine detail areas of heat transfer vinyl and paper. The anti-slip grip offers control for beginners learning proper technique while reducing hand fatigue for professionals during long prep sessions.

How it works
Use a self-healing mat surface when cutting transfers to protect work tables. Hold the knife at a shallow angle and apply light pressure to score the transfer material gently. Follow your cut line smoothly, and consistently while barely cutting into the mat below. Multiple light passes cut cleaner than pressing hard.

Key features

• Rubberized grip conforms to fingers for comfort and enhanced control over cutting.

• Includes #2 snap-off blades ideal for precision work and intricate cuts.

• Protective safety cap over blade when not in use for storage.

• Compatible with standard #10, #11, #16, & #17 hobby blades.

Price range: $6 - $8 per set

7. Self-Healing Cutting Mat

Protect work surfaces and extend blade life using the self-healing cutting mat. Damage and wear seem to disappear like magic.

Why it's useful
The mat prevents scarring of your work table surface from cutting over time. Its self-healing ability enables cuts to vanish after each use, keeping the mat pristine without permanent gashes damaging its integrity. This preserves your cutting precision and blade sharpness 5x longer than a wooden or glass surface.

How it works
Simply cut directly on the mat surface using your blade of choice. The mat's micro-grooved construction slices between the proprietary layers rather than cutting all the way through. This causes the mat material to rebound and close back up after the blade passes, making cuts seemingly disappear.

Key features

• Includes a 2-sided 12 x 18-inch mat, precision knife, and replacement blades.

• Grid markings every 1/2 inch allow for precision alignment and cutting.

• Durable 5-ply PVC material withstands 10,000 slices before replacement.

• Washable surface wipes clean easily while minimizing dust and debris spreading.

Price range: $20 - $25 per set

8. Thermal Heat Tape

If you want to learn more, please visit our website Heat-Resistant Woven Fabric Custom.

Get reliable adhesion without residue using thermal-resistant tape. It keeps transfers firmly in place throughout high-heat applications.

Why it's useful
Prevents shifting, lifting, or curling of transfers during heat pressing. Unlike standard tapes that melt, the heat-resistant adhesive remains stable when exposed to the high temperatures required for application. This allows you to apply transfers smoothly without repositioning during pressing.

How it works
Clean the target surface, then cut pieces of thermal tape to hold down any parts of the transfer you want to be secured during pressing. Apply the tape end to the substrate, smoothing it out firmly, then fold over the transfer vinyl to anchor it. Press normally while the tape prevents movement of the anchored areas. It removes cleanly after use without damaging transfers or fabric.

Key features

• Can withstand temperatures up to over 500°F without degradation.

• 2.5-inch width works for taping down large sections or strips.

• The 108-foot roll provides ample tape for hundreds of applications.

• Tears easily by hand, allowing customized sizing as needed.

Price range: $7 - $10

9.Thermal Heat Tape Dispenser

The thermal heat tape dispenser enables easy, one-handed tape dispensing and cutting to boost efficiency significantly.

Why it's useful
This dispenser allows you to quickly and accurately dispense, cut, and apply tape using just one hand. This saves significant time and enables precision tape application while handling garments, transfers, or other tasks simultaneously. Extremely helpful when you need both hands free.

How it works
To use the dispenser, simply load your tape roll into the 1" or 3" core, depending on the tape width. Pull the tape end through the stainless steel cutter slit and feed out the desired amount. Hold the weighted handle down and pull your desired length of tape. Then slide the cutter lever to slice off the tape swiftly and cleanly in one smooth motion.

Key Features

• The non-skid rubber base and 1.5 lb weighted design firmly hold the dispenser.

• Suitable for heat-resistant tape, masking tape, packaging tape, duct tape, and more.

• Creates perfect, straight tape cuts without frayed edges or struggles.

Price range: $10 - $12

10. Shirt Folding Board

The shirt folding board provides an easy solution for quickly and consistently folding multiple garment types down to a uniform stackable size.

Why it's useful
This folding board allows you to neatly fold shirts, hoodies, pants, and other items in seconds compared to minutes by hand. It folds garments of varying sizes to a tidy, consistent 9" x 11.4" size, saving huge time when preparing stacks for packaging, display, or storage.

How it works
First, lay your garment flat across the surface to operate the folding board and smooth any wrinkles. Referring to the folding guides and markings printed directly on the board, swiftly fold in the sleeves and sides as directed. Within 30 seconds, a neatly and uniformly folded garment will be ready for stacking, bagging, or shelving.

Key Features

• Suitable for t-shirts, polos, hoodies, blouses, pants, and other common apparel items.

• Significantly quicker and more consistent results than freehand folding.

• Lightweight and stores flat until needed again.

Price range: $15 - $18

Pressing Forward with the Right Tools

Excelling in the world of heat press requires the right set of tools. The accessories we've discussed can improve quality, enhance precision, increase efficiency, and broaden your capabilities. Equip yourself with high-quality heat press supplies.

At Ninja Transfers, we're committed to providing top-tier, custom-printed DTF transfers and ensuring you have the knowledge and tools for success. Remember, every addition to your heat press toolkit is a step towards mastering your craft. Keep pressing forward.

Therefore, this study aims to address various challenges and integrate technological advancements to meet market demands and improve the overall effectiveness of woven fabric for thermal protection clothing.

The global market for multifunctional dual-purpose woven fabric for thermal protective clothing demands fabrics that prioritize thermal protection, durability, and longevity while offering comfort, flexibility, and multi-functionality. These fabrics should be lightweight, low in bulk, and comply with regulatory standards, all while being cost-effective. Manufacturers need to address these demands to meet the diverse needs of industries. Through an analysis of currently available inherently non-flammable woven fabrics on the global market, the key factors influencing the applicability and efficacy of a product in a specific application area become apparent. Considering the raw material composition, the application of certain materials (AR, PA, CV, cotton) is evident, combined in various compositions and ratios, such as 65% CV-FR/25% p-AR/10% PA, 35% PA/35% CV-FR/30% AR, 88% cotton/12% PA, 54% CV-FR/36% p-AR/10% PA antistatic, and 93% m-AR/5% p-AR/2% PA antistatic. It is noteworthy that these fabrics are structurally available in either ripstop or twill weaves, with weights of approximately 220 g/m. Analysis has determined that all woven fabrics provide satisfactory heat protection, indicating their usability in situations of exposure to fire or high temperatures. Considering the comfort properties, they vary, and in certain analyzed woven fabrics, they represent a significant drawback. However, the demand posing the most significant challenge to all currently available woven fabrics on the market manifests in meeting durability requirements, for which neither woven fabric design nor finishing processes have achieved satisfactory levels [ 39 43 ]. The analysis indicates a crucial need for further research and open opportunities for advancing development and innovation within the domain of technological advancements in woven fabric production.

The evolution of protective textiles and woven fabrics reflects a dynamic intersection of technological advancements, cultural influences, and an understanding of the complex relationships between protection and comfort. From the historical use of chemically processed fibers to the contemporary focus on inherently flame-resistant materials, the pursuit of optimal performance endures. The multifaceted challenges posed by protective clothing underscore the need for continual research, technological innovations, and a holistic approach to ensure the effectiveness and comfort of garments in high-risk environments.

The intrinsic connection between thermal comfort and the heat balance between the human body and its environment underscores the pivotal role of clothing in this thermoregulatory equilibrium. The exchange of heat occurs through various mechanisms, each conditioned by factors, such as body temperature, metabolism, environmental temperature, and humidity. Clothing, as a vital component, establishes an artificial microclimate that aids thermoregulatory mechanisms [ 29 30 ]. The challenge lies in potential discomfort arising from protective clothing hindering heat and moisture transfer. The human body&#;s homeothermic nature seeks to maintain core temperature, and the bulkiness of protective clothing can disrupt this equilibrium [ 31 ]. Issues, such as heat stress and increased core temperature, limit the wearer&#;s working times, underscoring the importance of achieving a balance between body heat production and dissipation through the textile layers [ 32 ]. The structural parameters of the fabric affect properties, such as fabric transport properties, air permeability, water vapour permeability, thermal resistance, and moisture vapour evaporation, that play crucial roles in determining clothing comfort and performance. Moisture management becomes a critical aspect of protective clothing, as accumulated moisture within the clothing system can compromise protection and comfort. The intricate interplay of moisture absorption, location, and duration of exposure to thermal radiation impacts overall moisture transfer through the clothing system. Achieving optimal physiological and sensorial comfort, particularly in the next-to-skin layer, becomes paramount for ensuring work efficiency and performance [ 33 35 ]. Thus, the effectiveness of thermal protective woven fabric hinges on its capability to simultaneously prevent external heat and facilitate the dissipation of metabolic heat. Striking a balance between comfort and protection involves a nuanced strategy encompassing fiber selection, fabric composition, and finishing processes. Managing the conflicting features of protection and comfort poses an ongoing challenge in the realm of protective textiles [ 36 ]. The formulation of protective clothing involving the integration of diverse fiber types and fabric layers necessitates meticulous consideration to optimize both protection and wearer comfort [ 37 38 ].

Moreover, research initiatives have expanded to scrutinize the impact of extreme environmental conditions on clothing performance, thus extending considerations beyond flame retardancy. This primarily involves protection against heat flux as a key consideration given the potential heat intensity in professional environments. Heat transfer through protective clothing hinges on various factors, including textile geometry and the thermal properties of raw materials. Protective clothing becomes imperative in situations where life-threatening hazards or risks exist, necessitating a careful balance between protection and comfort [ 26 28 ].

In the realm of high-performance fabrics, thermal behaviour assumes a pivotal role, as evidenced by studies indicating a significant percentage of garments fail to meet established standards due to wear and tear. Consequently, evaluating resistance to heat or flame necessitates the simultaneous employment of multiple methodologies to ascertain the timeframe for changes or degradations [ 25 ].

As protective textiles progress, the focus transcends mere protection to encompass considerations of harmlessness, design, and comfort. The interplay of factors, such as raw material selection, woven fabric design, and integrated protection properties, defines the overall functionality and efficiency of protective clothing. Complex woven fabrics aspire to meet mechanical, thermal, and thermo-physiological requirements in a singular, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly process [ 17 20 ]. While flame resistance remains a focal point, other attributes influencing garment performance and wearer protection are garnering attention. Thermal behaviour, mechanical properties (including tensile strength, tear strength, and seam strength), air and water vapour permeability, and seam integrity constitute critical aspects. Studies of mechanical properties often neglecting external factors, such as ambient humidity and wetting, underscore the imperative for comprehensive investigations [ 21 23 ]. One of the critical properties in textile materials, air permeability, is defined as the fabric&#;s ability to transmit air. Its importance extends beyond mere comfort in clothing; it becomes a vital attribute for the functionality of thermal protective textiles. It is significantly influenced by a slight modification in fabric structure (weave, density, thickness, pore size and shape, and the distribution of space between yarns) as well as yarn and fiber properties, which are intricately linked with fabric porosity. Recognizing the significance of fabric porosity is paramount, as it serves as a crucial parameter for assessing both the comfort of clothing and the physical characteristics of fabrics [ 24 ]. Furthermore, woven fabric structure characteristics contribute to the overall breathability, promoting comfort and preventing heat-related issues. Striking a balance between thickness and density is key to maintaining breathability while ensuring optimal thermal protection.

This study utilized woven fabrics that represent the most complex textile materials both in terms of design and fabrication as well as properties and influential parameters. The intricate structure of woven fabric involves considerations at the macro, meso, and micro levels. Macro-level parameters encompass construction specifications, such as weave, thickness, mass, and fabric density, that exert influence over properties including air permeability, water vapour permeability, and thermal insulation. The meso level incorporates the structural parameters of yarn, where yarn fineness plays a pivotal role. Micro-level dynamics revolve around fiber properties, underscoring their fundamental influence on woven fabrics&#; properties [ 15 16 ]. The overarching challenge resides in the optimization of woven fabrics&#; properties stipulated by standards ensuring sustained effectiveness during usage.

Protective textiles have seen significant progress through the incorporation of blended fibers combining different materials to improve performance and functionality. Blended fibers have attracted considerable attention for their potential to improve thermal protection while maintaining comfort and durability. Blending fibers, such as aramid (e.g., Kevlar), polyethylene, and polyester, with natural fibers, like cotton or wool, has shown improved resistance to wear, puncture, and tear. Moreover, the inclusion of inherently flame-resistant (FR) fibers, such as meta-aramid (e.g., Nomex) or modacrylic, improves protection against thermal hazards. Blends can greatly contribute to reducing moisture accumulation in outdoor clothing, potentially enhancing safety and comfort, as demonstrated through the blend of FR viscose/merino wool. However, it is also important to mention that blending certain FR fibers, such as FR viscose fibers, can sometimes lead to a compromise in durability, including decreased resistance to stretching, tearing, and abrasion. Research also shows that combinations, such as aramid with polyethylene or polyester, improve tensile strength and abrasion resistance, providing extended service life in demanding environments. Moreover, blending wool with para-aramid fibers in spun yarns has significantly enhanced fire retardance performance and thermal stability in textiles owing to synergistic effects facilitated by intimate fiber contact. Blending alginate fibers with polyamide fibers has yielded flame-retardant materials with self-extinguishing properties and substantial reductions in heat and smoke release compared to pure polyamide fibers. This underscores the potential of fiber blending in creating textiles with enhanced safety and performance characteristics [ 9 14 ].

Over the past five decades, substantial endeavours have been directed towards the development of materials providing high-performance thermal protection and meeting stringent criteria, including flame resistance, structural integrity at elevated temperatures, thermal insulation, and liquid repellency. Historically, flame-retardant fibers, subject to chemical processing and sourced from natural or synthetic origins, were employed. However, contemporary advancements underscore inherently flame-resistant fibers as superior alternatives, thereby elevating the level of protection [ 5 8 ].

In delving into the nuanced discourse surrounding woven fabrics, with an exploration of their evolutionary trajectory and the challenges inherent in protective clothing, it is imperative to underscore the transformative impact of cultural shifts and technological innovations on traditional textiles. Woven fabrics have undergone a paradigm shift from their conventional roles driven by research technologies facilitating the fulfilment of di-verse functional objectives. Protective textiles, constituting a substantive niche, encompass woven fabrics meticulously tailored to insulate the human body from external influences [ 1 2 ]. Textile materials assume a pivotal role within the domain of personal protective equipment, spanning an array of advanced garments. This extensive deployment seeks to shield the human body from potential exposure to hazardous substances and adverse environmental conditions. Termed as protective textiles, these specialized garments are engineered to mitigate specific risks and minimize the likelihood of exposure. The evolution of protective clothing is manifested in its adaptability to diverse threats and external factors, with textiles designed to safeguard against high temperatures or flames representing a salient category within this domain [ 3 4 ].

Thermo-physiological properties, including water vapour resistance and thermal resistance of the selected clothing systems, were determined using the standardized method ISO : (sweating guarded-hotplate test), while the air permeability property was measured in accordance with ISO :.

When measuring contact conductive heat transfer at the MPDC, the measuring cylinder presses on the material with a certain force, according to HRN EN ISO : , and compression occurs. Therefore, contact conductive heat transfer is also measured in the uncompressed state (for knitted fabrics and textiles Fx 1 = 0.95 N) and in the compressed state with 10 times the initial force (Fx 2 = 9.5 N).

The general expression for calculating the contact conductive heat transfer, after restoring the stationary state (= const.,= const.,const., and= const.), takes the form of an equation:whereis the contact conductive heat transfer, W/m°C;is the voltage of the stabilized source that supplies the non-inductive point heaters of the MPDC;is the ratio of the PWM at the interface output;is the total electrical resistance of the non-inductive point heaters;is the total surface area of the measuring cylinder of the MPDC, mis the mean skin surface temperature of the measuring cylinder of the MPDC, °C; andis the mean skin surface temperature of the measuring base.

A multi-purpose differential conductometer (MPDC) is used to determine contact conductive heat transfer in both uncompressed and compressed states ( Figure 2 ). This is very important for determining the quality of clothing as well as for designing future clothing with certain thermal properties.

The constantunder selected ambient conditions is 0. m°C/W. After measuring, the thermal manikin is clothed with the clothing system, and the stabilization of the parameter value is waited for. Then, a series of measurements are taken on the manikin for 20 min. The values are recorded every 5 s, and, after one minute, an average value of 12 measurements is recorded, which means that the thermal insulation valueis based on an average of 240 values, according to the equation:whereis the location where the electrical power required to maintain the temperature of the measuring surface on which the measurement sample is positioned is provided, W. The thermal insulation of clothing systems is expressed by the units m°C/W and Clo. The unit Clo is the unit of measurement for the thermal insulation of clothing and is numerically equal to 0.155 m°C/W.

Once stable environmental conditions (temperature, relative humidity, air velocity) are established, the thermal manikin constantshould be determined using the equation:whereis the resultant total thermal resistance of the measuring device including the thermal insulation of the boundary air layer, m°C/W;is the total surface area of the thermal manikin, mis the mean skin surface temperature of the thermal manikin, °C;is the air temperature, °C; andis the total heating power supplied to the thermal manikin, W.

According to ISO :, the surface temperature of a particular measured segment on a thermal manikin is 34 °C. The 1.70 m high thermal manikin consists of 24 segments ( Figure 1 a), with a total surface area of 1.77 m. In dynamic mode, the thermal manikin performs 45 double steps per minute and 45 double hand movements per minute. The step length of the thermal manikin, measured from the tip of the front leg to the tip of the back leg, is 63 cm, and the hand movement length, measured between the wrist (front arm and back arm) at the base of the thumb, is 53 cm. When testing the thermal performance of selected clothing systems ( Figure 1 b), the following segments were measured with a total surface area of 1.51 m: front torso, back torso, left upper arm, inner, left upper arm, outer, right upper arm, inner, right upper arm, outer, left forearm, inner, left forearm, outer, right forearm, inner, right forearm, outer, left upper leg, inner, left upper leg, outer, right upper leg, inner, right upper leg, outer, left calf, inner, left calf, outer, right calf, inner, right calf arm, and outer. Segments of the head (left and right), hands (left and right), and feet (left and right) were excluded from the test because they were not covered by measurement specimens when the thermal insulation properties were measured.

As previously mentioned, thermal comfort is defined in the international standard ISO : as a state of mind that expresses satisfaction with the thermal environment [ 44 ], which is influenced by the clothing factor, the human factor, and the environment factor. Depending on the conditions in which people stay and perform their activities, they should wear different clothing systems to achieve thermal comfort. According to the ASTM F-16 [ 45 ], a Clo unit is defined as the insulation required to keep a resting human (producing heat at a rate of 58 W/m) comfortable in an environment of 21 °C and air velocity of 0.1 m/s, which is approximately the insulation value of a heavy business suit [ 46 ]. Numerically, a Clo corresponds to 0.155 K m/W. For example, for an office worker (ambient temperature of 24.5 °C and humidity up to 50%), a thermal insulating clothing system of 0.5 Clo is recommended; for a mechanic (ambient temperature of 18 °C and humidity up to 50%), a clothing system of 0.8 Clo is recommended; and for work in cold storage (ambient temperature of 6 °C and humidity up to 50%), a clothing system of 1.7 Clo is recommended [ 47 48 ]. Extremely cold weather refers to clothing with a thermal insulation of 3.5 to 4.0 Clo. The complete thermal properties of clothing include heat and water vapour transfer between the clothing and the environment and represent a quantitative analysis of the quality of protection provided by the clothing system to the wearer itself [ 49 ].

Tests of the complete thermal properties of the two protective clothing systems were carried out to measure the static (resting shape simulation) and dynamic thermal properties (walking simulation) (using the patented measuring system for determination of static and dynamic thermal properties of composite and clothing, PK, State Intellectual Property Office of the Republic of Croatia, ), contact conductive heat transfer in both uncompressed and compressed states (using the patented multifunctional differential conductivity meter for textile composites and clothing, PK, State Intellectual Property Office of the Republic of Croatia, ), air permeability (ISO :), as well as thermal and water vapour resistance (ISO :).

Two selected samples of multifunctional woven fabrics were submitted for subsequent analysis, which were meticulously configured in the form of a clothing system consisting of a shirt and trousers with the same clothing construction (H1A5 and J3A5).

Based on comprehensive testing of the most relevant properties of all previously mentioned designed woven fabric samples conducted according to standardized methods in an accredited laboratory and their detailed analysis, two fabric samples ( Table 1 ) have been identified which, with their characteristics and properties, stand out as the most effective in fulfilling the envisaged role of thermal protection according to EN ISO : and EN ISO :. Afterwards, the selected samples were produced using an industrial weaving machine and submitted to a finishing process at a textile company, Čateks, Croatia.

During the development process, a total of 44 different types of yarns were used, which, besides differing in raw material composition, also varied in construction parameters of fineness, numbers and directions of twists, and structure (1-ply, 2-ply). This segment of diversity was incorporated into the designing process through various combinations of woven fabric structural and construction parameters. Thus, fundamental weaves (plain, basket 2/2, ripstop, twill 1/3, 2/2, 2/1, 3/1) were used, with adjustments made to other construction parameters, such as yarn density, thereby influencing other relevant parameters, such as weight, thickness, and compactness, thereby determining key characteristics and properties of the woven fabrics (mechanical and thermal insulation). The weaving process was carried out using the laboratory weaving machine Fanyuan Instruments (FYI), Rapier Loom Machine DW598.

To obtain specific protective properties in the woven fabric, a careful analysis was conducted, and a selection of fibers was made, involving aramid (AR), viscose (CV), polyamide (PA), flame-resistant (FR) cotton (Co), and FR modacrylic (MAC) fibers, which were blended in various combinations and ratios and spun using ring-spinning technology. All yarns used in this research are products of the company Litija, one of the leading European producers of specialty yarns made from natural and synthetic fibers as well as their blends. The combination of aramid, viscose FR, and polyamide 6.6 fibers demonstrated the optimal blend of fire resistance, excellent thermal properties (stability, conductivity, and resistance), and outstanding mechanical properties. Additionally, a blend of FR modacrylic and FR cotton fibers was utilized to achieve another facet of the protective woven fabric&#;s functionality, emphasizing comfort, lightness, and softness. Modacrylic fibers, unlike other inherently flame-resistant fibers, could be blended with natural fibers. Modacrylic fibers possess the ability to remove oxygen from non-FR fibers, thereby protecting themselves and other fibers in the blend from overheating and burning. The incorporation of cotton in the mix enhances the fabric&#;s comfort properties.

A three-year-long research endeavour was undertaken to develop a multifunctional dual-purpose fabric that would optimally address the demands of the global market by combining certain characteristics, such as flame resistance (protection against thermal hazards), comfort, breathability, and durability. To achieve this objective, 69 different woven fabrics were designed and produced by varying key influential parameters, including raw material compositions, yarn construction characteristics, and fabric construction features.

3. Results and Discussion

The results of tests conducted according to standardized methods in an accredited laboratory on the newly designed and manufactured woven fabrics (H1 and J3) are presented in Table 2

The results of the dimensional stability analysis indicate that the processes of design, manufacturing, and finishing of the woven fabrics are successfully defined. It verifies the woven fabric&#;s ability to maintain its linear dimension and external boundaries. Shrinkage is minimal (only 1.5% in both tested directions) in the fabric woven in a ripstop weave, while in the fabric woven in a twill weave, dimensional stability is almost maximal, which is in accordance with the requirements of the standards (<3%).

Considering the tearing forces, it is clear to what extent the woven fabric&#;s structural parameters and raw material composition influence the results of tested woven fabrics. Although the difference in values between samples is significant, these results are still acceptable given the specified requirements (>10 N), as are the results of breaking forces along the fabric length and width (warp and weft direction), as they meet the minimum requirements of 300 N. The lower force in the fabric width, or weft direction, results from a combination of fiber raw material composition and thread density.

The values of crease recovery angles are very high, indicating that finished garments made from these tested woven fabrics require much less care after washing, experience much less wrinkling during wear, and are visually more appealing.

The property of abrasion resistance, as one of the fundamental requirements for fabrics used in thermal protective clothing, is exceptionally high in the selected fabric samples, exceeding the set requirement for some standards of 100,000 cycles with values >290,000 and 350,000 cycles (at 12 kPa).

Fabric water resistance tested using the Spray test indicates wetting of the fabric surface at the spray points, defined by an average rating of 3.

The analysis of the tested thermal properties indicates exceptional properties of the newly designed woven fabrics. For instance, the analysis of the test results confirms compliance with the set requirements with corresponding ratings: flame heat transmission&#;B1, radiation heat transmission&#;C1, and contact heat transmission at 250 °C&#;F1, while at 100 °C, the samples meet the highest rating, F3. The obtained results of the woven fabric limiting oxygen index (LOI) testing show values above 26%, confirming high flame resistance and the inherent nature of the newly developed functional FR fabrics. The slightly lower value for fabric H1 can be attributed to the presence of cotton in the fabric composition. Furthermore, the results of testing limited flame spread, surface ignition, and bottom-edge ignition determining the flammability of vertically oriented samples before and after pre-treatment (washing) indicate exceptional material properties (described in Table 2 ) with a defined highest rating of Index 3.

Furthermore, testing the dimensional changes of the woven fabric under the influence of convective heat at 180 °C reveals that both woven fabrics in both directions have the same percentage change values (shrinkage&#;1.8%), while at 260 °C, they show greater shrinkage, with a notable difference in the length and width of fabric H1, but it still meets the specified requirements of a maximum of 10%.

Additionally, standards prescribe requirements for meeting the material resistance properties to molten metal splash, which the tested woven fabrics also satisfy with corresponding rankings D1 (for aluminium splash) and E1 (for iron splash).

Although all of the above-mentioned tests and compliance with set requirements indicate woven fabrics with exceptional physical&#;mechanical and thermal properties, ensuring their stability, durability, resistance, and necessary protection against heat and fire, they still cannot provide a complete picture of the real usage conditions, which are in reality much more complex.

The results of the complete thermal properties of two clothing systems (H1A5 and J3A5) are presented in Table 3 , including static (resting shape simulation) and dynamic thermal properties (walking simulation), contact conductive heat transfer in both uncompressed and compressed states, air permeability, water vapour, and thermal resistance.

Based on the statistical analysis of the F-test, descriptive statistics, and t-test, as well as graphical representations of the measurement results ( Figure 3 ), the following conclusions can be drawn.

• The thermal insulation properties of H1A5 in static mode (M = 0.; SD = 0.037; n = 20) were hypothesized to be greater than the thermal insulation properties of J3A5 in static mode (M = 0.; SD = 0.; n = 20). This difference is significant, t(38) = 2., p = 0. (one tail).

• The thermal insulation properties of H1A5 in dynamic mode (M = 0.; SD = 0.; n = 20) were hypothesized to be greater than the thermal insulation properties of J3A5 in dynamic mode (M = 0.; SD = 0.; n = 20). This difference is significant, t(38) = 2., p = 0. (one tail).

• The contact conductive heat transfer (F = 9.5 N) of J3A5 (M = 58.; SD = 1.; n = 20) was hypothesized to be greater than the contact conductive heat transfer (F = 9.5 N) of H1A5 (M = 57.; SD = 0.; n = 20). This difference is significant, t(38) = 2., p = 0. (one tail).

• The air permeability of J3A5 (M = 159.; SD = 10.; n = 5) was hypothesized to be greater than the air permeability of H1A5 (M = 82.; SD = 4.; n = 5). This difference is significant, t(5) = 2., p = 0. (one tail).

• The water vapour resistance of J3A5 (M = 4.; SD = 0.; n = 3) was hypothesized to be greater than the water vapour resistance of H1A5 (M = 4.; SD = 0.; n = 3). This difference is not significant, t(3) = 2., p = 0. (one tail).

• The thermal resistance of J3A5 (M = 0.; SD = 0.; n = 3) was hypothesized to be greater than the thermal resistance of H1A5 (M = 0.; SD = 0.; n = 3). This difference is significant, t(3) = 2., p = 0. (one tail).

The results show that the H1A5 system has better thermal insulation in static mode (1. m2kW&#;1) and dynamic mode (0. m2kW&#;1) than the J3A5 system (0. m2kW&#;1 in static mode and 0. m2kW&#;1 in dynamic mode). In dynamic mode, the thermal properties decrease by 36.35% for the H1A5 system and by 51.04% for the J3A4 system due to the &#;pumping effect&#; (air leakage due to mechanical movements of the manikin&#;s arms and legs).

Although both woven fabrics have almost the same mass per unit area (H1A5: =223.3 g/m2 and J3A5 = 222.0 g/m2), the raw material composition and yarn fineness have influenced the thermal insulation properties (Rctn). The weft yarn composition of 40% Co Long Stapel Combed and 60% MAC Armora in the woven fabric H1 and clothing system H1A5 provide better properties than the weft yarn composition of 20% p-AR, 55% CV FR dull, and 25% PA FR in the woven fabric J3 and clothing system J3A5. Also, a slightly coarser and structurally different yarn in the fabric H1 (warp: 20 × 2 tex and weft: 33 × 1 tex) with less twists (warp: 600 twist/m and weft: 620 twist/m) provides a softer and thicker woven fabric structure, which also influences better thermal insulation properties compared to the finer yarn in the woven fabric J3 (warp and weft: 17 × 2 tex) and a higher number of twists (warp and weft: 660 twist/m).

Finer yarn and a higher number of twists shape a thinner and denser woven fabric that results in poorer thermal insulation properties of clothing system J3A5 compared to clothing system H1A5, composed of the woven fabric with coarser and softer yarn with lower density. Therefore, it can be determined that the thickness of the woven fabric, raw material composition, and yarn structure play a crucial role in the thermal insulation properties of the woven fabric. Additionally, the woven fabric weave undoubtedly affects the thermal insulation properties, as the woven fabric with better thermal insulation properties that constitute the clothing system H1A5 is woven in a ripstop weave that provides an uneven surface structure and thus greater woven fabric thickness compared to the twill weave in the case of the other fabric that constitutes the clothing system J2A5.

This difference primarily arises due to the variance in yarn fineness between the tested systems. The woven fabric constructing the H1A5 system has a slightly coarser yarn in the weft (warp: 20 × 2 tex and weft: 33 × 1 tex) compared to the fabric constructing the J3A5 system (warp and weft: 17 × 2 tex), representing a 15% difference in the warp direction. Simultaneously, woven fabric densities exhibit differences of 8% in the warp direction (372 > 344 threads/10 cm) and 10% in the weft direction (242 > 218 threads/10 cm). By comparing differences in yarn fineness and fabric density and the results in Figure 3 , it can be concluded that the air permeability is higher in the clothing system J3A5, whose fabric has a finer warp and simultaneously higher density. This difference influences the variation in air permeability between the tested systems. Other parameters undoubtedly contribute to this difference, such as the woven fabric weave, where the H1A5 system has a distinctive weave (ripstop) combining plain and rib, forming a surface with non-uniform woven fabric structure and thus resulting in fewer tension differences in yarns within warp and weft directions and leading to differences in woven fabric density.

The results from Table 3 show that H1A5 has a lower contact conductive heat transfer (57. W/m°C) than J3A5 (58. m°C), which was expected as it has higher thermal insulation. Figure 3 shows that the contact conductive heat transfer decreases with increasing compressibility. When the force is increased tenfold, the contact conductive heat transfer decreases by 17.78% for the H1A5 system and 22.34% for the J3A5 system. This is due to the fibers inserting into the free space between them as a result of the force and the decomposition of the material. In addition, by applying force and compressing the material, the fibers can fit into the free space between them. In addition, the amount of trapped air is reduced, which also leads to an increase in thermal contact conductivity, which increases significantly with a tenfold higher compression force.

All of this can be attributed to all of the defined parameters in the woven fabric design process, including the raw composition of yarns, as well as their parameters, and the woven fabric&#;s overall structure.

The systems tested are produced from fabrics H1 and J3. The fabric J3 has higher air permeability (157.112 mm/s), higher water vapour resistance (4. m2Pa/W), and higher thermal resistance (0. m2K/W).

The important role in achieving real differences in water vapour resistance (Ret) properties is played by fabric pores, which significantly influence this property through their number, shape, and size. This is primarily conditioned by the weave, yarn fineness, and woven fabric density and, consequently, the thickness and woven fabric mass. Given the above, it can be concluded that in addition to differences in the weave itself, overall finer yarns and higher woven fabric density of the J3A5 clothing system contribute to providing slightly higher water vapour resistance (only 7.33%) compared to the H1A5 system.

The results of thermal resistance (Rct) properties of the tested clothing systems follow the trend of the water vapour resistance results, but the previously mentioned influential parameters are further emphasized here. This indicates that when designing woven fabric, optimizing structural parameters (yarn fineness, woven fabric density, weave, mass, and thickness) is crucial for achieving the most efficient specific properties.

In light of these results, it can be concluded that the clothing system H1A5 has better thermal insulation properties and is more suitable for use in colder environments, while the clothing system J3A5 has better breathability and lower thermal insulation values, making it more suitable for use in warmer environments.

As part of the research in an accredited laboratory, an evaluation of the conformity of woven fabrics with standards defining requirements and testing methods for protective clothing against heat and flame was conducted. This confirms the applicability of the newly developed H1 and J3 fabrics for protective clothing against heat and flame according to the standards EN ISO : and EN ISO :.

Summarily analyzing the properties of newly developed multifunctional woven fabric for thermal protective clothing in the context of key categories, such as heat protection, comfort, and durability, a detailed comparative presentation ( Table 4 ) of meeting requirements with currently available comparable woven fabrics on the market has been provided, evaluating their applicability and efficacy for specific application areas. The presentation indicates a significant leap forward and progress in meeting high standards for thermal protective clothing with newly developed woven fabrics.

For more Heat-Resistant Woven Fabric Chinainformation, please contact us. We will provide professional answers.