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Fabric Terms

Filed Under: Aircraft Fabric Covering

To facilitate the discussion of fabric coverings for aircraft, the following definitions are presented. Figure 3-2 illustrates some of these items.

Figure 3-2. Aircraft fabric nomenclature.
Figure 3-2. Aircraft fabric nomenclature.
  • Warp—the direction along the length of fabric.
  • Fill or weave—the direction across the width of the fabric.
  • Count—the number of threads per inch in warp or filling.
  • Ply—the number of yarns making up a thread.
  • Bias—a cut, fold, or seam made diagonally to the warp or fill threads.
  • Pinked edge—an edge which has been cut by machine or special pinking shears in a continuous series of Vs to prevent raveling.
  • Selvage edge—the edge of cloth, tape, or webbing woven to prevent raveling.
  • Greige—condition of polyester fabric upon completion of the production process before being heat shrunk.
  • Cross coat—brushing or spraying where the second coat is applied 90° to the direction the first coat was applied. The two coats together make a single cross coat. [Figure 3-3]
Figure 3-3. A single cross coat is made up of two coats of paint applied 90° to each other.
Figure 3-3. A single cross coat is made up of two coats of paint applied 90° to each other. [click image to enlarge]

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