September 2011

  • Published On: September 1, 2011

    Compiled by Juli Case My fire marshal wants to know if the interior awning I’m installing is Class A. The fabric is certified to NFPA 701; does that mean it’s Class A? Using Classes A thru C is how the International Building Code (IBC) classifies the flammability of textiles in some applications. It’s based on [...]

  • Published On: September 1, 2011

    Compiled by Juli Case We’re working on a bid for an orthopedic device and the spec sheet calls for an UBL fabric. What’s that? We’re guessing that it’s probably referring to an “unbroken loop” fabric, which is a part of a hook-and-loop fastening system. Unbroken means that the fabric has a pile that’s been left [...]

  • Published On: September 1, 2011

    Compiled by Juli Case I use some recycled materials in my products. Where can I go to find out the right terminology to use with my customers? Although it’s great that you’re using recycled material, you’re right to be cautious about how you divulge that information to your customers. Unfortunately, there are some companies that [...]

  • Published On: September 1, 2011

    As technology improves and demand accelerates in areas like health care, transportation, aerospace and agriculture, China is growing rapidly in both production and consumption, especially in nonwovens. By Chuanxiong Zhang and Pan Wei During the past several decades, China’s industrial textiles industry has experienced a period of continuous expansion. Both scale and applications have expanded, [...]

  • Published On: September 1, 2011

    Fabric graphics displays define spaces and create opportunities. By Sigrid Tornquist Trade show booths. Retail displays. Stage backdrops. What do they have in common? Visual communication. With only seconds to get noticed, strong visuals are key to drawing people into your trade show booth, your retail store or your story. Graphic displays reshape a space [...]

  • Published On: September 1, 2011

    Oracal USA announces two new paint protection products: Oraguard® Series 270 and Series 280 Stone Guard Laminating Films. Both are recommended for paint protection on flat to moderately curved surfaces for more rugged protection from bugs, stones, and other road debris. Combine Series 270 or Series 280 with Orajet® Series 3105HT for tough applications like [...]

  • Published On: September 1, 2011

    The versatility of flexible fabric composites opens doors to new products and markets. By Holly O’Dell Fabric composites have been around for decades, and thanks to ongoing technological improvements in these materials, applications and markets continue to expand. As a result, fabricators have more opportunities for creating a flexible end product that ranges anywhere from [...]

  • Published On: September 1, 2011

    Fabric products offer relief from agriculture’s high production costs. By Barb Ernster The agriculture and horticulture industries are feeling the pain of the high cost of petroleum and raw materials, but a variety of fabric products used in many applications are alleviating costs with practical, economical solutions. Some segments of the agricultural fabrics industry are [...]

  • Published On: September 1, 2011

    Interview by Sigrid Tornquist Is the profit margin better for commercial projects as opposed to residential? Sometimes it takes the same amount of time to sell a $10,000 job as it does to sell a $500 job, but percentage-wise, probably not. Both types of jobs come with their own challenges. With commercial you have to [...]

  • Published On: September 1, 2011

    Andy Morse uses opportunities other companies overlook. By Sigrid Tornquist “The business atmosphere right now demands change,” says Andy Morse, IFM, owner and president of Ohio Awning and Manufacturing Co. in Cleveland, Ohio. “You’ve got to constantly be looking for alternatives, innovations and growth opportunities in order to keep an edge.” Keeping that edge is [...]