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.

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.

“Moving your office to a new location is a considerable endeavor affecting every aspect of your business operation.  While there are many important projects to consider, ensuring that the primary means of communication- the phone for most businesses-transitions seamlessly should be one of the top priorities.” MBM

Check out the 5 tips given by Tom Harris at MBM on how to have a smooth office move in regards to phone systems.

1. Start Early… at least 90 days prior to the office move.
2. Establish local and Long Distance phone services.
3. Determine if you should move your existing phone system or purchase a new one.
4. Determine voice and data cabling requirements with the help of a professional.
5. Hire or designate a project manager to deal with your phone and office move related issues.

The attached PDF will walk you through the 5 basics and how you can make your office move as seemless as possible.

Smooth Move

• Amperage usage chart and How to calculate circuit load 
• General Electrical Planning for Furniture Systems

Codes

• NEC/NFPA www.nfpa.org/
• Underwriters Laboratory www.ul.com/global/eng/pages/offerings/perspectives/regulator/

Glossary

• Young Co. www.youngco.com/young2.asp?ID=4&Type=3
• Magnum Inspections http://www.magnuminspections.com/basic_electrical_terms.htm

Installation tips and links

• NEC/NFPA www.nfpa.org/
• Kimball Office
  www.kimballoffice.com/resources/installvids.aspx
• Underwriters Laboratory
  www.ul.com/global/eng/pages/offerings/services/architectural/faq/