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How to Build Out Your Warehouse and Create Separate Spaces Using Industrial Curtain Walls

Posted on by Amcraft Tech Admin

How to Build Out Your Warehouse & Create Separate Spaces Using Industrial Curtain Walls

In many ways, business and the buildings they are in are just like the people who work for them- each is different. When a company chooses a new employee, they carefully evaluate which person will fit best with their company culture, their needs, and their overall goal. Likewise, when a building to house a company is chosen, that building has to be picked based on the best overall fit with the concerns of the business.
The same can be said of modifications and customizations done to a facility. Each company will need its location to function differently, and will set their building up so that it runs as efficiently as possible. One key component of this is

space division, separating processes,

creating designated spaces for lunch rooms, offices, etc. In many ways, an industrial curtain can play a vital role in this and is uniquely designed to make a large scale project seamless and easy to tackle.
Build out warehouse space and create separation spaces
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When a large facility is in need of space division, the custom fabricated nature of industrial curtains makes them an ideal fit. A large building will likely have many factors to consider. The sheer size of the space to be covered is the first and most obvious consideration. An industrial divider curtain that needs to span a 25 foot height and a 100 foot width, for example, would cause many issues if it were made in one piece. This vinyl divider curtain would likely be expensive to ship, as well as heavy and cumbersome to install. The modular nature of

industrial curtains

make them ideal for covering larger spaces. The curtain can be divided vertically, and made in as many panels as necessary, and each panel can be joined to the next with Velcro, magnets, or snaps. This makes installing the curtain much easier and still gives the look of one large, cohesive curtain wall when the panels are hung and connected.
These

industrial curtain wall

systems can also be made in multiple panels horizontally. This typically comes into play when a facility has a pitched ceiling and also needs to block off the space all the way up. The lower panel, called the industrial curtain wall, will sit at the lowest elevation. The upper panel, called the filler panel, is made to fit the size, shape, and slope of the facility’s ceiling. Here again, the modular nature of industrial curtain walls makes them a great fit and allows for easy install on a large scale.
Another advantage of using an industrial curtain system for a large space is that the method of installation is always the same for the entire system. These systems are designed to be user friendly, and about 90% of our customers end up installing these themselves. AmCraft strives to make the installing process as seamless as possible, mainly by using one type of mounting system for the entirety of the industrial divider curtain. So even if your curtain wall is 150 linear feet in width, you will be using the same hardware and process repeatedly to hang the entire industrial curtain. This makes mounting the curtain system both simple and approachable for large scale projects.

The Most Effective Solutions for Noise Reduction and Sound Absorption

Posted on by Amcraft Tech Admin

Common Uses & Locations for PVC Strip Curtains

No matter what type of facility you work at, you are bound to run into questions and issues about the acoustic quality of your space. Each space, from restaurants to warehouses, is made up of different building materials that will add to or detract from the acoustic quality of your facility. Just from a cursory look at the internet, there are a number of products that boast being able to cut down on sound in a space, reduce echo, and possibly even deaden the unwanted sounds all together.

Acoustic curtains are one genre of acoustic abatement supply that are popular and for good reason. Acoustic curtain products have two main benefits. First, they can provide more space flexibility and versatility than a hard wall can. Acoustic curtains can often be moved easily and therefore can provide acoustic abatement when needed, but do not have to remain in use when they are not required. Second, acoustic industrial curtains can offer different looks and aesthetic options, which may make them more desirable for your space, depending on the setting.

However, even within the acoustic curtain category, there are many different brands and options for an acoustic industrial curtain. Before deciding which products are best for your needs, it is important to educate yourself on what measurements are used to determine how one brand of acoustic curtain compares to another.

Noise reduction and sound absorption
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The Importance of the STC Rating with Acoustic Curtains

One measure of acoustic property is the STC rating. STC stands for sound transmission class, and is defined as how well a septum, in this case an industrial acoustic curtain, can abate sound. It also tells us roughly by how many decibels a given barrier can be expected to lessen sound as the sound travels through it. While it is enticing to think that a thin fabric curtain can give a good STC rating, from a practical standpoint that isn’t realistic. A thicker curtain, one with more acoustic material inside of it, will typically have a better STC rating than a thin curtain.

A great example are the industrial acoustic curtain products offered at AmCraft Manufacturing. AmCraft manufactures acoustic curtains and panels with single block technology as well as double block technology. The acoustic insulated curtain with single block technology has an STC rating of 34.5, while the industrial curtain wall with double barrier technology boasts an STC rating of 47.5.

As a comparison, a single layer of 1/2″ drywall on each side, wood studs, no insulation (typical interior wall) has an STC rating of about 33- comparable to AmCraft’s single barrier acoustic curtain. Meanwhile, 6″ Hollow CMU (Concrete Masonry Unit) has a typical STC rating of about 46, which is slightly less than AmCraft’s double barrier technology curtain.

How NRC Rating Factors into Noise Absorbing Curtains

In addition to considering the STC rating of an acoustic curtain product, you should also consider the NRC rating. NRC stands for noise reduction coefficient, and is an indication of the amount of sound absorbed when it hits a particular surface. An NRC rating of 0 indicates total reflection of the sound, while an NRC rating of 1 indicates total absorption of the sound. As it relates to AmCraft Manufacturing’s product offering, their acoustic curtain with single barrier technology offers an NRC rating of 0.82 and the acoustic curtain with double barrier technology brags an NRC rating of 0.64. Both options offer a superior NRC rating to many of the other curtain products that are readily available.

In your search for the perfect acoustic product, you will find AmCraft’s acoustic industrial curtain wall and acoustic panel products are designed to fit your needs. These curtains offer superior acoustic value, as illustrated by their STC and NRC ratings. They are also fully customizable to your size and aesthetic requirements and are available in both retractable and stationary options.

How to Recognize the Key Features of a Quality Industrial Curtain Wall

Posted on by Amcraft Tech Admin

How to Recognize the Key Features of a Quality Industrial Curtain Wall

In this day and age, a consumer is faced with many different purchasing options. For every product that you may want to buy, you can likely find a healthy amount of companies that offer it. Often times, deciding which company to purchase a product from can be just as big of a decision as deciding what product to purchase. Industrial curtain wall products are no exception to that rule. Like many other products, there are a variety of factors that impact the quality of an industrial curtain wall, and will likely play a part in your decision of which to purchase.

When spending money, usually a consumer wants to know how far their dollar will take them. In other words, how long can I expect this product to last? And are there certain brands that are expected to last longer than others? For industrial curtain systems, it is important to consider the quality of the material that a curtain is made with and how well the curtain is constructed. Different thicknesses of vinyl provide additional strength. For instance, a 14 oz. thick vinyl is going to be stronger than a 10 oz. thick vinyl.

Enclosure With Filler Panel

In addition to considering the strength of the base material, you should also look at how the industrial curtain is put together and reinforced. Important factors here include, but are not limited to:

  • Is the top edge of the industrial curtain reinforced? This is where all the weight of the system will hang from, so it is important that this is a strong finished edge. Reinforcing can be done with webbing, additional vinyl material, dive belt, or many other strong fabric reinforcement agents.
  • What type of stitching is used? For example, a lock stitch is far more secure than a chain stitch. With a chain stitch, if you pull out one loop, the entire row of stitching can unravel and come undone. With a lock stich, you can break a few loops of the stitching without it impacting the rest of the row.
  • How many rows of stitching reinforce each edge? If an edge is sewn shut with two lines of stitching, as opposed to one, it will be a more secure edge.
  • Are joints between pieces of vinyl material welded together or sewn together? A welded edge is typically stronger and has the added benefit of being waterproof.
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All of these items can give you a clue as to the quality of the industrial curtain that you are considering purchasing.

One of the best, and most easily attainable, gauges of quality is the warranty that a company offers on its industrial curtain systems. The amount of time that a manufacturer stands behind the craftsmanship of its product is a testament to how long they feel it should last, and should be a huge clue to the consumer as to the quality and expected life span of your investment. If the manufacturer that makes the industrial curtain will not stand behind a long warranty, why would you consider purchasing it and expect it to last?

Overall, when considering purchasing an industrial curtain solution for your facility, there may be different companies in the marketplace that sell similar curtain products. However, as with any other purchase, if you take the time to compare the quality of your options, you should feel confident in selecting one that best fits your needs and can span the test of time for you.

At AmCraft manufacturing, we make sure to incorporate all of the above listed aspects of a quality industrial curtain into the production of our products. The top edges of our curtains are reinforced with heavy weight webbing, clear visual panels are welded into the curtains, Velcro is sewn onto the curtain with four lines of stitching, and we use a lock stitch to sew all edges of the curtain. We also offer a 6 year warranty on manufacturer defects of our products, which is one of the longest warranties offered in the industrial curtain industry.

For additional information on our products, and to obtain pricing and samples, contact one of our industrial curtain specialists today!

A Step-by-Step Guide to Ordering an Industrial Curtain Wall System

Posted on by Amcraft Tech Admin

A Step-by-Step Guide to Ordering an Industrial Curtain Wall System

An industrial curtain wall system provides a cost effective multi-purpose solution designed to meet the needs of warehouses, auto body shops, manufacturing plants and other facilities where creating a separate work zone is a necessity.

Choosing the right curtain wall that has the key design features to suit its intended function and is manufactured to the specific configurations needed, does not have to be a daunting process.

Here is an easy to follow guide that you can use when you are ready to order your next industrial curtain wall system.

Request an Industrial Curtain Quote

The first step is to submit a quote request. You can easily accomplish this on our website or via phone. You can also use our signature Create My Curtain tool to start the quoting process.

One of our industrial curtain specialists will become your dedicated point of contact. During the initial call, they will discuss your specific needs such as: the type of curtain wall system you wish to order, its intended use and function, size and height requirements, color choice, branding inclusion, add-on accessories and track hardware options, as well as installation and configuration guidelines.

Your industrial curtain specialist will send you a quote based on your discussion. If all looks good, then you’re ready to move on to the second step.

Warehouse Curtain
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Receive Your Industrial Curtain Order Confirmation

With your approved quote in hand, you are ready to make your curtain order official. You have two options to solidify your request. The first option is by submitting a signed purchase order. This option is a great choice if you’re accustomed to purchasing and have the necessary purchase order documentation on hand. Simply fill in the pertinent details, sign it and submit it to your designated industrial curtain specialist.

If submitting a signed purchase order is not the best option for you, then your curtain specialist will send you a copy of the order confirmation form. This is a convenient way to confirm your order details, provide your payment information, select a shipping option and then sign and return the authorization.

Your industrial curtain specialist will confirm the lead time, provide you with a ship date and then place your order into production.

Congratulations, Your Order Has Shipped

Your industrial curtain wall system is manufactured in-house. This enables our team to pay close attention to the fine details that go into producing a high quality curtain product. Once the industrial curtain goes through production it is carefully packed and prepared for shipping.

Every industrial curtain wall system includes easy to follow installation instructions. Whether you opt to hire a professional installer or manage the install with your onsite team, you will have full confidence that the instructions you receive will equip you with the know-how to properly install your industrial curtain wall.

If you are ready to experience how easy it is to order a custom industrial curtain wall system for your facility, then contact one of AmCraft’s industrial curtain specialists today.

The Benefits of Thermo-Block Industrial Curtains (Infographic)

Posted on by Amcraft Tech Admin

The Benefits of Thermo-Block Industrial Curtains (Infographic)

Thermo-Block Industrial Curtains - Infographic
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The Benefits of Industrial Curtains for Your Dock

Posted on by Amcraft Tech Admin

The Benefits of Industrial Curtains for Your Dock

Many industrial facilities have interior loading docks, but when the overhead door is open and a truck is in the dock, all the outside weather comes into the facility. This can increase your heating and cooling costs; let in dirt and debris that can damage your products; create unsafe conditions; and make your team miserable and less productive. Fortunately, there is a better way to stay productive and protect your dock from the outdoors.
Industrial Curtains for Your Dock

The Better Way: Industrial Curtains for Your Dock

You can use an industrial curtain wall to protect your facility when the dock door is open and the dock is in use. Industrial curtains come in a full range of sizes to meet the needs of any company. You can choose from a variety of options to get exactly the industrial curtain you need to meet your requirements. For example, industrial curtain walls are available in a variety of materials designed to stand up to various weather conditions. For instance, we usually recommend a PVC coated curtain of 18 ounces per yard or more to protect from snow, rain or other inclement weather.

Industrial curtain systems have an insulating factor rating that ranges from R-4 to R-27 depending on their thickness and other features. This enables insulated curtain wall to create a temperature differential of plus or minus 15 degrees, making them ideal for products that require refrigeration or cooling.

Industrial Curtains for Your Dock
By keeping the cold air where it’s needed, you reduce the costs of refrigeration. The thermal barrier also keeps areas outside the refrigerated area more comfortable, improving the comfort and safety of your staff. Depending on the degree of insulation you select, industrial curtain walls can be either stationary or retractable.
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Customize Your Options

Every company’s needs are different, so we offer a full range of mounting and visibility options for our curtains. You can select from several mounting options for your loading dock enclosures. They can be permanently mounted for use all year, or they can be removable so you can move them away from the dock area when you choose. It’s a simple matter to put them back in place at the change of seasons or during unexpected changes in weather conditions.

While industrial curtain wall systems can have retractable or stationary mounts, many companies choose to have a combination mounting. When one half of the curtain has a stationary mount and the other half is retractable, you have the best of both worlds for your dock enclosure system.

In areas where the dock is open to weather, you can choose to have a strip door built into loading dock enclosures to enable your team to load or unload trucks without having to move the curtain. This helps protect your inventory from the ravages of inclement weather. Protecting your inventory from outdoor weather conditions can reduce damage and spoilage, and it can save money on your HVAC spend by helping to stabilize inside temperature and humidity levels. In addition, by keeping the floor clean and dry, your team doesn’t have to worry about slips and falls on wet or slippery floors, enhancing operational safety.

If wind is an issue around your dock, an industrial curtain wall will help keep dirt and grime out while reducing noise and distractions. The curtains can be attached to the side of the dock or the floor to keep them from blowing around, helping to keep the area more comfortable, safer and cleaner than an open dock that is exposed to wind and weather conditions.

Industrial curtains for your dock can be equipped with vision panels for viewing the outside. These panels improve visibility to traffic and increase the safety of your team.

Industrial Curtains: An Ideal Solution for Every Dock

Industrial curtain walls and loading dock enclosures buffer indoor areas that are exposed or partially exposed to outside conditions. Curtains help create a barrier between environmental conditions such as wind, rain or dirt that can damage your products, hamper your business processes and even potentially endanger your staff.

Almost every company can benefit from adding an industrial curtain or loading dock enclosure. Curtains are available in many materials and with a variety of options, so you can have exactly the right curtain for your needs. We have experts on staff that can advise you on the right combination of features that meet your needs as well as your budget.

If you would like a free, no obligation quote or if you would just like to learn more about industrial curtains and loading dock enclosures–or any other AmCraft curtain wall system – Contact us today!

A Creative Way to Boost Insulation Value with Industrial Thermal Curtains

Posted on by Amcraft Tech Admin

A Creative Way to Boost Insulation Value with Industrial Thermal Curtains

As we move into a cooler time of year, many of you will start to focus on the temperature in your facility. Typically an HVAC technician is called in to check up on furnaces, heating vents are unblocked, and additional insulation may be added to existing walls and ceilings.

Another option for assisting with insulating your facility, especially if it is an industrial facility, are industrial thermal curtains. These are industrial curtain walls with insulation inside of them. These thermal industrial curtains can assist with beefing up the insulation level of an entire facility, or sectioning off certain areas for additional insulation. Additionally, these thermal curtain walls can be moved if need be, or taken down when cold temperatures let up; two benefits that traditional insulation options don’t typically boast.

As an example of the potential effectiveness of these thermal insulated curtains, a test study was done. A customer in Texas has utilized our 1” insulated curtains, with an R value of 4, in a cold room for food storage. This facility cools the entire room down to 40 Degrees Fahrenheit when they have larger amounts of product to store. When they do not need the whole room, they divide the room with the 1” thermal insulated curtain. They shut the HVAC off on one side of the room, allowing the temperature on this side to heat.

Aviation Curtain
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The temperature can reach as high as 70-80 Degrees Fahrenheit when not cooled down. The curtain divides the 80 Degree side of the room from the 40 Degree side of the room.

This application utilized the curtain, a filler panel, Velcro on the side edges, and a floor sweep on the bottom, so that the curtain is completely sealed. The customer’s feedback is that between the curtain and their HVAC system, they are able to maintain the two different temperature zones. They do not experience condensation forming on the curtain.

The insulation value of thermal insulated curtain walls is measured by what is called an R value. R value, as defined by standard ASTM C168, is:
“Resistance, thermal, n: the quantity determined by the temperature difference, at steady state, between two defined surfaces of a material or construction that induces a unit heat flow through a unit area.”

Basically, R value measures the resistance to heat transfer across/through a given barrier. The higher the number attached to the R value, the greater the barriers resistance to heat flow is.

Thermal curtain systems can boast a variety of different R value, each of which can be tailored to meet a customer’s needs. While thermal industrial curtains can be a great tool to effectively contain heated or cooled air, it is recommended that you consult an HVAC technician in order to make certain your enclosed area will render the desired net result.

This will assist with confirming that your heating or cooling system has the capacity to deliver a sufficient volume of air heated or cooled to a reasonably higher/lower temperature that is required inside of your enclosure. The thermal curtains alone cannot be responsible for the net effectiveness of the enclosure/curtain system if this is not effectively addressed with available equipment upgrades, if necessary.

When installed properly and used within their means, thermal insulated curtains can be a highly effective tool for maintaining temperature within a facility. The thermal curtain wall professionals at AmCraft Manufacturing can guide you through the process of selecting the best curtain solution for your facility and provide expert advice on how to best insulate or divide your facility. Contact AmCraft today!

The Benefits of the Suspended Mounting System

Posted on by Amcraft Tech Admin

The Benefits of
the Suspended Mounting System

There are a variety of methods that can be used in order to mount an industrial curtain track system, each made to fit a different type of ceiling or building structure. The most popular option is a suspended mounting system. Whether you choose to use chain, cable, threaded rod, slotted angle, or strut to suspend your industrial track system, this method of mounting has many benefits and provides a good deal of flexibility.

Suspended mounting of an industrial curtain wall track system is typically chosen out of necessity. Some of the most common scenarios that would necessitate this type of mounting are:

1. If your ceiling is sloped.
It is essential that your track system be mounted level. If the track is mounted on a slope, then the rollers inside of the track will consistently run down the track to its lowest point. This will not only be highly annoying, but will also impede your industrial curtain wall from staying in place and doing the job that you need it to do. Therefore, if your ceiling is pitched, the best way to mount an industrial track system will be to suspend the whole track down to the lowest point of pitch, so that it can run level.

2. If you have obstructions that you’d like your track to sit underneath.
Industrial ceilings very commonly have obstructions in them, such as HVAC ducts, electrical conduit, and bisecting trusses. For a retractable industrial curtain wall to move effectively, the tracking system should always sit below the lowest obstruction in its path. A suspended mounting system will be a great asset in this scenario.

3. If you have a drop ceiling.
Drop ceilings, or acoustic tile ceilings, are very common in the workplace. They typically have a small profile aluminum grid that holds 2’ x 4’ mineral fiber acoustic tiles into place. These drop ceilings are typically suspended with light weight wire from a more substantial ceiling structure above.

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When running an industrial curtain track system below a drop ceiling, it is not advisable to mount it directly to the drop ceiling. The drop ceiling and its support are typically not strong enough to hold the industrial curtain wall track system. In this case, suspended mounting options would be recommended to support the track system from a structure located above the drop ceiling.

Even if none of the above situations apply, you may still choose to use a suspended mounting system for your industrial curtain track. Once you are committed to this, you will have several options for suspension materials.

Your first option includes chain and cable. These two options are often chosen because consumers believe that they are cost effective, however that is not typically the case.

There are many types of chain and wire cable- ranging in quality and price. Since the entirety of the industrial curtain wall and track will hang from these, it is best to choose a fairly durable and high quality material. Often times, depending on the footage of chain or cable needed, these materials can turn out to be more costly than some other suspension alternatives. Additionally, since chain and cable are not rigid members, they are prone to allowing your industrial track system to swing unless they are firmly anchored into a wall or other building structure.

The second, and most popular, option for suspension is to use threaded rod. This is a very common building material which boasts high strength and low cost. Often times, using threaded rod provides a less expensive option than using chain. Additionally, threaded rod is a rigid material and is far less prone to allowing your industrial track system to sway.

Finally, slotted angle and strut can also be used to suspend your track system. These materials are typically recommended when your track must be suspended more than 7 feet and/or if your facility has issues such as wind that may stress the suspension of the track system. Slotted angle and strut are very rigid structural members, which helps cut down on the track system swaying. Also, these materials have 1”-2” wide flat surfaces on them, so they allow for cross bracing and additional supports to bolster and reinforce the suspended track.

Suspended mount track industrial curtain wall
Whichever methods you choose to suspend your industrial curtain track system, please rest assured there is hardware to join the suspension material to your ceiling and your new industrial curtain wall track. The industrial curtain wall professionals at AmCraft Manufacturing can guide you through the process of selecting the best hardware solution for your facility.

The Extreme Life of Industrial Curtain Walls

Posted on by Amcraft Tech Admin

The Extreme Life of Industrial Curtain Walls

Most people would agree that every product has its limitations. Industrial curtain walls are no exception to that rule. Industrial curtains are a very durable option for dividing and insulating a work space. They are made of vinyl, which makes them waterproof and can easily handle somewhat rougher environments. Industrial curtains can withstand being cleaned on a regular basis which makes maintenance almost worry free.

Extreme Weather Industrial Curtains

However, as durable as they may be, there are still situations that an industrial curtain wall is not made to survive. Try as you might to exercise your inner MacGyver and coax the curtain system to perform outside of the scope of its innate capabilities, using industrial curtain systems for extreme scenarios ultimately leads to an epic fail.

Here are a few extremes that you will most likely want to avoid if you are considering using an industrial curtain wall. Try these at your own risk…

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Wind

If you frequently work outdoors and would like a wind-free outdoor work environment in some place such as the Bahamas during hurricane season, then installing industrial curtain walls is not an ideal solution. Waterproof does not easily translate to hurricane proof. Industrial curtains are not made to withstand strong winds and outdoor environments. However, if you are feeling rather adventurous and confident that the industrial curtains will somehow defy the odds and stand up to the potentially harsh environment, then it’s important to note that industrial curtains used outdoors do not carry a warranty.

Cold

Even if your industrial curtain walls will be hung inside, their proximity to outdoor elements is still very important to consider. For instance, if your industrial curtain is located next to an overhead door, and that door is frequently opened, you will want to consider how cold your environment is. The clear vinyl used for industrial curtain walls is particularly prone to cracking in colder temperatures. So if you live in a colder state, such as New York, and plan to hang your industrial curtains close to a door or egress in the winter, you will want to be prepared for the effect it will have on the integrity and longevity of your industrial curtain.

High Heat

On the other side of the coin, high heat can cause issues such as tackiness, discoloration, and in extreme cases, melting of the PVC outer layers of the vinyl material. Facilities that work with processes such as powder coating, backing, and welding will want to carefully consider how hot their environment is before deciding to use a vinyl industrial curtain within their industrial application. 20 mil clear vinyl is made to withstand up to 100-120 Degrees Fahrenheit on an intermittent basis, while opaque laminated or coated vinyl is made to withstand up to 170 Degrees Fahrenheit on an intermittent basis. If the temperature is too hot or too prolonged, the effects of it on your industrial curtain enclosure will be noticeable.

Chemicals

There are many chemicals and compounds that will not be harmful to your industrial curtain. However, if you work with chemicals in your facility that will come in contact with your curtain wall system, then it is imperative to confirm if the chemical used is “industrial curtain friendly” prior to making a purchase. There are many variables to consider with chemical exposure, such as what chemical it is, its concentration, what form it is in, and how likely it is to come into direct contact with your industrial curtain. Depending on the above factors, there can be varying levels of harm caused to your industrial curtain product, including discoloration, decomposition, burning, and melting.

Before deciding to utilize an industrial curtain wall in your facility, it is important to consider the elements that it will be subjected to. Taking these factors into consideration will help to ensure that your industrial curtain system will lead a long, healthy, and productive life.

The industrial curtain wall professionals at AmCraft Manufacturing can guide you through the process of selecting the best curtain solution for your facility and provide expert advice on how to avoid taking your industrial curtain to the extreme. Contact AmCraft today!

Top Secret: Industrial Curtain Wall Enclosures

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Top Secret: Industrial Curtain Wall Enclosures

Industrial curtain enclosures are used across a vast array of industries and serve a multitude of functions. But what gives them their enclosing super powers? Shhhh…we will let you in on a little secret — industrial curtain wall enclosures are essentially an industrial curtain wall system with a ceiling cover. Yet as simple as that sounds, there are several key things you may wish to consider before you raise the roof.

How Industrial Curtain Wall Enclosures Are Constructed

Industrial curtain wall enclosures can be made using any vinyl, but due their ability to allow light to come through, 20 Mil. Clear and 14 oz. reinforced clear are widely used. Of the two light permissible options, 20 mil. clear is very popular. However, since it does not have any scrim or support inside of it, it is not the strongest material choice. For that reason, the use of the 14 oz. reinforced clear vinyl is highly recommended. It has a frosted finish, which will still allow light and shapes to pass through. However, unlike a 20 mil. clear, it has scrim inside of it, which makes it a stronger material. If you are looking for light to be blocked from entering your industrial curtain wall enclosure, using an opaque vinyl, available in a variety of colors, is another great option. A 14 oz. laminated or 18 oz. coated vinyl will provide strength and will also act as a light blocking ceiling cover.
Curtain Enclosure
In most cases, unless the enclosure is very small, it is not structurally sound to have the ceiling cover be one large piece of vinyl that stretches over the entire enclosure unsupported. To combat this, a ceiling grid is created in order to allow for support of the fabric cover. The grid is created using slotted angle and Unistrut hardware, and uses the existing ceiling to support it. This will provide adequate support for the cover itself, in roughly 50 square foot sections. The enclosure ceiling is typically suspended down from the existing ceiling structure of the building.
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Industrial Curtain Wall Pros & Cons

There are many advantages to adding a ceiling cover to an industrial curtain wall enclosure. The chief benefit is that it can act as a seal to your entire enclosed area. Whether you are trying to contain dust, maintain a certain temperature, or block out light, putting a ceiling cover over the top of an enclosed area will greatly increase the functionality of your enclosure. Certain industries, such as the food processing industry, require that their existing ceiling be covered if there are any non-food grade members in it, in order to be considered compliant. Additionally, spray booths often need a ceiling that is lower than their building’s existing ceiling. These are two examples of facility types that benefit greatly from using a ceiling cover on their enclosure.

The one slight disadvantage of the industrial curtain wall enclosure ceiling top is that it is typically more costly than an industrial curtain wall system that goes all the way up to the existing ceiling or utilizes a filler panel. The cost is largely due to the amount of support and construction needed for the enclosure. But in many cases, the added benefits of using a ceiling cover due to the increased functionality, far outweighs the additional expense. Installation may require a little bit of work, but with the detailed instructions and all the necessary hardware that we provide, we make installing the enclosure as easy as possible.

It’s not a secret that industrial curtain wall enclosures can enhance the functionality of your work space. From using a reinforced clear vinyl to allow the light in, to being an airtight enclosure, industrial curtain enclosure systems are beneficial to many industries. Our grid support ceiling cover will give your enclosure adequate long lasting support.

Learn more about industrial curtain enclosures by contacting AmCraft Manufacturing today.