Infos on Cordura®
Cordura® (the original!) is a very robust, abrasion-resistant nylon 6.6. The slightly roughened surface gives Cordura® a pleasant feel. It is quick-drying and water-repellent, so moisture rolls off. Unlike cotton, polyester, and conventional nylon, Cordura® has significantly higher abrasion resistance. Cordura® is used in shoe manufacturing, and backpack manufacturers often use it for the heavily stressed bottom of backpacks. Cordura® is also used in a variety of applications for motorcycle clothing. In addition, nylon ages under UV radiation, so it should not be exposed to the sun for long periods of time.
Cordura® is available in the following thicknesses:
Cordura® 1000den
coated and uncoated
The "outdoor armor" or "the fabric that outdoor dreams are made of." The strength of the fiber and the manufacturing process make it incredibly abrasion-resistant and robust.
Use: Heavy luggage such as backpacks, panniers or travel bags, tool bags, etc.
Processing: Coated 1000 Cordura® is difficult to process in multiple layers with a conventional household sewing machine; an industrial machine is recommended. If the seams are to be waterproof, they must be sealed with seam sealer. The smooth side is the coated side. To protect it from abrasion, it should be used as the left side (inside).
Suitable sewing thread: 80 or 50 100% polyester sewing thread or 60 Nylbond nylon sewing thread
Cordura® 500den
coated and uncoated
500 Cordura® is woven from a thinner thread and therefore lighter and more flexible. It is sufficient for most applications and is significantly easier to process than 1000 denier Cordura®.
Uses: Luggage such as backpacks, panniers or travel bags, laptop bags, gaiters, reinforcement for clothing that has to withstand a lot (e.g. motorcycle clothing), accessories such as chalk bags, reinforcements on tents, etc. Processing: 500den Cordura® can generally also be processed with conventional sewing machines. The uncoated version is easier to sew, as the needle does not have to penetrate the PU coating. Uncoated Cordura® should be carefully welded at the edges with a lighter or soldering iron before processing to prevent fraying. See also "Coated or uncoated?"
Suitable sewing thread: 80s 100% polyester sewing thread or 60s nylon sewing thread
Cordura® 330den
coated and uncoated
330 Cordura® is a lightweight and thin version.
Use: Reinforcement of clothing (coated as the palm of rain gloves, shoulder areas of jackets, seat of rain pants, etc., uncoated as shoulder reinforcement of fleece jackets, as reinforcement of pants or cycling clothing), lightweight bags or backpacks, accessories. Processing: No problem with a conventional machine. The seams must be sealed with tape or SeamGrip to make them waterproof. The uncoated 330 Cordura® must be impregnated with a water-repellent finish if necessary. The smooth side is the coated side. To protect it from abrasion, it should be used as the left side (inside). Uncoated Cordura® should be carefully sealed at the edges with a lighter or soldering iron before processing to prevent fraying. See also "Coated or uncoated?"
Suitable sewing thread: 100 or 80 100% polyester sewing thread
Care instructions according to manufacturer:
40°C wash, detergent P, iron at 150°C, do not bleach, do not tumble dry
Breathable coated fabrics should not be washed with fabric softener. Special detergents for breathable fabrics (e.g. Sport Wash or similar) are ideal. Cordura® may shrink slightly when washed (approx. 1-2%). It may therefore be advisable to pre-wash the fabric. We recommend that backpacks, bags, etc. made from coated materials are not washed in the washing machine. To protect the coating, it is better to remove dirt with a mild detergent and a soft sponge.
