One of the pillars of Jason Mills’ knit fabrics product line is polyester mesh. This versatile material is used in a variety of industrial and commercial applications, ranging from the aerospace and automotive sectors to the marine and medical sectors as well as the indoor and outdoor recreational trade.
The following article provides an overview of polyester mesh, discussing its properties, advantages, and applications. It also outlines the differences between polyester and nylon mesh and the importance of fabric finishing and treatment in achieving a particular end-use outcome or performance.
The term “knit mesh fabric” is a general expression used to describe material that is constructed with an open hole structure through the process of knitting (as opposed to weaving which is separate operation). Beyond this broad characteristic, the design of a specific knit mesh material can vary from others in regard to yarn, material weight, aperture opening, width, color, and finish. Polyester yarn is one of the most commonly used fibers in the manufacture of knit mesh fabric.
Polyester consists of flexible, synthetic polymer fibers created through a chemical reaction between alcohol, carboxylic acid, and a petroleum byproduct. The resulting fibers are then stretched and oriented together to form a strong yarn that naturally repels water, resists staining, ultraviolet degradation, and holds up to frequent use. (Please note, water-resistance and other properties inherent in polyester yarn must be enhanced within the finishing process if it is necessary for the performance of the material. This is discussed in greater detail below.)
Compared to other mesh materials, polyester fabric exhibits a number of advantageous properties that make it suitable for use in a variety of industrial, commercial, and recreational applications, such as:
Altogether, these characteristics suit the material for use in a wide range of applications, including ones involving outdoor and demanding environmental conditions.
As indicated above, polyester mesh fabric is highly versatile. Some of the industries that regularly employ the material for their parts and products include:
The exact properties exhibited by the polyester mesh fabric employed depend on the needs of the application and industry.
Knit mesh fabric is most commonly made from either polyester or nylon yarns. While the two synthetic polymers share some properties—e.g., lightweight, durability, and tear resistance—there are several key distinctions that make them suitable for different applications.
The functional and aesthetic properties demonstrated by a polyester mesh fabric are dependent upon many factors. For the purposes of this article, we will focus on the final stages of textile production, otherwise known as “the finish”. The finish is typically a topically applied chemical that is set by heat during the process called framing. Once completed, these processes can affect the texture, weight, firmness, colorfastness, and resistances (UV, fire, etc.) of the final material.
As indicated above, the properties exhibited by a fully finished and treated polyester mesh fabric vary depending on the needs of the application and the industry. Some examples include:
Polyester knit mesh is a material solution that finds use across a wide range of industrial, commercial, and recreational sectors. Its strength, stability, and durability make it well-suited for many applications. For customers looking for high-quality polyester mesh fabric, the team at Jason Mills is here to help.
At Jason Mills, we specialize in the manufacturing, warehousing, and distribution of industrial polyester and nylon knit mesh. We offer a broad selection of standard textiles and custom-tailored fabric solutions for customers with highly specific or unique needs. For additional information about our standard and custom textiles, contact us or request a quote today.
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