HDPE Tensile Membrane Structures
HDPE (High Density Polyethylene) mesh is a robust knitted fabric with diverse applications spanning horticulture, building and construction, agriculture, transport, display signage, water conservation, mining, as well as residential and commercial shade mesh.
The durability and resistance to environmental degradation of the polyethylene polymer, along with the high level of UVR (Ultraviolet Radiation) protection provided by the woven HDPE construction, make it an ideal material for tensile membrane shade structures.
Shade Structure Applications
The term ‘shade mesh’ encompasses a range of open-weave fabrics designed for outdoor shade applications. The porous nature of these fabrics makes them suitable for shading purposes where rain protection is unnecessary.
In architectural use, mesh fabrics are typically available as either a composite mesh (a woven base cloth with a protective coating) or as knitted fabrics using a single extruded material, such as polyethylene (HDPE). While coated fabrics like PVC and PTFE are frequently used in a mesh application, the single-polymer construction of HDPE makes it a good choice for cost-effective membrane structures.
UV Radiation Blocking
While generally every high, the colour of the HDPE shade mesh chosen can effect the UV Radiation blocking.
| Colour | %UVR |
|---|---|
| Deep Ochre | 94.90% |
| Brunswick Green | 92.40% |
| Black | 94.30% |
| Desert Sand | 92.90% |
| Natural | 92.10% |
| Red | 91.30% |
| Aquatic Blue | 91.10% |
| Navy | 90.70% |
| Charcoal | 90.40% |
| White | 90.30% |
| Emerald | 90.20% |
| Steel Grey | 90.10% |
Table is a guide only. %UVR Based on values of Gale Pacific Commercial Heavy 430.
Other HDPE brands/colours are available.
HDPE Construction: Weaving Monofilament Yarns
Monofilament yarns, produced through melt spinning, involve extruding molten thermoplastic polymers (such as polyethylene) into long single filaments. These filaments are then drawn out through a spinneret, increasing their strength and final length.
While monofilament yarns are generally less flexible compared to naturally spun yarns (such as wool or cotton), the strength of HDPE’s woven monofilament yarns makes them ideal for architectural fabrics. This weaving process results in a viable shade mesh fabric.
Perfect For Large Commercial Projects
HDPE mesh is suited to large commercial projects where specifications require fabric exposed to environmental conditions including wind, rain, hail, dust and UV exposure.
An economical alternative to composite fabrics, the architectural grades of HDPE have the ability to cover large commercial projects, such as retail car parks, where shade is the key consideration.
With a wide range of available colors and excellent UV protection properties, HDPE also offers a practical and aesthetically pleasing option for community shade projects, such as bespoke aquatic centre shade structures
MakMax mainly uses HDPE in our TenosCar and TensoNet vehicle protection ranges of products, however, we have also employed HDPE in custom fabric structures such as the Royal Randwick Loading Dock project, and as a vertical infill ‘wind-break’ panel on the Waikerie Bowling Club canopy.
Would You Like More Information about HDPE Shade Structures?
Contact us today to discuss your project requirements. We are the market leader in the design, engineering, fabrication and installation of custom fabric structures for a wide variety of applications and industries. We have extensive project experience and offer endless possibilities when it comes to custom design solutions to meet your needs.