by Brianna Crandall — June 12, 2019 — Draper, a US-based manufacturer of AV and gym equipment and solar control shading systems, partnered with sun control textiles provider Mermet USA to combine art and science to bring the next generation of window shading solutions to the interiors+sources Materials Pavilion at NeoCon 2019, held this week at the Merchandise Mart in Chicago.
Draper and Mermet collaborated to provide American-made solutions to glare control and solar heat gain as part of an overall daylighting strategy. Together, they bring innovative and technically superior fabrics, manufactured into fine quality window shades, with exemplary personal service and fast delivery.
At NeoCon 2019, the two companies presented the latest accomplishments in high-performance fabrics, easy-to-use heavy-duty manual shades, and flexible and scalable motorized shade control.
Mermet USA introductions
Mermet USA’s new spring collection of contract shading solutions includes E Screen Chroma, M Screen Chroma and GreenScreen Nature. The expansion of Mermet’s high-performance portfolio evolved from a market need for more durable metalized fabrics, as well as shade materials with minimal ingredients and additives.
E Screen Chroma and M Screen Chroma address a market need for more durable metalized fabrics. They feature a new proprietary and aluminum back-coating for improved scratch resistance and higher solar reflectance. This enhanced metalized layer also provides a hydrophobic finish to repel water and oils for better durability, providing new flexibility for installations in humid climates, unlike other metalized fabrics. Both products are available in a three-percent openness and have a unique construction of fiberglass core yarns and metal finishing, enabling the fabrics to deliver excellent glare control, thermal comfort, and view-through.
Both high-performance Chroma options can also be used in conjunction with traditional E Screen and M Screen for a seamless design, maximum energy efficiency and cost savings.
GreenScreen Nature answers the call for shade materials with minimal ingredients and additives. Its lightweight construction of 100 percent natural fiberglass material provides exemplary achievement in flame resistance, smoke emissions, and dimensional stability. Featuring a mock-leno weave in a five-percent openness and neutral, mineral-toned palette, the fabric is PVC-free, halogen-free and comprised of minimal ingredients.
All fabrics in Mermet’s new spring collection are rated and certified GREENGUARD Gold Indoor Air Quality, RoHS Compliant (free of heavy metals), Fire Retardant (NFPA 701-10 TM#1), (California U.S. Title 19, and CAN/ULC-S109 Small & Large Scale), Fungal Resistant (ASTM G21), and Bacterial Resistant (ASTM E2180). GreenScreen Nature is also Red List compliant, with an HPD available.
These high-performance fabrics from Mermet USA work in conjunction with Draper’s latest innovations for simple and flexible solar control.
Draper introductions
Manually operated window shades are an inexpensive way to bring solar control into many spaces, but ease of lifting operation and noise can be issues. There are also some settings where a standard clutch-operated window shade won’t stand up to rigorous treatment over time, points out Draper.
Draper’s next generation of heavy-duty clutches, the FlexShade NeXD, addresses these issues.
Draper’s Clutch-Operated FlexShade NeXD provides quiet, smooth operation and low maintenance for commercial, health-care, institutional or education settings. Image courtesy Draper
The Clutch-Operated FlexShade NeXD provides quiet, smooth operation and low maintenance for commercial, health-care, institutional or education settings. It meets even the most rigorous manual shade specifications, says the company. Three sizes offer several mounting options, including ceiling/wall/jamb, cassette, recessed, and single or dual roller.
NeXD also contributes aesthetically. Hardware is available in attractive, durable, lightly pebbled powder-coat colors. Height-adjustable idler brackets allow the shade roller to be installed perfectly level, ensuring there will be no uneven fabric panels. Ease of idler pin installation reduces the possibility of fabric damage during installation.
Draper also demonstrated the future of shade control. According to the company, window shade automation should be elegant, simple and scalable. IntelliFlex I/O is a highly customizable solution for motorized shades that is flexible and expandable to the size and complexity of a project.
Draper’s IntelliFlex I/O is a highly customizable solution for motorized shades that is flexible and expandable to the size and complexity of a project. Image courtesy Draper
Intelligent motors are connected to input devices through a wired network, allowing two-way communication between devices and distributing power to them from the motors, eliminating the need for external power supplies. This also reduces the amount of wiring needed.
Once installed, configuration is done from the devices themselves, or with a simple, inexpensive tool. No laptops are required. Users can copy and paste limits from one shade to another, or from one shade to the entire network.
Up to 120 devices can be connected to a network. The network can be extended to 4,000 feet in total with no further restrictions on connections between components.
For more information about Mermet USA’s new spring collection of contract shading solutions, visit the company’s website.
For more information about the Clutch-Operated FlexShade NeXD or IntelliFlex I/O, visit the Draper website. To consult with Draper on an ADA-compliant facility, contact your Draper representative. Based in Spiceland, Indiana, Draper has manufactured custom window shading solutions since 1902.
