Industrial automation is often deployed where personnel cannot work safely, including within weld cells, foundries, and high-heat fabrication lines. In these environments, industrial robots rely on protective covers to shield critical components, like motors and sensors, from thermal damage. Although robot structures can tolerate harsh conditions, internal electronics, seals, lubrication systems, and cable assemblies fail [...]

The performance of an aluminium smelter depends heavily on the integrity of its sealing systems. At the heart of each smelter are reduction cells, the electrochemical units where alumina is converted into molten aluminium. Inside a reduction cell, even small gaps can disrupt draft control, reduce energy efficiency, and allow fluorinated gases to escape into [...]

Aircraft lightweighting reduces unnecessary mass throughout an airframe and its supporting systems, helping improve fuel efficiency, lower emissions, and extend operational range. Significant weight savings often result from optimizing the materials used across aircraft secondary systems, where mass tends to accumulate over time. Components such as liners, insulation blankets, covers, jackets, and seals can add [...]

Welding environments place extreme demands on nearby equipment. Radiant heat from the arc, elevated ambient temperatures, and constant molten metal spatter generate conditions that can quickly degrade cables, joints, sensors, and seals on robotic and mechanized systems. While industrial robots are engineered for precision and repeatability, they are not designed to tolerate direct exposure to [...]

A storage tank's performance and efficiency are closely linked to its insulation. Whether the tank is designed to retain warmth in a heated process or to keep chilled materials at low temperatures, insulation directly determines how efficiently it maintains those conditions. Without it, storage tanks lose or gain heat, leading to unstable temperatures and unnecessary [...]

Lithium batteries are used to power a wide range of technologies, from electric vehicles to grid systems. Their growing energy density and compact design produce significant heat and electrical stresses that, without effective insulation, can reduce performance, shorten service life, and trigger failure. Coated fabric insulation offers a thin, flexible, and durable material solution that [...]

Electric vehicles (EVs) rely on high-performance lithium-ion batteries to deliver the power, range, and efficiency drivers expect from modern electric mobility. Their high energy density, however, introduces an engineering challenge: the risk of thermal runaway, a self-accelerating reaction that can transform a small cell failure into a wider thermal event if not properly contained. Effective [...]

Fabric coatings are what turn ordinary textiles into engineered materials capable of resisting water, UV light, abrasion, and even fire. These coatings extend service life, improve reliability in extreme conditions, and allow fabrics to meet demanding industry standards. Two of the most widely used options are liquid silicone and polyurethane (PU). Each has distinct strengths, [...]

Harsh manufacturing environments can be unforgiving, especially for industrial robots working in smelting lines, paint booths, or casting cells. These machines operate amid continuous exposure to heat, airborne particulates, and corrosive chemicals, which can accelerate wear on their internal systems. Without effective protection, robotic performance falters and critical components deteriorate. Maintaining thermal stability and a [...]

Originally published on 03/15/2022. This article has been updated with the latest information on high-performance fabrics for aerospace applications. Aerospace systems operate in conditions that test every material to its limit. Fabrics must withstand extreme heat, resist chemical exposure, and remain structurally sound without adding unnecessary weight. For decades, Mid‑Mountain Materials, Inc. has focused on [...]