Differences between coated webbing and ordinary webbing

Webbing is a common material widely used in daily life and industrial fields, ranging from clothing and bags to outdoor products and industrial equipment. It is nearly ubiquitous. However, as the demand for better product performance and quality increases, traditional webbing can no longer fully meet the needs of certain specific applications. As a result, coated webbing has emerged, TPU webbing gradually replacing ordinary webbing in some areas due to its superior performance.

Ordinary webbing is made from textile fibers through weaving or sewing processes, with common materials including nylon, polyester, cotton, and others. These materials are lightweight, strong, and have some degree of elasticity and wear resistance. The manufacturing process of ordinary webbing is relatively simple, primarily achieved through weaving techniques.

TPU webbing, on the other hand, is ordinary webbing coated with a layer of plastic or rubber-like material (such as PVC, TPU, silicone, etc.). This coating is applied using techniques like coating, calendering, or extrusion, enhancing the webbing’s wear resistance, waterproofing, and aging resistance.

The advantage of ordinary webbing lies in its lightweight nature, low cost, and ease of mass production. However, its performance in some specific environments is limited. In contrast, coated webbing, due to its additional coating layer, offers more functionality and greater adaptability.

1. Wear Resistance

The wear resistance of ordinary webbing depends on the strength and toughness of its material and is typically suitable for everyday environments. However, in extreme or high-use scenarios, such as outdoor sports or industrial equipment, ordinary webbing can wear out due to friction, leading to breakage or fiber loosening, which can shorten its lifespan.

Coated webbing, with its plastic or rubber coating, significantly enhances its wear resistance. Materials like PVC and TPU have excellent abrasion resistance, allowing the webbing to maintain its integrity in high-friction environments. This makes TPU webbing ideal for use in harsh conditions, extending its service life.

2. Waterproof Performance

Ordinary webbing tends to absorb moisture in wet environments, particularly cotton or nylon webbing, which can deform, wrinkle, or weaken after prolonged exposure to water. This poses a significant risk for outdoor use or for equipment that is continuously exposed to moisture.

The coating on coated webbing effectively prevents water penetration, giving it natural waterproof capabilities. Coated webbing made from PVC or TPU remains dry and stable even in prolonged exposure to rain or humidity, ensuring its structure and performance are not compromised by moisture. Therefore, coated webbing is the better choice for waterproof applications, such as outdoor tents and marine equipment.

3. Tensile Strength

The tensile strength of ordinary webbing depends on its weave structure and material type. Generally, nylon and polyester webbings have higher tensile strength, but under extreme tension, ordinary webbing may deform or break.

Coated webbing not only relies on the fiber structure of its inner layer but also gains extra support from the coating. Especially in applications that require high tensile strength, such as climbing equipment or car seat belts, TPU webbing provides greater tensile strength while maintaining flexibility, significantly enhancing user safety and product reliability.

4. Weather Resistance

Ordinary webbing tends to age when exposed to sunlight, wind, and other natural elements for extended periods. The material can become brittle or fade, losing its original physical properties.

TPU webbing, especially those made from TPU or silicone, has excellent weather resistance, effectively resisting UV radiation and harsh weather conditions. In long-term outdoor use, coated webbing maintains its elasticity and strength, extending the product's lifespan.

Ordinary webbing is widely used in everyday products such as clothing, bags, and shoelaces. In these cases, the webbing’s main functions are connection, decoration, or fastening. Ordinary webbing is entirely suitable for these tasks due to its simple manufacturing process and low cost.

However, coated webbing is gradually entering the daily application field, especially in high-end products. For instance, the shoulder straps and belts of high-end bags often use coated webbing because of its better anti-slip, comfort, and durability. Additionally, coated webbing can be treated in various ways to create more diverse appearances, catering to consumers' aesthetic and functional needs.

Outdoor gear such as tents, backpacks, and climbing ropes must withstand complex natural environments, requiring materials with strong waterproofing, abrasion resistance, and tensile strength. Ordinary webbing often cannot maintain its performance over long periods in such scenarios, while coated webbing, with its excellent weather resistance and abrasion resistance, becomes the ideal choice for outdoor products.

For example, coated webbing used in hiking backpacks provides additional support and anti-slip functionality, and its coating enhances durability, ensuring the backpack remains stable during long treks.

In high-intensity industrial environments, such as lifting equipment, safety belts, or conveyor belts, the strength and wear resistance of ordinary webbing often fall short. TPU webbing, with its superior tensile strength and abrasion resistance, is the preferred material in these scenarios. Especially in safety equipment, coated webbing’s strong tensile strength and anti-slip properties provide users with a safer and more reliable guarantee.

While coated webbing may have a higher cost compared to ordinary webbing, its longer lifespan and multifunctionality make it more economical and practical in many applications. In outdoor products exposed to harsh conditions for long periods or in industrial and sports equipment that demands high safety, coated webbing is undoubtedly the better choice.

As technology advances and material demands diversify, coated webbing, with its stronger functionality and wider range of applications, is gradually becoming the trend to replace ordinary webbing. Whether in daily use or in outdoor, industrial, or safety equipment, coated webbing shows irreplaceable advantages due to its superior performance. It will play a more important role in future product design and development.