Metal fabric

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Contents 1 Material analysis 1.1 Traditional uses 1.2 Emerging uses / trends 1.3 Finish and aesthetic qualities 1.4 Surface forms / shapes 1.5 Cost analysis 2 Material properties 2.1 Primary structural use 2.2 Material performance 2.3 Dimensional and opening restriction 2.4 Manufacturing process and assembly 3 Environment and Life Safety 3.1 Environmental impact 3.2 Flammability rating 4 References 4.1 Student contributions 5 See also 5.1 Similar materials 6 External links 6.1 Leading manufacturers

Material analysis

CSI Number: 057020

Traditional uses

• security, solar, partition or decorative screens
• wall coverings
• sunshades
• a variety of functional applications
• exterior facades
• foundations
• wind breaks
• balustrades, stair and handrail systems
• ceilings, wall, floor & column coverings
• drapery
• elevator cabs
• grillwork
• light diffusers and reflectors

Emerging uses / trends

• space sculpting
• Aesthetic architectural applications by incorporating color, texture and pattern.

Finish and aesthetic qualities

• Most often produced in stainless steel, though a variety of metals can also be used. They include brass, bronze, copper, and custom alloys.
• Degree of flexiblity, transparency, durability, width, weight, and texture vary per installation.
• Color coating can be applied to stainless steel to create a variety of hues.
• Reflective property of the surface can be altered by adjusting proceess parameters.
• LED lights can be attached to metal fabric to create still images, animated images, and colors, which can be controlled via computer programming.

Surface forms / shapes

• Attached to tensile structures to take on structure’s shape
• Can hang freely from ceiling

Cost analysis

• Can range from $10-$200/ sq ft. depending on detail, density of design and installation method
• Custom per project

Material properties

Primary structural use

• Non structural finish material.
• Attached to tensile structure for aesthetic architectural applications in interiors and exteriors.
• Three types of structural categories of metal fabrics are flexible one direction, flexible both directions, and rigid.

Material performance

• High quality, noncorroding stainless steel requires no maintenance.
• In some cases, the product may need to be wiped down with mild soap and water.
• May be pressure washed if needed.

Dimensional and opening restriction

• Custom cut to size
• Maximum panel size 110’ x 26’

Manufacturing process and assembly

• Machine woven stainless steel, copper, brass, bronze, and aluminum.

Environment and Life Safety

Environmental impact

• 100% recyclable
• Reduces solar radiation when used as sunshade
• Extremely resilient and durable, resistant to scrathches, denting, and corrosion
• Suitable for interior and exterior application

Flammability rating

• Fire and heat resistant

References

Student contributions

• Blair Dubak, spring 2008
• Lori Anderson, fall 2005

See also

Similar materials

• perforated metal sheets

External links

Leading manufacturers

• GKD Metal Fabrics Website
• Cambridge Architectural Website
• IO Metal Fabrics Website
• Cascade Coil Drapery Website