Web resources for finding partners

January 1, 1970  |  News

Where do you find good people to do a job for you? Face-to-face is great—but you might consider the Web as well. We can’t recommend any of these personally, but you may wish to take a look: Freelancer.com, based in Sydney, Australia, claims that small businesses worldwide had posted 500,…
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Methods for bonding flexible PV cells to fabric

January 1, 1970  |  News

Architects and FTL Solar co-founders Todd Dalland and Robert Lerner explain some of the innovative methods they’re exploring for bonding thin-film flexible photovoltaic (PV) cells to fabric: Lamination. Adhesives activatedÊby light, heat, moisture, temperature, pressureÊor a combination for …
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PV cells on awning and shade structure fabric

January 1, 1970  |  News

The use of PV cells on awning and shade structure fabric is transitioning from a fledgling market to one that will have mainstream implications, but obstacles remain. The big one, of course, is the economy. Awning and shade structure makers and sellers must determine if the investment makes business…
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Solar shading and energy saving in the U.S.

January 1, 1970  |  News

The Professional Awning Manufacturers Association (PAMA), a division of IFAI, is spearheading a similar effort in the United States, where buildings account for 40 percent of primary energy consumption. PAMA is working to develop a rating for fabric awnings and exterior shades with the National Fene…
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Welander works to benefit Missoula community

January 1, 1970  |  News

By Sigrid Tornquist Mark Welander has a passion for enjoying nature and the outdoors, and enjoys sharing that passion with his family and community. More than 30 years ago, he began working with the Downtown Association in Missoula, Mont., to help them convert an unused former industrial area on the…
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Specialty Fabrics Review interviews Mark Welander, owner of Fabricon

January 1, 1970  |  News

Interview by Sigrid Tornquist What is your industry prediction? When you consider the use of membranes since the time of early man and the strides being made in the development of fabrics today, it’s inevitable that there will continue to be growth for this industry. What is your business phil…
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Sustainability purchasing programs

January 1, 1970  |  News

Sustainability purchasing programs may take into consideration a wide variety of policies, processes and practices. Publicly available contact information for the chief sustainability officer Sustainability criteria is used in procurement decisions Appropriate records are maintained to feed into cor…
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Shade sails stand up to the elements

January 1, 1970  |  News

With most shade sails employing HDPE fabrics with a 10-year UV warranty, properly engineered and constructed structures are designed to withstand the hot sun. But what about other elements, such as snow loads or strong winds? According to Ashley Donde, vice president of sales for USA SHADE & Fab…
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Coating compounds 101

January 1, 1970  |  News

Coated fabrics refer to woven or nonwoven cloth with semiliquid coating or resin applied to the surface or saturated into the bulk of the substrate to provide functional properties to the substrate. Basic coating methods include knife, roll, extrusion or immersion (dip). Common compounds and their c…
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The challenges of backyard parties

January 1, 1970  |  News

By Jamie Swedberg Backyard parties have run-of-the-mill tent installation challenges, such as confined areas and stone patios where stakes can’t be used. But sometimes installers really have to go the extra mile. Lefty’s Tent & Party Rentals, Coleraine, Minn., is often asked to set u…
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