Milliken & Company®, one of the world’s largest privately-held textile and chemical manufacturers, today announced the introduction of Amplitude™, a patent-pending line of premium, high-performance flame resistant (FR) fabrics for industrial workwear. The new proprietary fabrics are processed ammonia-free and are constructed of a cotton/nylon blend designed to help mitigate potential injuries due to electric arc and flash fire exposure, while providing enhanced durability and comfort. The combination of these capabilities makes it an ideal fabric for industrial workwear occupations in manufacturing, utilities, electrical maintenance, petrochemical, welding, and steel.

Government and industry information notes that the majority of severe and fatal burn injuries are due to the individual’s clothing igniting and continuing to burn, not by the exposure itself. Therefore, extensive independent testing of FR clothing fabrics must be conducted to evaluate the protective capabilities these fabrics exhibit when exposed to hazards such as electric arc flash and flash fires.

Independent testing of the Amplitude fabrics was conducted by Kinectrics to test electric arc flash and North Carolina State University to evaluate flash fire protection. Test results concluded that Amplitude offers Hazard Risk Category (HRC) 2 electric arc protection for NFPA 70E, ASTM F1506 and OSHA 1910.269 compliance, as well as flash fire NFPA 2112 . Amplitude consistently delivered a higher degree of protection as compared to the industry required standards. The Flash Fire Mannequin or Pyroman testing for Amplitude’s 7.0 ounce fabric resulted in less body burn for the three-second market standard test, as compared to typical industry results. Amplitude also performed better in arc protection tests required by NFPA 70E HRC 2.

"Milliken is the largest supplier of performance workwear fabrics to the U.S. market and entry into this adjacent performance market was a natural fit for us," said Jack Spoon, business manager for Workwear Fabrics. “Milliken will now offer a wide range of protective fabrics in addition to CXP®, our FR aramid product, giving our customers a first-rate option from a supplier known for its quality, shade, color consistency, and excellent overall process control.”

The industry and end users alike want fabrics and garments that provide a substantial degree of FR protection while providing enhanced comfort and improved aesthetic characteristics. Amplitude delivers this by combining technologies that deliver greater freedom of movement through stretch, improved breathability and softness. Amplitude is able to address these needs utilizing innovations developed by Milliken Research.

Amplitude fabrics will be available next month in both bottom weight and lightweight fabrics. Other innovative fabrics are planned for later in the year. To learn more about Amplitude, please call at 1-800-828-3034 or email jack.spoon@milliken.com.

About Milliken & Company®

Founded in 1865, Milliken & Company is a privately held textile and chemical company that employs approximately 11,000 associates worldwide. Milliken operates nearly 50 manufacturing facilities in the U.S. and 8 other countries. Having over 2000 patents issued or applied for, the company produces over 19,000 high performance products. To learn more about Milliken, please visit the Company’s Web site at www.milliken.com.