kiteyakker - 2-2-2012 at 11:12 AM
In general, what sort of ripstop nylon is used in making kites? Is there a standard or anything like that? Is it rated in denier like most cloth? I
have a friend who is thinking of sewing one, she wants to know if it is typically treated with silicone or some other type of waterproofing. Most of
my Ozones don't seem to be too waterproof, although i do seem to remember reading that Flysurfer kites have a waterproof coating. Anyone know
anything about this stuff?
thanks!
Drewculous - 2-2-2012 at 11:41 AM
Ask susan... That woman knows her kites!
theres also a kite making forum... Lol she's on there too
She's kitemaker4 here, and she's made a tone of kites, she'll help ya out!
indigo_wolf - 2-2-2012 at 01:42 PM
Most foils are made from coated ripstop nylon. The coatings vary from manufacturer to manufacturer. All of them should be able to shed water. The
trademarks for the fabric used by the different manufacturers will also vary.
Dual line kites and Revs are made from either coated nylon or coated polyester.
While the focus is on some of the spendier materials used for paragliders, there's some crossover to the materials used in foils and you might find
this article of interest:
http://www.ojovolador.com/eng/read/reports/porcher/index.htm
Material weights for kites is generally measured in grams/oz per meter².
ATB,
Sam
kiteyakker - 2-2-2012 at 03:48 PM
I think this will help, interesting reading anyway!
thanks!
kitemaker4 - 3-2-2012 at 03:18 PM
If you friend is really interested in making kites she needs to contact me. I can send her in the right direction to get rip stop material at cost.
Susan (npw goddess)
kitemaker4@hotmail.com
krumly - 4-2-2012 at 08:45 AM
What is termed .75 oz ripstop nylon spinnaker cloth is typical weight for most traction kites. A lighter weight, but more fragile, option is .5 oz
ripstop nylon spinnaker cloth.
0.5 oz polyester is usually used in framed stunt kites, sometimes in foils (like the old Quadrifoil Kitesurfer foils). Much lower strecth than nylon
and more hydrophobic. The lower stretch of poly in a canopy is not always a good thing because it means loads get transmitted to stitching and seams
more directly without absorbing energy.
I've had good luck with material seconds purchased from Kite Studio: http://www.kitebuilder.com/catalog/
I'm sure Susan has more resources.
krumly