Is polyester or mesh better?

One of the pillars of Jason Mills’ knit fabrics product line is polyester mesh. This versatile material is used in a variety of industrial and commercial applications, ranging from the aerospace and automotive sectors to the marine and medical sectors as well as the indoor and outdoor recreational trade.

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The following article provides an overview of polyester mesh, discussing its properties, advantages, and applications. It also outlines the differences between polyester and nylon mesh and the importance of fabric finishing and treatment in achieving a particular end-use outcome or performance.

An Overview of Polyester Mesh Fabric

The term “knit mesh fabric” is a general expression used to describe material that is constructed with an open hole structure through the process of knitting (as opposed to weaving which is separate operation). Beyond this broad characteristic, the design of a specific knit mesh material can vary from others in regard to yarn, material weight, aperture opening, width, color, and finish. Polyester yarn is one of the most commonly used fibers in the manufacture of knit mesh fabric.

Polyester consists of flexible, synthetic polymer fibers created through a chemical reaction between alcohol, carboxylic acid, and a petroleum byproduct. The resulting fibers are then stretched and oriented together to form a strong yarn that naturally repels water, resists staining, ultraviolet degradation, and holds up to frequent use. (Please note, water-resistance and other properties inherent in polyester yarn must be enhanced within the finishing process if it is necessary for the performance of the material. This is discussed in greater detail below.)





Properties and Advantages of Polyester Mesh Fabric

Compared to other mesh materials, polyester fabric exhibits a number of advantageous properties that make it suitable for use in a variety of industrial, commercial, and recreational applications, such as:

• Ease of use and accessibility. Polyester is a common fiber available at most textile manufacturing facilities. When treated with a light resin the mesh material is easy to install (sew) and clean, thus reducing excess time and labor required for its integration and maintenance.
• Dimensional stability. Polyester fibers demonstrate good elasticity, which allows the material to return to its original shape after it is stretched by up to 5–6%. It’s important to note that mechanical stretch is different from fiber stretch. One can design hi-stretch material using dimensionally stable yarns.
• Durability. Polyester mesh fabric is highly resilient, offering inherent resistance to damage and degradation stemming from acidic and alkaline chemicals, corrosion, flames, heat, light, mold and mildew, and wear. Factors such a yarn weight (denier), entanglement, and filament count all are critical in determining durability.
• Hydrophobicity: Polyester mesh is hydrophobic—i.e., tends to repel water—which translates to superior pigment absorption (meaning easier dyeing operations- as opposed to type 6 or 66 nylon) and drying times (meaning better moisture-wicking properties).

Altogether, these characteristics suit the material for use in a wide range of applications, including ones involving outdoor and demanding environmental conditions.

Fabric Applications

As indicated above, polyester mesh fabric is highly versatile. Some of the industries that regularly employ the material for their parts and products include:

The exact properties exhibited by the polyester mesh fabric employed depend on the needs of the application and industry.

Knit mesh fabric is most commonly made from either polyester or nylon yarns. While the two synthetic polymers share some properties—e.g., lightweight, durability, and tear resistance—there are several key distinctions that make them suitable for different applications.

• Nylon has a smoother and softer feel than polyester, which in some situations makes it more ideal for use in applications requiring high aesthetic quality or user comfort. But, as noted above, other factors such as a high filament count can make polyester just as drapey as soft nylon.
• Nylon is hydrophilic (absorbs water), while polyester is hydrophobic (repels water). As such, the former is more likely to be bogged down with water in high-moisture or high-humidity environments, while the latter dries quickly in marine and aquatic settings.
• Nylon fibers are innately resistant to wear from bending and stretching, while polyester fibers are inherently resistant to heat and UV rays. These qualities make nylon mesh more suitable for applications where the material will be regularly subjected to bending and stretching, and polyester mesh more suitable for end uses where stability is key and for environments exposed to heat and sunlight. And again, it needs to be noted that these inherent qualities are basic at best. Finishing and treatment are key to performance. See below.

The Importance of Fabric Finishing and Treatment

The functional and aesthetic properties demonstrated by a polyester mesh fabric are dependent upon many factors. For the purposes of this article, we will focus on the final stages of textile production, otherwise known as “the finish”. The finish is typically a topically applied chemical that is set by heat during the process called framing. Once completed, these processes can affect the texture, weight, firmness, colorfastness, and resistances (UV, fire, etc.) of the final material.

As indicated above, the properties exhibited by a fully finished and treated polyester mesh fabric vary depending on the needs of the application and the industry. Some examples include:

• Antibacterial finishes: Topically applied anti-microbial finishes eliminate bacterial growth on the surface of the fabric. Bacteria growth creates odor and is also responsible for various healthcare-associated infections. This makes the need for these types of finishes essential for equipment used in the medical and healthcare industries. They are also suitable for sporting equipment as they minimize the spread of odor-causing bacteria.
• Anti-static finishes: In operations involving sensitive electrical and electronic components, it is important to minimize the buildup of static charge. Fabrics with anti-static coatings reduce the risk of employees and equipment producing static discharge that impacts the integrity of the components.
• UV resistant finishes: Untreated material exposed to UV rays fades and degrades over time. As such, polyester mesh intended for use in outdoor environments (e.g., recreational equipment) requires the addition of UV inhibitors to the fabric finish or dye formulation to retain the original integrity.
• Fire Resistant finishes: One of the most commonly used finishes; used to achieve FR compliance in the automotive industry, aeronautical industry, and architectural interior industry (think curtains and indoor rec areas).

Jason Mills: The Experts in Polyester Mesh Fabric Solutions

Polyester knit mesh is a material solution that finds use across a wide range of industrial, commercial, and recreational sectors. Its strength, stability, and durability make it well-suited for many applications. For customers looking for high-quality polyester mesh fabric, the team at Jason Mills is here to help.

At Jason Mills, we specialize in the manufacturing, warehousing, and distribution of industrial polyester and nylon knit mesh. We offer a broad selection of standard textiles and custom-tailored fabric solutions for customers with highly specific or unique needs. For additional information about our standard and custom textiles, contact us or request a quote today.

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Knit mesh fabrics are materials comprised of evenly spaced openings that create a breathable effect in the textile. Mesh fabrics offer a versatile solution for a broad variety of industrial, commercial, and recreational applications.

Jason Mills specializes in the design and fabrication of knit mesh fabrics for all types of industries, including materials for general industrial applications, recreational, occupational safety, aeronautical, automotive, marine, healthcare. We have more than 100 existing stock mesh fabrics to choose from, and we create new mesh fabric solutions to address unique needs.

Ready to get started? Contact our team with questions!

While all mesh fabrics share the same basic principle of an open-hole structure, there are multiple varieties in the market. Variations can include weight, width, color, finish and fiber content.

Two of the most common fibers/yarns used in the manufacturing of knit-mesh fabrics are nylon and polyester. These fibers and yarns have significant overlap, so it can often be difficult to determine which is most suitable for a specific case. Examining the properties of these materials can help designers determine the appropriate option for their application.

Mesh Fabric Properties

Nylon and polyester are both viable options for knitting mesh fabrics, and each is used to produce knitted mesh solutions for many different purposes. As synthetic fibers, nylon and polyester share several similar beneficial properties such as:

• Durability
• Lightweight
• Easy to clean
• Resistance to mildew
• Tear resistance

Nylon vs. Polyester Mesh

While nylon and polyester share some traits, they are created in different ways:

• Nylons are formed by extracting carbon-based molecules from organically formed resources such as petroleum or coal. These are combined into a larger polymer molecule using heat, resulting in a polyamide. The family of polyamides created in this way is known collectively as nylon.
• Polyester is one of the most commonly used plastics. It is made by facilitating a chemical reaction between alcohol, a petroleum by-product, and carboxyl acid in a vacuum. This creates a polymer that can be stretched and made into fabrics.

When knitted into mesh fabrics, advantages include:

• Nylon. Nylon mesh fabrics are used for applications that require versatility, durability, and strength. The innate chemical properties of this polyamide make its fibers resistant to wear from bending or stretching. Nylon has a smoother, softer feel than polyester, making it ideal for applications where comfort or aesthetics are essential. Both materials stretch, but the elastic properties of nylon are greater than those of polyester. Nylon is also hydrophilic, which means that it absorbs water. View all Nylon Mesh materials >>
• Polyester. Polyester mesh fabrics can be more easily dyed because they are hydrophobic—they repel water. As such, the material absorbs the pigments in the dye while expelling the water. This property also means polyester dries faster than nylon, making it ideal for marine environments. Polyester is also more naturally flame resistant than nylon, and also features a higher resistance to UV degradation. View all Polyester Mesh materials >>

Applications for Knitted Mesh Fabrics

Mesh fabrics are used broadly for varying purposes. The following industries rely on mesh fabrics:

Mesh fabrics are used to create products for activities such as sports, camping, hunting and fishing, and more. Examples of products and industries that incorporate this material include:

• Golf simulator/impact screens and nets
• Aquaculture
• Tents and camping supplies
• Pool/spa nets and filters
• Protective sports netting (baseball, hockey, lacrosse, golf)

Polyester and nylon mesh fabrics have broad applications for safety equipment. These materials can also be designed to meet ANSI, ASTM, and AATCC requirements for specific uses. Examples of safety equipment made from mesh fabrics include:

• Safety flags
• High-visibility safety vests
• Cut-resistant safety garments

Air, land, and water vehicles all rely on mesh fabrics for a range of purposes. Many of these applications require a material that can resist moisture, heat, sunlight, salt, or chemicals. Polyester and nylon mesh fabrics are found in equipment such as:

• Seat-mounted literature pockets
• Seat support/substrates
• Safety harnesses
• Cargo nets
• Tarps
• Aviation curtains

The inherent antimicrobial properties in some of Jason Mills’ polyester fabrics facilitate the usage of mesh fabrics in a broad spectrum of medical products. Some examples include:

• Slings/patient lift systems
• Mesh curtains
• IV bag support mesh
• Orthopedic braces

Jason Mills also has proprietary water repellent finishes available for medical equipment that will come in contact with exposed patient skin.

These fabrics are often useful in laminating and coating processes. Jason Mills offers fabrics specifically designed for this purpose ranging from 1.5 – 15 ounces per square yard. In a similar vein, we offer a full range of screen filters.

The term “industrial” covers mesh fabric products used in applications ranging from transportation to cleaning. Examples include:

• Mops and squeegees
• Tarps
• Bags
• Conduit sleeves
• Industrial filtration

Quality Mesh Fabrics from Jason Mills

Jason Mills has been providing industrial strength knitted mesh fabrics for more than 40 years. We support industries ranging from manufacturing to sporting goods and everything in between. If one of our stock fabrics doesn’t work for you, we’ll gladly research and design a mesh specifically for your application.

For more information on our mesh fabrics or our capabilities, please contact us.

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