Author - Randy Mitchell

The role of Conductive Textiles in Modern PPE!

Conductive Fabrics-Great Shielding Material!

Conductive Fabrics-Great Shielding Material!  Shielding materials are usually needed in electronic devices to protect the devices from EMI/RFI which can adversely affect their performance.  The more conductive the Fabric is, the better its shielding characteristics are.  Obviously, fabric is typically lightweight and flexible, making it great for shielding in tight quarters.  Engineers also love the lightweight, as products today are smaller and more portable than ever before.  Lightweight is also important in the automotive, aerospace, military, and law enforcement markets,...
Metalized Textiles -Perfect Shielding for small Devices!

RFI/EMI Shielding-What is it?

RFI/EMI Shielding-What is it?  RFI Shielding is essentially blocking radiofrequency electromagnetic signals in the radio frequency band of the electromagnetic spectrum.  Left unchecked, these signals can disrupt the electrical circuits from working properly.  Basically, RFI shielding involves the placement of barriers made of conductive and magnetic materials around the device, allowing it to function optimally.  The name "shielding" means completely isolating the susceptible parts from the source of the RFI.  The Effectiveness of the shielding depends on properties of the...
Testing Situations-Prepare for them!

Testing Situations-Prepare for them!

Testing Situations-Prepare for them!  You remember it from school, from the first day of class, you knew that there would be a "Final Test".  The "Final" would determine whether you would move on to the next level, or whether you would have to repeat the test!  Preparation for the final was very important.  A parallel situation to the "Final Test" exists when developing a new electronic product for marketing.  Commencing with development is the first step for the device toward...
SCIF Construction-are Standards Meetable?

SCIF Construction-are Standards Meetable?

SCIF Construction-are Standards Meetable?  Sensitive Compartmented Information Facilities (SCIFs) must be built to very strict standards!  SCIF security requirements and construction specs are based on many factors.  Included in the list are facility purpose, surveillance risk, and physical location of the SCIF.  Sensitive information exchanges, sound damping, and Personnel security are also important parts of the equation.  The final assessment will be made by Accrediting Officer (AO) and Site Security Manager (SSM), determining technical measures for each SCIF application.  The...
The Benefits of RF Shielded Garments!

RF Shielded Clothing-Comfort and Protection!

RF Shielded Clothing-Comfort and Protection!  RF Shielded clothing protects us from radio frequency radiation.  The electronic devices of today emit and receive radio frequency signals.  Obviously, the number of devices in today's connected world is growing daily, filling the air around us with RF waves.  While no true connection has been established between Radio Frequency (RF) waves and health issues, many people are concerned about them.  People have electrochemical processes that keep the body functioning normally.  Electrical devices require RF...
RF Shielding Curtain

RF Shielding Curtains-Separation and Isolation!

RF Shielding Curtains-Separation and Isolation!  RF Shielding Curtains are relocatable shields designed for isolating or separating areas from RF waves.  Curtains can be made to the customer's specification of size, Shielding Effectiveness, and suspension method.  The conductive metalized textiles and number of layers used in their manufacture determine the RF shielding properties of the curtain.  RF Shielding Curtains can even be made to withstand weather, UV, and rough treatment with a "ruggedized finish"! RF Isolation...
Shieldex and VTT-"Family Businesses"

Shieldex and VTT- “Family Businesses”!

Shieldex and VTT-"Family Businesses"!  I was able to interview Robert Erichsen, the CEO of Shieldex recently during his first visit with us in three years.  Shieldex is VTT's European partner, providing us with conductive metalized textiles, that VTT markets and uses in our fabricated products.  The close relationship between Shieldex and V Technical Textiles, Inc. spans many years and is rooted in family and business ties. Robert Erichsen, CEO of Shieldex Randy:  It's been a few...
Lubricate Thread Eliminate Breaks and Snarling

Lubricate Thread-Eliminate Breaks and Snarling!

Lubricate Thread-Eliminate Breaks and Snarling!  Sewing thread is subject to heat buildup, snarling, static and snagging.  These problems are caused by coarse thread causing friction with the needle.  This friction can result in temperatures as high as 350°C/662°F, resulting in the thread melting and breaking.  The final insult to the thread is its trip through the needle's eye and the fabric, which can also cause filament damage.  Lubrication is important in the reduction of heat in many situations, automobiles, surface...
V Technical Textiles, Inc.

VTT-Experience, Expertise, Excellence and Service!

VTT-Experience, Expertise, Excellence and Service!  VTT has been in the conductive metalized textiles supply business for sixteen years.  We have a lot of experience, but VTT doesn't just settle for that.  We strive for excellence, creating new products using these textiles and are constantly looking for ways to improve on them.  Our teams, from Research and Development, Design, Sales and Manufacturing are experts in their fields.  Most of our manufactured products are custom designed and manufactured to...
Rugged Conditions

Rugged Conditions Require Ruggedized Textiles!

Rugged Conditions Require Ruggedized Textiles!  RF Shielded Enclosures are usually located indoors, protecting them from the elements.  The thin conductive textiles used to manufacture enclosures can't stand up well unprotected in extreme conditions.  Wind, rain, and ocean spray can damage or destroy the enclosures very quickly.  The military and law enforcement often need command centers for their activities to be portable and able to stand up to tough conditions.  Lives are at stake in these harsh environments as well as...