Most Dyecom manufacturers will buy the finished dye from one manufacturer and then make the finished pigment by complexing this dye.  First Source Worldwide, LLC has a Dyecom source that in vertically integrated and makes both the soluble dye and then complexes it to make the finished pigment. This allows for more quality control of the final product, allowing for shade adjustments to match specific applications.

It should also be mentioned that these pigments are manufactured in India, thus avoiding the high tariffs currently in place for Chinese products.

Current products include Red 169, Red 81:3, Violet 27 and Violet 3.  If customers require other Dyecom pigments, they might already be in the development stage.

The post DYECOM PIGMENTS first appeared on First Source Worldwide.

Founders, Dale, and Carrie Clark are both Fox Valley natives with deep ties to the community raising two Neenah High School alumni, and one soon to be Neenah alumni. CFO, Carrie Clark CPA, is currently serving as a board member and treasurer of the Future Neenah, not-for-profit. Future Neenah, incorporated in 1983, is a civic development group engaged in the leadership, management, and funding of a wide range of programs, projects and events in Neenah, Wisconsin, a city of 25,000 situated in a region of over 300,000.  FSW has shown it’s commitment to the civic development of Neenah, Wisconsin through sponsoring events at the local farmers market in the summer, and holiday events in the winter.

This strategic acquisition grants the additional office space that is needed to align with the growing business. As our journey continued, it was clear that we needed to expand our space.  We needed more space, more people, and the flexibility to grow our corporate office to better service our customers overall. We’re excited about the possibilities that comes with owning a location in Neenah, WI. The value of the location, the vitality of business partners in the area, and the space to customize for our growth will allow us to continue delivering value to our customers.

The post First Source Worldwide Finds Permanent Home in Neenah, Wisconsin first appeared on First Source Worldwide.

Later, when I was 10, this was followed by the Gilbert Chemistry Kit.  This kit came with alcohol burners, test tubes, clamps and a broad range of concentrated raw chemicals used in a series of experiments to observe the reactions of different combinations.  You won’t find kits like that for sale any more today, but I somehow managed to survive.  Little did I know that the seeds were being firmly planted for what would eventually morph into a career that has lasted nearly 50 years…

At First Source Worldwide, we offer a wide variety of colorants and chemicals that address the needs of both major markets and niche industries.  Each customer and industry has unique requirements for which we have provided the particular colorants and chemicals best suited to satisfy the demands of their application environment.  Successful translation of these needs into appropriate products requires extensive lab testing for verification of spectrophotometric, physical and application characteristics and compatibility.

Our quality program is ISO 9001 certified, and we have a Quality Control staff of highly trained laboratory scientists, with many years of experience with colorants and chemicals. They are all dedicated to the satisfaction of the customers who depend on the products and services we provide every day.

In recent years, one market that has mushroomed exponentially targets car wash applications.  I am sure anyone who has been through a car wash in recent years is familiar with the car wash “experience” that is becoming increasingly popular.  Car wash operations now have many options for the consumer to choose from, with special cleaners, protective coating rinses and waxes being used.  Often, consumers like to be assured that the extra chosen products being paid for are actually being applied.

We have worked together with many car wash companies to find dye and optical brightener products that are compatible with the wide variety of chemicals that are common in their industry.  By providing a range of colors that can be used, a car wash operator can display different bright yellow, red, blue, and fluorescent markers in the various cleaning stages at their car wash locations.  These colorful foams and liquid sprays provide evidence to the consumer that these chosen extras are being applied.  At the same time, they also provide a fascinating panorama of color that makes for an interesting experience.

Displayed below are products that First Source Worldwide recommends for Car Wash applications.  Please contact our Customer Service and Sales Staff for any additional information and any questions you may have about them.

The post The Wonderful World of Color first appeared on First Source Worldwide.

The Luxury Vinyl Tile is one of the resilient and versatile flooring solutions among the Luxury Vinyl category, comprising of the Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) and the Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP). LVT is made up of individual squares of varying sizes which are assembled by the user during installation. The flooring appears like a stone tile, and it offers the option of making various patterns to suit the needs of the customer. The consumer can easily replace or change damaged tiles, making it easy to repair the squares come in different sizes.

LVT first hit the market in the 1960’s and by the 1970’s it was sold as an improved form of the sheet vinyl, with a traditional hardwood floor’s appearance. This was in response to a high demand as the construction industry boomed. The LVT met the needs of the industry at a time when there was a rapid growth in non-residential and residential construction due to its high durability as well as aesthetic appeal.

Its popularity in North America is associated with the increase in preference for the glue-down construction that emerged in the 2000’s. Constructors preferred LVT to the more expensive alternatives such as carpet, hardwood, or laminate. LVT is relatively cheap since it is made up of composite materials, making it affordable and accessible to more consumers. The LVT does not accumulate dust particles. Besides, the flooring is not only water resistant, but also durable, making it resilient and not prone to scratching or scuffing. The flooring is suitable for basements, laundry rooms, kitchens, and bathrooms.

In the era of Do-It-Yourself (DIY) enthusiasts, the LVT became popular in North America due to its peel and stick option that made it easy for the consumer to install the flooring at home without professional help. There was an increase in the number of consumers interested in remodeling their facilities, as well as repairing and maintaining them by themselves.

Another version of LVT emerged to cater to the changing needs of the consumer, and this is referred to as loose-lay. This version is a good alternative for consumers interested in not only installing the floors easily, but also moving the flooring from one house to another as the need may arise. This increases the versatile nature of the flooring, making it more attractive to different segments in North America.

In North America, the LVT market is expected to continue to grow due to the expansion of the construction industry, increase in the popularity of tiles, and a rise in remodeling and innovation. The real estate industry in north America is also experiencing growth, which will increase the demand for the LVT. Its superior comfort, shock-absorbance, and noise control properties will continue enhancing its popularity in commercial and residential spaces in the North America region.

The post The Evolution of Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) in North America first appeared on First Source Worldwide.

First Source Worldwide and Subsidiaries have signed an agreement to be the exclusive distribution partner for North, Central, and Latin America with Endo Enterprises of the UK for Endo’s Endosan Silver Stabilized Hydrogen Peroxide product line.  

EndoSan is a solution of Hydrogen Peroxide (H₂O₂) which is stabilized using a proprietary ionic silvery based chemistry. 

EndoSan is a powerful, highly effective, broad spectrum disinfectant that is both stable and safe. 

When correctly applied to water, air or any surface EndoSan will disinfect through an oxidation process and continue to safely provide unrivalled residual performance. 

Areas of Application 

• Legionella Control 
• Commercial Livestock 
• Horticulture 

• Maritime and Shipping 
• Food and Beverage 
• Healthcare 
• Sports and Leisure 

Key Benefits 

• Highly effective biofilm remover. 
• Conforms to EN13623 and EN13626. 
• Unrivalled stability. 
• Forms no harmful by-products. 
• pH neutral when dosed. 

• Proven efficacy & globally approved. 
• Effective between 0°C and 95°C. 
• Odour, colour and taste free. 
• Three-year shelf-life. 
• NSF ANSI/CAN 60 Certified 

• DEFRA Approved Disinfectant 

Product Use 

Water Treatment 

EndoSan is a highly effective water treatment solution which is a truly credible alternative to traditional chlorine disinfection methods. It will totally remove biofilms whilst being non-corrosive at dose rates. Maintaining its efficacy at a wide range of temperatures and pH values, EndoSan is odourless, colourless and tasteless, lending itself to many applications in the field of water treatment. 

Fogging 

Fogging EndoSan (H2O2) provides a highly effective solution for disinfecting entire rooms with minimal downtime. Ultra-low volume (ULV) fogging devices can be used to generate a dry mist of tiny EndoSan droplets that can combat airborne pathogens as well as settling on and disinfecting every surface in a room (including the underside). 

Electrostatic Fogging Disinfection 

Fogging is the process of using large volumes of air at low pressure to transform liquids into tiny droplets that are dispersed into the atmosphere. These Ultra Low Volume (ULV) droplets are perfect for the application of a disinfectant like EndoSan. 

Electrostatic fogging gives the EndoSan droplets a positive electrical charge when they pass an electrode positioned at the nozzle of the device*. 

Electrostatically charged droplets repel each other giving better dispersion of the EndoSan solution. They make strong and quick contact with surfaces providing consistent coverage. These benefits improve optimal disinfection economy and fast turnaround of disinfected spaces. 

Over the coming weeks and months, we will do a deep dive into specific applications to demonstrate the true value of the increased efficacy of Endosan in comparison to standard Hydrogen Peroxide and other incumbent chemistries in common applications.  

Sources 

The post Endo Enterprises Exclusive Distribution Partner first appeared on First Source Worldwide.

The Triplex® Technology advantage:

• Triple Seam– At the heart of Triplex® is a stronger top and bottom seam. This seam is created by adding two additional wraps of steel to form a triple seam with a total of 7 complete layers of steel versus 5 layers.
• Compound Curl- The Triplex® pail design offers a unique compound top curl on an open-head pail. The curl is the potential failure point of any steel pail. A compound curl allows a much better crimp when using the CSC Hi-Performance UN lug cover. This combination has been fully approved by the U.S. Department of Transportation and delivers consistent UN performance.
• Weld Seam- The Triplex design features an improved weld seam. By using a new computer-controlled feedback loop welder, the seam is smoother and stronger. This enhances the exterior appearance. A cleaner weld also reduces the possibility of sharp burrs or feathers that may be dangerous or that might interfere with the integrity of the interior lining.
• Body Profile- The improved body profile of the Triplex open-head pail design allows for increased labeling area. This is extremely helpful when complying with all of the government regulations, directions for use and warning statements that are now required to be included on your labeled pails. The added room permits a larger label to properly fit on the pail body without wrinkling or tearing.

Choose from both open head nested, straight sided or closed head pails using Triplex® technology:

• Open Head Pail-Nested –Tapered body design allows pails to be nested to maximize storage space and freight costs. This is the most versatile and durable design for a wide range of products as well as the most cost-effective design depending on configuration. Open head pails offer three different cover options and will hold a variety of products including hazardous materials. Strong wire bail handle with grip allows for ease of handling and pouring. All open head pails are made with Triplex® technology which allows for the highest valid UN rating available.
• Open Head Pail-Straight Sided– Straight body design which is Ideal for products that require a follower plate for dispensing products such as adhesives, lubricants and greases. Three different cover options are available and these pails feature a strong wire bail handle with grip allowing for ease of handling and pouring. Open head pails offer a stackable design using Triplex® technology along with a compound curl allowing for a high UN rating.
• Closed Head Pail-Tighthead-Non-removable top ideal for products that need a higher UN rating. A variety of fittings are available for dispensing. The closed head pail boasts the highest UN rating available of any pail design and is approved for air shipments. This stackable design features a galvanized steel handle and offers Triplex® technology throughout the top and bottom seams.

Commerce Industrial Chemicals offers a full array of products for your packaging needs. All steel pails are designed in accordance with ANSI standards. Gallon sizes range from 2.5 gallons to 7.5 gallons. A full range of UN-rated pails is available to meet the hazardous materials transportation requirements of each customer’s filled package.

The post Discover Triplex Technology from Cleveland Steel Container first appeared on First Source Worldwide.

By utilizing differences in molecular size and affinity, and their effects on elution time, we can identify and quantify the composition of chemical samples. This instrument allows us to analyze a wide variety of chemical samples, whether they be dyes, polymers, ions, or solvents. In fact, at FSW we are utilizing an ultra-high performance liquid chromatography or UHPLC, which requires a smaller sample size and provides faster results with higher resolution.

This new instrument will give us the capability to identify the composition of many mixtures quickly and accurately, whether the component are dye mixtures, solvents, other chemicals, or a combination thereof. This will be a great tool for our lab staff. In less than a half hour we can isolate and quantify the amounts of any dye in a mixture, no matter how many components are in use.

In the past, dye mixtures were examined with a spectrophotometer, with special attention on the peaks in certain absorption wavelengths. Identification of single dyes was simple, but in multi-component mixes, there was a high amount of time-consuming guesswork. With chemical spot tests used to confirm our best guess, a large amount of time could be spent just trying to figure out what all in a dye mixture is, not to mention the time spent figuring out all the individual ratios. A variety of physical and solubility tests could be used as a last resort but often produced results that could be considered inconclusive. With the new HPLC, our time may be better spent improving processes, products, and services for our customers.

Besides improving our R&D capabilities, the HPLC should greatly improve our quality control. The machine gives us the ability to detect any contaminants in our products, or raw materials; even those that make up a fraction of a percent. We can use this to help improve existing products by qualifying and quantifying the components, production capability and to ensure our standards are met.

In-house we will be using this tool to better evaluate our vendors. This will also help identify potential incompatible substances in our customers material. In turn, we will be able to discover suppliers’ quality and confirm their conformance. The HPLC can be used to monitor our regulatory compliance activities.

The lab staff at First Source Worldwide is grateful and excited by the opportunities presented by our new HPLC. Our results will be fast, easy, and more accurate than ever before. We can double check our guesswork for multi-component mixes. We can ensure the safety of our customers and staff with a press of a button. Have you been struggling with the identity of a product, the purity of a sample, or are unsure about its health and safety hazards? Consider sending us a sample. We will get you the answers you need! Click the picture below to contact us.

The post High-Performance Liquid Chromatography first appeared on First Source Worldwide.

The science of Quality Control has evolved dramatically over the last 50 years to include a more acute awareness for the many chemical and physical properties of dyes. As a result, there have been many advancements in the ability to measure these properties to make it possible to make the best choice of available products for new applications. Additionally there have been new chemicals designed to enhance required properties and minimize those that are not desired.

Dyes have a variety of physical properties that can be measured. Some of these are moisture, bulk density, general physical appearance, particle size, pH, and many others. Some are specific to physical form- liquids can additionally be tested for viscosity, solids, particulates, and film appearance while others can be more generally applied.

Water and solvent soluble dyes can be tested and compared to their respective standards for transmission shade and strength and the spectral curve obtained across visible light wavelengths. Other properties are related more to the actual chemistry of the products, such as hazard warnings with regard to safe handling and environmental concerns as well as their potential for longer term stability.

Many dye properties are specific to application effectiveness on substrates such as textiles, leather, wood, and aluminum. Final dyed form of finished materials can be tested for reflectance measurements of shade and strength. Fastness test values can also be determined for chlorine/bleach/oxidizer compatibility, wet and dry crock, lightfastness and wash fastness.

So, there is a LOT of testing going on, how can we make sense of all this information? What does it all mean? Quality Control will always be a three-part process.

• First, it is critical that a determination is made of all relevant physical, chemical, and application properties that uniquely define the characteristics of each product.
• Second, and equally as critical, is detailing the process by which each of those properties can be accurately measured as well as the specification of approved values within the range of possible results.
• Third, all the previous work will be futile without the ability to securely store all of this test data information. Storage needs to be organized in such a way that can later be recalled and used as a guide for quality determination, as well as retained as an archive for future review. It is only the successful integration of all three parts that results in a comprehensive Quality Control process that can respond to all internal and external needs.

Here at First Source, we have always taken great pride on our test and informational documentation systems. During our early years we relied primarily on a highly organized physical filing system for storage of this information. Nowadays this has been augmented by Deacom, a sophisticated ERP system that, in addition to linking all departmental areas of our company, provides a sophisticated integrated repository for the acquisition of all test information. Within this system, every product is detailed for each required test property and its approved range of test results. All incoming and outgoing shipments must go through a rigorous quality control process that Deacom oversees and will not allow approval for products whose test results fail to fall within these range limits.

The test results themselves are supported by analytic testing equipment that goes through regularly scheduled certification for accuracy. Spectrophotometers, viscometers, moisture balances, all analytic balances, as well as standards for weights, pH, and viscosity are all verified as part of this certification process. This testing system readiness is verified daily by our laboratory staff.

Most critically, we are ISO 9001 certified, and review of our Quality Control processes, equipment calibration, and informational tracking systems is a regular part of their evaluation and certification process. It is the umbrella under which we maintain our readiness to provide the high level of technical support required by customers to address the diverse challenges they face today.

So, it is the combination of all these capabilities and efforts as well as the readiness and determination to provide an uncompromising standard of excellence that defines our program of quality control. At First Source we have established a culture of continuous improvement of our processes, the broadening scope of industries we service and our ability and commitment to service their needs in the years ahead. If you are interested in learning more about First Source Worldwide’s quality control approach, click the picture below to contact a representative!

The post Quality Control – A State of Mind first appeared on First Source Worldwide.

What Does an Inkjet Printer Do?

Digital inkjet carpet printers help the manufacturers to produce mass customized carpets for individuals, shops and collections. They can create complicated, unlimited, and difficult patterns along with endless colors per design. It all depends on your choice!

How Does an Inkjet Printer Work On Carpets?

The needed penetration can be achieved by applying the pre-coat and using SupaPRESS technology (a system used to enhance penetration) to push amounts of highly concentrated ink deep down into the pile.

• Inkjet printers assure high printing speed
• It barely wastes any ink
• Works with four, six or eight base colors (inks)
• You do not need to wash the system before you change colors
• There is an unlimited number of shades which are mixed on the carpet
• It has a variable resolution of 400*400; 400*800; 400*1200; 400*1600 dpi
• Has the best penetration on pile weights from 100 to 800 g/m²
• It does not need any color kitchen

Resolution

The resolution is important when it comes to inkjet printing because it is the main parameter that controls ink pick-up. The higher the resolution, the more droplets which lead to a higher pick up at a slower speed. Resolutions higher than 200 dpi will not be recognized on the carpets which is why it should not be higher than needed. Also, higher print resolution leads to using more ink, higher cost and a slower speed. This is why resolution should not be higher than needed as stated above.

The Number of Base Colors

A minimum of four colors is needed when it comes to the base colors. You should know that when you use an eight-color design at 200 dpi it looks the same as a four-color design at 400 dpi. You should always make sure that you use either CMYK or RGBK colors. In textile printing (carpet and rugs) your quality is further improved when you add additional light colors. For special applications, you can make use of CMYK + orange, purple-red and blue.

Drop size

The drop size is a very important factor because it directly influences how the ink laydown is going to come out. It also ranges from 2 to 250 picoliter, you should know that the drop size has to be big enough so that the ink can be applied in a single pass. But it shouldn’t be too big because if it is, it may result in doting or dithering. The individual droplets are generated by a piezo actuator. The most important factor is the amount of ink needed to achieve good penetration as well as rich and beautiful colors. The drop size has a big impact on the dithering, print cost, definition and print speed.

After reading this article, you would be able to know the factors you should consider when it comes to inkjet printing on carpets and rugs. You need to consider the drop size, the number of base colors, the resolution and the technology needed to enhance penetration. You should also keep it in mind that inkjet printing is very cost-effective, fast and one of the best choices when it comes to giving your textiles beautiful patterns and colors. Give your home that homely feeling and get beautiful patterns of your choice on your rugs and carpets today. For more information or to contact a First Source Worldwide team member, click the picture below!

The post Inkjet Printing for Carpet and Rugs first appeared on First Source Worldwide.

Carpets are manufactured for the consumer in three primary forms: broadloom, tiles, or rugs. 

• Broadloom
  • Wall-to-wall carpet or broad width carpet comes in large rolls that are cut to size for room installations. These carpets are available in a broad range of colors, widths, and textures.
• Tiles
  • Carpet tiles are cut from roll goods into smaller sizes, the smaller size allows easier installation with less carpet waste. Until recently carpet tiles were offered as squares. Now, as the product category grows other size formats are becoming more popular and more readily available. This allows more pattern flexibility during installation.
• Rugs
  • The first carpets were handmade rugs for domestic use, with the first examples dating back centuries. Modern rugs are now produced mechanically by a tufting machine or by a loom.

The Coloring Process

The coloring process can take place at different stages in carpet production, depending on the desired visual effect. Color can be applied to the fiber as it is extruded, before or after heating setting the yarn, before tufting, or applied after tufting when the substrate is produced for the final product construction. 

Carpet Dye Methods

Carpet dye methods vary depending on the fiber type, performance requirements, and the visual appearance targets for the finished product. Each process impacts the final product. It is an important characteristic to consider when selecting a carpet for use. We will be looking at five dyeing methods. 

• Solution-Dyed
  • With pre-dyed fibers, the color is added to the polymer before the carpet is made, before the twist, heat set, and tufting. The color is formulated in the extrusion process. The colorant (Pigment) is a masterbatch usually in pellet form, that is blended at different amounts with the raw polymer to achieve the final color. Carpet colors, designs, and patterns are then created by tufting the colored fibers into a primary backing material, with varying thread up patterns to the needles on the tufting machine. Bleach resistance and light fastness properties are improved with solution-dyed yarns. The number of color offerings of solution-dyed carpets are more limited than other dyeing methods.
• Yarn-Dyed
  • The coloring of the white yarn occurs before the tufting. Yarn dyeing adds a single color or multiple color accents to enhance the visual effect on the substrate. The yarns are then tufted into the primary backing material to create the carpet. As with solution-dyed yarn, the design of the final product is achieved by the thread up to the needles on the tufting machine. The multicolor processes are known as Knit de Knit or Space Dyeing. The white yarn is knitted into socks or multiple single yarns are threaded to the machines for dyeing. The dye applicators apply the colors down the length of the yarn continuously. In both techniques, the dyes are applied to the yarn, steamed, washed/extracted, and dried. The socks are de knitted back to singles and the single yarns from both are wound onto cones for tufting. These techniques are used to create color designs in the finished carpet.
• Beck Dyed
  • Beck dyeing is a process of dyeing white yarn, wound into a bundle (Skeins) or carpet broadloom (Griege) after the yarn has been tufted into the primary backing material. The yarn or carpet is put into vats of water, boiled either in an atmospheric or pressure vessel while the dyes and chemicals are mixed, and added into the dye bath to achieve the desired color. This is known as Beck dyeing and/or the piece dyeing process.
• Continuous Dyed
  • Continuous dyeing occurs after the tufting process when the yarns are made into a broadloom carpet. The carpet can be all white or tufted in a pattern with accents of pre-dyed yarn. The carpet is processed through a dye film to apply the color at high speeds. By using multiple applicators and different dyes, it is possible to create a huge range of different color effects and shades of carpet. This technique offers the most flexibility for color, design, and lower dye cost. Once the dye is applied, the carpet passes through steamers to fix the color and chemistries that add performance characteristics to the final product. The carpet is then dried and put onto cores at various roll lengths for the coating process where the secondary backing is applied.
• Print Dyed
  • Modern printed carpet is primarily achieved by three methods, flatbed printing, rotary screen printing, or Chromojet printing. In each of these processes, the color is applied to the carpet in a patterned design consisting of multiple colorations. With the screen-printing method, the dye is pushed through a mesh material by a squeegee onto the face of the carpet. Screen printing pre-dates the Chromojet and at one time was the main method in which printed carpet was produced. In recent years, the Chromojet has become the most desired and effective method of printing carpet due to reduced screen space requirements, faster changeovers, reduced labor, improved pattern/design flexibility, and most importantly extremely accurate high-definition patterns and color gradations, that cannot be created by other print dyeing methods. The Chromojet works by injecting dye into the pile of the carpet (similar to an office inkjet printer). Jets are arranged in groups, mounted on a print-head that traverses the width of the carpet. The computer-controlled jets can open and close several hundred times per second. The color pressure injects dye into the face of the pile without any machine part touching the fabric.

The dyeing of the carpet can occur at many different points of the manufacturing process and the dyeing techniques are unique to the application. Color is an important attribute and one of the major considerations when selecting a carpet. The dyeing process impacts the performance, reliability, and visual appearance of the final product. Whether the color is applied with the raw polymer, pre or post-tufting, or print dyed, First Source Worldwide offers colorants, auxiliaries, and technical support to produce the best carpet products available in the marketplace today. If you are interested in learning more or contacting us, click the picture below!

Blossom Home. “Our Crafts.” Blossom Home, www.blossom.co.in/ourcrafts.html.

The post Color for Carpet first appeared on First Source Worldwide.