BioThane - Lets get it straight, ...again!

[Dominique Freeman <fadjurs@sadandy.hpl.hp.com>]

Hi All,
This topic seems to resurface at the same frequency as Beet Pulp,
so maybe there is something there....?

There was a lengthy thread back in September of 1997, and
as a quick review,  BioThane(TM)  is the tradmark name for Bioplastics Inc,
which produces thermoplastic coated  belting (not webbing). For a complete 
listing of their products and methods of manufacturing, their home page is:
 
www.Bioplastics.com.

It may surprise some of you to know that belting produced for horse tack
is *not* their largest market!

NOTE: BioThane(TM) is *only* made by Bioplastics Inc.

Points applicable to belting used for horse tack:

The advantage of the Bioplastics Inc product is that the belting is calibrated
to reflect a certain breaking strength (more often as not *greater* than
the hardware provided on most bridles - hence break or release points should
be included in the bridles designed). Each run of belting is coded and quality
controlled.

The flexibility of the material can vary. "Standard" is thicker,
and preferred for harness,  "Hi-Flex", supple, yet very strong (best for
bridles, breastcollars etc) "Super-Flex, most supple, but best used only
for trim on bridles etc.

As with any polymer, the consistancy of the chemistry and the quality of the
manufacturing will determine the end product. For example, a brand of Australian
'bioplastic' will crack below freezing. 

Someone commented in an earlier post about the slipperiness of the reins
when wet or sweaty. I advise customers not to purchase BioThane reins without
"grip". For those who like the softness of the BioThane reins, and don't like
the bulkiness of the grips, a good compromise is to sew grips on one
side only, you have the safety without the bulk.

Check the source of of your polymer belting with your tack manufacturer, if
it says BioThane(TM) you will be sure to have a long lasting and guaranteed
product.

Dom

( Happy to answer any questions, we have been sewing the stuff since 1981, 
as 'Eagle Tack' we made the first halter bridle combination from BioThane!)

_

______________________________________________________________________
Dominique Freeman              |  "Life is short, science is long"   | 
fadjurs@sadandy.hpl.hp.com     |                                     |
Hewlett Packard Laboratories,  |                                     |
Palo Alto, CA USA              |                                     |
Phone: (650) 857-8596          |                                     |
FAX: (650) 857-2862            |                                     |
______________________________________________________________________


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