Connections Sept/Oct 2012

SPECIALISED TEXTILES ASSOCIATION INC. Vol 12 No 5September • October 2012

STA member newS | induSTry TrAining | memberS in The SpoTlighT | rTos

The wrap race: vinyl films on the fast track

Marine SpecialShowcasing members’ boating covers and structures

Members’ insights into marine trimmingTextiles fabrication training by TAFE

Marine trimming workshopscompeNsaTioN aNd elasTiciTy

in structures

sTrucTure fabrics to create the future

For more information on Shann Australia see page 44

SEPTEMBER • OCTOBER 2012 · 1

CONNECTIONS magazine is published on behalf of the Specialised Textiles Association Inc. by CommStrat Limited.

Publisher CommStrat

editor Nicola [email protected]

design & Production Annette [email protected]

national sales Manager Yuri MamistvalovPhone: 03 8534 [email protected]

contributors Lawrence De Paoli,Janice Kleinschmidt, Beatrice Moonen, Chris Nolan, Ruwini Perera, Melissa Vine and Kent Williamson.

coMMstrat ABN 31 008 434 802

Level 8, 574 St Kilda RdMelbourne Vic 3004www.commstrat.com.au

sPecialised textiles associationSuite 201, 22 St Kilda Road,St Kilda 3182 VICPhone: 03 9521 2114Local call: 1300 555 787Fax: 03 9521 2116www.specialisedtextiles.com.au

Disclaimer: Except where specifically stated, the opinions and material published in the magazine are not necessarily those of the publisher or the STA Council.

contents

subscriPtions to subscribe to Connections for just $75 inc gst annually contact ruth spiegel [email protected]

A S S O C I A T I O N

association Matters2 Report by STA President 4 STA office update32 State and Committee reports41 STA welcomes new members

neWs corner8 The business landscape42 Member news

Marine Matters11 Ebb and flow The world of marine trimming 16 Excellence in marine Showcasing superb marine

themed structures

26 Textile Fabrication Certificate III Trainer Lawrence De Paoli on marine

and motor trimming

28 Up-skilling in marine textiles Serge Ferrari and Innova International

stage specialist workshops

sPecial Features34 Compensation and

Elastic moduli Chris Nolan’s insights into architectural

fabrics

38 The wrap race: Vinyl films on the transportation fast track

Vinyl films are helping vehicles meet at the “finish” line

sPotlight on MeMbers44 Shann and HVG Members’ products and services

training and eVents48 Industry events and RTOs

2 · CONNECTIONS

From the sta office

Past vs present

I recently met up with an ex-ACASPA/STA

member and mentioned to him that I was the

incumbent President of STA. He explained

the reasons why he chose not to renew his

association membership. I felt that things may

have been different back in those days, and

outlined the range of programs and initiatives

undertaken in recent times and about all the

work in progress. His eyebrows were raised,

his surprise and new interest was evident – he

had no idea of what the ‘new look’ STA was

up to; the goals we have been kicking and

what was in the pipeline. This ex-member

expressed particular interest in the merits of

the Young Leaders’ Program, the association’s

Accreditation Program, and latest training

initiative and funding from the NWDF. I am

pleased to say that this ex-member is now

keen to rejoin the organisation.

Boosting awareness – and committee activity

The challenge that I now have is to increase

awareness among our membership and

the wider industry. The aim is to continue to

inform all about where we are going, why

we are doing it and how we are doing it. As

I mentioned earlier, the COM has a very

full agenda. New sub-committees are being

formed to assist and make recommendations

to the COM on a range of different issues.

These sub-committees follow in the footsteps

of the very successful Fabric Structures

Committee headed up by Beatrice Moonen.

As I mentioned during our member

sessions, the COM is guided by the strategic

plan that was developed based on findings

from the survey conducted two years ago by

the University of Ballarat.

The bottom line is we are developing the

organisation and making it more relevant. In

general, I have no doubt that we are heading

in the right direction; the amount of comments

and the feedback that we receive is testament

to that. However we – the COM – do not have

all the answers and we encourage all members

to have their say. Get involved, come to

member sessions, raise issues and speak your

piece publicly or to Ana or myself. You only get

out of the organisation what you put into it.

As you know, I am always urging member

companies to get more employees involved in

our wonderful organisation. We now have even

more reasons for this. The Young Leaders'

initiative is an excellent example of how and

why you should encourage your people to

get involved. The new training initiatives and

the potential for more funding – hence more

training – is another. I would suggest that

rather than think about the cost you consider

all the short- and long-term benefits to our

industry and textile fabrication in Australia.

Again, I urge you to encourage your

employees to attend STA member sessions

and to ensure you have enough copies of our

association publication Connections. Provide

the STA office with your employees’ email

contact details so they can receive STA’s

electronic newsletters and updates.

We all want our organisation to be as vibrant,

relevant and effective as possible, so I would

urge one and all to rally to the cause and get

all staff involved.

Finally, a reminder that we still have some

positions available on the various sub-

committees. Please encourage your staff to

nominate, and give them a little time and

encouragement to participate.

[email protected]

STAMATTERS

“I am always urging member companies to get more employees involved in our wonderful organisation. We now have even more

reasons for this. The Young Leaders' initiative is an excellent example … [as is] the new training initiative and the potential for more funding … consider all the short- and long-term benefits to

our industry and textile fabrication in Australia.”

Insights from the President of the Specialised Textiles Association – Lance St Hill

Much has been happening during the

past eight weeks, since I last prepared a

report for Connections magazine. In early

July in Melbourne the Specialised Textiles

Association’s Council of Management (COM)

spent a full day in a face-to-face meeting,

predominately to be briefed and to approve

the progress to date in development of the

Accreditation Program.

Following that STA Office Manager Ana

Drougas and I, along with our consultant

Mary Simcic and COM members, conducted

whirlwind member information sessions in

State capitals. We subsequently held COM

phone meetings to progress the agenda of

the combined STA/BMAA Trade Show and

Convention taking place in June 2013. And

in late August we have another Super Expo

meeting, this time at the Expo venue on the

Gold Coast.

This list of association meetings and activities

does, I hope, convey the focus and dedication

of the association’s elected officers on behalf of

the organisation and indeed the industry as a

whole. This COM certainly has a lot on its plate

for the year and each of the elected officers

is working hard on the various tasks that they

have been delegated.

N AT I O N A L D I ST R I B U TO R S O F I N D U ST R I A L & CO M M E R C I A L T E X T I L E S

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4 · CONNECTIONS

Member meetings and advancing Accreditation

Kicking off in late July in Adelaide, we recently

ran a series of meeting for members in Perth,

Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and Adelaide.

The main intent of the meetings was

to update members on the association’s

Accreditation program, and provide the

opportunity for all members to help shape the

program by providing input, comment and

suggestions.

The Council of Management agrees that

it is important that our members embrace

accreditation and become involved because it

focuses on the industry at large and is for the

benefit of members.

Accreditation also paves the way for the

association to set up industry standards and

to recognise businesses that are performing

work in a professional manner.

specialised textiles association Looking forward Office report by Ana Drougas, Association Manager

What it does not represent is an opportunity

for the association to finger-point at those

who are lacking in certain areas. It is not

about excluding anyone; instead it is focused

on raising awareness and presenting a

professional industry.

Overall I would describe the Accreditation

program as about identifying gaps in the

industry – in our member base initially – in

which we can assist businesses to come up to

the next level.

For example we would help someone who

is an installer but lacks trade licenses by

sending them in the right direction.

During the association member meetings we

talked about whether Accreditation should be

compulsory, open only to members, or to all in

the industry. And we also discussed a ‘business

in a box’ plan that encompasses a business

plan and financial accounting methods.

The Accreditation update was very well

received at the sessions and attracted

much positive feedback, with some saying

the program was welcome and overdue.

We are still working through the finer

details and members are being contacted

by our consultant and taken through the

questionnaire as part of a pilot program.

We are looking to roll out Stage One, a

basic level that enables us to benchmark the

industry, before year’s end.

Strategic Plan

At the recent member meetings President

Lance St Hill addressed the direction of the

association, in particular our long-standing

aim to establish industry Accreditation;

and our intention to provide pathways for

younger members that fosters growth and

increases awareness of the industry.

STAMATTERS

During our member meetings we talked about a ‘business in

a box’ plan

Super Expo 2013 – June 5 to 7, Gold Coast Plans are progressing for next year’s Expo

which we are running in conjunction with the

Blind Manufacturers Association of Australia.

The date is set and the Gold Coast Convention

and Exhibition Centre booked. We have now

assigned a project manager to progress the

event.

Importantly, we will be running our

respective association events without

compromising each other’s traditions, with the

Gala dinner and our Awards dinner still taking

pride of place.

Registrations will be received under the

event name which is Super Expo 2013 and the

trade expo along with all the events will be

open to all in the industry.

The Young Leaders Challenge (2011)At the 2012 Expo STA members were in awe

of the achievements of the Young Leaders

Groups.

So successful were the endeavours that

a Committee has now been established to

advance plans for commercialising the winning

relief shelter. Leading the charge are Bob

Cahill, Glenn Barlow, Jamie Howard, Robert

Bull and Leisa Manning.

Sydney – (02) 9669 3333 • newcaStle – (02) 4957 7766 • Melbourne – (03) 9545 5588briSbane – (07) 3387 8500 • adelaide – (08) 8260 1055 • Perth – (08) 9376 2666

darwin – (08) 8981 1555 • www.NolanUDA.com.au

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6 · CONNECTIONS

STAMATTERS

An application for a design patent will be lodged

on the YLC 2012 winning entry and the licensing

rights will belong to the association. Members will

be able to access and use the design plans.

And the next Challenge …

The 2012 Young Leaders Challenge takes place on

the weekend of 13-14 October. Many members have

already expressed interest and we hope to soon

confirm the venue which is likely to be a conference

centre in Sydney.

Following our criteria on the nature of this

year’s challenge ‘to in some way give back to

the community’ (such as in the environmental or

humanitarian sphere) we have received many

sound, practical suggestions. For his part, 2011 team

leader Jamie Howard has suggested the two teams

be given a different community project and each

judged individually.

Specialist Committees

During the round of member sessions held in

February, it became clear that many members

wanted more involvement in association matters.

Timing is good as we are currently establishing

several committees; among them Accreditation;

Editorial, Training and a Young Leaders' Committee.

We have already established the Fabric Structures

Committee which is ably led by Beatrice Moonen.

The association’s July meetings held across the

nation presented the ideal opportunity to advance

the formation of specialist committees, with several

members expressing interest.

The NWDF

National Workforce Development Fund

We were successful in our mission to secure funding

for Certificate II in Blinds, Awnings and Shade Sail

Installation and we have since been working in

conjunction with TAFE to deliver the training. We will

soon see our first batch of graduate trainees.

Winding the clock back to March this year when

we lodged the submission we needed 50 EOIs

(expressions of interest) but we actually received

126, which indicates the strength of interest.

The Certificate II training is unique because

it brings together three different (and normally

competing) college training providers to deliver

the one course, but for reasons of efficacy it will be

managed by one TAFE with one registration for the

course that will be overseen by just one college.

Shade structures in NSW can only be installed by

those who are licensed by the Office of Fair Trade

and although it was not overly difficult for people

to obtain the necessary certificate, the process

was regarded somewhat cumbersome as textile

fabrication took place in one venue and installation

training another. Now these have been combined.

Importantly for our industry, Certificate II training

recognises prior learning (RPL) which until now has

been lacking. Many of our long-standing industry

experts – some of whom have clocked up 30 or 40

years’ experience – are master craftsmen yet their

skills are not formally recognised.

Under new arrangement industry specialists will

be able to obtain credits for experience and at the

same time obtain funds for training.

Because there is an opportunity to apply

for more government funding we encourage

members to approach the STA office with

suggestions for training enhancements to

benefit the industry.

STA COuNCIL Of MANAgEMENT

SPECIALISED TEXTILES ASSoCIATIoN INC.Suite 201, 22 St Kilda RdSt Kilda, Vic 3182 Ph: (03) 9521 2114Local Call: 1300 555 787Facsimile: (03) 9521 2116Email: [email protected]

Web: www.specialisedtextiles.com.au

ASSoCIATIoN MANAGERana drougas Email: [email protected]

PRESIDENT lance st hill Fabric Solutions Australia Pty Ltd PO Box 6283 Yatala DC Qld 4207 Mobile: 0400 103 534 Ph: (07) 3807 0200 Fax: (07) 3807 8217 Email: [email protected]

CoUNCILLoRSKent WilliamsonRoyal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT)25 Dawson Street Brunswick, Vic 3056Ph: (03) 9925 9182 Fax: (03) 9925 9129Email: [email protected] www.rmit.edu.au

gary smithCampbell & Heeps5/125 Highbury Rd, Burwood, Vic 3125 Mobile: 0419 311 899Ph: (03) 98086911Fax: (03) 9808 3148 Email: [email protected]

tom gastin Pattons—Textile Fabrication80 McDougall St, Kirribilli, NSW, 2061 Mobile: 0414 952 007 Ph: (02) 9955 2563 or 1300 799 980 Fax: (02) 9959 3158 Email: [email protected]

david burtonRicky Richards16 Park Road, Homebush NSW 2140Ph: 02 9735 3333Fax: 02 9735 3311Email: [email protected]

Jamie howardTotal Shade Solutions4 Aldinga St, Brendale QldPh: 07 3889 7200 Fax: 07 3889 8865Email: [email protected]

ConneCtions MAGAzINEAdvertising submissions: [email protected]: 03 8534 5008

Editorial: Nicola [email protected]

Because there is an opportunity to apply for

more government funding we encourage members

to approach the STA office with suggestions for training enhancements to

benefit the industry.”

STA Committee L to R: Kent Williamson of RMIT, Tom Gastin of Pattons, David Burton of Ricky Richards, Lance St Hill (President) of fabric Solutions Australia, Jamie Howard of Total Shade Solutions and Gary Smith of Campbell and Heeps.

Untitled-2 1 1/03/2012 2:31:14 PM

8 · CONNECTIONS

business neWs

the world of business Building blocks for a stronger manufacturing sectorIn mid August Ai Group Chief Executive Innes

Willox handed the Government The Smarter

Manufacturing for A Smarter Australia Report

which highlights the role manufacturing can

play in building a stronger, balanced and

more resilient economy.

In a nutshell the Report proposes that

Australia capitalises on its considerable

strengths and builds new sources of strength

to position the sector to take advantage of

emerging opportunities.

"Its recommendations go to policies around

innovation; making research organisations

more business facing; skilling and education;

energy and climate policy; procurement …

lifting management capabilities; and trade,”

said Australian Industry Group Chief Executive

Innes Willox, “ ... this is about building a

stronger manufacturing sector and a balanced

and more resilient national economy.”

Over a number of years the Ai Group has

called for a reduction in the company tax rate

to 25%, and Innes Willox believes the Business

Tax Working Group (BTWG) Discussion Paper

lays the foundation for an informed debate

around business tax reform.

"Reducing the tax burden on business

income should be a major priority for

all sides of politics as it would promote

investment, encourage direct investment

from abroad and boost productivity. This is

particularly important for non-mining trade

exposed sectors in the current economic

environment,” he said.

Business trends Late last year the SME Association of

Australia’s Chief Executive Officer Dr

Caroline Hong said "the introduction of the

Carbon Tax which would see an increase in

green conscious businesses and customers

as the awareness of emissions and carbon

outputs grows.” And while many SMEs may

not be directly impacted by the carbon tax,

there may be a flow-on effect of costs from

big businesses to small businesses," she said.

Spelling out the likely trends for small

to medium enterprises (SMEs) this year,

Hong also listed social media, saying it

will challenge the way SMEs do business

and increasingly be an important part of a

competitive strategy, and “present SMEs with

more and more opportunities for economical

ways of interacting with customers and

conducting business transactions themselves”.

Social commerce - where Geographic

Information Systems (GIS) and mobile

technology come together with social

networks to prompt consumers to download

apps, pay with their mobile phone or check

out deals - will become more commonplace.

Also, businesses will find new ways of

lowering costs and attracting customers

through innovative products and ideas

such as pop-up shops, creative apps, shared

office space and cloud computing.

What’s in store?According to the latest Dun & Bradstreet

National Business Expectations Survey,

expectations among Australian firms have

soared to levels not seen in almost a decade,

with over half of businesses anticipating

an increase in sales during the upcoming

December quarter,

The survey revealed businesses also plan to

replenish stock levels and increase staff numbers,

but lingering pressures such as the high dollar

will likely weigh on business outlook, with more

than a quarter (29%) of retailers expecting

the high Australian dollar to have a significant

negative impact on operations.

Almost half (46%) of retailers expect online

competition to have a large adverse affect on

business performance, and "There is a growing

awareness among retailers they are operating

in a rapidly changing environment, where

consumers exercise far greater power than they

used to. Access to price comparison websites

and cheaper overseas alternatives will continue

to impact margins," CEO Gareth Jones said.

There were indications the outlook may

not remain upbeat, as plans for capital

investment remained flat across sectors and

fewer executives expect to seek credit to

finance expansion. Likewise, close to 100 per

cent of retail firms have no plans to finance

capital investment in the coming months,

demonstrating lingering uncertainties.

Countering the ‘soaring expectations’

found by the Dun & Bradstreet survey was

KPMG’s annual Private Companies Survey

which indicates the economic slowdown was

worrying private companies. Around a third

experienced a fall in both revenue and profit

over the previous 12 months and 44% are

experiencing skills shortages, down from 55

percent in 2011.

Almost two thirds of the companies have

plans to introduce new digital communication

channels this year.

Businesses listed key challenges as

continuing global uncertainty, impaired

consumer confidence and skill shortages. That

said, almost nine in ten were “moderately or

well prepared” to meet the challenges ahead

and a similar percentage forecasted revenue

growth for 2012-13.

Specialised Textiles AssociationSuite 201, 22 St Kilda Road, St Kilda Vic 3182

Phone 03 9521 2114 n Fax 03 9521 2116 www.specialisedtextiles.com.au

Manufacturers, installers and suppliers. Together we cover the world.


Specialised Textiles Association Inc.

Suite 201, 22 St Kilda Road, St Kilda Vic 3182Phone 03 9521 2114 n Local Call 1300 555 787

Fax 03 9521 2116 n [email protected] 83 594 171 330 n Registration Number A0010895W

www.specialisedtextiles.com.au

MAM8925

Saturday 13th and Sunday 14th October 2012 Novotel, Brighton Beach, NSW

We are looking for our industry’s younger leaders under the age of 35.

This is a learning experience that will enhance the careers of our young talent.

Are you or do you know a young leader in our industry?

Register your interest to attend now

Contact Mina on 03 9521 2114 or email [email protected] by Tuesday 25th September

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10 · CONNECTIONS

business neWs

Carbon impact The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission received more

than 630 complaints and enquiries about the carbon price in the 10

days following the introduction of the Carbon Tax on July 1, but very

few enquiries concerned SMEs.

The highest category of complaints received were about claims

made by energy retailers, particularly in relation to electricity bill price

increases and whether they were appropriate. Other enquiries related

to landfill, building and construction and refrigerant gases, but just a

fraction of the carbon price queries related to SMEs.

At the helm of IFAI In early June the Industrial Fabrics Association International (IFAI)

named Mary Hennessy president and CEO. She has been an IFAI

employee for 24 years.

Mary described the IFAI membership as a close-knit, diverse community

of companies, saying “I have often heard it described as a family: noisy,

raucous, opinionated and loyal. I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

Would you start a business with your family?Clearly for STA members the answer is YES, with many operating a

business alongside a spouse, sibling or parent. But that is not altogether

surprising, given that family businesses account for around 70 per cent

of all businesses in Australia.

Family Business Australia CEO Philippa Taylor says good governance

systems are a major factor in determining the longevity of family

businesses but that only 12 per cent have a family constitution or

charter, which is a vital document to help avoid family conflict in

business and ease the transition from one generation to the other.

The major benefits of the family constitution are: it documents the

values and principles that guide the conduct of the business; defines

the strategic objectives, and sets out the way in which the family will

make decisions affecting the ownership and management of the

business.

“It is imperative that more family businesses adopt a family business

constitution, to help ease the transition from one generation to the

next and ensure the longevity of family businesses and the Australian

economy,” Ms Taylor said.


MARINEFEATURE

Australia’s sailing prowess stood out at the Olympics, but as a business sector how is the marine industry performing? We ask marine trimmers across the nation for their views. And the picture we gained is not unlike choppy seas – up and down.

By Nicola Card

ebb and flow

As the anthem goes, our home is girt by sea, and with most of our

population wrapped around the shores, it is little wonder Australians

boast one of the highest per capita water sports participation rates.

The passion for water sports may extend to a tinny, a mirror dingy or a

cruiser of varying length or size. Or for the better off or more affluent,

an ocean going yacht.

In short, boating is big business. According to the Boating Industries

Alliance Australia the industry directly employs over 28,000 people and

generates revenues of close to $8 billion, a figure that doubles when

indirect employees and revenues are factored in.

Marine trimmers fit into the ‘indirect’ category, and within the

Specialised Textiles Association many members are involved full-

time or part-time in motor trimming, or alternatively sourcing and

supplying fabric to the industry. The latter is one of the many missions

of HVG Fabrics.

Daniel Gollan who is HVG Business Manager says while boating is

a natural extension of the outdoor, sports oriented Australian lifestyle,

“In the past two years people’s cash has been tied up so they have spent less on luxuries”

good weather is a big driver and that “During sunny warm seasons

people’s minds drift to beaches and water. That said, boating fits into

the luxury market which comes as a discretionary spend, and people

will only spend when there is confidence in the economic climate.

“When people are feeling insecure about their jobs they do not want

to go and spend money on their ‘toys’ as it were. From what I have

seen overall over the past five years the market has been stronger and

trending upwards – that was until the last twelve months when people

have struggled to maintain their growth in the industry. But it is still

higher than it was 15 years ago,” Gollan said.

Image courtesy of Pattons

12 · CONNECTIONS

MARINEFEATURE

The market that has hurt the most is the

“trailerble” market. “Let’s call it the lower

end of the demographic, people who can just

stretch themselves to the weekender, they

are the ones who have hurt the most. But the

middle upper as I will call it tend to always

have money and are comfortable spending

money on their 40 footers or cruiser yachts.

They have maintained their lifestyle.”

Therein lies the mainstay of HVG’s marine

activity: sale of fabric for upholstered and

trimmed products for cruisers in the middle to

upper niche. The company sources Nautolex

and brands it under ‘Maritime’, and supplies

seating trim vinyls and clears for canopies

blinds and general marine enclosures. HVG

also caters for awnings and enclosures.

Demand stems from tropical coastal regions

from north Queensland and down into NSW,

and over on the West coast from Perth and up

the coast. For its part, Melbourne has a strong

weekend “trailer-ble” market but demand

generally is weaker along the south coast.

Marine activities constitute a relatively small

component of HVG’s business. “We like to

keep our toes in the water,” Gollan said. “But

there are challenges, clearly the high Aussie

dollar creates opportunities as it is cheaper to

import fully finished products or upholstered

solutions for boats; the downside is the local

market and economy are unable to compete.

“That is challenging. And we need to be

prepared for the next trends develop from a

fully imported environment. Meantime, the

market is soft but we are all hoping for a strong

season. We have had a lot of rain across the

country which may be good for farmers but

has impacted on outdoor living. A good spell

of hot dry weather over summer will send

people to their boats,”

rise in water levels and boating activity Apparently rainfall has a different – namely,

positive - impact inland, as Rob of Patch’s

Canvas Manufacturing in Bendigo illustrated.

Nearby is Lake Eppaloch which is circled by a

series of caravan parks, and the drought which

all but completely dried up the otherwise

popular lake also hit water sports hard.

“For many years boats were just sitting

unused under cover on trailers with flat tyres

… people could not use them during the

dry weather. It caused a mass exodus from

Bendigo with owners heading north and to the

River Murray in Echuca,” he explained.

He describes the marine industry in general

as “a feast or famine,” saying “Big boats are

like high end sports cars ... these “toys” are

sold off or mothballed when the industry takes

a dive.”

Concurring with him is fabricator Corie

Kotzur of Kotzur Kanvas located “out in the

sticks” of Wagga. He observes that “During the

past two years people’s cash has been tied up

so they have spent less on luxuries. That is the

big picture. And many lost their boats when

the economy shut down, it went sour grapes

as boat owners could not afford to do anything

with them. Some just left them in their back

yard.”

The scenario was echoed by Nigel Gillie of

NG Upholstery which is located on the North

West coast of Tasmania between Burnie and

Devonport and since 1995 has fabricated

canopies, tops and side curtains and travel

covers for protection from the elements.

Gillie watched as marine demand tapered

off in tandem with the economy, and today

demand for marine upholstery represents a

lesser part of his business.

“The economy is not what it was ten years

ago when there was more money floating

around and people were buying boats,” he told

Connections.

Paul Medforth of Paradise PVC Welding in

Queensland also reported a market dip but

finds it varies month to month. “The marine

industry is not as seasonal as you think it

would be. It gets busier at Christmas, that is a

given, but it does not die off in winter like you

think it would.”

At the diagonally opposite end of the

continent is Albany which is home to Ken

Stone of Ken Stone Motor Trimmers. In his

experience the larger boat market - 25 to

40 footers – has remained more buoyant

compared with smaller boats, an observation

which parallels Gollan’s view.

“These bigger boats are moored in pens

and owners need trimmers and others to come

and work on them,” Stone said. “They cannot

just pluck them out of the water and go to the

nearest shops for a quote! So we do custom

marine fittings such as big clears on fly bridge

type boats.

“Demand for custom designed products is

greater in bigger boats, compared with parts

for smaller and ‘trailer-ble’ boats of 12 to 25

feet which are more commonly bought from a

“The economy is not what it was ten years ago when there was more money floating around and more people were buying boats.”

Image courtesy of Ken Stone Motor Trimmers and Pattons


boat dealer. Commercial stuff has fallen a bit

by the wayside in recent years.”

But again echoing Gollan’s experience he

says the marine activity had taken a dive due

in part to the rise in Chinese manufactured

products and the kit forms that are produced.

“The more of that the less busy you get. In

the west of Australia there used to be up to a

dozen big boat builders or dealers but now

there are just four or five because they make

their own products and sell it all as a package

deal – boat, canopy, fishing items. And instead

of repairing products the local dealer just gets

a new one in.

“The whole trade is shrinking, that is the

problem. So people are looking for new

markets.”

holding value The good news for boat owners is unlike cars,

boats tend not to lose their value, depending

on the brand and appearance some hold

their value for decades, which leads to a

healthy second-hand market and a willingness

by owners of older boats to invest in parts

to maintain their asset. In turn that shores

up demand for maintenance and parts, a

scenario that benefits Pattons.

The business is located idyllically on the

Kirribilli foreshore on Sydney harbour. Tom

Gastin said “What we are finding is that

people are sprucing up their boats rather than

buying new ones, so sales of new boats may

be down. And when people are flushed with

funds they tend to order customised covers,

but the cheaper option is a factory set.”

Gastin did say that the marine side of

business had been slower than normal over

the past year, “However in the past few months

things have picked up and I have been told by

Nolan.UDA that they are selling more marine

related materials.”

no trimmer, no marineThere is good reason why the marine market

has completely dried up for Joel Chamberlain of

BDM Leather and Canvas at Rockingham south

of Perth. Up until five years ago his business was

industriously involved in marine trimming but

today it has whittled away to nothing.

“We lost our skilled marine and motor

trimmer so that was the end of it, we gave it

away!” he said. “We do not miss it too much as

it was a bit of a pain, people off the street are

harder to deal with and tend to create more

issues and problems. We now deal with more

industrial clients. We have not looked back.”

Still over in the west but much further

north is Loi Odore of Tropical Upholstery.

Situated in Broome, he presented a colourful

snapshot of local dynamics. In common with

other businesses located in relatively remote

regions, Tropical Upholstery tends to cover all

facets of fabrication from trim and upholstery.

“I am not unique – that is what we all do. But

the marine side of our business is nothing like

it used to be, we are doing different work. We

used to do lots of work on charter and diving

boats and also for the pearling industry but

that is changing. Mining personnel [new to the

district] are starting to buy bigger boats so we

are getting more orders for clears for the ten

to 25 footers and for canopies, clears, cushions

clears and covers

“There is quite a bit of money up here and

people are investing, there are lots of fly-in

fly-out people, and if the gas project on the

peninsula gets going things will get even

busier and bring more money into town.”

Odore added that property prices in

Broome had shot right up and the population

had doubled in size over the past 20 years to

20,000.

“The building industry is going hell for

leather. Western Australia is the [economic]

backbone of Australia right now – it is where

the money is. From Geraldton upwards where

there is mining there is money.”

taking the wind out of the sails…Far from the lucrative mining district – and at

the slower end of the two speed economy - is

Melbourne’s Quality Craft Coverings. Industry

“Being a non-essential, the leisure industry is generally the first hit and the last to come back.”

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14 · CONNECTIONS

veteran Paul Baker told Connections that the

marine industry suffered, diving heavily due

to the GFC and cheap imports.

“The GFC really hit hard, we noticed

the decline over a space of 12 months then

it bottomed out say three years ago and

did not start to pick up till six months ago.

Being a non-essential, the leisure industry is

generally the first hit and the last to

come back.

“But marine sales are now climbing

back up as people are regaining a bit of

confidence and we are finding that they are

doing up their old boats. Many have been

putting it off for ages but can no longer.”

Quality Craft Coverings has been servicing

“trailer-able” boats of up to 6.5 metres but

moving with the times now does more on-site

work with larger vessels. “Previously we were

too busy in-house but with the economic

downturn we have been out chasing more

on-site business. This takes the team as far

east as Lakes Entrance, west to Geelong and

north to Eildon working mainly on cruisers

fitting bimini tops and new clears on fly

bridges.”

Quality Craft Coverings imports marine

acrylic from the US but sources marine

vinyl from a distributor. Over the years the

company has developed a range of marine

fittings: nylon fitting for frameworks and boat,

plastic tracking around the hard tops, plus

a range of stainless steel fittings; which they

sell around Australia.

“We are very committed to boating! We got

into café blinds but probably should have

diversified more but you tend to get stuck in

your ways. I have been doing boat covers for

37 years now and that is what I am good at!”

Baker chuckled.

Business diversification is strongly

advocated by Rob of Patch’s Canvas

Manufacturing in Bendigo.

The veteran’s advice? “Do a bit of everything

… stay in a range of things, diversify as a

means of protection when the makes shifts

and turns.”

Sage advice from a long-timer, given the

apparent ups and downs and ins and outs of

the marine sector. By our tally there are many

elements beyond control – too much rain, not

enough rain, a deluge of imported goods,

wavering economic confidence. It therefore

bodes well to equip yourself for all sales and

seasons.

training developmentsFor an update on marine and motor trimming

training, see Lawrence De Paoli’s (Head

Teacher - Autobody Repair, Refinish &

Trimming Sydney TAFE) insights on page 26,

also the Serge Ferrari / Innova International

marine workshops feature on page 28.

MARINEFEATURE

“Marine is a feast or famine … big boats are like high end sports cars ... these “toys” are sold off when the economy takes a dive.”

ReflectionsGiven his lengthy span in the marine industry we asked Paul Baker of Quality Craft Coverings to cast his mind back over the decades.

Back in 1982 when he started out the marine industry was predominantly all about white marine vinyls with a little beige thrown in for good measure. “That was all that was available until acrylic came on to the market in the mid eighties and took over, as it came with a range of eight [attractive] colours. Everyone turned away from vinyl which had shrinkage and other problems and was heavy to work with.”

He added that during the ‘80s and ‘90s they sourced acrylic locally but experienced problems with leakage. “We wanted to get all our stock from Australia but had no choice … the fabric leaked and the manufacturer was unable to improve it. So when we went over to the Miami boat show in the mid nineties we looked for and found the best acrylic and introduced it to Australia. It now comes in 50 different colours.”

Half a container is imported at a time to their factory opposite from where it is distributed to other trimmers across Australia.

“Basic designs have also developed over the years,” Baker said. “Boat owners have moved away from canopies to bimini tops so they can stand and look through a clear at the front rather than through a windscreen.”

Boating evidently runs in the family, 30 years ago Paul’s brother Phillip established Craft Coverings in Queensland.

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16 · CONNECTIONS

STRUCTURESSUPERB

To complement the special feature on marine and motor trimming we have selected those Awards for Excellence entries 2012 with a marine or automotive theme. Along with the narrative the superb images provide the full picture.

nautical niceties

A life on the ocean wave …We commence our voyage by dropping in to Sydney Harbour, where

50 foot yacht Sea Gypsy received a marine trimming makeover

courtesy of Kevin Harrington of Pattons.

The comprehensive task involved designing and measuring stainless

steel frames for both the dodger and bimini, as well as side clears and

backdrop, stack-pack, sun awning and overall cover. For the purpose

Kevin selected Sunbrella fabric which was supplied by Bainbridge.

One of the biggest challenges involved accommodating the cockpit

mounted primary and secondary winches used for trimming the sails.

Both winch handles require a 360-degree revolution unimpeded by the

stainless steel frame of either the dodger or the bimini. Kevin managed

this by bending the frames so they sat above the winch handle, thus

enabling full revolution.

He also took care of asthetics, ensuring the dodger and bimini were

proportionate to the yacht’s overall dimensions. Because this enclosure

was designed for the harsh offshore environment when sailing, both

the dodger and bimini were built to lock together with side and rear

screens finishing the enclosure. In addition to the strength provided

by the side and rear panels, this created a ‘dry’ cockpit by sailing

standards.

A special stack pack/boom bag - designed for harsh off-shore

conditions - was also built and attached to existing lazy jacks. This

feature was appreciated by the customer who later encountered 35

knot winds sailing up the coast.

Also provided was a sun awning that sits over the boom and is

secured to the life lines. Made from the same canvas as the rest of the

boat, this tied the whole job together nicely.


Car port Using Monotec 370 supplied by Ricky Richards,

Port Douglas Sailmakers undertook a job for

Westco Motors in Cairns which requested

the design and construction of a multi shade sail

structure to cover a large car yard situated on a

major highway.

The main objective was to provide shading and

protection for cars and their drivers.

The design brief incorporated a visually

appealing structure, colours in keeping with the

corporate image, limited centre posts, sufficient

shade and a high wind rating.

Several designs were considered by the

client, and a ten sail multi height solution

was selected to meet all needs. The team from

Port Douglas Sailmakers positioned the posts

on the site without compromising the onsite

operations and took care to avoid all existing

underground services.

As the centre posts were over ten metres tall the

client required a quick release system that enabled

the sails to be easily removed from ground level

without ladders. To meet that requirement a wire

cable and block quick release system was designed,

using a separate and removable block and tackle

system for tensioning.

Sea views Ben Heap of Sail City was involved in a project creating shade covers

on the westerly side of a group of homes at WA’s scenic Mindarie

Cove Marina. For this he used Comshade which was supplied by

Nolan.UDA

The shimmering Indian Ocean and the homes’ location at water level

combine to make alfresco life a challenge to enjoy … but Sail City set

out to further enhance the setting.

The task of providing shade over a number of neighbouring

properties involved a bit of ‘give and take’ from each owner. Heights

and locations of posts and attaching points of the sails were finally

agreed and a sail colour scheme was approved.

The unusual task of mounting posts to timber piles and in sea beds

was formalised with the engineer presenting drawings that were

Council approved.

Ben – who has a Teaching Certificate in Sports Physio – managed all

processes including sales, design and installation. The result is effective

shading that reduces heat build-up throughout the brick surrounds.

Did you know? The word ‘nautical’ derives from the Greek word for sailor: nautes. ‘Astronaut’ stems from star (astro) and sailor (nautes).

In shipping references the term ‘clipper’ most likely derives from the verb ‘clip’ which formerly meant to run or fly swiftly.The boom years of Clipper ships commenced in 1843 due to the growing demand in the western world for tea from China, and continued following the discovery of gold in California and Australia in 1848 and 1851.(Source: Wiki.)

Mining car parkWith an itinerant population of around 1500,

Moranbah in North Queensland is testament to

Australia’s mining boom.

Contending with hot sunny weather, Moranbah

Mine Site car park required an economical

shading solution to protect workers’ vehicles.

The project involved design, engineering, supply,

fabrication and install of the structures and

footings to a remote mine-site.

Fabricator Fabritecture used PolyFab

Architect 400 black for the job.

The design is a large scale hypar system

supported by columns and cables. The 7107.72

m2 project had a structural steel frame with a

HDG finish. HDPE fabric was selected due to its

UV, sunshine and hail protection, and is one of the

most economical ways to cover a carpark.

The carpark was designed to allow access for

SUVs, 4WDs and other vehicles typically found in

a mine-site carpark.

The project had an extremely tight delivery

time for installation and the remote location

of the site affected transportation of materials.

Wet weather hampered progress. Despite this,

the Fabritecture team managed to deliver on

time while meeting stringent Safety and Quality

Assurance requirements.

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If you would like a copy of our latest catalogue, you can request via email to [email protected] or call your local Radins Warehouse.You can also view our catalogue on our website www.radins.com.au

Top brands include Radflex, WCT, Bradmill, Synthesis, Vistarange, Vue, Dickson and Sunbrella. Suppliers of Rolls & Cut lengths plus a range of Hardware & Accesories for every installation

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20 · CONNECTIONS

Marina mirageHorizon Sail Structures undertook a job for Marina Mirage Centre

Management at Main Beach in Queensland using Ferrari 8025 supplied

by Innova International

For many years the polycarbonate atrium on the south side of the

Marina Mirage centre had issues with leaks during inclement weather.

After several site inspections Horizon provided various solutions for

consideration and the most cost effective design entailed a structure

over the atrium that extended into the existing guttering system to allow

the atrium to be 100% waterproof.

The design team recommended the fabrication of a sail that fitted

directly over the structure. Custom fabricated connections were

installed onto the existing perimeter beam to allow for tensioning of the

sail by a wire and draw bolt method. Special shackles were fabricated

to allow a flush finish so that the membrane was not damaged.

During material fabrication re-enforcing seams were installed

where the sail sat directly onto the existing structure. All panels were

designed to be directly in line with the existing structures frame work. A

perimeter flashing was welded in place during fabrication to allow the

water to runoff into the existing guttering system; a pocket and edge

beam was used to create tension on this added item.

STRUCTURESSUPERB

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22 · CONNECTIONS

Tennor’s Tonneau – top thisThe concept of a buttonless tonneau system

stemmed from the realisation that many

customers wanted a tonneau cover but did not

want traditional fittings on the side of their ute,

due to signwriting, rails, bunji lugs wearing

out, or the look of black plastic buttons.

Led by Nathan Tennor, First Class

Canvas wanted to design and supply a

unique tonneau cover or ute canopy that

simply clipped down on a track. The team

designed and trialled an initial prototype,

followed by months of more design,

development and testing.

The difficulty was fashioning a cover that

was easy to clip down and unclip. The final

design was a 26mm wide aluminium track

that attaches to the ute tray and a plastic strip

sewn around the outer edge of the cover. The

team then set about sealing the corners using

a rubber strip that looks good and seals well.

First Class Canvas not only manufactured

all parts and lodged a patent application, but

also produced a manufacturing manual.

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26 · CONNECTIONS

Training in NSW and Queensland is proving

quite dynamic. Currently in NSW, we have

approximately 10 students undertaking

Certificate III in Textile Fabrication. This number

is more than tripled in Queensland where

around 35 people are studiously engaged in

Certificate III in Textile Fabrication.

This semester we have planned four trips

throughout Queensland to visit students for

workplace validation and to also tap into the many

businesses that may require RPL (recognition of

prior learning) for existing employees or simply

for training of new employees.

Also being offered through Sydney Institute

is Certificate II in Blinds and Awnings. This

is a major breakthrough for the industry as

students undertaking the program will be able

to apply for a license from the Department of

Fair Trading to install products in buildings and

therefore erect shade structures legally.

The program will be delivered with the assistance

of other TAFE colleges which already have the

infrastructure to deliver this type of course.

Finally, Sydney Institute is offering Certificate

III in TCF Mechanics. This course is for sewing

machine mechanics who lack a qualification

(RPL) and/or for those employed to obtain their

qualification through training. This qualification

is being undertaken with the assistance of the

Fitting and Machining section at Ultimo TAFE.

Motor and marine trimming The fitting of airbags in vehicles has certainly

changed how motor trimmers conduct

business practices. Vehicle manufacturers now

manufacture seat covers in such a way that

repairing a cover of a seat containing an airbag

is near impossible.

The manufacturers are putting trimmers in a

position whereby they have to buy a new cover

through spare parts and simply fit it.

What is the alternative? Repairing the cover

requires the trimmer to use the correct type of

thread, the stitching must be x number per inch

and the procedure must be done with a single

stitch line, with no stops and starts.

The main emphasis is on the thread itself, it must

be a gauge that will allow the airbag to deploy if

the vehicle is involved in an accident.

Herein lies the problem – vehicle

manufacturers are not willing to provide detailed

information and specifications to the industry.

That is why trimmers need to purchase and fit

new covers.

Some trimmers are electing to repair these seat

covers using normal (20-25) gauge thread, and

a few of our students have reported that their

employers instruct them to do this.

So the question is: ‘How long will it be before

a trimmer makes the front page of the Daily

Telegraph for all the wrong reasons?’

Quantum leaps Material developments have gone through the

roof in recent years. Many of the older PVCs are

still available but the range of new materials is

extraordinary. Of note are the major developments

in PVCs and canvas materials for marine

trimmers, with better quality clear PVC.

Moulded head-linings Many trimmers were previously involved in a

reasonable amount of moulded head-linings

but this sort of work is now dropping off. That

is because newer vehicles tend to include a

fabric for head-linings that does not have a foam

backing. The result is that the fabric adheres

better to the moulded board, without dropping

around passengers’ ears.

soft topsSoft tops in motor vehicles have prompted

increased levels of electronics to make the

process of folding the top down - or up - easier for

operators.

electronicsTrimmers are under more pressure to acquire

skills to deal with the variety of electronic

equipment a modern vehicle carries, such as seat

belt pre-tensioners, airbags, seat heating units,

seat risers, memory minders and more.

Lawrence De Paoli is Head Teacher - Autobody Repair, Refinish & Trimming at TAFE NSW, Sydney [email protected]

Here Lawrence De Paoli presents an update on the state of play in textile training across the nation and provides a snapshot of today’s marine and motor trimming sector.

training developments

INDUSTRY TRAINING


In our industry the questions that often arise

are “Which training?” and “What education?”

There is no simple answer to these questions.

The answer depends on what you as the

business owner or you as an employee in the

industry are trying to achieve. Do you want

to develop your business acumen? Do you

want to get recognition for your trade skills?

The training and education system is complex

and this article is intended to provide a brief

outline of the formal education system. Fields

of study for the industry can include business,

engineering, marketing, design, textiles and

logistics.

For many in the industry the starting

point has been with certificate training. As

new entrants to the industry many people

undertook an apprenticeship or traineeship

sponsored by their employer. Typically these

have been Certificate 3 in Textile Fabrication

or Motor Trimming as they are both great

ways to develop the base trade skills for

a career in the fabrication and trimming

industries. Many people have developed their

skills without formal training, however if you

see a benefit in having a Certificate you can

undertake a process to recognise these skills

(known in the trade as RPL or recognition of

prior learning).

beyond trade trainingIf you have progressed beyond the need for

trade training then there are many directions

you can take. Certificate training continues with

TAFE offering part-time courses at certificate

4, diploma and advanced diploma levels. TAFE

fees vary from state to state and between

programs and courses sometimes have

prerequisites for starting the program. You may

be eligible for credit from your work and life

experience; however you often gain the most

from undertaking the whole course.

Generally TAFE offerings end at advanced

diploma with the next level being university

undergraduate degree courses. The usual

pathway to a degree is through completing

year 12 at secondary school and this can be

an obstacle to those who left school for work

before year 12. As an adult however you do

not necessarily need a year 12 result. Studying

part-time at degree level takes a high level of

commitment as degree programs are generally

three or four years for full-time students. For

part-time study you can double this time frame.

Most degree programs are set up for full-time

study which means that for part-time study

you will need to negotiate time off from work to

attend lectures during the day.

A simpler path for people with years

of industry experience is to undertake a

university postgraduate coursework program

at graduate certificate, graduate diploma or

master level. Often these are nested so that

you can complete a grad certificate with the

subjects counting towards the grad dip and

then the master program, therefore being

an ideal pathway for developing knowledge.

These qualifications can be valuable in

marketing yourself or your business by

indicating professionalism when quoting for

private and government work.

Postgraduate study Postgraduate study is often easier to fit into

working life as the majority of people studying

at this level are also working. Class time is

mostly kept to a minimum with reading and

assignment or online work being done in your

own time. Masters programs are generally

between one and two years of study if

undertaken full-time and twice this length for

part-time. Most postgraduate programs are full

fee with no government funding however part-

time study spreads the financial pain.

If none of the formal education and training

pathways appeals to you then there are many

informal ways to develop yourself or your

employees and benefit your business. Being a

member of the Specialised Textiles Association

where knowledge and experience is shared is

one of these.

Kent Williamson is Manager International Development and Industry Engagement, School of Fashion and Textiles at Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT) University. Kent is also on the Specialised Textiles Association’s Council of Management.

In this article Kent Williamson examines some of the decisions that need to be taken before embarking on the appropriate training course.

training and education

28 · CONNECTIONS

Nearly 40 industry participants in Melbourne and Perth are better versed in all things marine trimming, thanks to marine workshops staged by Serge Ferrari, Innova International and Paskal.

industry up-skills with marine textiles workshop

INDUSTRY TRAINING

A two-day marine workshop sponsored by

Serge Ferrari, Innova International and Paskal

has been met with a great response from

participants in both Victoria and Western

Australia. Created specifically for marine

trimmers, upholsterers and boat builders;

participants attended to enhance their

knowledge, exchange fabrication ideas and

enjoy networking opportunities.

“We hope that through these marine

workshops, we can provide a valuable

contribution to the industry’s future as well

as involving the next generation of marine

trimmers in working with leading marine

textiles. It has been very pleasing that

these sessions were as highly regarded

by participants as was the case last year,”

said Ian Knox, Managing Director of Innova

International.

Presented by experienced marine

trimmer Steve Szenay, Director of the Marine

Fabricators Association (MFA) and Manager

of Awnings and Marine Fabrics with Serge

Ferrari North America, the workshops covered

many aspects of marine cover trimming and

marine upholstery techniques using Stamoid®

Marine Textiles.

“Following from the success of our 2011

events in Sydney and the Gold Coast, we

decided to hold additional workshops in

Melbourne and Perth. We were very pleased

to once again have a presenter of Steve

Szenay’s calibre conduct the workshops. Steve

has had 34 years in the industry and was a

huge hit at the events, providing a wealth of

knowledge to participants,” said Knox.

Hands-on training and tips presented by Steve Szenay (on the left)

ArchitecturAl

Solar protection

marine / automotive

SPECIALITY FABRICATIon

geomembranes & linings

ph + 61 3 9551 8722 email [email protected] web innova.com.au

Innova International Pty. Ltd. Distributors in all states.

our brands, your future

30 · CONNECTIONS

INDUSTRY TRAINING

The two-day marine workshops were attended

by 18 people in Melbourne and 17 in Perth.

These events were made possible thanks to

collaboration with participating TAFE institutions.

“Two training venues were used – Kangan

Institute Automotive Centre of Excellence in

Melbourne and Polytecnic West in Perth. The

facilities and support provided by both entities

was excellent and contributed substantially to the

successful training outcomes,” Knox explained.

Workshop attendees appreciated the valuable

information gained from hands-on segments,

including networking benefits with other

specialists. One participant was Neil Hancock

from Aussie Boat Covers who has attended the

free workshops for the past two years.

“The highlight for me was being able to solve

a design issue and work through the process in

an open forum with outstanding direction from

Steve. The opportunity to present and share

ideas helped incredibly to remedy our design

problems. Special thanks must go to Innova/

Serge Ferrari for having the desire to stage

something that is so beneficial to my industry,”

said Hancock.

The topics covered during the workshops

included: perfect patterning of enclosures

and tops; designing biminis, sails and covers;

creating zippered vents; upholstering high

grade Stamskin® seating fabric; frame

setup and pre-loading; marine fittings and

tools; working with kedar tracking options;

understanding the characteristics of new

Stamoid® SK silicone aquatic cover and

making the perfect pocket. Participants were

encouraged to work on sewing machines to

test upholstery and learn trimming tricks of

the trade.

due creditPresident of Specialised Textiles Association

Lance St Hill commended Serge Ferrari

and Innova's initiative in conducting the free

workshops and their ongoing contribution to

the future of the marine industry.

“They have shown real commitment to

up-skilling marine trimmers’ and fabricators’

knowledge and skills. I would like to see

other material suppliers and distributors do

likewise, as this benefits the entire industry.

Congratulations and thank you for your

excellent initiative,” St Hill said.

credentialsLeading global textile manufacturer Serge

Ferrari of France partnered with Innova

International as its exclusive Australian

agent and distributor over 20 years ago.

Their Stamoid® marine fabrics range has

a reputation across the marine industry for

superior reliability under all conditions. The

range is known worldwide for its exceptional

service life, UV and mildew resistance,

lightweight design and easy maintenance.

For more information contact Innova:

03 9551 8722; www. [email protected]

Main image: Serge ferrari marine workshop participants (WA)

Bottom from left: Question and answer sessions with Steve Szenay; Serge ferrari marine workshop participants (Vic); Designing biminis, sails and covers.


Specialised Textiles AssociationSuite 201, 22 St Kilda Road, St Kilda Vic 3182

Phone 03 9521 2114 n Fax 03 9521 2116 www.specialisedtextiles.com.au

Learn, share and network with others in the industry who have a similar passion for our industry at national and state based events held throughout the year.

Have your say about the direction of our industry and association through involvement on Council of Management, industry focus groups and special interest groups.

Connect with buyers and suppliers by exhibiting, presenting or attending one of the premier exhibition and conference events in this region.

Be acknowledged for your great work by entering your projects into the Awards for Excellence, an annual competition, designed to recognise excellence and innovation in our industry.

Take advantage of event discounts by enjoying reduced fees on a variety of events such as the annual trade exhibition and advertising in Connections Magazine. Your membership also gives you access to IFAI bookstore at discounted rates.

Educate and inform others using Connections Magazine to communicate to a niche market hungry for knowledge and news about our industry. Members can use Connections to advertise their products and services to their target markets.

Get listed in our comprehensive member and product directory - published in hard copy and searchable online.

Differentiate yourself from non members by making use of the Specialised Textiles Association logo on your stationery and other collateral.

Access expert information and advice by accessing the specialist knowledge and expertise of our member fabricators, installers and suppliers. Specialised Textiles Association is also a member of Australian Industry Group with access to comprehensive range of information and member advices on employee and industrial relations, occupation health and safety issues and much more.

The advantages of becoming a member

Manufacturers, installers and suppliers. Together we cover the world.


Specialised Textiles Association Inc.

Suite 201, 22 St Kilda Road, St Kilda Vic 3182Phone 03 9521 2114 n Local Call 1300 555 787

Fax 03 9521 2116 n [email protected] 83 594 171 330 n Registration Number A0010895W


MAM8919

STA Promo Advert (August12).indd 1 15/08/12 11:06 AM

32 · CONNECTIONS

FABRIC STRUCTURESCOMMITTEE

“The Fabric Structures Committee is committed to keeping our industry clean, transparent and skilled.”

Once a decision is made to purchase a fabric shade structure, what else does a consumer need to know? The Fabric Structures Committee believes consumers should be directing some serious questions to prospective installers. Report by Beatrice Moonen of Abacus Shade Structures

While the flair of a salesperson combined with

a good product are powerful selling tools, so

too is a level playing field. We want to arm the

consumer with the tools so they

•knowwhattheyaregetting

•canmakecomparisonsbetweeninstallers,

and

•askthetoughquestions.

Fabric Structures and shade sails seem to be

everywhere. But in reality fabric structures are

new products which incorporate new designs

and materials previously unavailable. Shade

structures are about as old as the net. Most

consumers know little about fabric structures

other than they look great and provide weather

protection. What else is there to know, right?

Beatrice Moonen from the Fabric Structures

Committee says unfortunately this can’t be

further from the truth.

For example few people realise that council

approval is often required, or know that a sail

is often curved which can limit the amount of

shade provided. Unfortunately this can open

the door to operators who are prepared to cut

corners in order to take advantage of people’s

lack of knowledge. It can happen in any

industry … just take a look at TV current affairs

programs to see unscrupulous people in every

walk of life.

The Fabric Structures Committee is

committed to keeping our industry clean,

transparent and skilled. With so many existing

fabricators and STA fabricator members

upholding very high standards and acquiring

new skills and experience continuously why

shouldn’t they be encouraged and supported.

To this end the committee is designing a

checklist which helps consumers to ask the

right questions and compare fabric structure

installers.

A properly installed fabric structure is an

investment in lifestyle. We want to ensure that

consumers, both domestic and commercial,

who spend a lot of money purchasing a fabric

structure, are getting the best product built by

the best installer. After all a happy customer is

the best marketing tool a fabric shade installer

can have and this in turn reflects well on our

industry.

Arming consumers with the right questions

is the critical first step. In this way a consumer

can employ the contractor who can operate

and complete work according to standards,

regulations and best industry practise to

deliver a shade product that will not just meet

but also exceed expectations.

So far so good. Sounds simple.

So what should a consumer be asking when

buying a fabric structure?

Areas covered in the consumer checklist

deal with the contractor, the contract and the

product. Some of the questions we typically

want a consumer to ask include:

•Is the contractor licensed to operate in their

state?

•Is a council permit or DA (development

application) needed?

•Can the contractor offer references and a

track record of work completed?

•Does the contractor offer a contract which

identifies the price, GST amount, terms and

conditions?

•What warranties are offered?

•What insurance does the contractor have?

•What design is appropriate to give the best

shade?

•Is engineering offered?

•What workplace safety measures are

practiced?

• What fabric, steelwork and fittings are

quoted? (Apples should be compared to

apples.)

• What after-sales service is available?

By posing similar questions to all prospective

contractors, consumers can decide who has

best met their selection criteria and who

should then be awarded their work. Their

decision is made from a position of knowledge.

The Fabric Structures Committee is working

on a grand plan to develop an online resource.

base containing useful and independent

information and links for consumers and STA

members. It is a positive step in promoting and

strengthening the industry.

Also, the STA website is being progressively

upgraded this year.

Members wishing to contact with the Fabric

Structures Committee are welcome to email:

[email protected]

a question of choice


shadeQueensland’s shade structure market is not

as healthy as everyone would like. This comes

off the back of spending cuts by the new

government and some unforeseen cuts to

expenditure, particularly on the Gold Coast

where all City Council capital expenditure

has been halted for two years. Repair and

maintenance work only is available, and as

this predominantly occurs through the storm

season there is currently a lull in council work.

Market struggles have caused many

companies on the Gold Coast to close and this

has affected all market segments including

wholesalers, fabricators and installers.

EOFY didn’t provide the usual stimulus we

have come to expect; probably due to the

change of government and an unsteady market.

Northern Queensland appears to be quieter

than last year due to unseasonably cooler

temperatures and higher rainfall. Most of

the projects prompted by severe weather

events of the past two seasons have also been

completed however the market should pick

up soon with warm weather and sunny days.

Already sales of shade cloth are on the up.

agriculture/linersThe grain season soon kicks off, and large

liner companies are gearing up in anticipation

of bumper harvests. Importantly, there has

been enough rain for crops to take root.

awnings/blindsFollowing the Australia-wide trend this area

of the market is quiet. Recent cooler weather

in southern Queensland and rain in the

north, compounded by an unsteady financial

climate, have affected the entire supply chain.

Other than the mining and agricultural

sectors, most areas appear slower than usual.

The unstable market is forcing commercial and

domestic clients to closely watch expenditure,

but hopes are pinned on a busy season ahead

to balance out the recent slower periods.

Total construction starts in Australia are down

1% on this time last year, and Queensland is

down 3%. This is being propped up by civil

and industrial works; with few residential,

commercial, education and community

projects being generated.

Queensland’s unseasonably cool weather has

caused a decline in the domestic market for

outdoor products, particularly in Brisbane and

the Gold Coast, however the commercial market

is reasonably buoyant. The long hot summer

that is forecast will be warmly welcomed by the

shade industry with outdoor products becoming

more of a ‘need’ rather than a ‘want’.

And with the last two summers being some of

the wettest on record, our industry deserves a

bit of good luck!

Queensland report

COMREPORTS

Report by Jamie Howard, Council of Management

34 · CONNECTIONS

SPECIAL TECHNCALFEATURE

At the 2012 STA Expo Chris Nolan of Nolan.UDA enthralled participants with his address on tension structures. For the benefit of Connections readers he has reproduced the essential elements of the address.

design and fabrication of tension structures – the simple engineering link

For most fabricators, the engineering design of tension structures is

a bit of a mystery. Almost by magic, the computer seems to generate

the planar forms that are the basis of fabrication, including the

allowances for compensation. However, the basic assumptions of elastic

response that are inbuilt into the computer models that designers

use to shape and stress membranes are not difficult to understand.

Further, the magician’s secret is that these assumptions are very much

approximations of actual material behaviour.

In designing tensile structures, engineers consider two separate

loading cases – first, the application of “pre-stress”, which

determines the shape of the structure; and second the response of

the membrane to “live loads”, such as wind or snow, which are an

order of magnitude greater.

“Compensation” is the estimated deflection or stretch of the membrane

under the application of pre-stress. The amount of compensation is

estimated from elastic theory, and allowed for in the patterning.

Most contemporary tension structures have as their basis anticlastic

surface geometry, which is the result of concave curvature in one

direction, balanced by convex curvature in the other, as illustrated in

Figure One.

Figure One – Anticlastic Surface Geometry

There are four generic types of anticlastic surface in common use –

the “cone”, the “saddle”, the “hypar”, and the “ridge and valley”. These

surface shapes are the natural response of a membrane to “pre-stress”

resulting from loading applied at the support boundaries.

The general elastic relationship between stress (force) and strain

(deformation) is governed by Hooke’s law, which states that the

relationship is linear, until the elastic limit is reached. In other words, the

material behaves like a spring or an elastic band under loading.

Imagine that a tension membrane behaves like a thin, very wide

elastic sheet, complicated by having different stretch properties in each

direction, being pulled in two directions at the same time. Stretch in one

direction causes contraction in the other, so the observed deformation

is net fourth order effect of the interaction of stress and strain in the two

directions. Hence, there are four constants, termed Elastic Moduli, or

stiffness, to be derived when applying Hooke’s law in this context.

Figure two illustrates the case where the stretch in the y direction, and

consequently the contraction in the x direction, is so pronounced that

even after an extending load is applied in the x direction, the net effect

is still contraction. This is typical of what can happen in practice with

PVC coated polyester fabrics.

ConvexCurve

ConcaveCurve

“So how does one calculate the Elastic Parameters for an actual fabric, if its behaviour is so inelastic? Good question! And the answer is …”

The equations above are the application of Hooke’s linear relationship

where:

σxx and σyy are the stresses; ϵxx and ϵyy are the strains; and

Ex and Ey are the Elastic Moduli in the x and y directions

respectively

Exy is the stiffness interaction between the x direction and the y

direction; and

Eyx is the stiffness interaction between the y direction and the x

direction.

Just to be difficult, engineers introduce another variable termed the

‘Poisson’s Ratio’. This is the ratio, when an object is stretched, of the

contraction or transverse strain (perpendicular to the applied load), to

the extension or axial strain (in the direction of the applied load).

By solving the first equation for the situation where σx = 0, the

Poissons ratio γxy can be derived:

γxy= -ϵy ⁄ ϵx = Exy / Ex

And similarly γyx can be found for σx = 0:

γyx= -ϵy ⁄ ϵx = Eyx / Ey

These are the basic parameters fed into a finite element computer

model. In the using the model, the tension structure is first mapped

into a grid. The behaviour of each grid point is the result of force

equilibrium and spatial continuity (i.e. the relative deflection) between

it and its neighbours. The relationship between force and deflection at

each node point is governed by Hooke’s equations, which assumes a

linear elastic relationship in each direction. Because there are a large

number of grid points, there are many simultaneous equations to solve,

made possible by the power of computers.

But, in the real world, an architectural fabric only approximates

Hooke’s relationship, and its actual behaviour under loading is

Figure Two – Elastic deformation of a membrane and the theoretical expression of Hooke’s law in two dimensions

a function of its construction. The most commonly used fabric in

membrane structures is PVC coated polyester, that is, a woven polyester

substrate or scrim, coated with layers of PVC, and finished with a thin

lacquer.

The scrim provides tensile strength and resistance to tearing. The

vinyl coating provides water proofing, and protects the polyester from

ultraviolet light, which causes loss of tensile strength. The plasticisers

that make the PVC flexible are also subject to UV degradation, and

sacrificial inhibitors are added to the PVC to prolong life. Further vital

UV protection is provided by the thin surface lacquer, which is usually

a thin (20 micron) application of liquid acrylic or PVDF (Polyvinylidene

Fluoride) or a blend of both.

Woven scrims are constructed with yarns that are interlaced at right

angles, those running in the lengthwise direction called “warp” and

the crosswise direction “weft” or “fill”. Because of the need to support

the molten PVC as it is applied, the scrim of coated fabrics is almost

always a dense plain weave, but can have differences in the layout of the

yarn matrix, such as a ‘Panama Weave’, which is a two by two overlap

of yarns designed to enhance strength properties. Although the scrim

provides the tensile strength to resist applied loads, the PVC does

contribute at low loads, and influences the response to ‘pre-stress’.

Most fabricators would be familiar with tensile or break strength tests.

These are one-dimensional or uniaxial tests, where a narrow strip of

material 50mm wide and about 600mm long is stretched till failure. The

breaking load and elongation at break are recorded.

Figure Three – Uniaxial Test for a Type One (approx. 700 gsm) coated PVC

36 · CONNECTIONS

A result of such a test is plotted on figure three, and clearly shows that

the stress / strain response only approximates linearity, and therefore is

not really elastic. Because of this, the Elastic Modulus, which is the slope

of the line, varies depending on the loading range. For example, for this

fabric, at pre-stress loads, which are about two percent of the ultimate

load, the Elastic Modulus is twice the value (i.e. twice as stiff) as that

for ‘live loads’ which are never allowed to exceed twenty percent of the

ultimate.

The response is also different in the warp and weft directions. This

difference in behaviour is caused by the different initial tension in the

warp and weft yarns. For a simple plain weave, the warp yarns are

held tightly stretched in the loom and the weft yarns inserted over and

under every alternate one. When loaded, the (approximately) straight

warp yarns simply stretch under load, whereas the looped weft yarns

also flatten before stretching, exacerbating their net yield.

Biaxial tests are designed to replicate the behaviour of the fabric

under conditions where the fabric is stressed in both directions at

the same time, which is what occurs in practice. Figure four illustrates

the behaviour of a Type One (700 gsm) fabric stressed under cyclic

loading in the ratio 1:1, up to a load approximately one twelfth of its


ultimate break strength (also with additional cyclic loading interposed

in the mid-range of the first cycle).

As with our theoretical elastic continuum, the elongation in one

direction causes contraction in the other, with the effect that net

elongation in each direction is substantially less than the unrestrained

uniaxial case.

The results show that the elongation response to applied loading

is profoundly different in each direction; is non-linear; and exhibits

pronounced hysteresis during, and permanent plastic deformation

(‘stretch-set’) after each cycle. The response starts to approximate

linearity and exhibits less hysteresis, and greater stiffness after a

couple of cycles, particularly in the weft direction. So much for the

assumption of a linear elastic response!

So how does one calculate the Elastic Parameters for an actual

fabric, if its behaviour is so inelastic? Good question! And the answer

is that the parameters are calculated from a ‘conditioned’ sample, that

is, after cyclic loading has been applied, and when the stress / strain

behaviour starts to mimic linearity.

The key issue is that the fabric is never ‘conditioned’ (at least not

to the level expected under peak working load) prior to installation.

Figure Four – Cyclic Biaxial loading of a Type One Fabric, with the theoretical Hooke’s response superimposed

– 0.50 0.00 0.50 1.00 1.50 2.00 2.50

7.00

6.00

5.00

4.00

3.00

2.00

1.00

Percent Strain

Stre

ss k

N/m

Warp Actual

Weft Actual

Warp Theory

Weft Theory


“The fabric response is different for differing load ratios, and different values of the Elastic Moduli are derived under these conditions.”

Hence, the engineering designer must undertake a sensitivity analysis

that incorporates values of the Elastic Modulus in the weft direction

up to 25% less than those calculated; and recognize that permanent

deformation after several loading and unloading cycles of up to 2.5% in

the weft should be allowed for as ‘creep’.

Further, the fabric response is different for differing load ratios,

and different values of the Elastic Moduli are derived under these

conditions. This result is due to the non linear strain response, and

consequently variations in stiffness at different levels of applied loads.

Despite the ostensibly good fit between theory and actual, the

designer must be aware of error (in its scientific sense) both in testing

and interpolation of the graphs for the determination of the Elastic

Moduli and Poisson Ratios. It should be noted that the estimates of the

latter, particularly between weft and warp can vary by as much as 50%,

depending on which loading cycle is adopted for analysis.

It is possible to change the construction of the scrim of lighter weight

fabrics to make the behavior of the fabric more isotropic. Figure Five

plots the results for Type One Fabric with a Weft Insertion scrim, which

is a type of weave where the weft yarns are simply laid across the

warp, and knitted together with a third lighter tie yarn. Compared to a

standard weave, the net effect has been to markedly stiffen the weft, at

the expense of a de-stiffening of the warp. However, the behaviour over

the loading range shown is very similar in each direction.

A similar effect can be obtained by mechanical constraint of the weft

during coating, but there are limits to the loading able to be applied

in this context, and the process does induce additional stiffness in the

warp. In both cases, the effect is much more pronounced at lower levels

of loading, and dissipates as the load progressively increases.

To date, engineers have lived with the anisotropy associated with

these fabrics, given that finite element models can cope with this

vagary relatively easily, and that it is more important to make sufficient

allowance in the fittings and connections for any adjustment that may

prove necessary in practice.

www.NolanUDA.com.au

Figure Five – A Type One Fabric with a weft insertion scrim. Note the difference in stress/strain response compared to a standard scrim (shown in figure four)

38 · CONNECTIONS


Vinyl films help vehicles—trucks, boats, planes, trains and automobiles—meet at the “finish” line, and the consumer market is on the inside track. By Janice Kleinschmidt.

the wrap race: Vinyl films on the transportation fast track

A connoisseur of Armani and custom shirts, Greg Purdy may seem like

a fish out of water driving a pinkish-purple Scion with bright yellow

letters on the front fender exclaiming “Wow!”

But the media relations manager is just doing his job: promoting The

Fabulous Palm Springs Follies wherever he goes. The Follies’ three

company vehicles—all wrapped in graphics with quotes from NBC’s

Today show (the “Wow!”) and People magazine—log 50,000 to 60,000

miles a year in California, Nevada and Arizona.

Intrigued by the flashy design, valets have asked about the stage

show and then asked for brochures to hand out, Purdy says.

Moving targetsAccording to the Outdoor Advertising Association of America,

marketing media targeting vehicle drivers and passengers reach more

than 95 percent of Americans, and one vehicle wrap can generate

between 30,000 to 70,000 impressions daily.

“I’m in a city of 250,000. They say in our market a $4,000 vehicle

wrap is equal to $85,000 in television ads,” says Jed McDonough, owner

of Image Monster, a large-format print shop in Wilmington in North

Carolina that has been wrapping vehicles since 2001. “Clients call and

say, ‘This is the most amazing marketing I have ever done.’”

After successfully wrapping mobile cranes for Crainco Inc., the com-pany gave GatorWraps free rein to design a wrap for one of their race cars on their drag racing team. Photo: GatorWraps.


“Historically, large brand owners—Coca-Cola, UPS—understood the

value of using their vehicles as media assets,” says Tim Boxeth, business

development manager of 3M, St. Paul in Minnesota, which makes wrap

films, adhesives and laminates. “Over the last six years, the small- to

medium-business owner—the electrician, the plumber—has come to

understand the value of their van, or five vans, as a media asset.”

Rod Voegele, president of GatorWraps in Ontario, California, can

attest to that value firsthand. His own wrapped Cadillac Escalade had

been spotted more than once in Newport Beach, where he lives, by

fellow resident Chris Welsh.

“He said, ‘I saw your car driving around and took the number down,

because we are considering wrapping our sub.’ He never mentioned

initially what it was. He said, ‘Here’s what you need to know, and here’s

what I need to know from you.’”

The man turned out to be co-founder (with Richard Branson) of Virgin

Oceanic, and the project was their deep-sea explorer sub and its docking

station, a 125-foot catamaran. “When the catamaran and sub were unveiled

[in April 2011], there was media from around the world,” Voegele says.

Wayne Boydstun, COO of Fusion Imaging Inc. in Kaysville, Utah, was

among the earliest vehicle wrappers in 1995 (Fusion Imaging was a

beta site for wrap material suppliers). He has wrapped planes, trains

and automobiles—and boats.

“It used to be Fox and Nike," he says, referring to his early clients

and the once-high cost of wraps. "Now landscapers and other small

companies have been able to get into this.”

lasting (but flexible) impressionsA car wrap, particularly on horizontal surfaces, may not last as long in

the deserts of the Southwest as it would in the Blue Ridge Mountains

of Pennsylvania. Warranties vary (even for different surfaces), but film

manufacturers and installers mention a general five-year life span for

vehicle wraps. In the harsh Palm Springs sun, the Follies’ wraps last only

two years, but the show’s producers find the return on investment worth

it: they’ve rewrapped their cars three times.

“I have in the local market 500 to 600 trucks that have been out there

seven-plus years,” Boydstun says.

The longevity of boat wraps, which require a sealer to prevent water

from seeping under the graphics, also depends on environmental

factors (including how often a craft bumps into docks), but Boxeth says

they generally last two to four years.

Of course, even paint fades and chips, and it’s easier to change the

color or design of a car or boat with a wrap than with paint. In fact,

wraps beat paint for that very reason: they are less permanent.

Look at the racing industry, which has been wrapping cars for the

past five years.

As Sal Sigala Jr. notes on Nascarnation.us, race teams previously

experimented with colors to get the right shades for sponsor logos

and then had to go through a tortuous approval process involving

company representatives, lawyers and NASCAR officials. Wraps

have not only sped up that process, but also give race teams the

advantages of a lighter car (paint is heavier) and the flexibility to add

and remove sponsorship logos.

Technology in adhesives allows repositioning of graphics during

installation, something you can’t do with paint. Another benefit of

wraps, which come off cleanly, is that they protect the original finish.

riding a trendVoegele started GatorWraps in 2007 and has since wrapped

motorcycles, cars (including racing cars), trucks (including food

trucks) and vans, trailers (including concession stands), ORVs and

RVs, big rigs, buses and boats.

“We do anything from personalisation of off-road toys and cars

and one-owner shops up to national fleets,” says Voegele, noting his

largest project encompassed 62 box trucks, which he rewrapped

when the client ended a sponsorship. Though he’s still serving the

commercial market with moving advertising and brand awareness,

he notes “a huge uptick” in the personalisation market in the last six

to eight months.

Below: Eyecatching graphics on vehicles help businesses advertise themselves wherever they go. Photo: 3M.

40 · CONNECTIONS

“Our suppliers are coming out with pigmented

vinyl in basic colors and metallic,” he says. “The new

market is people who don’t want colorful graphics;

they want a solid color.”

Doug Blackwell, 3M business development

manager, says matte black base films with cut letters

or logos on a reflective film for contrast, and films

with the look of carbon fiber and brushed steel, are

catching attention not only in the commercial market

but also in the consumer market.

“The newest products in the vehicle wrap world

are preprinted textures like carbon fiber and ostrich

skin and alligator skin that feel and look real,”

says McDonough, reporting on what he saw at the

International Sign Expo in Orlando in March. “The

companies that produce the products we print on are

producing more and more, and their technologies are

getting better and better.”

“Over the last couple of years, 3M has improved a

lot on lifting in deep curves. 3M put new technology

in films that really helped with conformability and

more textures and colors,” Boxeth says. Blackwell

adds that advances also have been made in inks that

stretch into deep channels.

“Perhaps the newest and most exciting new

products being developed for the wrap industry are

the color-change or paint-replacement films,” says

Ritchie Daize, international digital sales manager

for Arlon Graphics, a film manufacturer in Santa

Ana, California. “This trend began two years ago

in Europe and the Middle East when exotic car

owners began styling their cars by fully wrapping

them to change their color. Rapidly, vehicle wrap

vinyl suppliers began developing films that can

perform well under the harsh demands of full paint-

replacement car wraps. This is perhaps the fastest-

growing segment in the global vehicle wrap market.”

Todd Hain, marketing communications manager

for Avery Dennison Corp., a film manufacturer

headquartered in Pasadena, California, says the

number of shops around the country that offer

wraps has grown exponentially. “I think part of the

growth, at least in the last year or so and going

forward, is changing the color and accents on

your car as much as doing business wraps

advertising something.” Avery Dennison’s Supreme

Wrapping Film for paint replacement comes in 33

colors and finishes.

“The market for vehicle wraps, while it has been

around 20 to 30 years, has shown good growth,” says

Boxeth, noting that every year for the past six (with

the exception of 2009, in the midst of the recession),

the wrap market has seen double-digit growth.

“We’re probably still in the early stages of growth,”

he says. “There’s still a lot of opportunity for graphics

manufacturers to ride this trend.”

This article is reproduced from the June 2012 issue

of Specialty Fabrics Review with kind permission from

IFAI.


“Perhaps the newest and most

exciting new products being

developed for the wrap

industry are the color-change

or paint-replacement

films ”

Skyspan Shade

15 Christensen Road

Stapleton Qld 4207

Contact: Charlie Sullivan or

Wayne Downie

Ph: 07 3804 6288

[email protected]

www.skyspanshade.com.au

Esperance Trim & Canvas

85A Norseman Rd

Esperance WA 6450

Contact: Tom Blakely

Ph: 08 9071 7733 or 0429 935 199

[email protected]

Bryson Canvas Products

7 Panton Rd

Mandurah WA 6210

Contact: Steve Bryson

Ph: 08 9581 7760 or 0409 979 906

[email protected]

www.brysoncanvas.com

Undercover Blinds & Awnings

Factory 2, 61 Frankston Gardens Drive

Carrum Downs Vic 3201

Contact: Chris Reynolds

Ph: 03 9775 1726 or 0438 595 933

[email protected]

www.undercoverblinds.com

All Seasons Synthetic Solutions

3/3 Indy Court

Carrara Queensland 4211

Contact: Justin Murray

Ph: 1300 002 777 or 0419 700 017

[email protected]

www.asss.com.au

Paskal

9A Lakewood Boulevard

Braeside Vic 3195

Contact: Dave Clota

Ph: 03 9588 8800 or Tony 0413 966 812

[email protected]

www.paskal.com.au

Fabtech

53 South Terrace

Wingfield SA 5013

Contact: Shelley Smith

Ph: 1300 664 776

[email protected]

www.fabtech.com.au

NEW MEMBERS

The Specialised Textiles Association would like to welcome several new members to the association. We hope to meet and greet all these and other new members at Super Expo 2013.

42 · CONNECTIONS

MeMber neWs

in the 2012 Specialised Textiles Association Awards for Excellence for

its walkway and pedestrian structures at Brisbane’s Domestic Terminal.

commendations a plentyThe company took out a second Special Commendation in that same

category - Tension Structures, coated fabrics greater than 500sqm - for

the Cabramatta Bowling Club. And in the Awards’ smaller category of

less than 500sqm, MakMax was recognised for the fabric and timber

structure now seen at South Hedland Town Centre.

Lester – who earlier this year succeeded Bernie Neylan as Managing

Director – said the three projects demonstrate the dynamic applications

of tensile membrane designs and showcase MakMax’s diverse

capabilities.

happy returnsAfter a four year stint with US counterpart Birdair where he served as

Principal Engineer, “engineer extraordinaire” Michael Lester returned

to MakMax Australia.

Beginning in 1981 in a small engineering office in Brisbane, Michael’s

career in tensile membrane spans more than three decades in which

time he has helped create “some of the world’s most striking feats

of engineering” using tensile membrane. Previous roles at MakMax

Australia included Director of Engineering, Senior Manager and

Company Director.

www.makmax.com.au

MakMax is no stranger to airports the world over. The company has

installed membrane structures - roofing, facade, and interior solutions

- at Sydney Domestic Airport, Mumbai International Airport and Delhi

International Airport to name a few ... the actual tally comes in at 10.

A newcomer to that list is Australia’s leading regional airport at Cairns,

which processes around 300,000 passengers each month. In early

winter this year MakMax commenced construction at the domestic car

park to provide full shade and weather protection to walkway areas and

141 car park spaces.

The new Architectural Car Park enables airport visitors to travel on

foot direct from the terminal to cars without having to squint in the sun

or don a brolly, as the area is fully shaded from sun and rain - both of

which are in abundance in the monsoon-prone tropical north.

As MakMax Australia Managing Director Michael Lester said, the high

levels of UV radiation combined with cyclonic winds and torrential storms

make shade and safety a top priority, and the company had input on

design based on experience using fabric in cyclone prone areas.

All up the 4000 square meters of PVC fabric, Mehler FR900 supplied

by Mehler direct, is supported by more than 90 tonnes of structural

steel providing strength and support in accordance with the region’s

required wind rating, with support posts serving a dual function by

being fitted with lights.

“This project is not unique in its engineering, the ability for a

fabric structure to withstand cyclonic winds is naturally a standard

requirement for everything we install in this region,” Lester said.

MakMax is justifiably proud of the company’s Special Commendation

MakMax shelters travellers

Main image: Cairns airport car park receives a stylish and practical makeover

Inset: MakMax Managing Director Michael Lester is proud of the company’s tensile membrane designs and diverse capabilities.


Miami stainlessThe 2012 London Olympics have come and gone ... and before that

there was the hype surrounding the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee. Cleverly

capitalising on the majestic milestone was Miami Stainless, whose witty

repartee linking a product to the right royal event caught our eye.

In case you missed it, following is an abbreviated version:

“With Her Majesty the Queen’s tick of approval on its side, the Peek Polish range is royalty when it comes to stainless steel polishes, trusted by industry professionals & DIY users throughout the Commonwealth.

The Peek Polish range is a highly concentrated unique formula which removes tarnish, heat discolouration & oxidation from all metal surfaces including stainless steel, silver, brass, copper, bronze, aluminium, pewter, magnesium, platinum and Mr T's favorite GOLD.

… So rock out with Sir Elton, grab a pint with William & Harry and celebrate the Queens 75th Diamond Jubilee by polishing your finest silverware with Peek”

Thumbs up to Miami Stainless for blending humour with product

promotion in a topical setting! It puts a shine, dare we say, on

advertising.

oops …In the last issue of Connections

(July/August 2012) we ran a

news item on The Carr Group

on page 8.

Trouble is, we ran the wrong

image caption by listing the

incorrect company.

Our apologies to Lee Stebbing

and the rest of crew at The Carr

Group, the company that among

other things specialises in eyelet

machines, fabric slitters, sign and

banner media and medical

coated fabrics.

44 · CONNECTIONS

SPOTLIGHT ONMEMBERS

Shann & Mehler – structure fabrics to create the futurethe pastFrom the humble ‘conic’ tent to the

amphitheatre structures from ancient Roman

times, tensile architecture is one of the world’s

oldest known methods for providing protection

and shelter.

Leading the way in the manufacture of

structure materials, Mehler Texnologies have

been a pioneer in the area of coating PVC-

polyester membranes for over 60 years. As

one of the first to improve the special PVDF

lacquering techniques, now synonymous with

long term cleanability and added long term

UV protection, the superior material from

Mehler is manufactured on state-of-the-art

weaving and coating machines under strict

quality monitoring in Germany.

The Mehler range of structural membranes

incorporate a primer layer between the top

coat lacquer and the PVC coating, creating a

five component fabric structure. The benefit

of this specialised structure is a product that is

stable, fully weldable and easy to fabricate.

Arguably the oldest fabric structure in the

world, the Grand Stand Open Air Theatre in

Elspe, Germany was one of the most advanced

and spectacular tensile structures when it was

realised in 1978.

Still standing with its original Mehler

fabric skin and with no known request for

replacement, the structure at Elspe continues

to endure harsh climactic conditions

associated with the region, including high wind

and snow loads, as it has for over 30 years.

the presentAustralia has one of the harshest climates in the

world for structure fabrics. Mehler structure

fabrics have been performing successfully

in these adverse conditions for more than 35

years, with installations fulfilling and exceeding

parameters in climates ranging from Tasmania

to Townsville.

The key to this success is the highly

engineered VALMEX product range

comprising fabrics from Type I to Type IV in

variety as well as speciality fabrics for more

specific applications.

Most recently, Mehler structure fabrics were

specified in one of the harshest of Australian

climates – Darwin in the Top End.

The Skycity Darwin Casino project was a

$40 million beach resort extension that added

32 lagoon villas and a new three million

litre lagoon. The brief required manufacture

and installation of two waterproof tension

membrane structures over the swim up

bar and the al fresco dining area. Aerosail

Engineered Fabric Structures was the

specialist firm awarded the project, designing

and manufacturing these structures as well as

seven cyclone rated umbrellas for the lagoon

pool beach.

As James Taylor, Director - Design and

Projects of Aerosail explains, “Opulence,

durability and low maintenance were key

features of the development. When it came to

membrane material selection, Mehler PVDF

coated fabric was the obvious choice because

of their history of reliability in Australia.”

Mehler fabric is also well recognised for

its performance and structural integrity

internationally and was the perfect choice

when a project expansion at London’s famous

O2 arena called for a walk way over the

massive stadia.

The O2 Roofwalk posed more than a few

challenges for the planners and designers.

Unlike the famous Sydney Harbour Bridge

Climb, the top of the O2 Dome could not be

directly walked upon.

The vision entailed a walkway to lead

visitors from one side of the dome up to an

observation platform 60 metres high and

down to the other side of the arena. The

solution – a separate walkway, created from a

tensioned membrane construction that would

emulate walking on the fabric roof of the

Dome, forming visual and architectural unity

with the O2.

Particular attention was paid to the surface

detail. It had to be rigorous enough to prevent

slipping and sliding while durable enough to

resist constant abrasion from climbers.

Completed in May 2012 in time for the

London Olympic Games, the O2 Roofwalk

was manufactured using the newly developed

TF400 mesh fabric from Mehler. Made up

of 75 sections, comprising 1175 square

metres and stretching 350 metres across the

O2 Dome, the material possesses excellent

weather resistance and an extremely high load

capacity.

Managing and representing this world class

structural membrane range in Australia is

leading wholesale and distribution company,

Shann Australia. Shann has created a wealth of

expertise supporting the fabric in this region.

the futureModern fabric materials in modern

architecture can shape space, creating mood

and ambience to reflect architectural intent

and the dynamic shape and form of Mehler

membranes allow new possibilities to become

a reality. The equilibrium between aesthetics

and functionality.

To discover more about Shann, Mehler

structure fabrics, any of the projects mentioned

in this article or the myriad solutions for

applications such as tarpaulins, tents, sun

protection, environment and industry, contact

Shann Australia to request a comprehensive

structure pack, samples, technical information

or advice.

www.shann.com.au

The Skycity Darwin Casino project. Image courtesy of Aerosail Engineered fabric Structures.

The top of the 02 Dome. Image courtesy of Base Structures


If you have a product that needs to be welded, we have the complete range of standard and automated custom models to meet your needs.

VERSATILITY AND RELIABILITY, THAT’S WHY MILLER WELDMASTER IS THE FIRST CHOICE!

Elizabeth Machines are the authorised Australian distributors for Miller Weldmaster equipment.

HVG Fabrics have everything covered

A look at members’ products and services

HVG Fabrics has launched a new Fabrics product

binder, the latest initiative in an ongoing campaign

by the company to increase its profile and presence

in the decorative and industrial fabrics market.

The new product binder was designed to better

showcase its broad range of products and serve as

an information hub for those in the industrial and

decorative fabrics industries.

Each product binder is custom-made to the

customers’ requirements – providing a colour

swatch of each product in 2 sizes, product brochures

and product data sheets in their chosen ranges.

This is the result of communicating with the

marketplace and supplying a tool that was required

by many customers to assist selection of the

appropriate product.

Customers who have already received the new

HVG Fabrics product binder have welcomed the

vast array of information that it provides.

The Industrial Fabrics range includes Tarpee®

Polyfabric a high grade Japanese woven coated

PE fabric for grain and cotton covers, Flex PVC

for transport covers including side curtains and

roll tarps, Duraskin® PVC for tension membrane

structures, and Extrablock Shadecloth ideal for both

commercial and domestic shade sails.

Other products include I-Mesh PE Eyelet

Webbing, UltraFLEX™ Blockout FR, a spread coated

PVC blockout with an acrylic lacquer on both

sides and Screentex, a mesh constructed from PVC

coated high tenacity polyester, with the appearance

of a fine flywire mesh yet high tear resistant

properties.

The Decorative Fabrics range includes PVC

coated window mesh Visiontex™ and Japanese

grade PVC windows films Easislip™ providing the

best blind/awning solutions available and Marine

grade Nautolex® vinyls like “Maritime” with

patented PreFixx protective coating ensure peace

of mind.

New products include EasiClean™ which assists

in maintaining “top coat” integrity for polyvinyl

chloride (PVC) surfaces and EasiGuard™ enhances

the UV screening properties of Easislip™ PVC

films and Visiontex™ PVC mesh products. Another

product new to HVG’s product portfolio is SEAFLEX

press polished PVC, the product of choice for

marine window and flexible glass applications the

world over.

HVG Fabrics will continue providing marketing

resources and advice to ensure the latest

personalised sampling and marketing

innovations and point of sale marketing

packages to enhance customers’ company

profile.

For more information on the HVG Fabrics

product binder contact your local HVG account

manager.

www.hvgfabrics.com.au

Learn powerful business growth strategiesExperience innovative solutionsAccess expansive industry sourcesParty at our once-in-a-century celebration

The Specialty Fabrics Event of the Year!

Register by October 5 and Save

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

November 7-9, 2012 � Boston, MA

ifaiexpo.com

IFAI EXPOAMERICAS + ADVANCED TEXTILES

& SAFETY CONFERENCE

BOSTON, MANOVEMBER 7–9

2012

INDUSTRIAL FABRICS ASSOCIATION INTERNATIONAL

ifai_Exp12_Australia_ad.indd 1 8/27/12 1:24 PM

(SA) PTY LTD | ABN 068 015 127

INDEPENDENT CUT LENGTH3A Wirriga Street, Regency Park, SA 5010

ph: 08 8347 4500 fx: 08 8347 4477email: [email protected]

Deluxe Spring FEATURED AT THE RECENTSTA EXPO

2 LENGTHS TO SUIT63mm* 70mm & 85 mm

KEYWAY

» WIDER BLINDS

» LONGER DROPS

» QUIETER RUNNING

» BEARINGS BOTH ENDS

ADVERTISTERS'INDEX

ABC Products 10

Austech Welders 21

Bartlett C E 37

CJ Loftus 33

Darling Downs

Tarpaulins 43

Dasec 48

Elizabeth Machines 45

Gale Pacific Inside front cover

Hiraoka 7

HVG 23

ICL (SA) 47

Innova 29

Miami Stainless Inside Back Cover

Nolan UDA 5

Ozrig 8

Plastral 10

ProKnit

Industries Outside back cover

Radins 19

Ricky Richards 3

Sewing Perfection

Machine Co. 41

Shann Front cover

Triax Systems 13

Wax Converters Textiles 24-25

NEW Durkopp Adler model: H867Unbeatable high performance heavy duty sewing with Durkopp Adler M-TYPE technology

with the very best in after sales support via, product application knowledge, unequaled spare part deliveries and factory trained service technicians is the benchmark in the industry. Isn’t it time you took a closer look?

| PO Box 130 | 3 Gunya Street Regents Park NSW 2143

Telephone (02) 9645 2500 | Fax (02) 9644 4711 | E-mail [email protected] | www.dasec.com.au

• The large clearance (700 x 157mm) facilitates the handling of large area work pieces

• bottom feed, needle feed and alternating walking feet

•

•

•

•

Up to 12mm long stitches

Extremely high sewing foot lift of 25mm

The sewing foot stroke up to 9mm allows

material piles

New needle system of 328

• New hook system with 3XL bobbin for thread sizes up to nm 8/3

• Sewing speed up to 2,000 stitches/min

• Robust thread trimmer guarantees a safe and clean cutting of extreme thick sewing threads

REGISTERED TRAINING oRGANISATIoNS

NSW, NT, SA & QLDvia Sydney Institute of TAFEPh (02) 9217 4601

Fax (02) 9217 4963

Contact: Lawrence De Paoli

[email protected]

www.sit.nsw.edu.au/sailmaking

TASMANIATasmania Institute of TAFEPh 1300 655 307

Fax (03) 6233 7830

www.tafe.tas.edu

VICToRIARMIT UniversityPh (03) 9925 9182

Fax (03) 9925 9129

Contact: Kent Williamson

[email protected]

25 Dawson Street Brunswick

Vic 3056 www.rmit.edu.au

WESTERN AUSTRALIAPoLYTECH WESTTextile Fabrication Training

Ph: 08 9207 4412

Fax: 08 9207 4399

Gary McCormick

Balga Campus Gate 1 Lockwood

Road, Balga WA

EVENTS& RTOs November 2012

IFAI Expo Americas 2012

iFai will celebrate its 100th anniversary at iFai expo americas 2012 from November 7-9 in boston, Massachusetts, us.

Leading the way in specialty fabrics

IFAI Expo Americas is the industry’s one-stop-shop for connecting buyers with sellers, featuring exhibitors from the industry’s top companies in fabrics, fibre, films and chemicals, end products, components, equipment and technology services.

www.ifai.com

LSAA 2013 Conference and Design Awards"Touching the Earth Lightly"It is anticipated this event will be staged in Auckland, New Zealand, from 13-15 November 2013. (These details will soon be confirmed.)www.lsaa.org.au

october 2012STA Young Leaders’

ConferenceThe weekend of october 13-14

Novotel in Sydney Not long to go!

One of the most dynamic events on the STA calendar. Have you registered?

The Young Leaders’ Conference presents the talented younger members of our association with an opportunity to showcase their skills and leadership by partaking in a special project.

The fruits of labours will be on show for all to admire at Super Expo 2013 on the Gold Coast.

The two-day event which kicks off the challenge is a focused affair that is mixed with fun.

So put it in your diary and register now!


June 2013

Super Expo 2013

BMAA and STA are joining forces to stage

one big Super Show

date: Wednesday June 5 to Friday June 7

Venue: gold coast convention and

exhibition centre

stay tuned for more details on what will be our biggest and

best expo yet!

super expo 2013 will feature a top line-up of technical

speakers, hundreds of exhibits, sizzling social events,

the revamped awards for excellence and of course the

Young leaders’ structures.


Chino (Cream)

Graphite (Charcoal)

Sheba (Dark Blue)

Lime Fizz (Lime)

Karloo (Sand)

Marrocan (Terracotta)

Koonunga (Green)

Mellow Haze (Yellow)

Bubblegum (Pink)

Bundena (Blue)

Abaroo (Red)

Domino (Black)

Sherbet (Orange)

Jazzberry (Purple)

National Distributor:

Ricky Richards (Sales) Pty Ltd 16 Park Road, Homebush NSW 2140 Phone: 02 9735 3333 Fax: 02 9735 3311www.rickyrichards.com.au

7 Tombo Street, Capalaba, QLD 4157Phone: 07 3245 6756 Fax: 07 3245 6955

QLD Distributor:

Made In Australia

C O M M E R C I A L S H A D E C L O T H

100% Australian made and owned

• 3.25 metre and 6.5 metre widths

• 14 cool colours

• 10 year UV warranty including removal and replacement

• Manufactured using 100% round monofilament yarn

• Custom colours, widths and lengths available by request

• Install and forget – NO re-tensioning

Monotec 370 is proudly manufactured in Australia by PRO-KNIT Industries Pty Ltd www.monotec.com.au

Designed for many applications including:

• Council Parks • Shopping Centre Car Parks• Shade structures • Shade sails • Childrens Playground Area • School Outdoor Lunch Areas • Athletic Events • Swimming Pool Canopies• Outdoor Recreation Areas • Truck Tarpaulins • Umbrellas • Nurseries

superior in strengthand performance

For a shadecloth that is superior in strength and performance characteristics, Monotec is the unsurpassed choice!

RR Monotec 370 ad.indd 1 29/08/11 2:15 PM

Documents

Connections Sept/Oct 2012