MJ29 MF

A new lightweight paragliding fabric

MJ29 MF is a new lightweight paraglider fabric developed via a collaboration between Gin Gliders and textile manufacturer MJ Tex. The goal was to make a more durable fabric whilst matching the weight of other lightweight fabrics on the market.

Quattro coating

Although double coating is the industry standard, we found that applying the double coating twice over a 2 day period improved the air porosity after ageing of the fabric. The coating time of MJ29 MF is twice longer than regular double coated fabrics.

Custom 15d yarn with triple ripstop

Standard Nylon 6,6 yarns are available in thicknesses such as 20D (light) or 10D (ultra- light); MJ29 MF uses custom yarn in 15D as this offers the best balance between strength and lightness for a lightweight paraglider fabric. The fabric is woven in house by MJ Tex on an air jet weaving machine. As the yarn is so light, triple ripstop is used to increase the strength. A smaller square ripstop also helps to increase the tear strength.

Exclusive to Gin Gliders

As MJ29 MF was developed by a partnership between MJ Tex and Gin, the fabric is exclusive to Gin Gliders.

Unique coating formulation

The PU coating is a key factor in the performance and durability of the fabric. Our “secret sauce”, is the formulation of the mixture of coating chemicals. The result is a softer hand feel, which reduces significantly the micro-cracking of the coating that can occur with crispy fabrics. The result is better air porosity after ageing.

Pre-shrink coating system

MJ Tex have a unique coating system that allows the fabric to shrink from 71 inches to 64 inches at the end of the coating process. Most finished fabrics have a natural shrink, but the “pre-shrinking” process minimises further shrinking after the coating, which preserves the integrity of the coating over the lifetime of the fabric.

Details

  • Quattro coating with unique PU formulation
  • 15D Nylon 6,6 yarn
  • triple ripstop with smaller square

Porostiy test results

Strength test results

Designer notes

Designer Gin Seok Song explains the development of MJ29 MF:

“Working with MJ Tex has, for the first time, allowed us to produce our wings with a fabric that perfectly matches our specification. We don’t just select a stock fabric from a sample book, but we can collaborate to get a product we really believe in. As MJ Tex are a local company with deep expertise, strong motivation to innovate and a long history with us for rescue parachute fabrics — they were great to work with. Jason, the CEO, is even a paragliding pilot!

It took over 2 years to realise a fabric we were fully satisfied with. There are a lot of parameters when producing a fabric, so MJ Tex and ourselves did a lot of testing to find the best balance that allowed us to keep the weight down but also increase the porosity after ageing. The Quattro coating process was a game-changer, although it takes an extra day of coating, the results were well worthwhile.

We’re excited to use this fabric across our range of lightweight wings.”