Velcro is a popular fastener that provides ease of use, flexibility, and durability. It is often used in many industrial and commercial applications due to its ability to bond quickly and securely to a variety of surfaces. As such, there are numerous types of commercial velcro available, each suited to a particular application. Below, we will explore the different types of commercial velcro that you need to know about.

 

 

Hook and loop velcro is the most common form of velcro. It comprises two parts: the hook and the loop. The hook side consists of small plastic hooks that latch into the loop side, which is made of small, soft loops. The hook and loop sides are designed to work together to create a secure bond that can be easily opened and closed multiple times without losing its strength. The hook and loop velcro is perfect for various applications such as binding fabrics together, securing bags, or bundling and tidying cables and cords.

 

Back-to-back velcro, also known as double-sided velcro, is a type of velcro that has both the hook and loop sides on the same piece. The back-to-back velcro is particularly useful for applications where the velcro will be wrapped tightly around an object, such as cords, wires or hoses.

 

 

Another type of hook and loop velcro is molded hook velcro. This velcro has hooks that are molded onto the surface of the strip, as opposed to being sewn on. This unique feature makes the velcro more robust and durable, making it ideal for applications that require frequent use and heavy-duty options.

 

 

Self-engaging velcro, also known as matrix velcro, is a type of velcro that has hooks and loops in a random pattern, resulting in a self-gripping system. This velcro type has the potential to be incredibly strong with the pull force distributed across each of the hooks within the array. This feature provides an excellent solution for ensuring secure fastening over longer spans.

 

Velcro can be made from different materials such as nylon, polyester, and organic materials like cotton. Each material used for making velcro has different characteristics that can change the durability, strength, and usage of the velcro.

 

One of the most common materials used for velcro production is nylon. Nylon velcro is a reliable and durable option often preferred for various uses due to its strength, resistance to many chemicals, and its low friction levels. Nylon Velcro can also resist ultraviolet light and has a low moisture absorption rate, making it great for outdoor uses.

 

Polyester velcro is another common type of velcro due to its flame-retardant properties, making it an obvious choice for products that require high levels of fire resistance. In addition, the material is highly resistant to heat, which makes it an exceptional choice for industrial applications and applications in which exposure to high temperatures is necessary. Since polyester Velcro has a high melting point, it can withstand temperatures up to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

 

Organic materials like cotton are also used in velcro production, but these velcro versions generally have reduced strength and durability compared to nylon and polyester. However, cotton velcro is incredibly soft, lightweight, and flexible, making it ideal for frequently used apparel products.

 

 

Velcro can also be designed with specific adhesive backing options. Standard adhesive-backed velcro is suitable for general-purpose applications. You can apply them to surfaces such as brick, wood, or plastic. These types of velcros mostly feature a type of synthetic rubber that has moderate adhesion power and does not require priming or surface preparation.

 

High-temperature adhesive-backed velcro provides an excellent solution for use with high heat applications. Heat-resistant velcro is designed explicitly for situations in which the velcro must withstand high temperatures. It is often used in industries such as aerospace, automotive, and any other industry where heat is a concern. Furthermore, this type of velcro uses an acrylic adhesive that can withstand high-temperatures up to 300°F.

Acrylic adhesive-backed velcro use an acrylic material and provides a strong hold in adverse conditions such as damp or challenging surface areas. The acrylic layer provides a further shield against destructive elements due to its waterproof properties. These types of velcros are perfect for outdoor use, making it an ideal option for wet outdoor conditions.

 

Rubber adhesive-backed velcro is perfect for applications that will receive a high degree of abrasion. It is made from natural rubber and provides a high adhesive force compared to the standard adhesive Velcro. Rubber adhesive-backed velcro is heat-resistant and suitable for harsh environments, much the standard one, but its higher adhesive force makes it the perfect selection for applications with additional durability requirements.

 

 

Velcro can be specially designed for specific applications like industry, aerospace and defense, medical and pharmaceutical, automotive, and outdoor use. For instance, industrial velcro has rugged designs, suitable for harsh environments, while medical and pharmaceutical velcro has sterilized velcro designs to reduce risk and promote patient safety. Velcro made for automotive applications is designed with strength and temperature resilience, such as even use in the engine compartment. Outdoor velcro is water-resistant and has UV-resistant properties to allow for longer-lasting use.

 

 

In conclusion, velcro is a versatile product and comes in different styles and materials to suit different applications. Knowing about the different types of velcro available to your application will ensure that you select the type best suited for your needs. Consider factors like strength, durability, temperature resistance, adhesive properties, and material composition as part of your selection criteria. With the right selection, you can enjoy the flexibility, ease of use, and durability that comes with using the best velcro option for your application.