Glass Fabric

THS manufacture and stock an extensive range of loomstate glass fabric, in a number of standard widths and weights. Loomstate glass cloth is woven glass in a completely untreated, unfinished state. As the name suggests it comes from the loom. Loomstate glass will usually be E-Glass.

Loomstate isn’t often sold to end users. It’s difficult to work with, unstable and prone to fraying. One of the main applications for loomstate fabric is for further processing and treatment, and the manufacture of glass fibre reinforced tapes. These glass cloths go on to form the rest of our range of treated and coated glass fibre textiles.

The most common loomstate fabrics are listed below, but please feel free to contact us if you have an exact specification or construction in mind.

Weight (g/m2)	Weave Pattern	Fibre Type	Common widths (mm)	Also known as
49	Plain	EC5	1030, 1270, 1550	1080
98	Plain	EC9	1270
105/107	Plain	EC7	1030, 1050, 1575, 2060	116 / 2116
120	Plain	EC9	1000, 1280, 1600
200	Plain	EC9	1000, 1270, 1300, 1550, 1830	7628
200	Twill	EC9	1000, 1270, 1830
400/420	4H Satin	EC9	1000, 1230, 1300, 1550, 1830	Navy Board
430	Plain	EC9 + ET9	1000, 1500
600	Square/Basket	EC9	1000	Chequered
600	Plain	ET9	1000, 1500
650/660	8H Satin	EC9	1000, 1500
780	Plain	ET9	1000, 1650, 2000
800	Square/Basket	EC9	1000	Admiralty
860	8H Satin	EC9	1000, 1500
1000	Plain	ET9	1000, 1500, 1670
1050	Cross Twill	EC9	1000, 1500
1150	Panama	ET9	1000, 1500
1250	Plain	ET9	1000
2050	Plain	ET9	1000, 1500
2600	Double Twill	ET9	1000

Woven Glass Fabric Manufacturers

550°c Continuous, 750ºC–1000°c With Treatment

Glass fibre products comprise the most extensive part of our range, many of which are manufactured by THS in Elland. They are available in a number of different forms, from woven textiles to knitted tapes and plaited ropes for use in various technical applications.

Woven Glass Cloth

Woven glass cloth in its raw form ‘loomstate’ can be difficult to work with due to its poor dimensional stability. On its own, loomstate glass cloth does have some special properties, but the addition of coatings and treatments can further enhance the fabric’s capabilities or give it entirely new characteristics. This includes water and weatherproofing, chemical resistance or anti-static or conductive properties, plus many more.

There are several treatments that can be used on woven glass cloth, including:

• Dipped Treatments
• Laminated
• Heat Treated & Caramelised
• Polymer Coatings

Types of Glass Fibre

Glass fibre comes in various types, each possessing unique characteristics. The most common type of glass used worldwide is E-Glass (or Alumino-borosilicate glass), which accounts for 95% of the products we produce and supply. The E in E-Glass stands for Electrical, as it was originally developed for electrical insulation.

Other types of glass fibre include:

• A-Glass – The first type of glass used for fibre glass. It is an alkali-lime glass that has minimal to no boron oxide content. The “A” stands for Alkali-lime glass.
• C-Glass – An alkali-lime glass, containing high boron oxide. The “C” stands for Chemical resistance.
• S-Glass – An aluminosilicate glass, without calcium oxide, but high magnesium oxide, giving high tensile strength. The “S” stands for Strength.

Each has its own special properties, but for the main E-Glass is an excellent choice for most applications, due to its:

• High temperature resistance (550-750°c)
• Excellent electrical and thermal insulation properties
• High strength
• Low thermal conductivity
• Relatively low cost

Glass fibre is considered to be an excellent replacement of asbestos, on account of it’s similar properties but Non-Hazardous nature. Glass fibre is not classified as hazardous according to Regulation (EC) 1272/2008 as amended.

Fibrous glass, continuous filament EC: 266/046-0 CAS: 65997/17-3

How is Glass Fibre Produced?

Glass fibre is produced by melting one of earth’s most abundant minerals, quartz sands. The molten glass is then drawn through extremely fine nozzles at high speeds, giving rise to individual glass fibre filaments. These filaments are combined to form glass fibre yarns. Glass fibre yarn can then be used as another other fibre in the production of textiles and associated products.

FAQs

What is Glass Fabric?

Glass fabric is a textile woven from glass fibre yarns, produced by melting quartz sand and drawing the molten glass through fine nozzles to create individual filaments. These filaments are combined into yarns and woven into cloth. It is valued across industrial applications for its high temperature resistance, excellent electrical insulation, dimensional stability and non-combustible nature.

What is Loomstate Glass Fabric?

Loomstate glass fabric is woven glass cloth in its completely untreated state, exactly as it comes from the loom. It has poor dimensional stability, is prone to fraying and is difficult to work with directly. It is most commonly used as a base material for further processing such as coating, dipping, laminating or heat treatment – processes which significantly enhance its performance or give it entirely new properties.

What Temperature Does Glass Fabric Withstand?

Standard E-Glass fabric withstands continuous temperatures of up to 550°C, with short-term resistance up to 600°C. With appropriate coatings or treatments, this can be extended to between 750°C and 1000°C. The exact performance depends on the specific fabric construction and any finishes applied.

What is Glass Fabric Used For?

Glass fabric is used across a wide range of industrial applications. Common uses include thermal and acoustic insulation, fire protection curtains and barriers, welding blankets, pipe lagging and wrapping, expansion joints, electrical insulation and as a base fabric for further coated or treated textiles. It is also used in composite manufacturing and filtration applications.

Is Glass Fibre Hazardous?

No. Glass fibre is not classified as hazardous under Regulation (EC) 1272/2008. It is widely regarded as a safe and effective alternative to asbestos, offering comparable thermal and insulation properties without the associated health risks. CAS: 65997-17-3.