Drop-stitch Applications

Pioneered in the 1950’s for use in the Inflatoplane, it wasn’t until around 2010 that drop-stitch gained mass exposure via incorporation in inflatable paddle boards. This exposure rapidly accelerated innovation and the development of products utilizing the unique characteristics of drop-stitch. 

The rigidity of drop-stitch inflatables are comparable to commonly used building materials and composites. However, drop-stitch possesses the substantial benefit of transportation and storage at a fraction of its deployed size. This enables structures the size of a small house to be transported in a family car.

The most popular applications for drop-stitch remain centered around inflatable goods for use in water. However, recent innovations see drop-stitch used in space exploration, applied to protect your home from flooding, or even used in the construction of the house itself. Drop-stitch is not limited to use in inflatables. The structure also lends itself for use as a framework to control the deployment of foams, resins, or viscous fluids.

Whether you’re looking to onshore production or develop a new product, there are fantastic options to manufacture with drop-stitch in the USA. 

Drop-Stitch Manufacturing in the USA

Despite being pioneered in the 1950’s, drop-stitch remains a relatively unexplored material. With most of the global manufacturing in Asia, long lead times and prohibitive MOQs have stunted innovation and technological advancement. Many are surprised to discover a fully established drop-stitch supply chain in the USA.

Using domestically manufactured yarn, the base drop-stitch fabric is woven in Tennessee by Third Dimension Textile Solutions. Next the drop-stitch is coated in a thermoplastic or rubber before being incorporated in to composites or inflatables by domestic manufacturers.

The unique structure of drop-stitch facilitates the performance of hard-shell rigid structures, combined with the easy transportation and storage of inflatables. Picture being able to transport a rigid structure the size of your garden shed in a large backpack. Existing uses include:

-       Stand-Up Paddleboards (SUPs)

-       High Pressure Lifting Bags

-       Kayaks, Boats, and Dinghies

-       Air Mattresses and Camping Pads

-       Inflatable Tents and Emergency Structures

-       Flood Protection

-       Floating Platforms and Docks

-       Yoga and Fitness Boards

These are just a few examples of the applications of drop-stitch technology. The flexibility of the US supply chain is rapidly facilitating new product and market developments.