Facts & Info
FIA Standard 8856-2000 - PROTECTIVE CLOTHING FOR AUTOMOBILE DRIVERS
APPENDIX I - Item 3
Embroidery sewn directly onto the overall shall be stitched onto the outermost layer only, for better heat insulation. Backing material of badges shall be flameproof and in conformity with the standard ISO 15025 in order to avoid combustion of the badge which would affect the efficiency of the overalls.
Thread used for affixing the badge to the overalls shall be flameproof and in conformity with the standard ISO 15025. It is also recommended that embroidery thread on badges or on the outermost layer of the garment be flameproof and in conformity with the standard ISO 15025. When affixing badges and signs to the overalls, heat-bonding shall not be used and the garment shall not be cut.
NB: any embroidery not complying with these conditions will result in the cancellation of the homologation of the overalls concerned, and its user may be excluded by the scrutineer of the event during which the infringement was noted.
Why can't Hot-Stitch embroider my logos etc straight onto my race overalls?
As the above FIA regulation stipulates, embroidery should only be on the outermost layer of fabric to provide a greater barrier to heat and flame to the driver. Only race suit manufacturers have access to this top layer during the garment manufacturing stage. This is a very costly process for one off or low volume requirements and badges are therefore a preferrable alternative for most drivers.
An additional benefit of going down the badge route is that you can add or remove sponsors branding at any time rather than having to discard a perfectly good race suit still within its homologation because the branding on it is no longer relevant.
How should the badges be affixed to the overalls?
All Hot-Stitch Nomex™ badges are supplied with Nomex thread to allow you to affix the badges to your overalls. Care should be taken to make sure that the stitching only penetrates the outside Nomex layer of the overalls as per FIA regulations.
How should Nomex™ badges be cleaned?
Nomex™ race overalls, including badges , should be dry cleaned only. Under no circumstance should bleach be applied to Nomex™ (Aramid) materials as this quickly degrades the material.
How can you tell the difference between Nomex™ badges and standard Polyester or Rayon badges?
Visually, Nomex™ embroidery thread is a little duller than the high sheen silky Polyester and Rayon threads, but this is usually only noticeable to the trained eye. Therefore, Hot-Stitch Nomex™ badges are identified from standard flammable badges by a small yellow tag / indicator on the border of our badges. You can therefore be sure any badges on a race overall bearing the yellow tag are Hot-Stitch fireproof badges and will not be a weak link in the driver's safety and protection.
Why are Nomex™ badges more expensive than standard flammable badges?
Hot-Stitch adges use Nomex™ materials and embroidery threads. Nomex™ is very difficult to dye and spin into yarn. Hot-Stitch source their materials from the best manufacturers around the world ensuring that only the finest quality materials are used, giving the customer a safe and attractive solution to their fireproof badge requirements.
Why shouldn't polyester / rayon badges be used on your race overalls?
Polyester flammability is termed as 'melt & explosive' and Rayon (Viscose) flammability is termed as 'fast and even', neither charactieristics desireable for your race suit.
Just how good is Nomex as a fire guard?
Nomex™ is an aramid material which is heat and flame resistant. Nomex™ (aramid) materials are used in; firefighter, military pilots overalls and space suits. Nomex is such an excellent heat barrier and flame retardent that it is also used as thermal blankets on the payload bay doors, fuselage, and upper wing surfaces of the Space Shuttle.
Are the same colours available for Nomex badges as standard Polyester or Rayon badges?
Due to the difficulty in dyeing Nomex threads there are not the huge variations in colours available as with the flammable Polyester and Rayons. However, Hot-Stitch sources Nomex threads from 3 different manufacturers, providing a greater variety of colours and continuity in supply.
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