Even speeding bullets are no match for Kevlar. Find out how a creative chemist turned crystals into fibers to spin a thread that's stronger than steel.
While rigid metal fabrics are ideal for applications where relatively small panels are desired, for several reasons they are less than ideal for applications that require large vertical expanses, such as exterior facades. Rigid metal fabrics in general must ship flat or at least ship in very large diameter rolls. Because of this the cost to ship large rigid metal fabric panels can be prohibitive, not to mention an unnecessary waste of natural resources, i.e. more fuel for less freight. Also, the installation of large rigid metal fabric panels typically requires much more sub-structure, which increases overall project cost. Lastly, working with large rigid metal fabric panels increases the likelihood of damage such as creasing and/or panel deformation due to the difficulty of handling large panels in the field. For these reasons it is best to specify rigid metal fabrics for small-scale applications such as those listed above.
Rigid metal fabrics are ideal for small-scale applications, but they were not intended for applications where large vertical expanses are desired, such as exterior facades, and this is where the flexible metal fabrics shine. Flexible metal fabrics are typically woven with multifilament cables in the Warp and solid rods in the Weft. The use of multifilament cables in the Warp results in a metal fabric that is highly flexible in the Warp dimension, and it is this property that provides numerous advantages where large-scale panels are desired.
The advantages of flexible fabrics for large scale applications are numerous and include, just to name a few: the ability to be rolled for easy and efficient transport; ability to span multiple stories while requiring a minimum of sub-structure for attachment (flexible metal fabrics generally require top and bottom structural attachments and minimal intermediate attachments spaced as required per static calculation); simpler and much less labor intensive to work with in the field with less risk of damage and/or deformation; overall lower project cost.
Stainless steel metal fabrics are an attractive and sustainable choice in today’s disposable world. With applications ranging from as simple as an infill panel in a cabinet door, all the way up to cladding an entire exterior façade for reduction of solar heat gain. Metal fabrics offer a wide range of characteristics to meet the aesthetic and design needs of just about any conceivable application. Choosing the right type of metal fabric is the first step and is key to providing efficient and cost effective solutions for your projects.
Shawn Crismond A degree in visual and performing arts as well as a background in mechanics and construction has been just the blend of skills needed for my role in GKD sales and tech service. This allows me to appreciate the architect’s vision while understanding the “nuts and bolts” of how a project can be executed to help preserve and protect that vision. During my six years at GKD, I have worked on a range of projects including the Chicago Art Institute, Eastern Michigan University, the University of California Davis Medical Center and the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts in Kansas City.
Contact Email: shawn@gkdusa.com