Crypton was birthed in 1993,  over 17 years ago in a basement home in Michigan. The founders Craig and Randy Rubin set out to create a new generation of textiles that were moisture-resistant and easy-to-clean, yet still stylish, breathable and soft to the touch.Crypton is still based in Michigan in West Bloomfield, with a sustainable manufacturing facility in Kings Mountain , North Carolina.

What makes a High Performance Textile and why is Crypton different than other manufacturers of this type of textile.

First, let’s look at the characteristics of a High Performance Textile.

• Repelling capabilities. -The textile must resist the absorption or passage of liquids or other substances. The barrier must be able to keep off or out the substances it comes in contact with.
• Stain Release-Must be able to be cleaned so that the stains can be lifted from the textile in a way that does not damage the fabric.
• Moisture Barrier- The textile must protect the components it covers. It needs to keep moisture from degrading the foam or material it covers.
• High Abrasion Resistance – The textile must be able to withstand a large amount of friction and rubbing from heavy use with low fiber damage. Usually, a minimum  of 50,000 double rubs.

So How does Crypton excel in the High Performance Textile arena? Why Crypton over other High Performance Textiles?

Most any High Abrasion Resistant Fabric can be made into a Crypton. It is not a fabric or finish it is a Process!
Most other manufacturers of High Performance fabrics make a finish. A finish as you know is something that can be taken off or something that wears off over time. The Crypton process makes the textile a new product.

 It actually changes the molecular structure of the textile!

So while other manufactures products wear down over time, Crypton actually continues to repel liquids and substances long after the other manufacturers product have failed. Crypton is the only textile solution offering permanent stain, moisture, mildew, bacteria and odor-resistant protection.

 It is actually bathed in a special solution, then ran through wheels to smooth it out. Finally, it is heated in an oven at 325* or higher. The textile then becomes a permanent barrier.

Crypton textiles are very easy to clean. It has excellent stain release properties.

• Use an enzyme  base detergent such as Tide or Crypton’s upholstery cleaner.
• Apply sparingly and rub with a SOFT bristle brush.
• Don’t forget to Rinse!
• Upholstery should be cleaned once – twice per year in addition to spot cleaning to maintain a clean and healthy environment.

Did you know that Crypton is bleach Cleanable!

It actually performs as a Solid Surface.

It is CEPA approved and is the ONLY disinfect-able fabric in the World!

Crypton offers free of charge to their customers a program called Crypton Care. They offer Free training sessions for maintenance employees and are available to answer any cleaning or care questions you may have FREE of Charge. Professional cleaning services are also available with Crypton Care at a charge determined by the size of the job.

Something that really makes Crypton stand out is it’s Moisture Barrier. It is the Only fabric on the market currently that can warrant its backing with a guarantee not to allow passage of liquids. This is HUGE especially in Healthcare and Educational environments. This  actually allows for cleaning and disinfecting the textile, leaving the owner with peace of mind that the product is clean and germs have not been transmitted to surfaces below. 

Speaking of germs lets talk about antimicrobial versus antibacterial. What is the difference and why is using one property over the other a wiser choice.

Antimicrobial- This is often referred to as Silver Ion technology. It SLOWS down the growth of germs but doesn’t stop them.

Antibacterial- KILLS germs. It doesn’t just slow down the process but actually eradicates the germs.

I am sure at this point you are certain you would rather have a product with antibacterial capabilities. That being the case Crypton currently is your only option! Because of it moisture barrier capabilities and manufacturering process it is the only manufacturer of High Performance textiles that can boast that claim.

So What’s new with Crypton?

Crypton Manufacturing  has come out with a couple of new products. One is call “Incase“.It runs about 1/3 of the cost as  patented Crypton fabrics. It has the same stain release and repelling properties as the original Crypton but without the moisture barrier. This is recommended more for high commercial use where excessive germs are not as much of an issue. It is antimicrobial but not antibacterial. Incase offers a less expensive alternative for the right environment.

Crypton has also partnered with Signature for a new carpet product.  Currently it is broadloom only, but within a year carpet tiles are expected to be available. It is the 1st carpet that is completely cleanable. It offers the same patented Crypton technology; repelling properties, stain release and the antibacterial moisture barrier. The fibers are treated all the way through.

On the more fun side. Crypton has a great retail shop. Available are items such as aprons, pillow cases, pet products. Fun practical items.

Thanks Michelle for all the great information. Hopefully, I have successfully enlightened you  on the world of High Performance Textiles and Why Crypton.

So since that seems to be what you are looking for, I pulled some additional pictures of some of my favorite manufacturers that I think do well in the area of ADA reception desks. I think you will agree that function and ADA compliance can come together in these reception desks without compromising design style. I might add that these manufacturers are also surprisingly affordable.

Featured below are ADA reception desk creations by:

Artopex

Groupe Lacasse

Paoli

Check out this PDF from Mayline on how their reception lines can meet ADA compliance as well.

For more information on specifics for ADA reception desk compliance check out ADA guidelines.

You may also like my previous posts on ADA compliant office furniture and ADA reception desks by ARD furniture.

There are many other wonderful manufacturers that handle ADA compliant reception desks. You can check out the reception links tab on my blog for even more helpful information.

So how can that be shown in the office work environment?

 When planning your office space it is important to understand the ADA guidelines for the disabled. For more information and training on these guidelines you can contact the Government Access Board  or other experienced professionals in the field of ADA Compliant Training. 

As it relates to furniture for ADA interiors, I have listed some important tips and sample furniture products to help in the furniture selection process.

ADA Furniture Tips and Solutions

• It is important to recognize the height and width restrictions of a disabled person. This is primarily related to those in a wheelchair.

Work surfaces must be able to adjust to a height in which a wheel chair can get under.Almost all manufacturers of systems furniture have some sort of adjustable table or adjustable support to meet this requirement. Since it needs to be adjustable you must be aware of allowing some spaces that have mobile pedestal filing units or freestanding filing units. Support Pedestals WILL NOT work in this environment as they are not at the required height to support the ADA height work surface. Standard work surface full or partial, full to the floor end panels WILL NOT work either.

In cafe, training and conference areas you need to consider either setting aside tables for ADA compliance or choosing adjustable height tables that can adjust for any individual. C  Brands Cobalt Base Series has an ADA compliant table that works great in healthcare and hospitality dining  and office environments. Most manufacturers can accommodate ADA compliant height tables but you need to ask for it.

Always plan with the idea that someone with a disability will be using your facility at some time.

 

• Drawers, overhead and filing issues need to be addressed. 

Choose ADA compliant hardware and handles such as the Rail and Arc pulls by Kimball Office. This allows individuals to easily grasp the handle and open the filing units.

Choose overheads that are easy to open such as hinged doors with arced pulls or hydraulic self assist over-cabinet doors that open and close on their own with a gentle nudge. It is still important to note the individuals needs. Some individuals can stand and reach a standard overhead height and others can not. You must keep that in mind in your planning.

The height of a lock in a 5 High lateral can also be an issue. It is important to maximize your floor space and using tall files accommodates this. However, look for a manufacturer that has ADA compliant options that allows for a lock at a lower height. For example, Kimball Office Fundamental files have a lock option on their 5H lateral that is at 38 5/8″H .

• Panel Systems and Demountable partition system door requirements need to be considered.

Systems furniture manufacturers offer a levered handle specifically for ADA compliance. In most cases as it relates to management and private office areas it makes sense to specify this option.

When specifying a door for systems furniture and demountable partitions a 42″w hinged or gate  door that has a clearance of at least 36″ is recommended to meet ADA Compliance. Most 36″ doors only have a clearance of a little over 31″. Kimball Office furniture offers a hinged 42″w door that has a clearance of 37 1/4″. 

• Electrical for desking and systems furniture is an important consideration.

Look for a panel systems product that has the ability to place electrical anywhere along the height of the panel . You need to be able to place phone, data, and electrical at a reasonable height of approximately 36″ H for easy access.

As it relates to training areas, conference and desking or work surface situations you can also use an on the desk top mount electrical and phone, data solution.

The important thing is to ask you designer and furniture representative for ADA compliant solutions. They should be familiar with the requirements and solutions for your environment. The above list is only some of the items you need to consider when planning your space.You do not have to be the expert, only aware of the challenges as well as the need for a comfortable environment for all individuals.

 You may also be interested in my post regarding ADA compliant reception desks.

For small business owners this can be a daunting task.

What are my options?

How do I know what will work for my business?

The two main systems to choose  from for a small to mid sized business are a Key phone System or a PBX Phone System(Private Branch eXchange). Below I have listed the main advantages and disadvantages to each system and a list of guidelines to help you in the process of determining what phone system might work well for your business.

Key Phone System

In a Key Phone System each telephone set has buttons or keys that represent an outside line.  When a line is in use the button is illuminated representing it is unavailable.  To Make a call you must press a button or “key” that is not in use. The primary advantage to this type of system is the personal “live” voice on the other end of the line. However, because the number of lines are limited there is limited room for expansion.

Consider a Key Phone System if your Business:

• Has fewer than eight outside lines and 24 extensions
• Consists of employees frequently away from their desk
• Shares phone answering responsibilities among multiple staff members
• Has an overhead paging system
• Wants every call to be handled by a “live”voice or person.

PBX Phone System

A PBX phone system can route a large volume of incoming and outgoing calls making it extremely efficient. A distinct advantage of the PBX system is its ability to have a Direct Inward Dial(DID). The DID allows callers to route directly to an extension using an outside phone number.  A PBX phones system doesn’t have buttons or “keys” but rather a “line pool”. The system gives the user the first available outside line from the pool. The biggest down fall of a PBX phone system is the lack of personal attention from a “live” attendant. This can be frustrating and impersonal to many customers that call into a business.

 Consider a PBX Phone System if your Business: 

• Has more than 8 outside lines and 24 extensions
• Values the quick and efficient processing of calls over “high touch”
• Employs administrator and professional staff members who are typically at their workstation or office
• Designates an operator or automated attendant to field incoming calls
•  Desires direct dial access to some or all employees

   

So make your first priority your phone system and then concentrate on your signaling technology. Once you have selected the phone system that will work for your business, it is imperative that you communicate the change to your employees, customers, and vendors well in advance of the implementation of the new system. This will help the transition to run smoothly and make the phone system work better for all involved.

To read more about choosing a phone system click on the PDF link below.

Key System Vs. PBX

 
I owe a special thanks to Tom Harris at CCSG for providing this useful information.

Tom Harris

Tom has over 30 years in the Telecom business working with companies like Western Union, MFS (which became MCI ), Black & Decker and Exxon. Tom graduated from the University of Maryland, College Park where he played football and he was the Captain of the Rugby Team. Up until 2010 he was the assistant Rugby Coach for MTSU and was the Head Football Coach for St. Rose Catholic School in Murfreesboro TN. He worked at MBM for many years and is currently working for a voice and data technology company in Nashville CCSG.

For more information on Tom Harris and his products contact Tom at tdjh@comcast.net  or visit the CCSG website.

• Access Board Government www.access-board.gov/adaag/html/adaag.htm

LEED Guidelines

• US Green Build Organization
  www.usgbc.org/DisplayPage.aspx?CMSPageID=222

NEC Regulations for Electrical and NFPA Fire Codes

• NEC/NFPA Electrical and Fire Codes www.nfpa.org/

Seating

• Allseating Spec All www.allseating.com/specall/select_series.asp?launch=pub&reset=reset
• Kimball Office Resources and Brochures
  www.kimballoffice.com/resources/brochures.aspx
• OFUSA E- Catalog 2011 http://digital.turn-page.com/issue/21383 

Modular Furniture

• Kimball Office CAD Symbols www.kimballoffice.com/resources/cadsymbols.aspx
• Kimball Office E-Tools www.kimballoffice.com/resources/etools-cap.aspx
• Kimball Office Resources and Brochures www.kimballoffice.com/resources/brochures.aspx
• Maxon Furniture
  www.maxonfurniture.com/dp/tools.aspx
• OFUSA E- Catalog 2011 http://digital.turn-page.com/issue/21383