HYPALON FABRIC

“ORCA” fabric as used by Lancer for all Inflatable products.

The origin of the inflatable boat fabric was for the military, but, for the last 50 years, its development has been primarily in the leisure and professional boating. This evolution has been possible due to the improvement of materials and inflatable boat design.

Coated fabrics have shown some spectacular improvements, from cotton, a natural fiber, to synthetic fibers of high durability, such as polyamide (nylon) or polyester.

The coating that protects the textile and assures the air-tightness has equally shown vast improvements, passing from natural rubber, sensitive to aging, to synthetic Neoprene,  Hypalon and Chlorosulfonated Polyethylene (CSM) rubber; incontestably the most resistant product used in the profession today.

PENNEL & FLIPO, Lancer’s favoured fabric supplier, has for the last 40 years held the position as leader in the production of fabrics destined for inflatable applications. Not only does Pennel now lead in CSM rubber, but it also makes a large range of other fabrics such as PVC, PU. Pennel therefore can recommend the best material without bias or favoritism. Experience has proven that CSM is the best material for Inflatable boats. The result has been obtained by the ideology, which relies on three principles:






FABRIC CONSTRUCTION
The fabric is made from four layers of calendared coating that offers. Guaranteed air-tightness (no porosity). Optimal adhesion of rubber, and many other attributes.



PROPERTIES
Ultra violet light resistance Thanks to the exceptional characteristics of its outer layer which protects from ageing, ORCA® offers a wide range of light fast colors.

Fire resistance  Thanks to its rubber base, the ORCA® product retains all of its properties even when accidentally exposed to heat.

Mechanical resistance The combination of a high tenacity fabric and an outstanding coating, gives ORCA® a very high level of mechanical resistance

Abrasion resistance The chemical formula of the Chlorosulfonated Polyethylene (CSM) layer makes ORCA® very abrasive resistant.

Hydrocarbon resistance Thanks to its outstanding quality and performance, ORCA® is highly recommended for antipollution barriers and oil recovery barges.

Extreme condition resistance  The ORCA® product, intended for the leisure, professional or military markets, meets the highest requirements for safe navigation in the most extreme conditions.

Flexibility - Their flexibility permits an easy manufacturing and nice curves and cores.

Gluability - Their ability to easily be glued with Neoprene glues.


ORCA, registered brand name of Pennel et Flippo, France, the fabric favoured by Lancer