SUPPLIER S HOWCA SE
sustainability and weight savings for
business and VIP jets,” he says.
For example, the Ultrafabrics family of
products are manufactured using Takumi
technology. “Taking its meaning from the
Japanese word for artisan, the process
ensures performance is engineered
directly into four separate layers,” says
Estes. “Fabrics that are built in this
manner provide the smoothest surfaces
and resist delamination, a common
problem with some products.”
The process enables Tapis to offer new
products using the same fundamental
technology but with customised features
to meet different application needs. For
example, the Ultraleather Pro finish
prioritises stain resistance, making it
popular with business jet fleet operators.
FOUR LAYERS
The materials made with Takumi
technology have surface, top-skin,
microfoam and substrate layers. The
surface layer is designed to ensure
durability and ease of care for the life of
the fabric, protecting it from stains and
resisting liquids and moisture.
The top skin is composed of a unique
polycarbonate resin, which is engineered
for maximum hydrolysis resistance to
provide enduring strength as well as
colour vibrancy.
The microfoam layer is a
polycarbonate foam structure designed
to provide additional cushioning and
high-moisture transfer for comfort.
Finally, the substrate is composed of
reinforced rayon fibres, chosen to provide
dimensional stability and a superior
foundation for high performance and
ease of upholstering/tailoring.
ULTRALEATHER COLLECTIONS
All Ultraleather products by Ultrafabrics
are offered exclusively by Tapis for
aircraft interiors.
The Ultratech collection features a
proprietary molecular structure and
exclusive pigment systems that combine
to deliver refined matte finishes.
“The Ultratech collection combines
state-of-the-art performance with a
sensory experience unmatched by any
material before it,” explains Estes.
STANDOUT APPLICATIONS
Ultraleather Pro and Ultratech were recently
put to stunning use in a Bombardier Global
Express interior crafted by West Star
Aviation. Ultraleather Pro can be found on
the window panel and headliner.
“The client was attracted by the product’s
ink- and stain-resistant technology, which
prevents staining from things like denim
and ballpoint pens,” says Jason Estes
of Tapis. “The product also provides
antimicrobial protection.”
West Star Aviation also used Ultratech
Wired for the lower sidewall. This is one
businessjetinteriorsinternational.com
054 JANUARY 2020
“Tailoring easily, this futuristic surface
makes a unique statement in aviation
interior applications.”
Ultraleather Pro, featuring ink- and
stain-resistant technology, is the next
generation of Ultraleather. “Ideally suited
where durability, comfort and ease of
care matter, this collection delivers
notable repellence of the most stubborn
stains, safeguarding against ballpoint
pens, denim transfer and other difficult
stains,” says Estes.
RECYCLED FIBRES
TapiSuede is engineered using 100% ultrafine,
high-purity recycled polyester fibres
to ensure a reduced carbon footprint. The
company says the recycling process used
in manufacturing TapiSuede is free from
organic solvents, uses significantly less
energy and emits less carbon dioxide
than the manufacture of virgin polyester.
“The result is a textile of the highest
quality and purity,” says Estes.
“TapiSuede is also pliable, inherently stain
resistant, washable and spot cleanable.”
For vertical surface applications
TapiSuede BHC-SS maintains the same
characteristics as standard TapiSuede
but is lighter in weight and meets the
most stringent flame-retardance
requirements for commercial aircraft.
Lately, these fabrics have been made
available in a wide range of colours
beyond the usual palette of tans and
of the first applications for this product,
the newest collection in the Ultratech family.
Featuring a pattern inspired by technology,
Ultratech Wired is designed to offer a unique
hand and matte finish.
Meanwhile, the Gulfstream G600, winner
of the Private Jet Design award in the Luxe
et al International Yacht & Aviation Awards,
features seven different products supplied
by Tapis. The fabrics were used for multiple
parts of the aircraft, including the headliner,
the upper sidewall, baggage compartment
and maintenance covers.
RIGHT: TAPISUEDE FLANNELS
IN LIGHT GREY
greys popular with business jet owners.
Custom colours can be produced by
request, enabling designers to create
interiors that reflect their clients’
lifestyles. Tapis says that even the
whitest whites can now be used, thanks
to the materials’ stain resistance and
ease of cleaning.
Most importantly, the new-generation
fabrics borne from Ultrasuede’s launch
almost 50 years ago are fulfilling the
needs of designers whose clients are
today demanding a new standard of
luxury, a higher level of quality and more
attention to detail.
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