New batch of Dyneema 18gsm, holes along fold lines

[Andrey R]

Hi all,

About 2 weeks ago I ordered 2m of 18g/m2 Dyneema/Cuben from extremtextil, and the fabric arrived folded (they charge extra for rolls). Today I used a 40×70 cm piece to make a compression sack, and noticed two holes in it, along the original folding line. Thinking that these might be just at the edge of the fabric, I then unfolded the rest of the piece, and discovered 12 more holes which formed a square pattern, where fold lines meet. Not every fold line ‘cross’ contained a hole, but some appeared to have holes in the making. I will ask them for a refund, or to ship a their repair kit for the holes.

I would love to hear your thoughts about the following:

— Do you think it’s a problem of this batch, or the way extremtextil stored it, or with 18gsm DCF in general? Sylnylon used for tarps and tents (i.e. same use that I intended for this grade of DCF) would never crack in storage.

— Can you recommend an alternative supplier? E.g. where do Zpacks get their DCF?

I understand that DCF should be handled with care, but if regular folding of new fabric by the supplier makes it dead on arrival, it’s on a different level, and now makes me question the idea of using DCM for UL tents.

https://www.extremtextil.de/en/dyneema-composite-fabric-formerly-cuben-fiber-ct1e08-18g-sqm.html

Below are two quotes from the web description:

— DCF is far more tear-resistant than other fabrics of the same weight, it is highly waterproof, doesn’t stretch, is resistant to folding…

— DCF can contain stains, stripes, dots, variations in weaving or slight folding marks. This is more visible in the coloured versions. Since this doesn’t affect the technical properties, this is not an error.

Thank you in advance!

 

[William Chilton]

That doesn’t look to me like damage from being folded; it looks like damage from something sharp or hard.

[Dan @ Durston Gear]

I don’t think that’s an issue with the DCF. It looks like it was folded and then something happened to it, such as rubbing against something sharp or being opened with a knife.

[Andrey R]

Here is more, showing the locations of the holes along fold lines

[Andrey R]

Since I have plenty of holes to chose from, here is another one. This one is actually a double. 

[Andrey R]

…and another one. 

[Andrey R]

Dan, the package was not opened with a knife.

[Andrey R]

Update: Extremtextil were helpful, and sent a roll of tape to fix the holes. They indicated that the issue might have been with the manufacturer.

[Matt]

I had the exact same experience with the slightly lighter version of DCF, i.e. multiple rows of linear holes. The repetitive nature of the damage pattern caused me co conclude it was a manufacturing glitch.  I currently get my DCF from Ripstop by the Roll.  I have never received anything yet that was marred in any way.

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