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PVC Fabric Tech Specs.

All SATURN inflatable products are made of 1,100 Dtex (0.9mm) New Generation PVC fabric with polyester support, having excellent resistance to tearing, tension and breaking.  

Our inflatable boats, inflatable kayaks, kaboats, river rafts, etc are all hand-sealed at the seams for perfect seaming, the most expensive and reliable method used today. Each seam is strengthened with four layers of bonded fabric for maximum strength and durability. SATURN seams are virtually indestructible and will not fall apart, even after many years of use in any weather. All seams are quadruple overlap for better protection as shown below:

There are currently two major methods constructing an inflatable boat: welded and glued seams. And there is a lot of misunderstanding about PVC vs. "welded". In fact, PVC is actually solvent-welded, whereas PVC is heat-welded, and both methods result in a similar fusing of the membrane. Also, PVC may be more susceptible to damage from folding than PVC. Furthermore, the four layer bonding construction used by Saturn actually provides more overlay and reinforcement of the seam than the simple overlap of welded construction of welding. 

Glued seams on a PVC boat are fundamentally different than glued seams on a rubber (Hypalon/Neoprene) boat.

Hand Glued Seams Vs. Welded Seams

Glued (PVC) 
Strength/Bond type: Strong -- Chemical/Molecular bond 
Durability: Good -- Problems with old PVC boats falling apart have been resolved for over 10 years. 

Welded (PVC/Polyurethane) 
Strength/Bond type: Strong -- Molecular bond 
Durability: If temperature, feed rate, and other factors are ideal: Good. -- Welding combined with folding a boat can cause microscopic fracturing of the coating resulting in the boat loosing air over time. Welded seams are not advisable with polyester base fabrics.

   
PVC Fabric Vs. Hypalon.

PVC 
Pro: significantly less expensive then Hypalon.
Con: won't last as long in the direct sunlight as Hypalon. (if left unprotected).

Hypalon
Pro: will last significantly longer than PVC when exposed to prolonged periods of direct sunlight.
Con: significantly more expensive then PVC.
Con: looses air over time due to its structure. 

There is no doubt that PVC fabric won't last as long as Hypalon fabric if the boat is subjected to prolonged periods of direct sunlight and no measures have been taken to protect the PVC fabric from the sun (i.e. boat cover or UV spray). After a number of years in direct sunlight the PVC fabric can become sticky. After that it can also become discolored. 

When not in use, it is highly recommended to store PVC inflatable products in a well ventilated, shaded area. Humidity and heat are killers for PVC glue used in the assembly of inflatable boats. Do NOT store PVC inflatables in closed containers, boxes or storage areas with no ventilation and under direct sunlight. Humidity will accumulate in tightly closed storage areas and will weaken the chemical bond of PVC glue once significant heat is present.

Here are some things to consider:

1) PVC is not a problem unless your boat is going to be outside and unprotected all summer, every year. If you only use the boat occasionally such as on weekends or while on vacation then it isn't a factor at all. Even if you leave your boat outside all the time the issue can be solved by putting a sun/rain cover on your boat when it isn't in use or by applying a UV protective spray periodically. If you are willing to take the necessary steps required to protect your PVC boat then you can take advantage of the significantly more attractive pricing points that we are able to offer with our PVC boats. Regular usage of boat cover will significantly improve life expectancy of your boat.

2) Hypalon inflatable boats are significantly more expensive. On average a Hypalon inflatable boat will cost you 50 to 75 percent more than a PVC inflatable boat that is comparable in size and equipment options. However, if the intended use for your boat will involve very long periods of exposure to sunshine and if you are not inclined to cover or protect the boat when it isn't in use then perhaps the added expense associated with a Hypalon boat will make practical sense for you. If you are planning to leave your uncovered dinghy on a dock or in a water 365 days/year for several years, then Hypalon is for you.
  

How durable is PVC? See for yourself, click on Play button for video clip

 
Technical Specifications of PVC Fabric:
- Adhesive structure
- Polyurethane glue
- Cold welding
- Made by hand
- Four layer reinforced seams
All SATURN inflatable boats, rafts and kayaks use 1100 Dtex polyester fabric which has been specially coated on both sides with PVC.
Abrasion resistance:
The chemical formula of the outside PVC layer makes the material abrasive resistant and airtight properties: 200*170 N/5cm(± 20)
Dingy Extreme condition resistance:
Low & High temperature resistance:
-30 + 70°C

Outside PVC layers offers:
Abrasion resistance;
Extreme condition resistance;
Chemical resistance

Tender
Inside high polyester fabric offers:
Dimensional stability
Tensile and tear strength.
Chemical resistance:
Strong resistance to Hydrocarbon, Sunlight, Seawater, Oil and Fuel. Thanks to this properties which protect the material from fading and ageing.
Dingies Dimensional stability:
1% (24hrs-70°C)
Tensile and tear strength: 3800*3550 (± 250)

PVC Fabric Test Results:

Test Conducted

Result

Test Method

Warp

Weft

 

Tensile Strength 

 

533 lbs(240kg)

750lbs/5cm

(340kg/5cm)

 

533 lbs(240kg)

650lbs/5cm

(295kg/5cm)

 

FS-191A-5100(CRE) (GRAB TEST)

FS-191A-5100(CRE)

(CUT STRIP TEST)

 

Tear Strength

 40 lbs (18kg) 40 lbs (18kg)

FS-191A -5134(CRE)

(TRAPEZOID TEST)

FS -191A-5134(CRE)

(TONGUE TEST)
80 lbs (36kg) 100 lbs (45kg)

Adhesion Resistance (1inch)

25-35 lbs (11-16kg)

FS-191A-5970(CRE)
Resistance to low  Temperature No Cracking and Flecking  MIL - C - 20696 (-40C, -40F)
Colorfastness to Light 80 hours exposure 6-7 Grade AATCC 16E Xenon-arc-lamp
Resistance to Abrasion Weight Loss Face 1%, Back 1.3% Face 600 Cycle, Back 400 Cycle
 
TEST METHOD TEST ITEM UNIT RESULT
- - - APPILICATION - - - ARCHITECTURE
- - - ITEM - - - ADT NO.00017
- - - BASE FABRIC - - - 1100 Dtex,POLYESTER
- - - COATING MATERIAL - - -  PASTE
- - - FABRIC DENSITY Thread/Inch 28 / 26
DIN 53352 FINISHED WEIGHT gr/㎡ 1100
DIN 53353 FINISHED THICKNESS m/m 0.9
DIN 53354 STRIP TENSILE Kgf/ 2Inch 340 / 300
  ELONGATION % 22 / 35
DIN 53363 TRAPIZOID TEAR Kgf 45 / 40
DIN 53357 ADHESION Kgf / Inch 7.8/ 6.8
DIN 53361 LOW TEMP.RESISTANCE degree C -25
- - - WARRANTY YEAR 3
  • WE BELIEVE THAT THIS INFORMATION IS THE MOST ACCURATE CURRENTLY AVAILABLE.
  • SPECIFICATIONS ABOVE ARE THE AVERAGE OF TEST RESULTS.