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OMNIFLEX™
WATERPROOF BREATHABLE FILMS

Argotec's OmniFlex Films Division* offers the finest polyurethane and copolyester waterproof-breathable films in the industry. Super-thin, hydrophilic, OmniFlex™-brand films are ideal for lamination to fabrics used in today's most popular performance apparel and footwear. They are the product-of-choice specified by one of North America's largest retailers of hunting and other performance apparel, as well as being the perfect solution for waterproof breathability in a wide variety of other outdoor applications:

• Parkas
• Hunting
• Biking
• Gloves
• Footwear
• Rain wear
• Golf wear
• Mountaineering
• Hiking
• Sailing
• Work wear
• Fishing gear

In addition to waterproofing the garment, glove, shoe or boot with a single film-to-fabric lamination, OmniFlex™ films provide outstanding breathability to keep the hunter, climber, golfer, skier or other sports enthusiast dry and comfortable inside their clothing. Other desirable properties include:

• High moisture vapor transmission rate.
• Good drape.
• Quietness.
• Excellent stretch and recovery.
• Adhesive characteristics provide very durable bonds.
• Compatible with all commercial lamination techniques for 2, 2½ and 3 layer fabrics.
• Lubricant-free formulations produce extremely durable laminations.

WATERPROOF BREATHABILITHY AND ANTIBACTERIAL ODOR-CONTROL TECHNOLOGY IN A SINGLE FILM LAYER

OmniFlex™ waterproof-breathable films may also be formulated with Natural Elements™ antimicrobial technology that kills odor-causing bacteria on contact.

Unlike other technologies that require two layers to control odor and provide waterproof breathability, Omniflex™ films now allow performance apparel and footwear designers and manufacturers to accomplish both functions in a single film-to-fabric lamination. This distinct technology utilizes a variety of silver, copper and other metallic agents, blends of each, or proprietary non-metallic additives.

Another unique feature of the Natural Elements™ antibacterial technology is its ability to be tailored to the specific needs of the end use: slow-to-fast acting, short-to-long lasting, or a combination of both in the same film layer. These films have been tested under AATCC Methods 100 and 147 and were found to prevent bacterial growth that can cause odors and provide ongoing antimicrobial protection.

PRODUCT DIMENSION AND CARRIER OPTIONS

Super-thin Omniflex™ waterproof-breathable films are cast on polyethylene, polyester or paper carriers in thicknesses 0.2-6 mils (5-152 microns) and widths up to 68 inches (1.73 meters). Mid-performance waterproof breathable films are available without carrier in thickness of 0.8 mils (203 microns) or greater and widths up to 86 inches (2.18 meters).

Omniflex™ waterproof-breathable films with Natural Elements™ odor-control technology are available on polyethylene, polyester or paper carriers in thicknesses 0.2-2.0 mils (5-50 microns) and widths up to 65 inches (1.52meters).

WHY SPECIFY OMNIFLEX FILMS

Textile laminators and designers of waterproof-breathable apparel and footwear around the world look to Argotec for consistency above all else:

• Consistency of film recipe from one batch to the next.
• Consistency of film thickness from one part of the roll to another due to digital in-line gauge control.
• Consistency of lay-flat to minimize voids and bubbles in the laminating process.
• Consistency of cleanness and overall quality from digital, state-of-the-art, photographic inspection systems.
• Consistency of processability in the laminator's production operation.
• Consistency of the films' physical properties and overall performance characteristics.

INDUSTRY LEADING TECHNICAL SUPPORT

Engineers at the Argotec Innovation Center stand ready to interact with process engineers at the customer's location to ensure that all Omniflex™ waterproof-breathable films perform properly in their production processes. They are also available to test the newest resins, engineer distinct formulations, and to troubleshoot both new and existing applications.

* Fomerly Omniflex LLC, a joint venture formed in 1994 and acquired solely by Argotec in 2009.  Natural Elements™ is a trademark of Etc, LLC, a joint venture partner of Argotec.

Omniflex™-brand waterproof-breathable,
polyurethane and polyester films are ideal for
use in performance apparel and footwear
applications where the comfort of the user is
of prime importance.