One of the essential features of a tarp is its eyelets. Strong eyelets are vital for ensuring the tarp performs at its best.
At ARK Tarps, we take pride in doing things uniquely, and our eyelets stand out from those typically found on other tarps.
Our eyelet manufacturing process is what sets our tarps apart.
Step 1 – The first step involves creating a sleeve from a sturdy material for the hem of the tarp. This is made from XF Film that is twice the thickness of the tarp, ensuring added strength. For instance, if your tarp has a thickness of 120 GSM, the XF material sleeve for the eyelet is 240 GSM.
Step 2 – After attaching the sleeve to the edge, we then ultrasonically weld it to the tarp. This process integrates the sleeve into the tarp material, ensuring a strong bond between the two.
Step 3 – In the final step, we press an aluminium ring on both sides of the plastic-welded eyelet. This adds extra strength and protection to the eyelet.
Throughout this process, we have effectively developed a double eyelet system for all our tarps. This includes an ultrasonically welded eyelet as the primary feature, along with an aluminium ring pressed on top to provide extra reinforcement.
Occasionally, the aluminium ring may detach during use; however, thanks to our double eyelet design, you can still use the tarp. The underlying plastic welded eyelet will provide continued support for the tarp. This is just one of the many ways we ensure your tarp has a longer lifespan.
Eyelet Comparison
So how do our tarps compare to others on the market? We have conducted eyelet strength tests on all of our tarps, and we can confidently say that our eyelets excel in performance.
A key distinction is that standard tarps typically feature a single brass eyelet that is directly riveted to the tarp. This design lacks a thick sleeve of material, ultrasonic welding, or double eyelets; it’s simply a single brass eyelet riveted onto the tarp.
This riveting approach can lead to the brass eyelet puncturing the tarp material, potentially creating a weak point that may cause tearing.
Our Eyelet Conclusion
We are assured that our eyelets will endure over time, thanks to the double thickness of our unique XF Film that secures them, along with our ultrasonic welding technique. In the rare event that an eyelet does come under strain and break (which can happen), you can rest easy knowing that since all our tarps are made from XF Film, the material won’t fray and render the tarp unusable. Instead, you can easily replace the eyelet with our tarp clips, effectively extending the lifespan of your tarp.