Instant Pleats™ | Revolutionizing umbrella folding with shape memory.

Three reasons why people choose our instant pleat fabric

  • Reduced storage time: Shape memory technology reduces storage time by approximately half.

  • Thin and lightweight: No resin panels are used. The fabric is only 0.13mm thick, maintaining the original slimness of an umbrella.

  • Reliable protection: "Triple block" blocks ultraviolet rays, visible light, and near-infrared rays.

We are updating the basics of umbrellas to suit Japan's new climate.

In recent years, summers in Japan have been experiencing unprecedentedly severe heat.

Umbrellas are no longer just a tool to protect you from the rain; they also play an essential role as a portable shade to protect you from the strong sunlight and heat. The new standard for umbrellas going forward is that they can be used in both rain and shine.

However, the PU (polyurethane) coated fabric that is commonly used in current parasols and umbrellas for both sun and rain has one major problem: the fabric is thick and has a unique tension that makes it "surprisingly difficult to fold."

The more light-blocking performance you require, the more effort and stress it takes to fold it.

To resolve this contradiction, Amvel developed "second-speed pleats," which combine high-performance heat-shielding fabric with shape-memory technology.

Shape memory technology: Why does it instantly align?

Rather than simply sticking it on, the fiber itself has a memory.

One way to solve the problem of blackout fabric being difficult to fold is to attach a resin panel to the back of the fabric, but this increases the weight and makes the fabric thicker when folded.

"Second-speed Pleats" uses polyester fibers with a special "core-sheath structure." By using heat treatment, the fibers themselves memorize the creases, achieving high shape stability while maintaining a fabric thickness of just 0.13 mm.

  • Thin and light: The single-layer structure does not compromise the umbrella's inherent flexibility and compact storage.

  • Reliable durability: In a test conducted in accordance with JIS L1060 A-1, the pleats retained 100% even after 500 repeated openings and closings (according to a third-party testing organization). This effect lasts almost permanently.

The new smart, in seconds.

Even though it is made of light-blocking and heat-blocking fabric, it unfolds surprisingly quickly by simply moving it along the folds. It takes about half the time of a regular folding umbrella to fold up (*).

*Based on our own research. This is a guideline when folded along the creases, and may vary from person to person.

Triple Block: Blocks light and heat with three indicators

At Amvel, we do not simply sum up fabric performance. We obtain and disclose detailed data for each wavelength range and test method.

UV protection rate: 100% [UPF50+]

  • [Wavelength 290-400nm] Blocks ultraviolet rays that cause sunburn.

100% light blocking rate & 100% visible light blocking rate

  • 100% shading rate (JIS L 1055 A method/100,000 lx irradiation): Reduces light leakage and creates deep shadows.
  • 100% visible light blocking rate (spectrophotometer/wavelength 400-800nm): Cuts glare factors at the wavelength level.

Near-infrared blocking rate: 99.9%

  • [Wavelength 800-2600nm] Reflects and absorbs near-infrared rays, which are the source of heat, at a high level.

*The figures such as "100%" are test values ​​for the fabric based on JIS standards, etc., and do not guarantee the entire product. Due to the structure of the product, a small amount of light may leak from the seams, etc.

Heat-shielding performance: Heat-shielding rate of fabric by color

By utilizing highly reflective colors, we have maximized heat-blocking performance.

  • Snow: 54%

  • Moon Gray: 52%

  • Sunset: 50%

  • Sepia: 49%

  • Cloud Blue: 48%

  • Black: 44%

*The numbers are the heat insulation rate test results for the fabric alone.

Comparison: Second-speed pleats vs. PET panel attachment type

There are two main methods for making umbrella fabrics that are easy to fold. One is to attach PET (resin) panels to the back of the fabric to force folds. This method is excellent at maintaining the shape, but it has the drawback of adding thickness and weight to the panels themselves, making them bulky when stored.

In contrast, Amvel's "Second-Speed ​​Pleats™" is a single-layer structure that allows the fibers themselves to remember their shape. Because it does not require any additional components, it is overwhelmingly "lighter" than panel-type fabrics and is also "slim" when folded.

Comparison items PET panel attached type (reference value) Second-speed pleats (AMVEL)
structure Fabric + PET panel (two layers) High-performance fabric only (single layer)
Fabric thickness guide Approximately 0.20mm ~ 0.28mm Approximately 0.13mm
Storage state The thickness of the panel makes it easy to get thicker Thin and lightweight. Maintains the original thinness of an umbrella
durability Risk of bending and peeling Shape memory lasts semi-permanently

FAQ

Q: What is the difference between "shape memory" and "shape stability"?

A: Generally, "shape memory" refers to the phenomenon of something quickly returning to its original shape, while "shape retention" refers to the ability to hold its shape. This product has both of these properties thanks to the heat treatment of the core-sheath structure fiber.

Q: Is there anything I should be careful of when cleaning?

A: This product has been heat treated to memorize the pleats (creases). Please do not iron it or expose it to high temperatures. This may cause the memorized creases to disappear and become irreversible.

Q: What is the crucial difference between this and PET panel umbrella fabric?

A: First of all, it's "lightweight." It has a single-layer structure without any attached resin panels, making it extremely lightweight. Next is "thickness." It's about 0.13mm thin, yet retains the inherent flexibility of the fabric, so it doesn't take up much space when folded and can be stored neatly.

A piece of fabric that will transform your everyday life into a smart look.

The "Triple Block" function is essential in the harsh summer, and the "Second-Speed ​​Pleats" overcome the weaknesses of blackout fabrics. This is the optimal solution that Ambell has arrived at for the modern Japanese climate.

[ See the lineup of products using the Instant Pleats technology ]