Tensile fabric structures are completely different from traditional building. Its fabric manufacture process could be entirely done off-site, and causes minimum disruption to the client. There are mainly four different architecture fabrics: PVC, PTFE, ETFE and HDPE. Different methods are employed to cut and join tensile fabrics.
Generally speak, we use 3 main methods to join architectural fabrics:
1. Welding: the majority of our fabrics suitable for external use, and some of those for interior use, are joined by radio frequency welding. This consists of heating the thermo-plastic element in the fabric coating using electromagnetic waves to soften them and bond the two layers of fabric together. Advanced welding technology allows us to create an even strength across the length of the weld and a bond which will withstand extremely high tensile loads.
Not all fabrics can be welded easily and some require an additional layer of bonding tape to ensure the weld can achieve the strength and stability requirements for this type of application; the seam is designed to have the same tensile strength as the fabric itself.
2. Sewing: for smaller projects and for reinforcement patches on some larger membranes, we use industrial sewing machines to join fabric using UV stable thread to stitch layers to one another.
3. Gluing: for some applications and some types of fabric membrane, including silicon coated glass cloth, welding or sewing are not an effective means of joining. Gluing using a high-bond adhesive will also provide a joint with adequate strength and durability
Beside the 3 main methods, some details also need our attention, like pocket at edge and ridge, cap, eyelets. These may vary depending on the specific project. Different method and technique is needed.
