Pipelines carrying oil, gas or sewage traverse all kinds of topology, including areas with high water tables, flood plains, marshes, tidal areas, rivers and lakes. These watery environments can cause pipes to float, so standard pipeline construction includes weights made of concrete, steel rebar and lifting hooks, welded wire mesh and fabric to protect the [...]

On the occasion of its 20th anniversary, the Thuringian Institute of Textile and Plastics Research (TITK) has inaugurated a 1.5 million euro center to develop biopolymers—new fibers made from renewable raw materials. The Rudolstadt, Germany-based Institute employs around 100 scientists and researchers generating annual sales of €15 million. Through its research department, TITK helps small [...]

Upholstering automotive interiors and furniture with genuine leather involves paying top dollar for irregularly shaped hides that are hard to handle. Rising leather prices “have made it next to impossible to hit key opening retail price points of $799 to $999 with top-grain leather,” according to Don Hunter, senior vice president at Jackson Furniture Industry [...]

[Sunmaster of Naples Inc.] Naples, Fla., U.S.A. Sunmaster of Naples installed a variety of sizes of exterior retractable Titan Screens™, made with Textilene Super Screen 17/20 from Twitchell Corp., on a south Florida residence. The company also provided stack-mounted roll shutter storm protection within one concealed space so the homeowner could choose which product to [...]

[Miami Awning Co.] Miami, Fla., U.S.A. Miami Awning Co. created a 70-foot by 18-foot retracting canopy with Eclissi fabric by Corradi USA for a terrace restaurant. The custom project transformed the space from one that had limited use into one that’s usable throughout the day and allows guests to enjoy the ocean view all year [...]

[Lake Gaston Awning] Bracey, Va., U.S.A. Lake Gaston Awning created a flip-up awning for a client who wanted to protect his boat from sun and weather, and provide a protected spot for friends and family to enjoy his dock. The company designed and fabricated a unique hinged panel to meet both of the client’s needs. [...]

The largest tethered aerostat ever made created the world’s largest projection surface and became the centerpiece for one of the greatest shows on earth, watched by millions of people worldwide. The XIX Commonwealth Games were held in Delhi, India, Oct. 3–14, 2010, and included a total of 6,081 athletes from 71 Commonwealth nations and dependencies [...]

Despite challenges, the retractable shading industry remains optimistic about the steady growth in consumer awareness and sales. By Holly O’Dell The retractable awnings and shades/screens industry comprises many layers that make it an attractive market, with natural appeal to consumers, yet it’s not without its intricacies. Buyer awareness has steadily progressed in the last decade, [...]

By Jamie Swedberg Some shops make a good living selling retractable awnings. They have managed to make retractables their bread and butter, while others simply maintain a thriving retractable awning trade as part of a larger custom awning or patio furniture business. Yet across the specialty fabrics industry, many sellers find retractables troublesome. Some say [...]

High-tech automation guides retractable exterior solar shading. By Jamie Swedberg Custom retractable awnings and exterior solar screens have particular appeal for a high-end clientele—a savvy group of consumers who expect to be able to control the environment in their homes and work spaces with the touch of a button. It also tends to be a [...]