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CONTENTS I. Main characteristics ............................................................................................. 4

II. Delivery ............................................................................................................... 6

a) Packaging ......................................................................................................... 6

b) Labelling - Traceability ..................................................................................... 6

c) Handling ........................................................................................................... 7

d) Storage ............................................................................................................. 7

III. Final use ........................................................................................................... 8

IV. To be determined before cutting ..................................................................... 9

a) Which side should face the sun? And which should face the interior? ............. 9

b) Direction (warp or weft?) .................................................................................. 9

c) Dimensions ..................................................................................................... 10

d) Guidance systems .......................................................................................... 10

V. Cutting .............................................................................................................. 11

a) Procedure ....................................................................................................... 11

b) Suggestions for appropriate machines ........................................................... 11

c) Parametres ..................................................................................................... 12

VI. Manufacturing = “weft” with “upper” and “lower” hems ............................. 13

a) Sewing ............................................................................................................ 13

b) Lateral edges .................................................................................................. 14

c) Lower fabric corners ....................................................................................... 15

VII. Quality control on assembly ........................................................................... 16

VIII. Printing ........................................................................................................... 17

IX. Installation ...................................................................................................... 18

a) Installation direction (oriented towards or away from the sun) ...................... 18

b) Contact with the other parts of the system .................................................... 18

c) Roller tubes .................................................................................................... 18

d) Guides ............................................................................................................ 18

e) Poles ............................................................................................................... 19

f) Profiles ........................................................................................................... 19

g) Slopes ............................................................................................................. 19

X. Maintenance ..................................................................................................... 20

a) Mechanical resistance and colourfastness ...................................................... 20

b) Recommendations for use .............................................................................. 20

XI. Warranty ......................................................................................................... 22

XII. Miscellaneous questions ................................................................................. 23

Appendix - “Product Manufacturers’ Guide” factsheet

USES AND LIMITATIONS OF THIS GUIDE

This Technical Guide is a summary of the expertise developed by Dickson-Constant with input from various specialists in the textile sector. Its aim is to facilitate your use of our product.

The machines and tools mentioned in this guide as well as similar equipment and suggested settings can be used to manufacture solar protection devices using INFINITY fabric.

The information in this guide was obtained through tests of the various techniques carried out by our manufacturers. It may be revised if the machines are updated with technological modifications.

It is the responsibility of each manufacturer of finished products to carry out their own tests (prototypes) to ensure proper implementation of the fabric and smooth functioning of the complete system. Manufacturers must provide their customers with all the warranties for the finished product.

Dickson shall not be held liable for quality claims related to manufacturing defects that are potentially related to the materials and machines suggested in this guide.

I. Main characteristics DESCRIPTION

INFINITY is a 100% solution-dyed acrylic fabric; this yarn enjoys remarkable resistance to aging, both in terms of maintaining mechanical resistance over time, and colourfastness, regardless of weather conditions (sun and rain).

INFINITY benefits from a yarn with a high level of stability strengthened by a high-resistance weave that ensures even weft and warp elongation.

Warp and weft resistance is 115 daN/5cm according to EN13934-1

Elongation after 30 minutes under a 25kg load/5cm is 4% in both directions.

INFINITY can therefore be used in either direction.

In the warp direction (classic direction), it can mounted as panels, each up to 320 cm wide.

INFINITY is most effective when used in the weft (cross) direction): available in 320 cm width, it is suitable for very wide awnings, with an overhang of +/- 300 cm, in a single panel (no seam).

The absence of seams (except for the “upper" and “lower" hems) prevents increased thickness on winding and limits distortion such as waffling. In addition, the number of manufacturing operations is greatly reduced, offering a significant cost advantage.

The fabric can be welded on condition that a “weld seam" is used.

Available in 15 colours with outstanding UV resistance, it is particularly suited for outdoor use.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Composition: 100% solution-dyed acrylic; high-resistance weave yarn • Weight: 290 g/m² • Width: 320 cm • Warranty: 10 years

For more information, please see the Technical Factsheet for this product.

CERTIFICATIONS AND LABELS

INFINITY is OEKOTEX certified. This label attests that the chemical products used to produce INFINITY are not harmful and, to the best of our knowledge, are safe for the user. They comply with REACH legislation. INFINITY's solar factors (heat and light transmission) are listed in our

technical sales brochures; contact Dickson for technical support.

II. Delivery a) Packaging

The fabric is wound on a tube and protected from ambient dust by a plastic film. At both ends, the sides are protected by square cardboard protection, revealing the end of the tube. The product is packaged in a cardboard box adjusted to its diameter, and semi-enclosed at both ends. The tube is purposely left apparent at the box ends. The cardboard box is strengthened with ties.

b) Labelling - Traceability

Each piece is identified with one label affixed to one end of the cardboard box. This label mentions the item’s reference number, length, width and the locations of any flaws.

A unique matriculation number is included on the label to fully identify the item and ensure the traceability of its manufacturing process. It can be used to analyse any non-compliance of the product. It is also required for any claims to be processed.

A non-glued copy of the label is placed inside the tube.

c) Handling

The fabric should never be dragged on the floor, even while still in its cardboard box.

Note that the opening of the tube is accessible on each side of the piece; this allows for the use of a lifting device (spur) to easily move the piece.

It is also important to prevent accidental impacts (from the fork of a hoisting

device for example) and undesirable denting (from pallet risers).

The fabric may be positioned horizontally during transport.

Never fold the fabric under any circumstances.

d) Storage

The fabric must be stored at a temperature of between 5 and 40°C and away from sunlight.

The roll must be positioned horizontally and not vertically. It is best to store the fabric in its cardboard packaging.

Never fold the fabric under any circumstances.

III. Final use INFINITY fabric is intended mainly for folding-arm awnings and shade sails.

It is also suitable for fixed awnings, Dutch canopies, drop-arm awnings, conservatory blinds, vertical blinds (potentially with a zipper guide) and sunshades.

Manufacturers are responsible for ensuring, in particular by creating one or more prototypes, that they can actually use the fabric for the applications they have selected, and after verification, that this application corresponds to Dickson Constant’s recommendation.

Regardless of the application in which the fabric is used, it should never be folded.

IV. To be determined before cutting a) Which side should face the sun? And which should face the interior?

The two sides of your INFINITY fabric are identical. However, the manufacturing process can create minute visual differences, barely detectable by a trained eye, and depending on the angle of observation.

To avoid differences, during production, the same side of two adjacent panels should always face the sun. They should be cut in the same direction in relation to the unrolling of the piece.

b) Direction (warp or weft?)

For each type of winding awning or solar protection in general, it is necessary to establish the maximum dimensions according to the guiding system’s roller tubes. These can affect the tensions (which must be adjusted to optimise the quality of the winding). Using a roller tube with a large diameter is the easiest way to limit the appearance of folds and breakage.

Considering the large dimensions that are possible, the width of the work table must be at least 325 cm. Before cutting the fabric, the manufacturer must determine which cutting direction will be adopted (WARP or WEFT).

We recommend using INFINITY in the WEFT (cross) direction.

Indeed, the 320 cm width makes it possible to produce awnings in a single panel, without assembly (see I. Main characteristics)

This prevents increased thickness usually caused by assembly.

If, as explained below, the cut is sufficiently high in quality to avoid the use of the hems (and increased thickness), the fabric has the same thickness over its entire surface.

This reduces distortions in the fabric caused by waffling, for example, to a minimum.

Note that a sufficiently large winding tube, and a straight structure, will enhance the appearance of your INFINITY fabric, preserving its unique benefits.

Lastly, since manufacturing requirements are limited, productivity levels tend to be higher.

WARP production is technically possible; for this type of production, please refer to the ORCHESTRA fabric production instructions.

c) Dimensions

Our experience shows that large-scale installations (600cm in width with 300cm overhang) are possible with two arms. It may be necessary to make a prototype to test the technical feasibility and determine the parameters for creation and assembly of the device. A larger number of arms may be necessary. Dickson is at your service to help you with this process.

d) Guidance systems

INFINITY fabric is suitable for any type of system: drop-arm awning or vertical awning with cable guide, profile guide or continuous lateral guide (zipper).

When creating a continuous lateral guide, it is important to pay special attention to the desired size of the final product and to take this into account in the cutting plan. This requires highly precise measurements, down to the last millimetre.

V. Cutting a) Procedure

Ultrasonic cutting is recommended for INFINITY fabric; without this technique, INFINITY may fray at the two lateral edges (normally manufactured without hems). With this technique, the fabric is simultaneously cut and cauterised.

An alternative could be laser cutting, although this must be done very carefully to prevent fraying.

b) Suggestions for appropriate machines

Some ultrasonic cutting machine manufacturers: SMRE (SM 300.TA or SM 400.TA), Miller (CS-112), Sinclair (Triad), Jentschmann (Weldsonic), ASCO and MATIC (M1 Ultimate).

M1 ULTIMATE (ultrasonic cutting and crush-cut in two directions; glass table up to 300x600 cm)

Some generator manufacturers: Calemard (G3-C), Novus (3,150W), DelphinUS; there are also many portable generators on the market.

Laser cutting is possible on EUROLASER's 3XL-3200, which offers 200W laser power.

3XL – 3200 EUROLASER

A portable hot-cutting machine, for example by ENGEL-COUPE, is worth considering: it makes non-rectilinear cutting easier (such as for strengthening pieces; see VI. c)

c) Parametres

Ultrasonic knife cutting typically involves an ultrasound frequency of around 40 Hz; the product rolling rate is generally between 20 and 25 m/min.

The operator must ensure that the fabric is cut perfectly square— this is essential to avoid winding problems once the product is installed.

You will find the essential cutting technique information in the appended Product Manufacturers’ Guide.

VI. Manufacturing = “weft” with “upper” and “lower” hems

In theory, panel assembly and the addition of lateral seams are not required if INFINITY is made in the weft (cross) direction).

Only the “upper" and “lower" hems are required; since they are very much in demand, sewing is standard practice, but, theoretically, welding (with weld seam) is possible provided that the manufacturer can guarantee the durability of the weld over time.

If you still wish to use INFINITY in the warp direction, please refer to the ORCHESTRA technical guides.

a) Sewing

For “upper" and “lower" hems (weft production), we recommend sewing. We use a Serafil 30, Saba 35, Rasant 25, Serafil WR (Amann) or Gütermann 80 type yarn. The needle will be SEPI or SD1 (Schmetz) type.

Double selvedge stitching Dürkopp-Adler sewing machine

b) Lateral edges

Example 1

Ultrasound or laser cutting are usually good quality and prevent fraying.

It is not necessary to strengthen the cut either using an adhesive or lateral hem; these would increase the thickness and the risk of distortion (waffling) which INFINITY reduces or prevents entirely.

Example 2

Although the quality of the cut is good, as a precaution, it is best to strengthen the lateral edges using a hot-melt adhesive to prevent early fraying.

You may use Gluetex VB11010 (10 mm wide) or another similar adhesive tape. Tape welding should preferably be carried out by ultrasound, but other standard processes (hot air, thermal pulse, etc.) are also possible.

Example 3

If examples 1 and 2 do not apply, it is still possible to strengthen the lateral edges using a "classic" lateral hem; the hem width is generally 25 to 40 mm, and gives a satisfactory result.

However, the increased thickness of the hems may cause slight distortions along the lateral edges.

c) Lower fabric corners

When making lateral edges without hems, the tension of the fabric, especially the selvedges, must be firmly adjusted to prevent sagging. In rare cases, tension in the lower corners of the “lower" hem may be high enough to create a tear in the fabric. The solution is to strengthen the two lower corners with a piece (usually triangular) in order to prevent the start of a tear at the seam. Care must be taken when strengthening the fabric to avoid free angles, which are most vulnerable to tearing, and to maintain the aesthetic. Sewing and laminating are also possibilities.

You will find the essential assembly technical information in the appended Product Manufacturers’ Guide.

VII. Quality control on assembly The quality of the assembly must be evaluated as follows:

Assembly of the product under the specific operating conditions established by the manufacturer: machine, width, temperature, pressure, speed; if applicable, the reference of the adhesive tape.

Cutting of a sufficient number of test pieces, at least 30 cm long and 50 mm wide in a perpendicular direction to the assembly.

Traction on the test pieces until they break according to standard EN 13934.

INSTRON “3000 series” dynamometre (Dickson Quality Laboratory)

Examination of the test strip: if it breaks elsewhere than at the assembly point, or loses lamination in its thickness, this is important and often positive information

Recording of the strength and lengthening of the test strip up to breakage Comparison of the breakage force with the table below:

50 daN/5cm limit; needs optimisation 60 daN/5cm acceptable in general 70 daN/5cm satisfactory 80 daN/5cm excellent

VIII. Printing Both sides of INFINITY fabric can be printed on, but only using screen printing or transfer techniques: the printer must check the quality of the printing ahead of time. Inkjet printing is not recommended because of its very pale appearance. Once the fabric has been processed, INFINITY’s original environmental characteristics (Oekotek certification) can no longer be guaranteed by Dickson.

IX. Installation a) Installation direction (oriented towards or away from the sun)

As mentioned in paragraph I, INFINITY has two similar sides. Either side may be turned towards the sun. Side selection should reflect the manufacturer’s requirements.

However, if two INFINITY fabrics of the same colour are to be installed immediately next to each other, the manufacturer and the installer shall jointly ensure that the two fabrics have been produced in the same direction with respect to the orientation of the fabric in the roll. This will prevent unusual or unpredictable optical differences between the two awnings.

b) Contact with the other parts of the system

INFINITY fabric must also be protected from rubbing against the structure on which it is installed. Tension must be maintained to prevent any points of contact with the various parts of the structure. This prevents premature deterioration and loss of watertightness.

c) Roller tubes

If the finished product is a winding structure, the INFINITY fabric will be manufactured and carefully fitted around the roller tube. This tube must be of a sufficient diameter and quality so that it does not sag with use. A large diameter is favourable to the winding of the fabric. The fabric’s tension and “end stops” must be adjusted.

The final application (pergola, vertical awning, folding-arm awning, etc.) must of course be taken into account to establish the dimensions and quality of the tubes.

d) Guides

If a lateral guidance system (zipper) is used, tension on the product must be limited or eliminated during manufacture; cutting must be performed by ultrasound depending on the cutting plan, or very carefully with a rotating knife.

Experience shows that the following steps, performed in this order, should optimise the product's final appearance:

• “upper”, “lower”, and lateral (ultrasound) cutting • “upper” and “lower” sewing • “zip” welding (thermal pulse, or HF, for example).

e) Poles

If INFINITY fabric is affixed to one or more poles, or if tensioners are used, the creation of eyelets should be considered. The fabric will be reinforced by a hem (minimum of two folds); the diameter of the eyelets will be from 1 to 3 cm; particular attention should be paid to ensure that there is enough space between the eyelet and the edge of the fabric (minimum of 1 cm).

The eyelets used must be suitable for outdoor use (stainless steel) to prevent the formation of rust on the fabric. Moreover, the eyelet must be guaranteed waterproof to prevent any risk of capillarity of water to the fabric.

f) Profiles

To create a pergola, the manufacturer should try to assemble a PVC profile on one side of the INFINITY fabric. Ultrasound (JENTSCHMANN) assembly with hot-melt adhesive strips (GLUETEX) is possible. Liquid glue (MILLER WELDMASTER machines) may also be used.

g) Slopes

There should be a slight slope to evacuate water so that it does not stagnate on the fabric. For a folding-arm awning, the slope must not be less than 14° unless the manufacturer of the entire finished system specifically recommends otherwise.

In the event of rain, and if the system is windable/retractable, be sure that the fabric is dry before winding it. If you retract it while it is wet, for fear of damage from the wind for example, unwind it again as soon as possible so it can dry.

X. Maintenance a) Mechanical resistance and colourfastness

INFINITY is a fabric that fully meets all demands made upon fabric as expressed in standard EN 13561, paragraph 4.14.2.

The fabric’s resistance to breakage is among the highest on the market and remains at levels above 100daN/5cm (warp) and 60 daN/5m (weft), even after several years of use. INFINITY is therefore Class 4 (the best) as defined by standard EN 13561 in terms of this criteria.

INFINITY fabrics have Class 4 colourfastness, the highest according to standard EN 13561.

The other paragraphs of standard EN 13561 concern the finished product as a whole (fabric, frame, motor, mounting parts, etc.); only the manufacturer of the complete finished product can attest to its full compliance with standard EN 13561, but optimal conditions are achieved when INFINITY fabric is used.

b) Recommendations for use

Given the detailed information in the previous paragraph, Dickson fabrics have all the necessary characteristics for outdoor use. You should not encounter any particular problems if you follow the detailed recommendations set forth in the INFINITY Maintenance and Warranty Guide.

• The frame of your awning must be configured in such a way that the fabric is completely taut and does not rub against or have other contact with the structure.

• Do not leave the awning extended in high winds. • You may keep the awning open in the rain but, if wet, do not retract it for

long periods. If you need to retract your damp awning, extent your awning again as soon as possible to dry out the fabric.

The fabric must be cleaned following the directions detailed in the INFINITY Maintenance and Warranty Guide.

It is the installer’s responsibility to ensure that the end user has received the Maintenance and Warranty Guide.

XI. Warranty To be able to make a claim based on the Dickson warranty, you must have followed the detailed recommendations in this technical guide as well as the INFINITY Maintenance and Warranty Guide. Do not hesitate to refer to this guide.

It is the installer’s responsibility to ensure that the end user has received the Maintenance and Warranty Guide.

XII. Miscellaneous questions • Can I obtain CE marking for my complete finished product made with

INFINITY fabric?

YES, the use of INFINITY fabric makes it possible to be in compliance with chapter 4.14.2 of standard EN 13561 and to achieve the best possible conditions for the finished awning to receive CE marking.

• Does INFINITY fabric have the CE marking?

CE marking is not granted to fabrics. Only a completely finished awning can have CE marking, provided that it complies with standard EN 13561.

• Is INFINITY compliant with the wind resistance chapter of standard EN 13561?

INFINITY is a fabric; fabrics are covered in chapter 4.14.2 of standard EN 13561 which concerns the intrinsic properties of the fabric. The other chapters, in particular the one on “wind resistance”, apply only to complete finished awnings: fabric, frame, motor, mounting, etc.

• How does standard EN 13561 apply to INFINITY? It applies to the fabric’s behaviour as it ages in terms of breakage resistance, colourfastness and elongation under a constant load

Breakage resistance: INFINITY has a high initial mechanical resistance (155 daN/5cm in warp and weft direction). The decline in resistance of an acrylic fabric such as INFINITY does not exceed 3% a year, unlike cheaper polyester fabrics.

Colourfastness: colourfastness values range from 0 to 4; INFINITY is graded level 4 colourfastness, meaning that no major fading is detected after 4 years of exposure in the south of France. The excellence of INFINITY colours is due to the use of solution-dyed yarn.

• What is the open weave coefficient of my INFINITY fabric?

INFINITY’s open weave coefficient is 0%, meaning that air and water cannot pass through the fabric, within a certain limit expressed by the "water column" (see Technical Data Sheets).

• How can I find out the gtot of my INFINITY fabric?

This value may be obtained from Dickson. It is calculated by Dickson according to the following factors:

- spectrophotometric measurements taken in an independent accredited laboratory

- calculations in line with the recommendations of standards EN 410, EN 14500, EN 14501 and EN 13363-1, in combination with a standardised “C” glazing

If detailed explanations are necessary, do not hesitate to contact Dickson

• Do I have to choose a light or dark colour to be protected from heat?

If your priority is to be protected from heat, for example if your terrace is located in a Mediterranean country, choose a darker colour.

• Should I choose a light or dark colour to continue enjoying the light?

If you want to keep sufficient light, for example if your facade faces north or east, choose a lighter colour.

June 1, 2018 edition

Dickson Constant, a simplified joint-stock company with share capital of €12,640,000 Z.I la Pilaterie, 10 rue des Châteaux, BP 109, 59443 Wasquehal Cedex – France +33(0)3.20.45.59.59 -

contact@dickson-constant.com

FOLDING ARM / SLIDE ARM AWNINGS

ULTRASONIC CUTTING RECOMMENDED ; simultaneous cutting and cauterizationMachine SM.300.TA (SMRE) SM.400.TA (SMRE) CS-112 (MILLER) TRIAD (SINCLAIR) 2796-2-20 (JENTSCHMANN) ASCO

Linear speed 3 - 10 m/minFrequency 35 kHz

Manual cutting see Decoup+Alternative generators

LASER CUTTING POSSIBLE ; simultaneous cutting and cauterizationMachine 3XL - 3200 (EUROLASER)

CIRCULAR ROTATIVE KNIFE TO AVOID

Machine PFAFF 1420 DüRKOPP ADLERThread SERAFIL 30 (Amann Group)

SABA 35 (Amann Group)RASANT n°25WR polyester /cotton (Amann Group)GÜTERMANN n°80

Needles 134-35 CR (2134-35 CR / DPx35 CR) reference 49-044 635-02 3 std SES (Schmetz) R (Schmetz)Needle size 90-110 à 120-140 en fonction du fil choisi

Gap between lines 15 mmSpeed 10 - 12 m/min

STORAGERoll position horizontal - in cardboard packaging

Temperature 5 - 40 °CHandling with care - manual, or handling machines

GD 23/03/2018

This document is valid for INFINITY fabric

manufactured in technical conditions defined on 2018,

March 1st

APPLICATION

After cutting, a strenghtening adhesive tape, 10 mm width, VB11010 type (Gluetex) or similar, can be welded along the edge, to stop any fraying occurrence

MAKING-UP OF UPPER AND LOWER HEMS THROUGH SEWING SUGGESTION

Information below is essentially applicable for lateral edges of the awning ; they must be very carefully cut. Cutting of upper and lower edges (designed for "pockets") may be made as usual, more traditional, as these pockets show an hem which will automatically block out

fraying.

25 m/min40 kHz

Calemard "G3-C" ; NOVUS "3.150W" ; DelphinUS ; portable generators

WARP direction is possible ; for making-up in this direction, refer to "ORCHESTRA Technical Advice for Blind Making"

SCHULTE - MARKISPEED 2000-867 2 needle Dürkopp-Adler 867-16 mm NE double lockstitch machine

SUGGESTION

NEVER FOLD A SOLAR PROTECTION FABRIC

SCENARII 1 & 2 ARE NOT POSSIBLE ; A TRADITIONAL MAKING-UP WITH SIDE HEMS IS MADE.

It is possible to make side hems through sewing ; 25 to 40 mm width ; cross-direction making-up advantage remains, but light distorsions along the hems may occur.

REINFORCEMENT OF LOWER CORNERS (OPTION) SUGGESTIONS

Making very straight side edges may persuade the installer to imply a high strength to the edges. In scenarii 1 et 2, it may - rarely - happen that this tension promotes a tear of the lower seam, in both corners, left and right. As a

precaution (OPTION), maker could reinforce these 2 corners, doubling them by sewing or other process.

VERTICAL ROLLER BLIND

MAKING SIDE EDGES SUGGESTIONS

HIGH QUALITY OF CUTTING IS ENOUGH TO STOP FRAYING

This is the case if cutting is made as recommended, through ultrasonic process or laser process (see above) ; no hems, no strenghtening needed ; no additional thickness, and making of an optimized solar fabric.

EVEN THOUGH CUTTING IS RECOGNIZED AS GOOD, EDGE REINFORCEMENT IS ADVISABLE

TABLE WIDTH 350 cm x 350 cm minimum

LAYING DIRECTION

WEFT (cross-direction) : this is the ultimate solution to make an awning in only one panel, and limit the distorsion. Making-up is also reduced. Taking into account width of

the fabric, awning projection will be able to reach +/- 300 cm

X

CUTTING SUGGESTIONS

TECHNICAL ADVICE FOR BLIND MAKING- INFINITY -

Following devices, or similar equipments, and following values of process parameters, may be used to make blinds with INFINITY. For each type of awning, it is needed to define maximal dimensions, depending on roller tube and drive systems which may influence strengths (these must be adjusted to get an optimized

winding). Taking this information into account, THE MAIN ATTRIBUTE OF INFINITY IS TO BE EASILY MADE-UP IN WEFT DIRECTION (CROSS-DIRECTION) IN ONE PANEL THANKS TO ITS SQUARE STRUCTURE AND ITS 320 CM WIDTH AVAILABILITY. Each maker must manage his own tests to

assure right proceeding of systems, and final product guarantee.

RECOMMENDEDX

SHADE SAIL X

SCENARIO 1

SCENARIO 2

SCENARIO 3