Infinity Technical Guide en
Infinity Technical Guide en
CONTENTS
I. Main characteristics ............................................................................................. 4
II. Delivery ............................................................................................................... 6
a) Packaging ......................................................................................................... 6
b) Labelling - Traceability ..................................................................................... 6
c) Handling ........................................................................................................... 7
d) Storage............................................................................................................. 7
III. Final use ........................................................................................................... 8
IV. To be determined before cutting ..................................................................... 9
a) Which side should face the sun? And which should face the interior? ............. 9
b) Direction (warp or weft?) .................................................................................. 9
c) Dimensions ..................................................................................................... 10
d) Guidance systems .......................................................................................... 10
V. Cutting .............................................................................................................. 11
a) Procedure ....................................................................................................... 11
b) Suggestions for appropriate machines ........................................................... 11
c) Parametres ..................................................................................................... 12
VI. Manufacturing = “weft” with “upper” and “lower” hems ............................. 13
a) Sewing............................................................................................................ 13
b) Lateral edges.................................................................................................. 14
c) Lower fabric corners ....................................................................................... 15
VII. Quality control on assembly ........................................................................... 16
VIII. Printing ........................................................................................................... 17
IX. Installation ...................................................................................................... 18
a) Installation direction (oriented towards or away from the sun) ...................... 18
b) Contact with the other parts of the system .................................................... 18
c) Roller tubes .................................................................................................... 18
d) Guides ............................................................................................................ 18
e) Poles............................................................................................................... 19
f) Profiles ........................................................................................................... 19
g) Slopes............................................................................................................. 19
X. Maintenance ..................................................................................................... 20
a) Mechanical resistance and colourfastness ...................................................... 20
b) Recommendations for use .............................................................................. 20
XI. Warranty......................................................................................................... 22
XII. Miscellaneous questions................................................................................. 23
Appendix - “Product Manufacturers’ Guide” factsheet
The machines and tools mentioned in this guide as well as similar equipment and
suggested settings can be used to manufacture solar protection devices using
INFINITY fabric.
The information in this guide was obtained through tests of the various techniques
carried out by our manufacturers. It may be revised if the machines are updated
with technological modifications.
Dickson shall not be held liable for quality claims related to manufacturing defects
that are potentially related to the materials and machines suggested in this guide.
I. Main characteristics
DESCRIPTION
INFINITY benefits from a yarn with a high level of stability strengthened by a high-
resistance weave that ensures even weft and warp elongation.
In the warp direction (classic direction), it can mounted as panels, each up to 320
cm wide.
INFINITY is most effective when used in the weft (cross) direction): available in
320 cm width, it is suitable for very wide awnings, with an overhang of +/- 300
cm, in a single panel (no seam).
The absence of seams (except for the “upper" and “lower" hems) prevents
increased thickness on winding and limits distortion such as waffling. In addition,
the number of manufacturing operations is greatly reduced, offering a significant
cost advantage.
INFINITY is OEKOTEX certified. This label attests that the chemical products
used to produce INFINITY are not harmful and, to the best of our knowledge, are
safe for the user. They comply with REACH legislation.
INFINITY's solar factors (heat and light transmission) are listed in our
technical sales brochures; contact Dickson for technical support.
II. Delivery
a) Packaging
The fabric is wound on a tube and protected from ambient dust by a plastic film.
At both ends, the sides are protected by square cardboard protection, revealing
the end of the tube. The product is packaged in a cardboard box adjusted to its
diameter, and semi-enclosed at both ends. The tube is purposely left apparent
at the box ends. The cardboard box is strengthened with ties.
b) Labelling - Traceability
Each piece is identified with one label affixed to one end of the cardboard box.
This label mentions the item’s reference number, length, width and the
locations of any flaws.
A unique matriculation number is included on the label to fully identify the item
and ensure the traceability of its manufacturing process. It can be used to
analyse any non-compliance of the product. It is also required for any claims to
be processed.
The fabric should never be dragged on the floor, even while still in its
cardboard box.
Note that the opening of the tube is accessible on each side of the piece; this allows for the use of a lifting
device (spur) to easily move the piece.
d) Storage
The fabric must be stored at a temperature of between 5 and 40°C and away
from sunlight.
The roll must be positioned horizontally and not vertically. It is best to store the
fabric in its cardboard packaging.
The two sides of your INFINITY fabric are identical. However, the manufacturing
process can create minute visual differences, barely detectable by a trained eye,
and depending on the angle of observation.
To avoid differences, during production, the same side of two adjacent panels
should always face the sun. They should be cut in the same direction in relation
to the unrolling of the piece.
Considering the large dimensions that are possible, the width of the work table
must be at least 325 cm. Before cutting the fabric, the manufacturer must
determine which cutting direction will be adopted (WARP or WEFT).
If, as explained below, the cut is sufficiently high in quality to avoid the use of
the hems (and increased thickness), the fabric has the same thickness over its
entire surface.
This reduces distortions in the fabric caused by waffling, for example, to a
minimum.
Note that a sufficiently large winding tube, and a straight structure, will
enhance the appearance of your INFINITY fabric, preserving its unique benefits.
WARP production is technically possible; for this type of production, please refer
to the ORCHESTRA fabric production instructions.
c) Dimensions
Our experience shows that large-scale installations (600cm in width with 300cm
overhang) are possible with two arms. It may be necessary to make a prototype
to test the technical feasibility and determine the parameters for creation and
assembly of the device. A larger number of arms may be necessary. Dickson is at
your service to help you with this process.
d) Guidance systems
INFINITY fabric is suitable for any type of system: drop-arm awning or vertical
awning with cable guide, profile guide or continuous lateral guide (zipper).
An alternative could be laser cutting, although this must be done very carefully
to prevent fraying.
M1 ULTIMATE (ultrasonic cutting and crush-cut in two directions; glass table up to 300x600 cm)
c) Parametres
The operator must ensure that the fabric is cut perfectly square— this is essential
to avoid winding problems once the product is installed.
You will find the essential cutting technique information in the appended Product
Manufacturers’ Guide.
VI. Manufacturing = “weft” with
“upper” and “lower” hems
In theory, panel assembly and the addition of lateral seams are not required if
INFINITY is made in the weft (cross) direction).
Only the “upper" and “lower" hems are required; since they are very much in
demand, sewing is standard practice, but, theoretically, welding (with weld
seam) is possible provided that the manufacturer can guarantee the durability of
the weld over time.
If you still wish to use INFINITY in the warp direction, please refer to the
ORCHESTRA technical guides.
a) Sewing
Example 1
Ultrasound or laser cutting are usually good quality and prevent fraying.
It is not necessary to strengthen the cut either using an adhesive or lateral hem;
these would increase the thickness and the risk of distortion (waffling) which
INFINITY reduces or prevents entirely.
Example 2
You may use Gluetex VB11010 (10 mm wide) or another similar adhesive tape.
Tape welding should preferably be carried out by ultrasound, but other standard
processes (hot air, thermal pulse, etc.) are also possible.
Example 3
However, the increased thickness of the hems may cause slight distortions along
the lateral edges.
c) Lower fabric corners
When making lateral edges without hems, the tension of the fabric, especially
the selvedges, must be firmly adjusted to prevent sagging.
In rare cases, tension in the lower corners of the “lower" hem may be high
enough to create a tear in the fabric.
The solution is to strengthen the two lower corners with a piece (usually
triangular) in order to prevent the start of a tear at the seam.
Care must be taken when strengthening the fabric to avoid free angles, which
are most vulnerable to tearing, and to maintain the aesthetic. Sewing and
laminating are also possibilities.
You will find the essential assembly technical information in the appended
Product Manufacturers’ Guide.
VII. Quality control on assembly
The quality of the assembly must be evaluated as follows:
As mentioned in paragraph I, INFINITY has two similar sides. Either side may be
turned towards the sun. Side selection should reflect the manufacturer’s
requirements.
INFINITY fabric must also be protected from rubbing against the structure on
which it is installed. Tension must be maintained to prevent any points of contact
with the various parts of the structure. This prevents premature deterioration
and loss of watertightness.
c) Roller tubes
The final application (pergola, vertical awning, folding-arm awning, etc.) must of
course be taken into account to establish the dimensions and quality of the
tubes.
d) Guides
e) Poles
If INFINITY fabric is affixed to one or more poles, or if tensioners are used, the
creation of eyelets should be considered. The fabric will be reinforced by a hem
(minimum of two folds); the diameter of the eyelets will be from 1 to 3 cm;
particular attention should be paid to ensure that there is enough space
between the eyelet and the edge of the fabric (minimum of 1 cm).
The eyelets used must be suitable for outdoor use (stainless steel) to prevent the
formation of rust on the fabric. Moreover, the eyelet must be guaranteed
waterproof to prevent any risk of capillarity of water to the fabric.
f) Profiles
g) Slopes
There should be a slight slope to evacuate water so that it does not stagnate on
the fabric. For a folding-arm awning, the slope must not be less than 14° unless
the manufacturer of the entire finished system specifically recommends
otherwise.
In the event of rain, and if the system is windable/retractable, be sure that the
fabric is dry before winding it. If you retract it while it is wet, for fear of damage
from the wind for example, unwind it again as soon as possible so it can dry.
X. Maintenance
a) Mechanical resistance and colourfastness
INFINITY is a fabric that fully meets all demands made upon fabric as expressed
in standard EN 13561, paragraph 4.14.2.
The fabric’s resistance to breakage is among the highest on the market and
remains at levels above 100daN/5cm (warp) and 60 daN/5m (weft), even after
several years of use. INFINITY is therefore Class 4 (the best) as defined by
standard EN 13561 in terms of this criteria.
Given the detailed information in the previous paragraph, Dickson fabrics have
all the necessary characteristics for outdoor use. You should not encounter any
particular problems if you follow the detailed recommendations set forth in the
INFINITY Maintenance and Warranty Guide.
• The frame of your awning must be configured in such a way that the fabric is
completely taut and does not rub against or have other contact with the
structure.
• Do not leave the awning extended in high winds.
• You may keep the awning open in the rain but, if wet, do not retract it for
long periods. If you need to retract your damp awning, extent your awning
again as soon as possible to dry out the fabric.
The fabric must be cleaned following the directions detailed in the INFINITY
Maintenance and Warranty Guide.
It is the installer’s responsibility to ensure that the end user has received the
Maintenance and Warranty Guide.
XI. Warranty
To be able to make a claim based on the Dickson warranty, you must have
followed the detailed recommendations in this technical guide as well as the
INFINITY Maintenance and Warranty Guide. Do not hesitate to refer to this
guide.
It is the installer’s responsibility to ensure that the end user has received the
Maintenance and Warranty Guide.
XII. Miscellaneous questions
• Can I obtain CE marking for my complete finished product made with
INFINITY fabric?
INFINITY’s open weave coefficient is 0%, meaning that air and water cannot
pass through the fabric, within a certain limit expressed by the "water
column" (see Technical Data Sheets).
If you want to keep sufficient light, for example if your facade faces north or
east, choose a lighter colour.
Dickson Constant, a simplified joint-stock company with share capital of €12,640,000 Z.I la
Pilaterie, 10 rue des Châteaux, BP 109, 59443 Wasquehal Cedex – France +33(0)3.20.45.59.59 -
[email protected]
TECHNICAL ADVICE FOR BLIND MAKING
- INFINITY -
Following devices, or similar equipments, and following values of process parameters, may be used to make blinds with INFINITY. For each type of awning, it is
needed to define maximal dimensions, depending on roller tube and drive systems which may influence strengths (these must be adjusted to get an optimized
winding). Taking this information into account, THE MAIN ATTRIBUTE OF INFINITY IS TO BE EASILY MADE-UP IN WEFT DIRECTION (CROSS-
DIRECTION) IN ONE PANEL THANKS TO ITS SQUARE STRUCTURE AND ITS 320 CM WIDTH AVAILABILITY. Each maker must manage his own tests to
assure right proceeding of systems, and final product guarantee.
APPLICATION RECOMMENDED
This document is valid for FOLDING ARM / SLIDE ARM AWNINGS X
INFINITY fabric
manufactured in technical
SHADE SAIL X
conditions defined on 2018, VERTICAL ROLLER BLIND X
March 1st
WEFT (cross-direction) : this is the ultimate solution to make an awning in only one
panel, and limit the distorsion. Making-up is also reduced. Taking into account width of
LAYING DIRECTION the fabric, awning projection will be able to reach +/- 300 cm
WARP direction is possible ; for making-up in this direction, refer to "ORCHESTRA Technical Advice for Blind
Making"
CUTTING SUGGESTIONS
Information below is essentially applicable for lateral edges of the awning ; they must be very carefully cut.
Cutting of upper and lower edges (designed for "pockets") may be made as usual, more traditional, as these pockets show an hem which will automatically block out
fraying.
ULTRASONIC CUTTING RECOMMENDED ; simultaneous cutting and cauterization
Machine SM.300.TA (SMRE) SM.400.TA (SMRE) CS-112 (MILLER) TRIAD (SINCLAIR) 2796-2-20 (JENTSCHMANN) ASCO
Linear speed 25 m/min 3 - 10 m/min
Frequency 40 kHz 35 kHz
Manual cutting see Decoup+
Alternative generators Calemard "G3-C" ; NOVUS "3.150W" ; DelphinUS ; portable generators
LASER CUTTING POSSIBLE ; simultaneous cutting and cauterization
Machine 3XL - 3200 (EUROLASER)
CIRCULAR ROTATIVE KNIFE TO AVOID
This is the case if cutting is made as recommended, through ultrasonic process or laser process (see above) ; no hems, no strenghtening needed ; no additional
thickness, and making of an optimized solar fabric.
After cutting, a strenghtening adhesive tape, 10 mm width, VB11010 type (Gluetex) or similar, can be welded along
the edge, to stop any fraying occurrence
SCENARIO 3 SCENARII 1 & 2 ARE NOT POSSIBLE ; A TRADITIONAL MAKING-UP WITH SIDE HEMS IS MADE.
It is possible to make side hems through sewing ; 25 to 40 mm width ; cross-direction making-up advantage remains, but light distorsions along the hems may occur.
Making very straight side edges may persuade the installer to imply a high strength to the edges. In scenarii 1 et 2,
it may - rarely - happen that this tension promotes a tear of the lower seam, in both corners, left and right. As a
precaution (OPTION), maker could reinforce these 2 corners, doubling them by sewing or other process.
STORAGE SUGGESTION
Roll position horizontal - in cardboard packaging
Temperature 5 - 40 °C
Handling with care - manual, or handling machines