How FieldTurf Synthetic Turf Works
The patented design of FieldTurf artificial grass and synthetic turf systems is radically different from any other synthetic option. It starts with extruded monofilament fibers that are tufted into the backing material and ends with our proprietary layered infill system.
How do we know it works? We’re the only company to undergo long-term independent safety testing to prove our claims. Moreover, we have over 500 fields that are 8 years or older and still performing the way they were when first installed.
FieldTurf – Piece by Piece
Fiber Technology
All FieldTurf monofilament and slit-film fibers are strong, yet soft, fibers that prevent abrasion, have excellent resistance to matting and are the only fibers in the industry to have endured the test of time. A result of the passion and ingenuity of its scientists, FieldTurf in-house fiber manufacturing makes it one of the most vertically integrated companies in the industry.
Backing & SureLock™ Coating Technology
The Backing and SureLock Coating secures fibers in place and provides for optimal drainage and stability:
- Backing is made of a combination of permeable woven and non-woven polypropylene fabrics
- The fibers are tufted (stitched) into the backing material in rows according to a patented wide gauge spacing formula that enables cleats to penetrate the infill material rather than the surface fiber
- Patented SureLock Coating Technology adds an impermeable coating over the back of each row of stitching, creating a chemical and mechanical bond, which seals the fiber rows while leaving the rest of the backing totally permeable
Infill
Athletes play on the infill and not the synthetic blades of grass. Our patented layered infill mix of silica sand and cryogenic rubber (rounded SBR rubber) is vital to safety, durability, and longevity:
- The bottom layer is comprised of several layers of clean, washed silica sand
- Up to 14 passes of a mix of cryogenic rubber and silica sand is then layered into the system. The rubber and sand particles are a similar size to stay in suspension
- Larger-sized cryogenic rubber top layers ensure that the rubber remains on top, providing a safe, forgiving surface
- Total infill exceeds 9 pounds per square foot on a typical sports field
- Over 720,000 pounds of infill is layered into a typical sports field
Silica Sand
- Stabilizes and supports the system
- Similar size to cryogenic rubber granules in order to eliminate segregation and compaction
- Environmentally beneficial
- Accounts for 70% of total infill weight
Cryogenic Rubber
- Recycled rubber tires are cryogenically frozen and shattered into smooth, clean-cut granules
- Rounded SBR rubber granules detracts microscopic air bubbles
- Granules resist floating or displacement in high-use areas
- Similar size to silica sand granules in order to eliminate segregation and compaction
- Environmentally beneficial
- Accounts for 30% of total infill weight
Seaming Technology
The seam is the lifeline of a turf system. Our patented seaming process ensures seams are secure and do not come apart.
- All seams are sewn rather than glued for greater durability
- Eliminates seam complications down the road
- Panel seams are sewn with a double-lock stitch
- Extra flap of backing material called "the selvedge edging" acts as the sewing medium
- All seams are hidden under the pile fabric
Next: Manufacturing - Where the Pieces Come Together
