The Independent Welding Distributors Cooperative Inc. (www.weldmark.com) introduced a welding pad and blanket made of flexible, lightweight carbon fiber fabric that the company says withstands heat, flame and molten metal. The Weldmark Velvet Shield pad and blanket is available as an 18-in. square or in 5-ft. by 6-ft. sizes, and protects items subjected to continuous operating temperature to 1,800 degrees F and intermittent temperatures to 3,000 degrees F. Weldmark says the fabric exceeds NFPA 701 standards.