Gore opens fabrics testing facilities

W.L. Gore & Associates Inc., based in Elkton, Md., has opened its new Biophysics and Heat and Flame Protection labs at which engineers can test component materials, Gore laminates and fully constructed garments, and footwear. The new facilities also allow Gore to develop fabrics with distinct functionalities for specific markets.

The new facilities feature an environmental chamber, which can recreate between 85 to 95 percent of the environments on the earth’s surface, allowing Gore researchers to evaluate the performance of fabrics products in specific conditions and collect data on the protection provided and resulting comfort of the wearer, and the Heat and Flame Protection Lab, in which researchers can measure and analyze the ability of its products to provide the three key elements of burn protection: flame resistance, thermal insulation and thermal stability.

Gore will conduct extensive testing in the new Biophysics Lab to predict the effects of apparel, activity and environment on the human body. The facility has the capabilities to measure performance, protection, breathability and comfort for the end-user, and can recreate a wide range of environmental conditions.