ETFE-technology – innovative, durable and efficient

For modern architecture,It can be hard to imagine without use of transparent structures for facades and roofs. Besides glass structures, innovative structures made of ETFE foil are increasingly significance.Ideal applications include sectors where the conventional approach would often be to use glass (swimming pools, water parks, atriums, skylights, zoos, greenhouses and palm houses etc..ETFE (ethylene tetrafluoroethylene) is an innovative material which is used in building as extruded foil with thicknesses from 0.1 to 0.3 mm (100 to 300 μm).

The so-called "pillows" are held in shape by air pressure in the cushions (approximately 300 to 800 Pa – 0.0435 to 0.1160 PSI). Depending on the cushion geometry and the external loads, the individual cushions can span 4.50 meters (14.76’), with no other supporting structure. Much greater spans are possible with additional tensile structure reinforcement. The supporting air supply and the control is fully automated. Custom design concepts can provide the optimum solution for each project.

ETFE foils can also be installed in single layers. The material-specific properties of relatively low elastic deformation and high plastic deformation, as well as high ultimate strain must be taken into account when doing so. Normally the foils are supported by thin steel cables (8 – 12 mm, 0.315” – 0.472”). The spacing and layout of the steel cables are specified according to the structural requirements.

Advantages:

High UV transmissibility, depending on the material thickness

Good thermal insulation: U values, depending on the number of foil layers

G value between 0.10 and 0.85 depending on the design and alignment of the printing pattern

Low weight of foil cushions, thereby facilitating light, intricate substructures

Very good mechanical properties: High tensile strength/tear resistance and hail resistance

Flame retardant – ETFE foils burn off without dripping

Low maintenance costs due to anti-adhesive surface with self-cleaning effect

Interesting design options offered by printing, e.g. shading without additional construction

Long service life of at least 25 - 35 years

Cost savings in comparison with conventional transparent roof constructions

High recyclability