Difference between revisions of "Alcantara"

From www.leather-dictionary.com - The Leather Dictionary
Jump to: navigation, search
 
(87 intermediate revisions by one user not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
−
[[Bild:Alcantara-wiki.jpg|thumb|300px|Alcantara in verschiedenen Farbvarianten. Bild: [http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:MarkusHagenlocher Markus Hagenlocher], Lizenz: GNU 1.2]]'''Alcantara''' ist eigentlich keine [[Leder]]art, sondern ein Mikrofaserstoff, der ursprünglich in Japan aus Polyester und Polystyrol [[Kunstleder|synthetisiert]] wurde. Im Ursprungsland ist Alcantara auch als ''Ecsaine'' bekannt, in den USA als ''Ultrasuede''.
+
<p align=center>
 +
[[bild:LEATHER-DICTIONARY.jpg|300px]]
 +
</p>
  
−
Alcantara weist eine sehr feine Gewebestruktur auf, die in ihrem Griff und ihrer Optik [[Velourleder]]n ähneln, jedoch weitaus weniger kostenintensiv sind. Es wiegt gegenüber echtem Leder nur die Hälfte, ist bis 40 Grad Celsius waschbar und zeichnet sich sowohl durch Wasserresistenz als auch Atmungsaktivität aus. Bei der Herstellung ist vorteilhaft, dass Alcantara mehrlagig zugeschnitten werden kann; seine Struktur ist über die gesamte Fläche hinweg gleichförmig, weswegen im Gegensatz zu Echtleder keine Verschnitte anfallen. Übliche Einsatzbereiche von Alcantara sind die Bekleidungs-, Möbel- und (in seiner Eigenschaft als Sitzbezugsmaterial) die Autoindustrie.
 
  
 +
==What is Alcantara?==
 +
Alcantara is not a [[Types of leather|type of leather]], but a trade name for a microfiber fabric synthesized from polyester and polyurethane. Microfibers are particularly fine fibers, with 10,000 meters of these fibers weighing less than 1 gram.
  
−
[[Kategorie:Lederarten]]
+
The material was developed in the 1970s by the Japanese company Toray Industries and introduced to the market under the name Ecsaine. It was an innovative microfiber that imitated the characteristics of [[suede]] but was made from synthetic materials. Initially, Ecsaine was used in the sportswear industry for shoes, gloves, and other sports articles.
−
[[Kategorie:Leder Bekleidung]]
+
 
−
[[Kategorie:Leder Möbel]]
+
Later, Toray Industries licensed the technology to the Italian company Alcantara S.p.A. Alcantara S.p.A. further developed the material and introduced it to the market under the name Alcantara. Alcantara quickly gained popularity in the [[car leather|automotive]] and [[furniture leather|furniture]] industries due to its high-quality appearance, tactile feel, and durability. Alcantara S.p.A., headquartered in Italy, is the main producer and trademark owner of Alcantara. The company has driven the production and marketing of the material worldwide, establishing the name Alcantara as a leading brand for microfiber leather alternatives.
−
[[Kategorie:Leder Auto]]
+
 
 +
Alcantara has a very fine fabric structure that resembles the look and feel of [[suede]]. As a result, it is often mistaken for [[genuine leather]]. In the United States, Alcantara is known as "Ultrasuede," and you may also come across the spelling "Alkantara" on the internet.
 +
 
 +
 
 +
<p align=center>
 +
[[bild:Alcantara-01.jpg|165px]]
 +
[[bild:Alcantara-03.jpg|165px]]
 +
[[bild:Alcantara-04.jpg|165px]]
 +
</p>
 +
<p align=center>
 +
''Alcantara looks like [[suede]].''<br></p>
 +
<p>&nbsp;</p>
 +
 
 +
<p align=center>
 +
[[bild:Alcantara-06.jpg|165px]]
 +
[[bild:Alcantara-Perforiert-BMW-03.jpg|186px]]
 +
[[bild:Alcantara-08.jpg|165px]]
 +
</p>
 +
<p align=center>
 +
''Alcantara is sometimes [[Perforated leather|perforated]], and fabric is visible through the holes.''<br></p>
 +
<p>&nbsp;</p>
 +
 
 +
Alcantara weighs only half as much as real leather. It can be washed with neutral detergent in the washing machine at 30 to 40 degrees Celsius. But do not spin! Let it dry on its own and gently [https://www.colourlock.com/search?search=brush brush] it afterwards. Alcantara can be ironed at low temperatures. But always put a white cloth between the iron and the Alcantara. Be very carefully with the temperature as Alcantara is very heat sensitive!
 +
 
 +
An advantage of Alcantara is that it can be cut in several layers one above the other. The structure of Alcantara is completely uniform so, unlike real leather, there is less [[Leather cutting waste|wastage]]. Common uses of Alcantara are for [[leather clothing|clothing]], [[leather furniture|furniture]] and [[car leather|car seats]].
 +
 
 +
Some manufacturers of [[car leather|car seats]] upholster the centre sections of the seats in Alcantara and the outer surfaces (bolsters) with smooth leather. When combined with [[leather|genuine leather]], it is commonly referred to as partial leather interior. However, many people think that the  material is leather and refer to it as "Alcantara leather".
 +
 
 +
 
 +
<p align=center>
 +
[[bild:Alcantara-Lotus-340-R-Bj-2000.jpg|500px]]
 +
</p>
 +
<p align=center>
 +
[[bild:Alcantara-Auto-01.jpg|250px]]
 +
[[bild:Alcantara-Auto-02.jpg|250px]]
 +
</p>
 +
<p align=center>
 +
''Alcantara combined with leather = Alcantara leather upholstery.''<br></p>
 +
<p>&nbsp;</p>
 +
 
 +
<p align=center>
 +
[[bild:Lenkrad-Alcantara-02.jpg|500px]]
 +
</p>
 +
<p align=center>
 +
[[bild:Lenkrad-02-Velour.jpg|500px]]
 +
</p>
 +
<p align=center>
 +
''Less common: Mercedes [[Leather steering wheel|steering wheel]] with Alcantara and leather. - Audi with Alcantara [[Leather steering wheel|steering wheel]].''<br></p>
 +
<p>&nbsp;</p>
 +
 
 +
Over time, regular use of an Alcantara [[Leather steering wheel|steering wheel]] can cause the surface to become smooth from contact to human skin. As a result, the Alcantara surface can look like [[smooth leather]], and it may be difficult to tell the difference between the two by look and touch alone.
 +
 
 +
 
 +
<p align=center>
 +
[[bild:Alcantara-steering-wheel-fatty-01.jpg|500px]]
 +
</p>
 +
<p align=center>
 +
''Alcantara looking like smooth leather by beeing in contact to hands a lot of times.''<br></p>
 +
<p>&nbsp;</p>
 +
 
 +
<p align=center>
 +
[[bild:Ferrari-Alcantara.jpg|500px]]
 +
</p>
 +
<p align=center>
 +
'' Alcantara seats in a [[car leather#Ferrari|Ferrari]].''<br></p>
 +
<p>&nbsp;</p>
 +
 
 +
<p align=center>
 +
[[bild:Alcantara-Lamborghini.jpg|500px]]
 +
</p>
 +
<p align=center>
 +
'' Alcantara seats in a [[car leather#Lamborghini|Lamborghini]].''<br></p>
 +
<p>&nbsp;</p>
 +
 
 +
==Pilling in Alcantara==
 +
Over time it is common to find small balls of fibres on the surface of contact areas of Alcantara upholstery. This phenomenon is called pilling. The friction on the surface causes the fibres to raise up into small knots or nodules. This issue is widely known in the clothing sector.
 +
 
 +
 
 +
<p align=center>
 +
[[bild:Alcantara-Knoten02.jpg|250px]]
 +
[[bild:Jeep-Grand-Cherokee-Overlan.jpg|250px]]
 +
</p>
 +
<p align=center>
 +
[[bild:Alcantara-Pilling-Sofa-01.jpg|500px]]
 +
</p>
 +
<p align=center>
 +
[[bild:Alcantara-Knoten03.jpg|250px]]
 +
[[bild:Alcantara-Pilling-2012-10.jpg|250px]]
 +
</p>
 +
<p align=center>
 +
''Typical nodules on Alcantara. In this case, maybe removable (see video).''<br></p>
 +
<p>&nbsp;</p>
 +
 
 +
<p align=center>
 +
<flashow>//www.youtube.com/v/6OZfbX0WUJg&fs=1&color1=0x660000&color2=0x550000&border=1|width=500|height=281,25</flashow>
 +
</p>
 +
<p align=center>
 +
''[https://www.colourlock.com/How-To-s/Car-Leather/How-to-clean-and-protect-Alcantara/ Alcantara pilling removal & care]''<br></p>
 +
<p>&nbsp;</p>
 +
 
 +
<p align=center>
 +
[[bild:Alcantara-Knoten-Mercedes-1.jpg|500px]]
 +
</p>
 +
<p align=center>
 +
[[bild:Alcantara-Knoten-Mercedes-0.jpg|500px]]
 +
</p>
 +
<p align=center>
 +
''Treated too hot with steam cleaner. Result: Permanent entanglement and deformation with no chance of removal.''<br></p>
 +
<p>&nbsp;</p>
 +
 
 +
==Fading of Alcantara==
 +
Alcantara colour bleaches very rarely. It is impossible to re-colour or refreshing the colour. Since it is synthetic, dyes don’t remain on the fibres and easily rub off, leading to discolouration.
 +
 
 +
 
 +
<p align=center>
 +
[[bild:Verblichenes_Alcantara-01.jpg|500px]]
 +
</p>
 +
<p align=center>
 +
[[bild:Alcantara-Ausgeblichen-01.jpg|500px]]
 +
</p>
 +
<p align=center>
 +
''Faded Alcantara is rare.''<br></p>
 +
<p>&nbsp;</p>
 +
 
 +
==Other fabrics with a leather-look==
 +
Besides Alcantara there are many other [[Microfibre leather|types of material]] that look like [[suede]] or [[nubuck]]. Therefore, always check the label to find out what material it is. The most common imitation leather is smooth [[Grain side|grain-structured]] [[Artificial leather - Imitation leather|imitation leather]].
 +
 
 +
 
 +
<p align=center>
 +
[[bild:Microfaser-Wildlederoptik-01.jpg|500px]]
 +
</p>
 +
<p align=center>
 +
''Microfibre with nubuck optics.''<br></p>
 +
<p>&nbsp;</p>
 +
 
 +
==Care instructions==
 +
[[bild:Colourlock-02.jpg|16px]] -> [https://www.colourlock.com/How-To-s/Car-Leather/How-to-clean-and-protect-Alcantara/ - CLEANING AND CARE OF ALCANTARA AND SIMILAR FABRICS]
 +
<br>
 +
[[bild:Lederzentrum-2016-08-Mini-viereckig-Rand-02.jpg|16px]] -> In German: [http://www.lederzentrum.de/tip/index.html#auto www.lederzentrum.de]
 +
<br>
 +
[[bild:Globus.jpg|16px]] -> Rest of the world: [http://www.lederzentrum.de/international.html#partner partners worldwide]
 +
 
 +
 
 +
<p align=center>
 +
<flashow>//www.youtube.com/v/gZABYbhmVaw&fs=1&color1=0x660000&color2=0x550000&border=1|width=500|height=281,25</flashow>
 +
</p>
 +
<p align=center>
 +
''[https://www.colourlock.com/search?search=Alcantara Alcantara cleaning & care]''<br></p>
 +
<p>&nbsp;</p>
 +
 
 +
<p align=center>
 +
<flashow>//www.youtube.com/v/RyzMMwcdbSg&fs=1&color1=0x660000&color2=0x550000&border=1|width=500|height=281,25</flashow>
 +
</p>
 +
<p align=center>
 +
''[https://www.colourlock.com/search?search=Alcantara Alcantara cleaning & care]''<br></p>
 +
<p>&nbsp;</p>
 +
 
 +
<p align=center>
 +
<flashow>//www.youtube.com/v/FvVcegHjt90&fs=1&color1=0x660000&color2=0x550000&border=1|width=500|height=281,25</flashow>
 +
</p>
 +
<p align=center>
 +
''[https://www.colourlock.com/search?search=Alcantara Microfiber pen strokes]''<br></p>
 +
<p>&nbsp;</p>
 +
 
 +
<logoplustext />
 +
 
 +
 
 +
[[Kategorie:All Articles]]
 +
[[Kategorie:Leather types]]
 +
[[Kategorie:Leather clothing]]
 +
[[Kategorie:Leather furniture]]
 +
[[Kategorie:Car leather]]

Latest revision as of 13:43, 19 June 2023

LEATHER-DICTIONARY.jpg


What is Alcantara?

Alcantara is not a type of leather, but a trade name for a microfiber fabric synthesized from polyester and polyurethane. Microfibers are particularly fine fibers, with 10,000 meters of these fibers weighing less than 1 gram.

The material was developed in the 1970s by the Japanese company Toray Industries and introduced to the market under the name Ecsaine. It was an innovative microfiber that imitated the characteristics of suede but was made from synthetic materials. Initially, Ecsaine was used in the sportswear industry for shoes, gloves, and other sports articles.

Later, Toray Industries licensed the technology to the Italian company Alcantara S.p.A. Alcantara S.p.A. further developed the material and introduced it to the market under the name Alcantara. Alcantara quickly gained popularity in the automotive and furniture industries due to its high-quality appearance, tactile feel, and durability. Alcantara S.p.A., headquartered in Italy, is the main producer and trademark owner of Alcantara. The company has driven the production and marketing of the material worldwide, establishing the name Alcantara as a leading brand for microfiber leather alternatives.

Alcantara has a very fine fabric structure that resembles the look and feel of suede. As a result, it is often mistaken for genuine leather. In the United States, Alcantara is known as "Ultrasuede," and you may also come across the spelling "Alkantara" on the internet.


Alcantara-01.jpg Alcantara-03.jpg Alcantara-04.jpg

Alcantara looks like suede.

 

Alcantara-06.jpg Alcantara-Perforiert-BMW-03.jpg Alcantara-08.jpg

Alcantara is sometimes perforated, and fabric is visible through the holes.

 

Alcantara weighs only half as much as real leather. It can be washed with neutral detergent in the washing machine at 30 to 40 degrees Celsius. But do not spin! Let it dry on its own and gently brush it afterwards. Alcantara can be ironed at low temperatures. But always put a white cloth between the iron and the Alcantara. Be very carefully with the temperature as Alcantara is very heat sensitive!

An advantage of Alcantara is that it can be cut in several layers one above the other. The structure of Alcantara is completely uniform so, unlike real leather, there is less wastage. Common uses of Alcantara are for clothing, furniture and car seats.

Some manufacturers of car seats upholster the centre sections of the seats in Alcantara and the outer surfaces (bolsters) with smooth leather. When combined with genuine leather, it is commonly referred to as partial leather interior. However, many people think that the material is leather and refer to it as "Alcantara leather".


Alcantara-Lotus-340-R-Bj-2000.jpg

Alcantara-Auto-01.jpg Alcantara-Auto-02.jpg

Alcantara combined with leather = Alcantara leather upholstery.

 

Lenkrad-Alcantara-02.jpg

Lenkrad-02-Velour.jpg

Less common: Mercedes steering wheel with Alcantara and leather. - Audi with Alcantara steering wheel.

 

Over time, regular use of an Alcantara steering wheel can cause the surface to become smooth from contact to human skin. As a result, the Alcantara surface can look like smooth leather, and it may be difficult to tell the difference between the two by look and touch alone.


Alcantara-steering-wheel-fatty-01.jpg

Alcantara looking like smooth leather by beeing in contact to hands a lot of times.

 

Ferrari-Alcantara.jpg

Alcantara seats in a Ferrari.

 

Alcantara-Lamborghini.jpg

Alcantara seats in a Lamborghini.

 

Pilling in Alcantara

Over time it is common to find small balls of fibres on the surface of contact areas of Alcantara upholstery. This phenomenon is called pilling. The friction on the surface causes the fibres to raise up into small knots or nodules. This issue is widely known in the clothing sector.


Alcantara-Knoten02.jpg Jeep-Grand-Cherokee-Overlan.jpg

Alcantara-Pilling-Sofa-01.jpg

Alcantara-Knoten03.jpg Alcantara-Pilling-2012-10.jpg

Typical nodules on Alcantara. In this case, maybe removable (see video).

 

Alcantara pilling removal & care

 

Alcantara-Knoten-Mercedes-1.jpg

Alcantara-Knoten-Mercedes-0.jpg

Treated too hot with steam cleaner. Result: Permanent entanglement and deformation with no chance of removal.

 

Fading of Alcantara

Alcantara colour bleaches very rarely. It is impossible to re-colour or refreshing the colour. Since it is synthetic, dyes don’t remain on the fibres and easily rub off, leading to discolouration.


Verblichenes Alcantara-01.jpg

Alcantara-Ausgeblichen-01.jpg

Faded Alcantara is rare.

 

Other fabrics with a leather-look

Besides Alcantara there are many other types of material that look like suede or nubuck. Therefore, always check the label to find out what material it is. The most common imitation leather is smooth grain-structured imitation leather.


Microfaser-Wildlederoptik-01.jpg

Microfibre with nubuck optics.

 

Care instructions

Colourlock-02.jpg -> - CLEANING AND CARE OF ALCANTARA AND SIMILAR FABRICS
Lederzentrum-2016-08-Mini-viereckig-Rand-02.jpg -> In German: www.lederzentrum.de
Globus.jpg -> Rest of the world: partners worldwide


Alcantara cleaning & care

 

Alcantara cleaning & care

 

Microfiber pen strokes

 

Colourlock-GB-03.jpg

WE UNDERSTAND LEATHER - WWW.COLOURLOCK.COM

Retrieved from ‘https://www.leather-dictionary.com/index.php?title=Alcantara&oldid=27611’