Different Types of Mesh Fabric

Knitted mesh fabrics are materials consisting of evenly distributed openings that create a breathable effect in textiles. Mesh fabrics offer versatile solutions for a variety of industrial, commercial and recreational applications.

Qicai Knitting specializes in the design and manufacture of knitted mesh fabrics for a variety of industries, including materials for general industrial applications, recreation, occupational safety, aviation, automotive, marine, and healthcare. We have over 100 existing mesh fabrics to choose from and we create new mesh fabric solutions to meet unique needs.

Car Roof Tent

While all mesh fabrics share the same basic principles of open pore construction, there are multiple varieties on the market. Variations may include weight, width, color, finish and fiber content.

The two most common fibers/yarns used to make knitted mesh fabrics are nylon and polyester. These fibers and yarns have significant overlap, so it is often difficult to determine which is best for a particular situation. Examining the properties of these materials can help designers determine the right option for their application.

Webbing Properties

Both nylon and polyester are viable options for knitted mesh fabrics, and each is used to produce knitted mesh solutions for many different purposes. As synthetic fibers, nylon and polyester share several similar beneficial properties, such as

Durability

Lightweight

Easy to clean

Mold and mildew resistant

Tear-resistant

Nylon vs. Polyester Mesh

While nylon and polyester share some characteristics, they are manufactured differently.

Nylon is formed by extracting carbon-based molecules from organically formed sources such as petroleum or coal. These are combined by heating to form larger polymer molecules, resulting in polyamides. The family of polyamides manufactured in this way is collectively known as nylon.

Polyester is one of the most commonly used plastics. It is made by facilitating a chemical reaction between alcohol, petroleum byproducts and carboxylic acids in a vacuum. This produces a polymer that can be stretched and made into a fabric.

Advantages when woven into a mesh fabric include.

Nylon. Nylon mesh fabrics are used in applications that require versatility, durability and strength. The inherent chemical properties of this polyamide allow its fibers to resist abrasion by bending or stretching. Nylon has a smoother, softer feel than polyester, making it ideal for applications that require comfort or aesthetics. Both materials are elastic, but nylon has greater elastic properties than polyester. Nylon is also hydrophilic, which means it absorbs moisture.

Polyester. Polyester mesh fabrics are easier to dye because they are hydrophobic - they repel water. As a result, the material absorbs the pigments in the dye while expelling water. This property also means that polyester dries more quickly than nylon, making it ideal for marine environments. Polyester is also more naturally flame retardant than nylon and also has a higher resistance to UV degradation.

Applications of Knitted Mesh Fabrics

Mesh fabrics are widely used for different purposes. The following industries rely on mesh fabrics.

Recreational

Recreational mesh fabrics are used to make products for activities such as sports, camping, hunting and fishing. Examples of products and industries that include this material include

Golf simulators/impact screens and nets

Aquaculture

Tents and camping supplies

Swimming pool/spa nets and filters

Protective sports nets (baseball, field hockey, lacrosse, golf)

Occupational safety

Occupational safety polyester and nylon mesh fabrics have a wide range of applications in safety equipment. These materials can also be designed to meet application-specific ANSI, ASTM and AATCC requirements. Examples of safety equipment made from mesh fabrics include

Safety signs

High-visibility safety undershirts

Cut-resistant safety apparel

Aviation, Automotive, Marine

Air, land and water vehicles all rely on mesh fabrics for a variety of applications. Many of these applications require materials that can resist moisture, heat, sunlight, salt or chemicals. Polyester and nylon mesh fabrics are used in the following equipment: Aviation polyester mesh

Seat-mounted literature pockets

Seat supports/substrates

Safety belts

Cargo nets

tarpaulins

Aviation curtains

Quality Mesh Fabrics from Qicai Knitting

Qicai Knitting offers industrial strength knitted mesh fabrics. We support industries from manufacturing to sporting goods and everything in between. If one of our stock fabrics isn't right for you, we'll be happy to research and design a mesh specifically for your application.