Fabric Structures – Page 3 – Specialty Fabrics Review

A curved approach

Creating watertight and airtight fabric seams for the HAWC Gamma Ray Observatory was a must. In order to durably bond the fabric sections, curve welding was employed. This method achieved weathertight seams that conformed to the unique shape of the project. Curve welding uses hot air or hot wedge welding machines to create curves and unique shapes with overlap, hem or hem with pocket styles. Curve welding is also effective for white water rafts, military attack boats, airplane escape chutes and inflatable tents.

Domes of discovery

December 1, 2015 | Fabric Structures, Markets

Detectors at the HAWC Gamma Ray Observatory are protected by custom domes made of military grade fabric. We have learned a lot about the universe by looking out from our planet. Scientists are discovering much can be learned about outer space by looking at our immediate surroundings as well. One of …

Reaching for the stars

November 1, 2015 | Fabric Structures, Markets

Tectoniks pioneers inflatable technology in developing high-value asset protection for Lockheed Martin U.K. To help provide environmental protection to its high-value assets, aerospace and defense contractor Lockheed Martin U.K. needed a robust, portable and retractable structure that met specific a…

Protecting those who serve

November 1, 2015 | Fabric Structures, Markets

A fabric cover at an army heliport shields against the Arizona sun. The Silverbell Army Heliport, located near Marana, Ariz., about 30 miles northwest of Tucson, is a training site for the Arizona Department of Emergency and Military Affairs (DEMA). There, aviation training is conducted using severa…

Powering up

September 1, 2015 | Fabric Structures, Feature, Marine, Markets

The demand for inflatables used for shelters, rescue and training is strong and growing, as new applications for a well-known but developing technology attract more attention worldwide. Air is a powerful force. Properly harnessed, it can be completely transformed, becoming an integral player in prod…

Fabric meets frac sand

September 1, 2015 | Fabric Structures, Markets

A fast-growing industry relies on fabric architecture for a long-term, large-format storage facility. Wind and sand are like oil and water; they don’t mix. When Source Energy Services (SES), Eau Claire, Wis., enlisted the assistance of Legacy Building Solutions Inc., South Haven, Minn., to build t…

A healthy living

September 1, 2015 | Fabric Structures, Marine, Markets, Products

Inflatable products need not be oversized to have a big impact; small can be mighty, especially when it comes to inflatables designed to provide relief on an individual basis, such as those popping up in wellness centers, hospitals, nursing homes and even on clothing racks and in closets. Here’s a…

Air support

July 1, 2015 | Fabric Structures, Feature, Markets

Advances in materials and technology mean advantages for air-supported fabric structures in durability and sustainability. In May 2009, the Dallas Cowboys’ practice facility collapsed under a freak microburst of 60mph winds, injuring a dozen people and leaving at least one person partially paralyz…

Beyond the competition

July 1, 2015 | Fabric Structures, Feature, Perspective

Patty and Charly Smail build their business by learning from each new customer—and finding gaps in what the competition offers. We’ve always been service-oriented people. That’s our style,” says Patty Smail, president of Shelter Structures Inc. in Philadelphia, Pa. “We wanted to find marke…

5 top reasons for using an air-supported structure

July 1, 2015 | Fabric Structures, Markets

Many of the manufacturers interviewed for the air-supported structure feature in the July issue used similar arguments when pitching to clients on the benefits of air-supported structures. The top five: 1. Quick to erect. Air-supported fabric structures are significantly faster to erect than tradit…

Lessons in community, ecology

June 1, 2015 | Fabric Structures, Markets, Projects

The Longbush Ecosanctuary protects native plants, birds and wildlife in a rare lowland bush near Gisbourne, on New Zealand’s eastern coast. Longbush Ecological Trust wanted an inviting environmental education space to serve as a symbolic gateway to the 296-acre sanctuary and commissioned architect…

Category: Fabric Structures