Keder Cord The Ultimate Buyer’s Guide - What You Need to Know

What is Keder Cord?

This cord consists of a flexible core surrounded by a fabric sheath and is designed to slide into a channel or track system.

This then creates a secure, watertight seal on structures such as tents, awnings, and industrial curtains, for example.

Keder Cord is also extensively used in the marine, signage, and construction industries as well to attach textiles to rigid frames smoothly and durably.

The core is then typically made from rubber or PVC, which provides strength, while the fabric cover ensures compatibility with the track system, which enhances your product’s durability against environmental factors as it does so – hence why they are very suitable in the construction of tends, banners and the like.

Components of Keder Cord

Keder Cord is made using a core of either PVC or rubber, which provides the flexibility and strength needed for this product to work well.

Core

The core is covered with a fabric sheath, typically polyester or acrylic, to ensure smooth operation within track systems and protect it from damage.

Fabric

Polyester is then favoured for its strength and durability, especially under UV exposure. At the same time, acrylic can be chosen for its resistance to weathering and mildew, making it suitable for marine environments.

Features of Keder Cord

As you now know, Keder cord is a specialised product used predominantly in the manufacture of boat sails, as well as various types of tents, banners, and signs.

Consequently, it is designed to provide a strong, weather-resistant seal in these types of applications, which is due to its wide range of properties.

These, for instance, include:

Strong and Durable

Keder cord is highly durable and resistant to wear and tear, which makes it suitable for outdoor use and in harsh weather conditions.

Weather Resistance

It is designed to withstand elements such as rain, wind, and UV light, ensuring the longevity of the fabric it is attached to.

Improved Seals

Keder cord provides a tight seal that can effectively keep out water and air, enhancing the overall performance of tents, sails, and similar structures.

Easy to Install

The cord is designed to slide into a keder track easily, making installation quick and efficient without the need for special tools.

Lots of Uses

It can be used in a variety of applications, from marine sails to architectural structures like awnings and canopies.

Flexible

Despite its strength, the Keder cord is flexible enough to handle curves and corners, providing a snug fit in a variety of shapes.

Compatibility

It works well with different types of keder rails, which are commonly used in modular structures.

Cost-Effective

While providing a high level of performance, the Keder cord is also a very cost-effective solution compared to other sealing and attachment methods.

Low Maintenance

Once installed, the keder cord requires minimal maintenance, saving time and effort in the long run.

Aesthetic Integration

It can be seamlessly integrated into fabrics and materials without disrupting the aesthetic look or functional aspects of the product design.

Strength Enhancement

Keder Cord can enhance the structural strength of the materials it is used with, particularly in tensile applications like tents and banners.

Highly Customisable

It is available in various sizes and colours to match different project requirements and design aesthetics.

Lightweight

Keder cord adds minimal weight to structures, an essential factor in portable and temporary installations.

Resistance to Chemicals

It is resistant to many chemicals, making it suitable for use in industrial environments where spills and exposure might occur.

Provides Thermal Stability

Keder cord remains stable across a range of temperatures, which is crucial for outdoor applications.

Reduction in Air Gaps

It helps eliminate air gaps around connections and improve insulation and energy efficiency.

Streamlined Manufacturing

Incorporating keder cords into products like tents and sails can streamline the manufacturing process, allowing for more consistent quality and faster production times.

Types of Keder Cord

There are primarily two types of keder cord: Single-Flap Keder (SFK) and Double-Flap Keder (DFK).

Single Flap Keder (SFK)

Single Flap Keder features a single fabric flap, which is typically used in simpler structures where one side is anchored, such as in some banners and signs.

Double Flap Keder (DFK)

Double Flap Keder, on the other hand, includes two fabric flaps for attachment on both sides, which are suitable for more complex installations such as tents or structures that require secure fixing from both sides.

Consequently, the choice between SFK and DFK depends entirely on the structural requirements and the nature of your product or it is being installed.

Application Uses

Keder Cord has many application uses, for instance, as for use on or in:

Tents and Structures

For securing fabric to frames in tents, marquees, and temporary structures.

Signage and Banners

This is to ensure that banners hang smoothly and are easy to install.

Marine

They are used in boat covers and marine applications where waterproofing and durability are crucial.

Industrial

In industrial curtains, doors, and other applications where a flexible, durable seal is necessary.

How do I select the correct diameter for the keder cord?

The diameter of the Keder Cord should be chosen based on the size of the track – or rail system it will be used with.

Standard diameters we can provide range from 3mm to 15mm.

It is also crucial that you select a diameter that provides you with a tight enough fit within the track to avoid slipping or jamming.

However, for applications expecting high tension or stress, opting for a larger diameter can provide additional strength and durability.

How can I cut Keder Cord to size and seal the ends?

Keder cord can be cut to size using a sharp knife or a specialised cutting tool.

After cutting, though, the ends of the cord should be sealed to prevent fraying and to protect the integrity of the fabric and core.

This can be achieved by applying heat to the polyester fabrics, which melt the ends slightly, or using an adhesive or sealant for other types of fabric.

However, always ensure that the sealing method you use is compatible with the fabric material to prevent damage.

Can Keder Cord be repaired if damaged?

Yes, the keder cord can be repaired, although the method depends on the extent of the damage.

For instance, small tears or frays in the fabric sheath can be sewn or patched with compatible materials.

If the core is exposed or damaged, though, it tends to mean that it needs to be entirely replaced.

For best results, a professional should assess the damaged keder to determine the most effective repair strategy or whether it should be outright replaced.

How Does Environmental Exposure Affect Keder Cord?

Keder Cord is designed to withstand various conditions, but prolonged exposure can lead the cord to degrade if left.

For instance, UV radiation can weaken and degrade the fabric sheath, while more extreme temperatures can also affect the flexibility of the PVC or rubber core.

In marine environments, Saltwater can also corrode the core if not properly covered. Therefore, these should be things to consider when creating your product.

What is the difference between weldable and sewable Keder?

Weldable Keder is designed to be fused directly to the fabric of the structure using heat – which creates a continuous, watertight seal.

This type of construction is commonly used for products that are going to be placed and used in more high-stress environments where a robust and seamless attachment is necessary.

Sewable keder, on the other hand, is attached by sewing it directly into the fabric.

This method is simpler and more cost-effective, but it might provide a different level of waterproofing and durability than weldable Keder does though.

Are there any specific maintenance tips for Keder Cord?

To ensure the cord lasts as long as possible and gives you the most optimal performance possible, you should regularly inspect your Keder Cord for signs of wear, such as fraying or tears in the fabric and deformation or cracks in the core.

While doing so, you should also clean the cord using mild soap and water to remove dirt and debris. If left unchecked, dirt and debris can cause premature wear as they act as an abrasive.

You should, however, avoid using harsh chemicals that can degrade the fabric and core materials, as this will shorten the length of the cord.

Another thing to note is that if the Keder Cord is used in or near Saltwater, you should rinse it with fresh water after each exposure to prevent the salt from building up and corroding the cord over time.

Keder Cord Overall

When considering choosing Keder Cord, you are choosing a solid core that lasts long and is very effective in for fabric structures.

Interested in finding out more?

Please get in touch with our team and see how we can help you with your next project that requires this type of cord. We are here to help.