Barrier grades
55 gsm SMS: heavy barrier, still breathable
55 gsm SMS is the heavy end of the breathable barrier range: higher hydrostatic head, better abrasion, still no film layer to trap heat.
At a glance
Specification at a glance
| Property | 55 gsm SMS typical range | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Structure | S20 / M15 / S20 | Heavier skins |
| Hydrostatic head | 100 to 150 mm | AATCC 127 |
| Air permeability | 25 to 55 l/m²/s | Lower than 45 gsm |
| Tensile MD | 46 to 58 N/5 cm | Suits repeated handling |
| Abrasion | Good for a barrier fabric | Martindale |
| Use | Wash-down, heavy gowns, covers | Not for immersion |
Where the extra 10 gsm goes
The extra weight sits in the spunbond skins, not the meltblown core. That raises tensile, abrasion resistance and splash resistance while keeping the pore structure that allows air through. It is the structure for repeated handling in a wet environment.
Industrial protective covers
Machine covers, wash-down curtains and equipment protection use this grade because it resists a hose splash and does not trap heat around the equipment. Film laminates resist more water but hold heat and tear at folds.
What it will not do
It is not a chemical barrier and not for immersion. If the requirement is a liquid hold for minutes rather than a splash, the answer is a coated or laminated fabric, not a heavier SMS.
Other weights in this range
This grade sits in the SMS / SMMS range. Buyers comparing across weights usually ask for two or three of these at sample stage, because the decision is made on the converting line rather than on the data sheet.
- 35 gsm SMS - 35 gsm SMS is the lightest barrier structure we quote: a 15 gsm meltblown core.
- 45 gsm SMS - 45 gsm SMS balances barrier and breathability for surgical packs, drapes and l.
Compare this structure with your current fabric
Send the barrier requirement, the weight you run now and the monthly volume. We reply with the structure, the test values and a ship date.
Questions
Common questions
Is 55 gsm SMS reusable?
For industrial covers, yes, until abrasion opens the surface. It is not launderable in the way a woven is.
What hydrostatic head can it hold?
Typically 100 to 150 mm. Above that, a film laminate is the right product.
Can it be printed?
Yes with corona treatment. Print coverage should stay light, since heavy ink reduces breathability.