Herculite Blog

Introducing Latitude by Strataglass: A Next-Generation Marine Textile

mbrommer@herculite.com (Matt Brommer) — Mon, 20 Apr 2026 13:39:44 GMT

Strataglass LLC, the leading manufacturer of marine vinyl enclosure products, and Herculite Products are excited to introduce a new marine fabric, Latitude by Strataglass. This American-made marine fabric sets a new standard in performance textiles for the marine industry, blending premium aesthetics with enhanced durability. This innovative fabric is built to meet the high demands of marine fabricators, boat builders, and boat owners seeking durable protection without sacrificing appearance or ease of use.

Latitude by Strataglass uses a specially designed vinyl film technology that provides an exceptionally soft feel while ensuring the durability needed for tough marine environments. The material is engineered for easy fabrication, making it perfect for a wide range of marine uses where both performance and craftsmanship are important.

Built to withstand the toughest conditions on the water, Latitude offers outstanding resistance to cold cracking, tearing, weathering, rot, and ultraviolet exposure. Its advanced protective topcoat helps prevent damage from everyday marine contaminants while also making the material easy to clean and maintain. This protective layer not only preserves the fabric’s appearance but also extends its service life, delivering long-term value for customers.

"Latitude represents the next evolution in marine textile innovation,” said Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Craig Zola. “We designed this product to give fabricators a material that performs as beautifully as it looks, while providing boat owners with the durability and protection they expect from Strataglass.”

Latitude continues the Strataglass tradition of delivering premium marine materials that balance innovation, reliability, and refined appearance. With its unique combination of softness, durability, and weather resistance, Latitude is positioned to become a preferred choice for marine professionals and boating enthusiasts alike.

For more information about Latitude by Strataglass, including technical specifications, performance characteristics, and availability through authorized distributors, please visit www.strataglass.com. You may also contact Herculite/Strataglass directly at 1-800-772-0036 to speak with a representative about sample requests, application recommendations, or assistance in selecting the right marine fabric solution for your project.

Celebrating Kathy Jo Sipe's Retirement After 22 Years of Dedication

mbrommer@herculite.com (Matt Brommer) — Thu, 26 Mar 2026 12:57:02 GMT

After more than two decades of exceptional service, Herculite proudly celebrates the retirement of Kathy Jo Sipe, a Customer Service Representative whose dedication, teamwork, and commitment to excellence have made a lasting impact on both our customers and our organization.

For 22 years, Kathy has been a trusted voice and a reliable resource for customers, consistently demonstrating professionalism, patience, and a genuine desire to help others. Her approach to customer service has always been rooted in collaboration. She understands that the best solutions come from strong teamwork, open communication, and a shared commitment to putting the customer first. Her willingness to share knowledge, support her colleagues, and contribute to a positive workplace culture has made her an invaluable member of the Herculite family. Her positive attitude and team-first mindset will be greatly missed.

Kathy has always appreciated being part of a company that proudly manufactures products in the United States, and she has taken great pride in supporting Herculite’s mission and values throughout her career.

Outside of work, Kathy enjoys a variety of hobbies that reflect her patient and caring nature. She spends time knitting, tending her garden, and helping her husband with his beekeeping. Whether at work or at home, Kathy’s dedication and attention to detail are evident in everything she does.

As Kathy begins this well-deserved new chapter, we thank her for the many contributions she has made over the years. Her legacy of teamwork, customer focus, and kindness leaves a strong foundation for others to follow.

From all of us at Herculite, thank you, Kathy, for your 22 years of service, your many contributions, and the positive difference you’ve made for our customers and your coworkers alike. We wish you a happy, healthy, and fulfilling retirement.

Alternating Pressure Air Mattresses: Fabrics for Ulcer Prevention

ctwombly@herculite.com (Chad Twombly) — Wed, 04 Mar 2026 05:15:00 GMT

Air mattresses are often associated with temporary sleeping solutions, but in the healthcare industry, they serve a much more critical function. Alternating Pressure Air Mattresses (APAMs) are widely used in hospitals, long-term care facilities, and home healthcare settings as part of comprehensive pressure ulcer prevention protocols.

These specialized medical support surfaces are designed to redistribute pressure, manage moisture, and improve patient outcomes through advanced material engineering and dynamic pressure management technology.

Understanding Pressure Ulcers and Patient Risk Factors

Pressure ulcers—also referred to as bed sores, pressure injuries, or decubitus ulcers—occur when sustained pressure reduces blood circulation to the skin and underlying tissue. This ischemic condition can lead to tissue breakdown, particularly in areas covering bony prominences such as the sacrum, heels, hips, and scapula.

Patients at the highest risk typically include those with:

Limited mobility or paralysis
Extended post-surgical recovery periods
Advanced age
Poor circulation
Diabetes or compromised skin integrity
Long-term bed confinement

According to the Mayo Clinic, pressure injuries can progress through multiple clinical stages, ranging from mild skin discoloration to severe deep tissue damage involving muscle and bone. Prevention through proper support surfaces and repositioning protocols remains the most effective strategy.

Clinical Strategies for Pressure Ulcer Prevention

Healthcare providers typically implement multiple interventions to reduce pressure injury risk, including:

Scheduled patient repositioning protocols
Use of patient positioning and transfer devices
Pressure redistribution support surfaces
Moisture management systems
Offloading cushions for high-risk anatomical areas
Bed articulation adjustments to reduce shear forces

One of the most effective support-surface technologies used today is the alternating-pressure air mattress system.

How Alternating Pressure Air Mattresses Work

Alternating Pressure Air Mattresses are dynamic support surfaces designed to reduce continuous interface pressure through a series of air cells that inflate and deflate in programmed cycles. This alternating pattern helps redistribute patient weight and improve localized blood flow.

APAM systems are particularly valuable for patients who cannot reposition themselves independently, as the mattress continuously performs micro-repositioning to minimize prolonged pressure exposure.

Typical APAM system components include:

Air cell chambers
Automated pump and control units
Pressure adjustment settings
Low air loss or fluid management features
Protective mattress covers

Material selection plays a critical role in APAM performance, particularly in infection control, durability, cleanability, and patient comfort.

Performance Requirements for Medical Mattress Fabrics

Healthcare mattress fabrics must meet strict performance requirements to withstand the demands of clinical environments. Engineered healthcare textiles used in APAM construction must balance flexibility, durability, infection prevention, and regulatory compliance.

Key performance characteristics include:

Antimicrobial protection to inhibit bacterial growth
Flame resistance to meet healthcare fire safety standards
Fluid resistance to prevent contamination penetration
Moisture vapor transmission (MVT) for microclimate management
Thermal conductivity for patient comfort
Chemical and stain resistance for cleanability
Hypoallergenic properties for patient safety
Conductive properties for specialized medical applications
High tensile and tear strength for durability
Elastic recovery for pressure redistribution performance
Odor resistance
Phthalate-free formulations for environmental and patient safety

These technical requirements highlight the importance of selecting high-performance coated fabrics specifically engineered for medical applications.

Engineered Healthcare Textiles from Herculite

Herculite Inc. manufactures advanced flexible composite fabrics designed specifically for healthcare support surfaces and medical equipment applications. The Sure-Chek® line of medical fabrics incorporates a proprietary antimicrobial protection system engineered to remain effective throughout the material's useful life.

Herculite healthcare fabrics are designed for use in:

Alternating pressure air mattresses (APAMs)
Mattress ticking and surface covers
Fire barrier layers
Medical positioning cushions
Conductive medical fabrics
Healthcare privacy and shower curtains

By combining durability, cleanability, and pressure-management performance, Herculite fabrics help manufacturers meet the evolving technical requirements of the medical support surface market.

Learn More About Healthcare Mattress Fabrics

As pressure injury prevention remains a major focus in healthcare settings, the importance of engineered medical textiles will only grow. Selecting the right support surface materials can significantly impact patient safety, product longevity, and regulatory compliance.

To learn more about Herculite’s Sure-Chek® healthcare fabrics, visit:
http://www.herculite.com/healthcare-fabrics

Lyle Shipley Joins Herculite as Director of Innovation

mbrommer@herculite.com (Matt Brommer) — Mon, 02 Mar 2026 15:59:21 GMT

Herculite Products is pleased to announce that Lyle Shipley is joining Herculite as the new Director of Innovation. In this role, Lyle will focus on advancing Herculite’s innovation strategy, developing new products and solutions, and supporting growth across the organization.

With over 25 years of experience in the plastics industry, Lyle has a strong background in film formulation, product management, technical services, and new product development. Most recently, he served as Senior Product Manager at Continental AG, where he led new product development initiatives and customer launches across healthcare, flooring, automotive, and specialty product lines.

Lyle holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology/Chemistry from Shepherd University, has completed additional leadership and business systems training, and received the Continental Excellence Award in 2022. Throughout his career, Lyle has dedicated himself to driving innovation, supporting continuous improvement, and partnering cross-functionally to bring new ideas from concept to market.

Boat Shade Tops 101: Understanding the Different Type of Covers

czola@herculite.com (Craig Zola) — Sat, 28 Feb 2026 05:30:00 GMT

Did you just purchase a new boat, or are you thinking about upgrading your current watercraft with better protection and comfort? One of the smartest places to start is with your shade and cover system. The right top or cover doesn’t just make time on the water more enjoyable—it helps protect your investment from sun, salt, rain, and everyday wear.

There are several types of shade tops and covers designed for different boating styles and environments. From versatile bimini tops that provide open-air shade, to full enclosure curtains that help shield your cockpit from wind and spray, to boom awnings that extend coverage over larger deck areas, each option serves a specific purpose. You’ll also find dodgers that protect the companionway and forward cockpit, as well as traditional boat and mooring covers that safeguard the entire vessel when it’s not in use.

Understanding these different systems—and how they pair with high-performance marine fabrics—will help you select a solution that fits your boat, your climate, and the way you use your vessel.

Here’s a quick list of some of the boat covers and shade tops available:

Bimini Tops: These are open-front top covers for the cockpit, made from either canvas or another specialty material. The bimini uses a metal frame and can be taken down or put up as needed.
Enclosure Curtains: These are vinyl or acrylic curtains, sometimes made with other specialty textiles, that enclose your boat’s cockpit or deck area. The curtains extend or attach to the frame of a shade cover, like a bimini top.
Boat Covers: These are specially designed, measured fabric covers used to cover your entire boat when it’s not in use or in storage.
Boom Awnings: Boom awnings are similar to the shade structures you’d find on a building. These are designed to cover the deck or another part of the boat with shade and aren’t limited to just the cockpit.
Boat Dodgers: Sometimes called spray-hoods, boat dodgers use metal frames and canvas to create a protective area over the boat’s entrance and part of the cockpit. The dodger also typically has vinyl windows.
Boat Mooring Covers: Similar to a boat cover, mooring covers protect the boat when it’s not in use. However, they cover the entire boat, including below the rub rail.

The list above, which is not exhaustive, may seem overwhelming. When deciding on the type of boat cover or shade structure you need or want, it’s important to consider personal taste, style, and preference. There are various resources, including the Industrial Fabrics Association International boat shade top marine fabrics division, dedicated to informing consumers.

It’s helpful to have a basic understanding of the textile the covers are made from. Boat shade tops are made from specialty fabrics that include, but are not limited to: vinyl, polyvinyl composite, acrylic, and canvas

But why is this important? The type of fabric you choose will ultimately determine how long your boat top cover lasts. You should look for a textile that offers UV ray, water, mold, and mildew resistance. You might also want to find a boat shade top cover that is lightweight, easy to clean, and colorfast. Check if your cover comes with a warranty.

Without water- or UV-ray resistance, your boat’s shade top will fade and deteriorate faster. Eventually, you’ll find yourself buying another one, often much earlier than expected. Boat top covers made from materials not designed for the rigors of the sea will fray, tear, stretch, fade, and fall apart. Essentially, investing in a boat also means investing in its accessories — you will save in the long run.

When it comes to marine fabrics, laminate provides several clear benefits. Learn more by checking out our latest eBook, "Why Laminated Marine Vinyl Fabrics Offer Advantages Over Coated Marine Vinyl Fabrics".

Medical Privacy Curtains: Technical Considerations for Healthcare

ctwombly@herculite.com (Chad Twombly) — Tue, 03 Feb 2026 05:30:00 GMT

Modern healthcare environments depend on a complex ecosystem of advanced medical devices, infrastructure, and specialized materials. Among these essential components, medical privacy curtains remain one of the most frequently used—yet often overlooked—tools for supporting patient safety, infection control, and regulatory compliance.

While they may appear simple, healthcare curtains are highly engineered textile systems designed to meet strict fire safety standards, support infection prevention protocols, and withstand demanding cleaning regimens. Selecting the proper medical curtain fabric requires careful evaluation of performance characteristics, regulatory requirements, and long-term durability.

Critical Performance Requirements for Medical Curtain Fabrics

Fire Resistance and NFPA 701 Compliance

Healthcare privacy curtains must comply with NFPA 701, the industry standard for flame propagation resistance in textile materials. This test evaluates how fabrics respond to ignition sources and ensures that materials self-extinguish once the flame source is removed.

Many medical curtains are also constructed with high-strength polyester mesh headers. These mesh panels serve a critical safety function by allowing water from overhead sprinkler systems to penetrate the curtain during fire suppression events, helping ensure proper sprinkler effectiveness and code compliance.

Antimicrobial Technology and Infection Prevention

Infection prevention is one of the most crucial factors in selecting healthcare textiles. Privacy curtains are high-touch surfaces and can serve as vectors for pathogen transmission if not properly selected and maintained.

Advanced medical fabrics often incorporate integrated antimicrobial technologies to inhibit bacterial growth on their surfaces. These technologies typically utilize controlled-release antimicrobial systems embedded directly into the fabric, rather than surface-applied treatments that may degrade over time.

This protection can help reduce the risk of Hospital-Acquired Infections (HAIs) caused by pathogens such as MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus). While antimicrobial curtains are not a substitute for proper cleaning protocols, they serve as an additional layer of environmental protection within infection control strategies.

Cleanability and Chemical Resistance

Healthcare fabrics must be engineered to withstand frequent cleaning with hospital-grade disinfectants, including quaternary ammonium compounds, bleach solutions, and alcohol-based cleaners. Materials with non-porous or coated surfaces allow contaminants to remain on the surface rather than penetrate the textile structure, making them easier to disinfect.

Fabrics designed for in-place cleaning can significantly reduce maintenance costs and operational disruption while supporting infection control initiatives. Additional performance benefits often include resistance to staining from common medical contaminants such as iodine, bodily fluids, and oils.

Mechanical Performance and Longevity

Durability is another major consideration in healthcare environments where curtains are frequently handled, moved, and laundered. High-performance medical fabrics are typically engineered with reinforced scrim constructions or advanced polymer materials to improve:

Tear resistance
Tensile strength
Abrasion resistance
Dimensional stability

These features contribute to extended product lifecycles and lower total cost of ownership compared to conventional textile curtains.

Design and Patient Experience

In addition to technical performance, healthcare fabrics also play an important role in patient experience. Research has shown that thoughtfully designed healthcare environments can positively influence patient comfort and satisfaction.

Modern medical curtain fabrics are available in a wide range of colors, textures, and patterns, allowing healthcare facilities to balance clinical performance with hospitality-inspired design aesthetics.

Sure-Chek Engineered Healthcare Fabrics from Herculite

Herculite manufactures Sure-Chek brand high-performance healthcare fabrics designed to meet the demanding requirements of modern medical environments. Sure-Chek® Linen products combine regulatory compliance with advanced material engineering to deliver durable, easy-to-maintain privacy curtain solutions.

These fabrics are engineered to meet NFPA 701 fire safety requirements while also providing antimicrobial protection, chemical resistance, and long-term durability.

Technical Advantages of Sure-Chek Medical Fabrics

Flame and Stain Resistance

Sure-Chek® fabrics are engineered to resist ignition and self-extinguish when flame exposure is removed. Their specialized surface formulation also enables the removal of most oils, greases, and common healthcare contaminants with mild cleaning agents. Curtains can typically be cleaned without removal, helping maintain appearance and reduce replacement frequency.

Odor-Resistant Performance

Sure-Chek fabrics’ integrated antimicrobial protection helps prevent the development of bacteria-related odors by inhibiting the growth of odor-causing microbes on the fabric surface. This built-in defense supports a cleaner, more pleasant patient environment between routine cleanings, helping facilities maintain higher perceived cleanliness standards, improve patient and staff comfort, and enhance the overall quality of the care space.

Integrated Antimicrobial Protection and Structural Strength

Sure-Chek fabrics utilize a controlled-release antimicrobial system that continuously protects the fabric surface throughout its service life. Because this protection is built into the material itself, it does not wear off like topical treatments.

The fabrics are also engineered for demanding healthcare use, offering exceptional tear strength and resistance to mechanical wear. This durability helps extend curtain replacement cycles and reduce operational costs.

Available Specifications

Sure-Chek fabrics are available in multiple color options with:

72-inch fabric width
100-yard rolls
Multiple color options

These options allow healthcare facilities to standardize specifications while maintaining design flexibility.

A Small Detail with a Major Impact

The next time you enter a healthcare facility, take a closer look at the privacy curtains surrounding patient spaces. Behind their simple appearance is a sophisticated material engineered to meet strict safety standards, support infection control efforts, and enhance the healthcare environment.

Medical privacy curtains may seem like a small detail, but when properly specified, they play a significant role in creating safer, more efficient, and more comfortable healthcare spaces.

Julian Sponseller Joins Direct Sales Team at Herculite Products, Inc.

mbrommer@herculite.com (Matt Brommer) — Thu, 16 Oct 2025 20:03:26 GMT

Herculite Products is pleased to announce that Julian Sponseller has been hired as the Midwest Regional Manager for the Direct Sales Team. Herculite is excited to expand its sales team to support and continue the strong growth in that market.

Julian will oversee our Midwest region of the Direct Sales team, engaging with clients in the automotive, custom-engineered solutions, healthcare, agriculture, and tent and structure industries. At Herculite, our goal is to deliver the highest level of service and support in the industry, and we believe that Julian will make a valuable contribution to this mission.

Julian graduated from the University of Cincinnati with a major in Organizational Leadership and a minor in Sales, bringing four years of experience in the fabric industry to Herculite. He lives in Cincinnati and enjoys golfing and spending time with friends and family.

Herculite Named One of the Best Places to Work in PA for Third Year

mbrommer@herculite.com (Matt Brommer) — Fri, 10 Oct 2025 17:56:35 GMT

Herculite Products Inc., a leading innovator and manufacturer of high-performance and custom fabrics, is pleased to announce that the Central Penn Business Journal and Lehigh Valley Business have selected it as one of the Best Places to Work in PA for 2025.

“We’re honored to be recognized as one of the 2025 Best Places to Work in PA - and especially proud to receive this recognition for the third year in a row," said Vice President of Human Resources Pamela Funk. "This achievement is a direct reflection of our incredible associates, whose talent, dedication, and passion drive everything we do. At the heart of our culture is a commitment to empowering our associates to grow, thrive, and make a meaningful impact. Thank you to every member of our team — together, we’re creating a workplace where success and fulfillment go hand in hand.”

“The 2025 Best Places to Work in Pennsylvania have created workplaces that inspire success. They are committed to providing their employees with a positive environment, which translates into excellent customer service,” said Suzanne Fischer-Huettner, managing director of BridgeTower Media/Central Penn Business Journal and Lehigh Valley Business. “We are pleased to join with the Best Companies Group in honoring these inspirational businesses.”

Visit Herculite at Advanced Textiles Expo 2025

mbrommer@herculite.com (Matt Brommer) — Fri, 03 Oct 2025 18:55:56 GMT

Visit With Herculite and Strataglass at Advanced Textiles Expo 2025

Herculite is excited to attend the Advanced Textiles Expo this year. We will have a complete collection of our innovative fabrics, along with our team of fabric experts, to discuss our latest performance fabric innovations. Visit us at booth 1428.

The Advanced Textiles Expo is the premier event for the specialty fabrics and advanced textiles industry, bringing together manufacturers, suppliers, and innovators from around the world. As a trusted U.S. manufacturer with more than 70 years of experience, Herculite will showcase its latest advancements in high-performance textile solutions for industries ranging from healthcare and awnings to marine and military applications.

Herculite will proudly display its full assortment of American-made fabrics, produced with pride at its headquarters in Pennsylvania. The company will also feature its Berry-compliant fabrics, which meet the highest standards for U.S. military and government applications. These offerings underscore Herculite’s longstanding commitment to supporting American manufacturing and creating reliable, high-performance textile solutions for its customer partners that support critical industries.

The Advanced Textiles Expo 2025 will be held on Wednesday through Friday, November 5-7, at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis, IN, USA, with education sessions taking place Tuesday through Friday, November 4-7, 2025. This event brings together more than 4,500 decision-makers in the advanced textiles, specialty fabrics, and shade and weather protection industries for three-plus days of sourcing, education, and networking events.

Advanced Textiles Expo 2025 will again be co-located with Messe Stuttgart’s U.S.-based show Sun Shading Expo North America. Click the link below to receive a code for a free show floor registration or a 10% discount on All Access or Expo Plus registration.

Download Here

For more information about the show, visit advancedtextilesexpo.com

Strataglass to Showcase Clear Vinyl Solutions at IBEX 2025

mbrommer@herculite.com (Matt Brommer) — Thu, 25 Sep 2025 13:31:57 GMT

Strataglass, LLC, the leading manufacturer of premium clear vinyl enclosure products, is proud to announce its participation in The International BoatBuilders’ Exhibition Conference (IBEX) 2025, taking place in Tampa, Florida, from October 7-9.

As a trusted name in the marine industry, Strataglass has set the standard for clarity, durability, and performance in flexible vinyl products. At IBEX, the company will showcase its flagship Strataglass press-polished coated vinyl, as well as Crystal Clear and PanoramaFR products, renowned worldwide for their unmatched optical clarity, UV resistance, and long-lasting performance in demanding marine environments.

“IBEX is an ideal platform to connect with boatbuilders, designers, and marine professionals,” said Julie Tinsman of Strataglass, LLC. “We look forward to demonstrating how our products continue to enhance visibility, safety, and comfort on the water, while delivering the high level of performance our customers expect.”

Visitors can meet the Strataglass team at Booth # 2-316, where company representatives will be available to discuss product applications, answer technical questions, and showcase the latest innovations in marine enclosure solutions.

The IBEX show, recognized as the largest marine industry trade event in North America, attracts thousands of professionals from around the world seeking cutting-edge products and technologies. Strataglass is proud to be part of this premier event and continue its tradition of advancing the boatbuilding industry.