When comparing webbing types, the key characteristics are: strength, UV resistance, abrasion resistance, moisture absorption, stretch, melting point, flame resistance, chemical resistance, dye absorption and cost. Polyester, nylon and polypropylene is summarized below, along with noting the aforementioned specs. We will also included custom imprinted polyester as a fourth option as a few of the specs are different and it is one of our most popular products.
All values based on a scale of 1-10, unless specific values are available
| Polyester | Printed Polyester | Nylon | Polpro | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Strength | 9 | 9 | 9 | 4 |
| Abrasion | 9 | 9 | 9 | 5 |
| UV Resistance | 9 | 9 | 6 | 4 |
| Melting Point | 490 F | 490 F | 420 F | 325 F |
| Operating Temps | -40,194F | -40,194F | -40,194F | 10,140F |
| Stretch at Break | 5-10% | 10-15% | 17-25% | 25-30% |
| Resists Moisture | 8 | 8 | 6 | 10 |
| Rot Resistance | 9 | 9 | 6 | 10 |
| ColorFast (no bleed) | 7 | 10 | 9 | 10 |
| Cost | $$ | $$$ | $$$ | $ |
POLYESTER
Polyester is the superior webbing for most cargo control applications. Polyester provides strength, performance and affordability. Polyester is woven in many different weaves, tie-down weave, flat weave, smooth weave and seatbelt style weave being the most popular. Each webbing weave offers a different feel and look, while providing all the same advantages.
IMPRINTED POLYESTER
Custom Printed Polyester has most of the advantages of standard dyed polyester, but adds the flare and coolness that comes with personalized or customized product. Custom printed polyester provides strength and performance, but comes at an increased cost. Custom printed polyester, just like the original, can be made in almost any of the common weave patterns: tie-down weave, flat weave, smooth weave and seatbelt style weave. Each webbing weave offers a different feel and look, but smooth weave provides picture quality sharpness in the printing.
NYLON
Nylon has many beneficial characteristics, including strength and abrasion resistance. Nylon weaves tend to be soft and pliable making them popular in applications with skin contact. Nylon also has a higher stretch factor than polyester, which makes it advantageous in some applications like safety harnesses, but a negative in others like tie-downs. Nylon will absorb moisture and stretches even more when wet. Due to water absorption, mildew and rot are additional potential pitfalls.
POLYPROPYLENE
Polypropylene, commonly call polypro, is the most cost effective webbing available. Primarily, it is available in lightweight and heavyweight strengths, but specialty weaves are also available. Besides cost, the biggest phyisical advantage is the extremely low moisture absorption. Polypro resists moisture, dries extremely quickly and floats on water. It is also very chemical resistant to both acids and bases. Polypro yarn is made with the dye color in the plastic yarn, which makes it the most colorfast option available. Lower strengths, higher stretch and lower abrasion resistance make this the third most popular option cargo control applications.
All our webbing is produced in webbing mills we have worked with for many years. Every production run of webbing is tested for strength and stretch to ensure our customers receive the quality they expect.
Our custom printed polyester is produced in-house. Having full control over our manufacturing process allows us to maintain the highest level of quality while keeping the minimum order size as small as possible. If you need more information regarding custom printing, visit our Imprinting Page
If you have questions, please contact us at sales@customtiedowns.com or by phone at 1-877-360-5528.