FAQs

In this area of our site, you will find the answers to many frequently asked questions. If you don’t find the information you need here, please contact us.

Are all AMI textiles and fabricated products made in the U.S?

Yes. All products that AMI manufactures and fabricates are produced in Maine. With the exception of a few products, nearly all of the raw materials and components that go into the manufacturing of our products are also sourced in the U.S.A. Specific information is included on our data sheets.

Are AMI's welding products FM Approved?

Yes. AMI’s welding fabrics have been tested and rated to the ANSI/FM 4950 Standard that is now required by the NFPA 51B Standard. The FM rating system makes it easy to determine which of the three levels of fire protection is needed for a specific hot work application.

  1. Welding Curtain
  2. Welding Blanket
  3. Welding Pad

AMI was the first to have this important third-party certification for their products and now has 21 FM Approved products available. For more information on these standards go to: https://www.auburnmfg.com/product-category/welding/fm-approved/

Does AMI provide Certificates of Compliance?

Yes. Call our customer service team if a Certificate of Compliance is required for your project or application.

Is AMI ISO Certified?

Yes. AMI is certified to the ISO 9001: 2015 Standard. This certification means that we have established and applied a quality management system to design, manufacture, and finish high-temperature textiles and that we are fully committed to continuous improvement to meet or exceed our customers’ expectations.

Do AMI textiles and fabricated products meet the Berry Amendment?

Yes. Many of AMI’s products are 100% American-made. The Berry Amendment requires the Department of Defense (DoD) to give preference in procurement to domestically produced, manufactured, or home-grown products such as textiles.

What is the BABA Requirement?

BABA stands for Build America, Buy America and is required for some products going into infrastructure projects receiving federal financial assistance. On November 15, 2021, President Biden signed into law the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), Public Law 117–58, including BABA, at sections 70901 through 70927. BABA establishes a domestic content procurement preference for Federal financial assistance obligated for infrastructure projects. That preference is generally referred to in this document as the Buy America preference or BABA preference. The BABA preference applies to three separate product categories:

  1. Iron or Steel Products
  2. Manufactured Products
  3. Construction Materials
What is BAA?

The Buy American Act requires Federal agencies to procure domestic materials and products. Two conditions must be present for the Buy American Act to apply: (1) the procurement must be intended for public use within the United States, and (2) the items to be procured or the materials from which they are manufactured must be present in the United States in sufficient and reasonably available commercial quantities of satisfactory quality.

What is the Buy America Requirement?

The Buy America Requirements for Federal Financial Assistance “Buy America” is the phrase used to describe domestic preferences generally applied to awards made with Federal financial assistance. There is no single “Buy America” statute. Rather, there are a number of statutes that require certain Federal agencies to provide Federal financial assistance to apply domestic content procurement preferences for goods, products, and materials made in the U.S. The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), also known as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL), enacted on November 15, 2021, includes the Build America, Buy America Act, which expands Buy America requirements government-wide to Federal financial assistance programs for infrastructure.

Does AMI export their products?

Yes – AMI products are available throughout North America and are exported to over 30 countries around the world. From our U.S. warehouses, we are able to supply any size business with speed and reliability.

What information does AMI require from an export customer to start the business relationship?

We value our relationships with our export customers and work hard to establish long-term relationships. This starts with the initial intake process so that we have all the information in place to fulfill your orders with confidence. If you are, or could potentially be an export customer, please contact us at sales@auburnmfg.com.

Are payment terms offered?

Payment terms are available, and buyers can apply for credit and establish terms with AMI. If credit is not established or maintained, payment terms shall be net cash on or prior to shipment.

Can I place an order online?

Yes, many of our welding curtains, blankets, pads, fire quilts and Evergreen Modular Insulation Blanket kits are available for purchase online. Simply email sales@auburnmfg.com. If you are unsure about what product you will need for your application, call us. Our TEXPERTS can quickly help you.

What is the significance of the Letters or Acronyms associated with your product names?

In addition to a product classification, our products are also coded by series based on special fiber combinations, textile weaves, coatings, etc.  For a full list of our product identification codes and descriptions, go to: https://www.auburnmfg.com/product-help/product-keys/

What is the significance of the numbers associated with your product codes?

Generally, the numbers following the letter refer to the finished nominal weight / YD2, the thickness, or the width – depending on the type of product.

For example:

  • GL1201 stands for AMI-GLAS (GL) 12 oz.
  • AS2400 stands for AMI-SIL (AS) 24 oz.
  • FL2800 stands for AMI-FLEX (FL) 28 oz.
Can I buy products in different colors?

Yes. AMI offers some color options in our welding fabric line. In our insulation and heat-resistant fabric line, we have a number of color options. AMI can also manufacture custom-color, heat-resistant fabrics upon request.

Are AMI fabrics launderable or washable?

It is not recommended that our fabrics be laundered. Some coated fabrics can be wiped down with warm water and soft soap.

Are AMI fabrics weather or moisture-resistant?

AMI’s silicon-coated (SGL) products can be used outdoors as long as moisture is controlled. While our coated fabrics are water-resistant, they are not 100% non-porous.

Uncoated fabrics will absorb moisture and lose some strength and insulating properties.

What is the shelf life of AMI fabrics?

Generally, our fabrics have an unlimited shelf life and will not lose any performance properties as long as they are stored in a controlled environment.

Does AMI have minimum ordering requirements?

We have a $50.00 or 25 YD2 minimum for our orders. If you require smaller amounts for sampling, you can order samples online at https://samples.auburnmfg.com/samples

What is the difference between the temperature resistance of the fabric and the insulating value?

The insulation value is driven largely by bulk and thickness and is measured very differently than temperature resistance. A fabric that can accommodate an extremely high temperature does not necessarily mean it is a superior insulator.

Can AMI’s heat-resistant fabrics be 'heat bonded?'

No. AMI’s heat-resistant fabrics must be sewn when fabricated. Contact us for our many fabrication options.

Does AMI do any finishing or fabricating?

Yes. We have extensive cutting, sewing, quilting, and finishing capabilities. For a better description of our full line of capabilities, see this PDF.

Does AMI manufacture heat or fire-resistant gloves and jackets?

No. We provide the fabric for these important, lifesaving products to safety apparel manufacturers. Call us if you need contact information on the apparel manufacturers.

Are AMI fabrics chemical resistant?

AMI fabrics can resist some non-caustic chemicals. We can evaluate the resistance for individual materials upon request.

What is the difference between silicone-treated and PTFE-treated fabrics?

Both treatments perform similarly and are resistant to the same temperature. PTFE is more highly resistant to caustic chemicals such as acid.

Does AMI test for breaking or tensile strength?

Yes. Tensile strength varies depending on the fabric makeup. Our data sheets detail the performance characteristics.

How do I know when to replace my welding curtain, blanket or pad?

AMI’s welding curtains, blankets and pads are manufactured for rigorous performance. Replacement is recommended when any holes or tears become visible.

Is AMI ROHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances) compliant?

Yes. All AMI fabrics are ROHS compliant.

Is AMI REACH compliant (Regulated, Evaluated, Authorized of Chemicals)?

No. This is a European manufacturing requirement.

What are some of the items that AMI has custom-fabricated?

Besides our welding curtains, blankets, and pads, AMI also fabricates:

  • EV and PHEV battery covers
  • Gun safe covers
  • Insulation covers
  • Fire quilts

Call us to discuss your product needs.