Tyvek

General

I started to experiment with FeDex envelopes. The material looks like paper, but it's not. It is very strong, but can be cut by scissors (like fabric). You can write and print on it, and it is washable and disposable. Inspired by my boyfriend who loves postal objects, I decided to create a bag out of this material.

Printing

Tyvek has a melting point of 275 degrees. Therefore it seems impossible to use a conventional printer. It is recommended to use letterpress, offset lithography, heat-set web offset, flexography, gravure and screenprinting. Tyvek is also thermal transfer printable. For best thermal result printing on the smooth side is recommended. Eventhough Tyvek is not supposed to be suitable for laser printing and photocopying, I managed to photocopy an image on it. I did it three times in a row - and by the third attempt it really melted, but the first and second tries were satisfying.

Sewing

Tyvek can be sewn on conventional sewing machines. Best results are obtained with machines equipped with puller or drop-feed. Smooth, rubber covered rolls should be used rather than knurled metal rolls which tend to leave impressions on.

Stitching

When stitching the Type 10 styles of Tyvek, 4-5 stitches/in. and the smallest needle practical should be used to avoid postage stamp tears. On soft type 14/16 Tyvek, it is recommended to sew rough side to rough side.

Distributors

Small Rolls can be purchased directly from DuPont.

www.meinketoy.com 248-813-9706.

Soft structure Tyvek®, Type 14 and Hard structure, Type 10 can be purchased from Material Concepts @ 800-372-3366.

Hard structure Type 10 & Soft Type 16 (white & in colors) can be purchased from Fiber Mark @ 800-784-8558. This does not include Tyvek® Weatherization System Products.