Cordura – what kind of fabric is it, advantages and disadvantages

Because of its strength and endurance, cordura is a well-liked material for objects that must endure frequent use. This fabric was first created by DuPont and has since changed and become widely used in many different industries, ranging from military uniforms to outdoor gear.

The main characteristic of Cordura is its ability to withstand rips, tears, and abrasions, which makes it perfect for items like workwear, backpacks, and luggage. A good compromise between comfort and durability can be found in Cordura’s surprisingly lightweight qualities, which belie its toughness.

Like any material, Cordura is not without its shortcomings. It’s not the most breathable material, and the exact kind of Cordura that is used may cause it to feel rough or stiff against the skin. You can determine whether Cordura is the best fabric for your needs by being aware of these advantages and disadvantages.

Feature Description
Material Type Cordura is a durable fabric known for its high resistance to wear and tear, commonly made from nylon.
Advantages Excellent durability, water-resistant, and resistant to abrasions, making it ideal for outdoor gear and workwear.
Disadvantages Heavier than other fabrics, can be less breathable, and may feel stiff.

What is Cordura

The term "cordura fabric" describes goods with enhanced protective qualities. As a result, it was first employed in the manufacturing of knee pads, backpacks, bulletproof vests, and other military gear. Subsequently, the substance was employed in the production of:

  • tourist equipment;
  • clothing for extreme sports enthusiasts;
  • work uniforms;
  • footwear;
  • super-strong packaging;
  • as a roofing material.

Firstly, what is cordura? The material was initially created to meet army requirements, but it is currently used to make motorcycle gear, like jeans. The material comes in a variety of textures; shine and fleece options are also available. It is made in a multitude of hues and patterns.

Advantages and disadvantages

The composition of the material and the production technology of cordura fabric dictate its benefits and drawbacks.

Benefits

  • weight and strength are in ideal proportions;
  • increased resistance to chemicals;
  • even after long-term active use, pellets and snags do not appear;
  • practically does not deform;
  • the coloring is very durable;
  • does not crumble when cut;
  • is heat-resistant;
  • has an attractive appearance and a wide range of assortment;
  • is not capricious in care.

Drawbacks:

  • at low temperatures it becomes very rigid;
  • with prolonged exposure to ultraviolet rays it loses its positive properties;
  • rubbing parts can make noise during movement;
  • special impregnation provides resistance to moisture, but if cordura gets wet, it will take a very long time to dry;
  • quite heavy;
  • expensive.

Counseling! When extreme strength and wear resistance are needed, cordura is perfect. Since cordura is heavy and can make noise when moving, it is preferable to choose equipment made of other fabrics for hunting and extended hiking trips.

Cordura is a well-liked option for heavy-duty apparel and equipment because it is a resilient, adaptable fabric with outstanding strength and resistance to abrasion. For some users, Cordura’s stiffness and reduced breathability in comparison to other fabrics can be a disadvantage, despite its high regard for durability, water resistance, and toughness.

Composition, varieties and properties

DuPont manufactures all of the 100% nylon used as a raw material to create cordura. There are instances where the fabric contains up to 10% cotton. A light pile on the fabric’s surface indicates the presence of this component.

The threads can have varying thicknesses; they become thick and strong after being folded and twisted multiple times. The material has a unique resistance to abrasion because of the weave. Cordura is able to exchange gases with the environment while still perfectly retaining its protective impregnations. Features of the fabric:

  • fiber density ranges from 100 to 1000 den;
  • the material begins to melt at a temperature of 210 ° C;
  • high durability of waterproof and polyurethane coating (applied in several stages);
  • increased wear resistance;
  • ability for gas exchange (1 m 2 of material passes at least 0.5 kg of water vapor in 24 hours);
  • increased water resistance (more than 5 thousand. mm of water column).

During the manufacturing process, different fibers are added to nylon to give Cordura new qualities. As a result, this fabric comes in a variety of forms:

  • Cordura 1000-140-T440 has a density of 1000 den, serves as a standard for strength and wear resistance for other types;
  • Cordura Plus 500-140-T440 – with a density of 500 den, lighter than the standard;
  • Cordura Plus 330-122-T440 – used in the production of mixed materials;
  • Cordura Plus/Supplex – dries quickly, breathable;
  • Cordura Plus/Lycra – stretches;
  • Cordura Plus ColorLock™ – has increased resistance to ultraviolet radiation;
  • Cordura Plus/Taslan – with a heater, protects from wind, water and cold;
  • Cordura Plus Natural – there are a lot of cotton fibers, but in terms of strength it is many times higher than ordinary cotton fabrics.

Threads of the corresponding thickness are included in fabrics marked 500D or 1000D (such as Cordura 600D). In other words, the fabric is denser, thicker, stronger, and heavier when the figure is larger. The following universal characteristics apply to all cordura varieties:

  1. High resistance to punctures, abrasion, rupture.
  2. Softness.
  3. Increased electrical insulation properties.
  4. Flexibility.
  5. Water resistance.
  6. Wind protection.
  7. Great ability to stain.
  8. The ability to withstand the action of high temperatures (up to +85 ° C).

Analogs

There are three well-known alternatives to cordura that are commonly used and have comparable qualities:

  1. Codra (Codra) – Material of Korean production. Significantly inferior to the original cordura in strength.
  2. Oxford – nylon fabric with linen interweaving. Characterized by high indicators of wear resistance. If polyurethane impregnation is used in production, has an excellent water -repellent ability. Thinner than the original cordura, has a brilliant, smooth surface without villi. Types of Oxford: Ripstop, 900, 840, 600, 420.
  3. Maksped – The most famous analogue of Cordura. It differs in a thick layer of original polyurethane coating produced by Dupon.

How to distinguish a fake

The fact that cordura is only available in wholesale quantities is determined by the intricacy of the production process and the high cost. In order to submit an application, a questionnaire containing the customer’s name, fabric type, and color must be completed. as well as the quantity of goods the party intends to produce.

This can be explained by the fact that every product unit comes with a label bearing the brand name "Cordura." The product is not made of Cordura if there is no label. Because a fake label is frequently sewed onto non-original material, pay attention to the fabric’s appearance when making a purchase.

Indices of authentic Cordura:

  1. The front side is shiny, the back side is rough and matte.
  2. It is difficult to see the polyamide film on the surface of the fabric. On counterfeit material, the delamination of the polyamide coating is clearly visible. When used in adverse conditions, the film comes off.

Among fabrics, cordura is distinguished by its exceptional resilience to abrasion and wear. It’s a well-liked option for items like luggage, outdoor gear, and military uniforms that must endure harsh environments. Because of this, Cordura is a dependable choice for anyone looking for durable performance.

Nevertheless, there are some compromises associated with Cordura’s toughness. Particularly in warmer climates, the fabric may not be the best choice for all types of clothing due to its tendency to be stiff and less breathable. Depending on the intended use, its tendency to be more expensive than other fabrics may also be taken into account.

At the end of the day, Cordura is a fabric that performs exceptionally well in circumstances that demand strength and longevity. For those who require a durable, dependable material, its advantages frequently exceed its disadvantages, even though it might not be ideal for every application.

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Sergey Litvinov

I have been working in the field of textile art for over 20 years. I am passionate about textile design and create unique things inspired by traditions and modern trends. In my articles, I talk about how you can use fabrics to create unique and stylish things with your own hands.

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Tkani-Furnitura.com
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