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Industrial Curtains Can Be an Effective Solution in the Highly Regulated Cannabis Business

Industrial Curtains Can Be an Effective Solution in the Highly Regulated Cannabis Business

Cannabis may not be federally legal at this point, but that hasn’t stopped the “green rush” from flourishing in states with medical and recreational programs. Still a relatively new business emerging from years of prohibition, cannabis regulations are stringent and evolving. Everyone who participates in the industry–from growers to retailers and everything in between– needs to stay abreast of local and state requirements while learning how to establish and expand their business. Learn how industrial curtain walls can play a role in making cannabis business operations run smoothly.

Challenges in the Cannabis Industry

Licensed cannabis cultivators create the raw product that is used to create consumer products, including dried flower, edibles, oils, and more. Growers face a number of challenges including pests, humidity control, and temperature control. Once cannabis is successfully harvested it has to be processed, which may occur at the same site of cultivation. Or, it might be shipped to an extraction laboratory or manufacturing facility. These licensed facilities are challenged to create consistent products at scale, which means their interiors are carefully designed and equipped. Finished products are then packaged and sent to retail locations, like dispensaries. Dispensaries need to have a welcoming atmosphere for their clients, but they also need to be able to store their products.
Industrial Curatins in Highly Regulated Cannabis Business
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How Industrial Curtain Walls Can Help

Industrial curtain walls are a versatile solution that can be used in multiple different industries, including agriculture, consumer packaged goods, and retail–all of which play a role in the cannabis business. These industrial curtains can help control temperature and humidity and create effective barriers between work spaces.

Solutions for Different Cannabis Business Environments

Different environments within the cannabis business necessitate different industrial curtain solutions. See how these curtains can be effective in four major areas of the industry:
  • Cultivation facilities and greenhouses. Cannabis is grown in both indoor cultivation facilities and outdoor greenhouses. Both of these environments require exact temperature and humidity control. Industrial curtains can come in insulated variations, which can help facilities manage temperature and humidity control. Industrial curtains can even have airtight edge sealing, which can help to reduce the risk of pests.
  • Extraction laboratories. Extraction laboratories require precise conditions for the processing and extraction of cannabis. Floor-to-ceiling industrial curtain enclosures can be a cost effective way to create separate areas within a laboratory. These industrial curtains can help with air flow management, temperature control, fume and dust control, and more. The curtain walls can also be used to help create spaces for sterile testing and quality control.
  • Manufacturing facilities. Cannabis manufacturing facilities make a number of different types of products, including edibles. There are industrial curtains, both stationary and retractable, that are specifically designed for food processing facilities. These food grade industrial curtains, designed to meet FDA and USDA requirements, can be configured to create separate spaces in manufacturing facilities that make the baked goods and gummies so popular with consumers.
  • Dispensaries. Dispensaries are the retail outlets of the cannabis business. The customer-facing portion of a dispensary will typically feature educational material and information on the products available for sale, but these stores also need separate storage areas. Industrial curtain walls can be used to create separate areas for products in the back of the retail store. Dispensaries can opt for custom curtain walls with printed logos, which can maintain an aesthetic consistent with the location’s branding.
If you have a cannabis business or you are in the process of ramping up operations, you know the importance of detail. Learn more about industrial curtain wall options, how they can be used in the cannabis business, and request a quote to get started.

Theaters, Dance Studios, and More: How Acoustic Solutions Can Help Entertainment Venues

Theaters, Dance Studios & More: How Acoustic Solutions Can Help Entertainment Venues

Theaters built with acoustics in mind date back to ancient Greece and Rome. These large performance spaces, often in the form of outdoor amphitheaters, could accommodate thousands of spectators. And thanks to the design of these spaces, everyone could hear what was happening on stage.

Acoustic Challenges

Today, acoustics are just as important in modern entertainment venues. Whether a theater, a dance studio, or a sports arena, the audience wants to be able to hear what is happening. Entertainment venues today have the same challenges as ancient venues, but they have the benefit of modern acoustic solutions.

Large entertainment venues have challenges such as reverberation and echoes. The structure of the venue, such as the seats and a stage, will absorb some of the reverberating sound but not all. Strategically placing absorptive materials in the theater or venue helps to reduce reverberation time. This can also help to cut down on the echoing effect caused by sound bouncing off of different surfaces.

Acoustic solutions for entertainment venues
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Acoustic Solutions

How can acoustic solutions help solve these common entertainment venue challenges?
  • Acoustic baffles. Acoustic baffles are a versatile solution that can be placed virtually anywhere in an entertainment venue. This solution comes in a variety of configurations: ceiling, convex wall, flat wall, and free hanging. Made of absorptive material, baffles can line the back walls of an entertainment venue to cut down on reverberation time. Baffles can also be effectively used on a venue’s balconies to manage acoustics. The main purpose of baffles is to assist with absorbing echoes. They take the sound that hits them and pulls it in to absorb it. Depending on which baffle type is chosen, they can even absorb echo from a variety of angles in one go. Acoustic baffles are also frequently used in dance studios and athletic facilities. For example, ceiling baffles may be hung in a studio space or a gym – taking up no space that could otherwise be used for physical activity. Plus, these baffles can be hung close to the source of noise 
  • Custom acoustic solutions. Every entertainment venue has different needs, which is why we offer customer solutions. For example, we can create large acoustic baffles that essentially combine a curtain’s construction with a baffles absorbing properties. A solution like this can be used to effectively line the walls of a theater from top to bottom. The front of these curtains, or any acoustic curtain really, can be made with an acoustic fabric, allowing as much sound to pass through it and be absorbed inside the layers of the curtain as possible.

We have also custom designed curtains that feature sound absorbing material on both sides. Curtains like these can create effective divisions of space in dance studios and other athletic facilities that have multiple events and activities happening simultaneously.

Learn more about these different acoustic solutions and get a quote for the option that will work best for your entertainment venue.

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5 Technologies to Watch in the Manufacturing and Logistics Space

5 Technologies to Watch in the Manufacturing and Logistics Space

Human talent will remain core to the manufacturing and logistics space, but the adoption of new technology is inevitable. Whether it is to safeguard operations or improve efficiency, a variety of new technologies are well on their way to becoming commonplace in the industry. Here are five technologies to watch in the manufacturing and logistics space:

Transportation Management Systems

Customer expectations are higher than ever, and the details of manufacturing and logistics are becoming even more complex. According to TechTarget, transportation management systems (TMS) arising out of that challenge are designed to manage the ins and outs of moving goods. Today, these systems are mostly cloud-based and integrated into larger enterprise resource planning and supply chain management platforms.

As the market for this technology grows rapidly, users are finding significant returns on investment. For example, a survey conducted by ARC Advisory Group found that companies using a TMS reported approximately 8 percent freight savings.

Five technologies to watch amcraft manufacturing

The Internet of Things

The Internet of Things (IoT) is a vast system of technologies that enable the transfer of data. Things like wearable smartwatches and smart home appliances are examples of how people use the IoT in everyday life. The IoT is already taking on a specific application in the manufacturing and logistics industry through the Industrial Internet of Things (IoT). The IoT is made up of devices specifically designed to improve processes in the industrial space. For example, smart sensors can help capture and analyze data that can be used to improve efficiency and quality control, according to the IoT Agenda.

The global market value for the IoT is expected to reach $933.62 billion by 2025, according to a report from Million Insights.

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Blockchain

Blockchain is a major buzzword in nearly every industry. This shared digital ledger technology offers a secure way to track and record transactions, according to IBM. Its potential applications in the manufacturing and logistics space are many. For example, blockchain could provide more transparency in the supply chain by providing a record of every single time an asset is moved from manufacture to sale, according to Supply Chain 24/7. The technology is already being used in the space and it will only become more prominent going forward.

Augmented Reality

Augmented reality (AR) adds virtual elements to an existing environment. While it has multiple applications in entertainment – think about the Pokémon Go app craze – AR is also making headway into the manufacturing and logistics industry. This technology has the potential to improve employee training and drive more efficiencies. For example, according to Venture Beat, AR devices could show employees information on package contents and weight, cutting down the time it takes to find this information manually.

Already, large companies are integrating AR devices into their manufacturing processes. According to Transparency Market Research, Boeing is using AR headsets in its wire assembly process, which has resulted in a 25% reduction in assembly time and reduced errors to approximately 0 percent.

Artificial Intelligence

Artificial intelligence (AI) sounds like a futuristic concept, but this technology is making huge strides today. Machine learning, a type of AI, could streamline the entire supply chain process by offering real-time insight into process management and productivity. According to Supply Chain 24/7, the introduction of autonomous vehicles, an iteration of AI-driven technology, could be a game changer for transportation and delivery in the manufacturing and logistics industry.

AmCraft Manufacturing is a leading supplier of Industrial Curtain Walls for the manufacturing and logistics industry. Contact us today to speak with one of our curtain specialists about your space separation, temperature control, or noise reduction needs.

The Growing Power of Third-Party Logistics

The Growing Power of Third-Party Logistics

Some companies can take a product all the way from development to sale using only in-house resources, but many businesses opt for outside help.

Third-party logistics (3PL)

companies allow companies to outsource different parts of the supply chain, and the market for 3PL is experiencing explosive growth.

The global market for 3PL is expected to reach a value of 1.26 trillion by 2026, according to an Orbis Research report. Already, 90 percent of Fortune 500 companies are using one or more 3PL services, according to a Supply Chain Dive report. So, what is 3PL, and why is it growing so quickly?

Third Party Logistics
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According to Shopify, companies can use 3PL to outsource their distribution and fulfillment. 3PL is sometimes thought of as simply warehousing, but these types of companies often provide a wide variety of services. 3PL companies can also offer product development, material sourcing, manufacturing scheduling, product inspection, packaging, and more. Companies can tailor 3PL services to their needs.

What companies provide 3PL services? According to Logistics Management, the list of top players includes DHL Supply Chain North America, XPO Logistics, Ryder Supply Chain Solutions, and FedEx Supply Chain. But the next big name in 3PL services could be Amazon—depending on who you ask.

According to Transport Topics, Amazon has a network of hundreds of warehouses, distribution facilities, sorting hubs, and fulfillment centers. That network stores and ships Amazon’s products and also serves a large number of third-party sellers.

New companies are also rising to offer their services in the in-demand 3PL space. For example, the Seattle startup Flexe is styling itself as the “Airbnb of warehousing,” according to GeekWire. Flexe does not own any warehouses. Instead, it helps companies find space in existing warehouses, according to Curbed. According to the Curbed report, the company operates in more than 1,000 warehouses across the country and has a client list with names big (think Walmart and Casper) and small (think new startups). According to Forbes, other startups are competing with Flex to provide on-demand warehousing.

Many companies opt for 3PL services because it is less expensive than doing it in-house. But how much does this service actually cost? It all depends on what you want the third-party service to do for your company. According to Fit Small Business, a fulfillment price structure may include fees for stock receiving, storage, packaging, and shipping. Customers also have the option to pay for other services, such as specialty kitting. Keep in mind that some 3PL companies require a warehousing commitment for a set period, according to Kanban Logistics. Other companies have per-project pricing.

When does it make sense to use 3PL services? Volume is an important metric to consider when answering this question. For example, Shopify suggests considering a 3PL service if your company fulfills more than 10 to 20 daily orders. If 3PL makes sense for your business, a wide variety of companies and pricing plans are available to research and select.

When selecting a 3PL service, consider the flexibility of the warehouse space. For example, industrial curtain walls can serve as warehouse dividers, allowing the organization and separation of goods. These curtains (like the ones offered by AmCraft) can be removed and rearranged to fit the needs of the facility’s clients.

What You Need to Know About Acoustic Abatement Products and Decibel Reduction

What You Need to Know About Acoustic Abatement Products & Decibel Reduction

AmCraft’s Acoustic Abatement Products

  • Single block barrier curtains. As a configurable product, our single block barrier curtains are retractable and can be hung to create a completely enclosed space. The soft side of the curtain – made with 2 inches of sound attenuation material – is hung to face the source of the noise you wish to dampen. The other side of the curtain – made of one layer of sound blocking material – acts as a barrier facing the area you want to keep quiet. The single block barrier curtains have a maximum height of 30 feet for retractable curtains and 40’ for stationary ones.
  • Double block barrier curtains. Just like the single block product, the double block barrier curtains are retractable and designed to configure to your needs. The front side of the curtain is made of 1 inch of sound attenuation material, followed by a layer of sound blocking material. Behind this is another layer of 1” sound attenuation material and sound blocking material, making this curtain have 2 complete layers. The double block barrier curtains have a maximum height of 20 feet for retractable curtains and 30’ for stationary ones.
  • Acoustic baffles. AmCraft offers acoustic baffles in several configurations – including ceiling, convex wall, flat wall, and free hanging – and sizes. These products feature 2.5-4 inches of cotton absorption material.
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Understanding Decibel Reduction

Putting an exact number on decibel reduction for a particular space is difficult – there are too many variables. Noise reduction products are just one element of a workspace’s acoustics. The size of the space; the material of the floor, ceiling, and walls; and how the acoustic curtains are placed all affect noise levels. In a small space, sound has less room to dissipate. This is particularly true of high-decibel, low-frequency sounds. Sound also will travel through and reflect off of different materials, like metal and concrete. Gaps between acoustic curtains will allow some sound to escape the barrier.

Given all of these factors, we cannot offer our customers a decibel reduction guarantee, but we can demonstrate how our products have been used in multiple different settings. Our case studies show the decibel reduction results achieved in real-world projects, which you can use as a model for understanding what to expect with your own project.

Double Barrier Stationary Wall

In addition to our case studies, we also provide sound transmission (STC) and noise reduction coefficient (NRC) ratings for each of our acoustic abatement products. These ratings, helpful for any noise abatement product, measure two different things. STC ratings measure how well a product lessens decibels as noise passes through it. NRC ratings measure how well a product absorbs sound. Review the STC and NRC ratings for each of our products on our data sheets.

Our acoustic abatement products are designed to bring effective noise reduction to your workspace. Reach out to our team to create your curtain and take the first step toward improved noise management.

The Age of Automation in Manufacturing: Is There Still Space for the Human Touch?

The Age of Automation in Manufacturing: Is There Still Space for the Human Touch?

We live in a time where the presence of computers is becoming more and more apparent in our daily lives. ATM machines dispense money, instead of a personal banker. Traffic cameras at stop lights issue tickets, instead of police officers. It is harder and harder to find a company that answers their own phones, instead of an automated reception system. These changes and evolutions are increasingly apparent in the manufacturing sector, as well. In an industry that could very easily start to slide down the slippery slope of automation, AmCraft Manufacturing makes it a point to continue adding the “human touch” to both its products and its customer interactions.

We want our customers to feel a connection with us, right from their first conversation with us. During normal business hours (Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM) our phone is always answered by a friendly employee, ready to assist the customer on the other end of the line. If the person who answers the phone cannot help with that customer’s request, then they can certainly help seek out the person who can.

Throughout the process of designing their curtainwall system, each customer is assigned a designated sales representative. Should that sales associate be out of the office, then our sales manager typically steps in to help during that time. We want to ensure that no customer feels unheard, and that their needs are always being met. This pattern continues from the sales and design phase all the way through to shipping and billing. Each department at AmCraft is staffed by human employees who give their best each day for our customers.

Curtains human touch

Our esteemed owner and president, Mark Deutsch, is quoted as saying, “People are our greatest asset and our greatest challenge”. Sometimes, despite the best of intentions, errors do happen. This, as well, is part of the “human element” at AmCraft Manufacturing. Occasionally a project is quoted incorrectly, a curtain can be fabricated to the wrong size, or a shipment can go out to the wrong facility. While we always strive to give the best customer service possible, mistakes do happen, despite the best of intentions.

However, here again, the human element saves us. If a customer experiences a problem, they can call in and be directly connected to an employee who can quickly and efficiently troubleshoot the issue. Whether that amounts to a corrected product being made and shipped, a billing discrepancy resolved, or any other issue, we always aim to fix our mistakes quickly and to keep our customer in the loop throughout the entire process.

It would be easy to take each time a mistake is made and use it to build a case for additional automation. However, we at AmCraft feel that this is a slippery slope; and one from which companies typically do not come back from. While we always want to grow, modernize, and improve, we also want to maintain our core. We hear it over and over again from customers all over the country, the human touch that AmCraft offers, from start to finish, is one of the most refreshing and vital services that we offer.

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Top 3 Reasons Why Customers Love Industrial Curtain Walls by AmCraft Manufacturing

Top 3 Reasons Why Customers Love Industrial Curtain Walls by AmCraft Manufacturing

AmCraft Manufacturing produces high quality industrial curtain walls in their US-based facility. Offering a wide range of space separation solutions, AmCraft caters to the specific application needs for a broad spectrum of industries.

As a one-stop custom industrial curtain shop, AmCraft’s customers are afforded the opportunity to select the specific curtain type that best meets their facility objectives; whether it’s a Thermal Insulated Curtain to manage temperature control, an Acoustic Curtain or Baffle System to reduce noise and absorb sound or a Single Layer Industrial Curtain to separate work zones.

However, AmCraft’s customers are not only enamored by the array of industrial curtains available, but they are also pleased with the level of customization and personal attention-to-detail that they receive throughout their ordering experience. In addition, AmCraft Manufacturing is well-known for tailoring each industrial curtain wall to meet the customer’s unique space planning needs, which is one of the many reasons their customers love them.

Curtain walls by amcraft manufacturing
In exploring the customer feedback shared over the years, we were able to pinpoint the top three reasons why customers love industrial curtain walls manufactured by AmCraft:

1. Great Performance Results

AmCraft manufactures each curtain in their own Elk Grove Village manufacturing facility. Through in-house R&D, each product is constructed to meet the exacting standards that AmCraft Manufacturing has become known for throughout the industry. Therefore, customers are confident that their industrial curtain wall will deliver the expected performance results – whether it’s reducing noise or containing heat!
Industrial curtain wall amcraft testimonial 1
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2. High Quality Construction & Durability

It’s not unusual for customers who may have ordered a previous curtain from one of AmCraft’s competitors to realize the huge difference in both quality and durability when they receive their first industrial curtain wall from AmCraft Manufacturing.
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3. The Best Customer Service Experience

It’s one thing to provide the best quality and the best craftsmanship in the industrial curtain wall industry. However, AmCraft takes it to the next level by providing exceptional customer service experiences. This just might be their secret sauce and why their customers really love them!
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If you have not yet had the experience of being an AmCraft Industrial Curtain Wall customer, then don’t worry because there is plenty of love to go around! Get in touch with an Industrial Curtain Specialist today.

Wash Bay Curtains

Wash Bay Curtains

Wash bay curtains

from AmCraft Manufacturing can be made to fit a range of sizes and can be designed in many configurations. These curtains are made to work with the drainage pitches built into your floor, which helps maintain a clean and safe work area for employees and other patrons. Industrial divider curtains from AmCraft meets the needs of many industries, including the automotive industry. These body shop curtains make it possible to use a large space for many different projects and to keep jobs separate.

Partition Off Your Wash Down Area

Wash bay curtains help you contain the overspray from powerwashing or other messy jobs, like painting. They can be installed to be one-, two-, three- or four-sided enclosures, and are less expensive to build than fixed walls. Contain the mess of mud, dirt, water, soap and other debris from wash-down jobs using industrial body shop partitions from AmCraft while enjoying the convenience of having no excess clean-up after you’re done working on a project.
wash bay curtains
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Additional Benefits of Wash Bay Curtains

Other benefits of using industrial wash bay curtains in your workspace:

  • They can be pushed out of the way easily, allowing for improved access when not in use.
  • Wash bay curtains can be installed as retractable panels.
  • They can improve working conditions for people all around your facility – because they keep the mess of one job contained, employees that aren’t involved with that area don’t have to worry about getting messy.

Automotive wash bay curtains from AmCraft are long lasting and durable, and are easy to clean. They are also resistant to almost all wash down chemicals, so no matter what the job is, these curtains can stand up to it.

Industrial Curtains from AmCraft

AmCraft Manufacturing is proud to provide a variety of industries with the solutions they need for industrial curtains that can help divide workspaces and separate job spaces. Auto body curtain partitions for your wash bay are no exception – they are easy to install and replace, and can help to control contamination as well as temperature, odors, sound, and light. Industrial curtains may also be customized with your business’ logo or brand colors.

For more information about industrial curtain walls including body shop wash bay partitions,contact AmCraft today.

The Benefits of Industrial Curtains for Your Dock

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!

Commercial Restaurant Curtains vs. Decorative Curtains

Commercial Restaurant Curtains vs.
Decorative Curtains

Find out how Decorative vs. Industrial Restaurant Curtains bridge the divide when a decorative room divider solution is attained for a restaurant from an industrial application.

Businesses usually know where to go to purchase standard products that are used within their industry. When a new need presents itself, a business owner will look to suppliers in their industry first. However, sometimes there is a need these suppliers can’t meet. A restaurant room divider curtain falls into many industry categories that include commercial draperies, home goods, custom designers as well as restaurant equipment suppliers. Because it can be very loud in the restaurant, retractable acoustic sound barrier curtains are just a sample which most likely cannot be supplied by a restaurant supplier. In the case of Ravinia, an outdoor musical and theater venue in Highland Park, IL, their indoor restaurant was in need of a large, decorative, and retractable curtain to separate space in the banquet room. The banquet room Mirabelle, is professionally decorated and the new room divider curtain needed to look attractive and fit with the decor.

Acoustic solutions baffle sound panels restaurant
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Looking Outside The Normal Distribution Channels

Jim R., the facilities manager for Ravinia was tasked to find a solution for concealing a large storage area inside the room. He determined early on that the best way to do this was with a retractable fabric curtain that would need to be structurally mounted to the ceiling beams.

He had the perfect, quality material for making the curtains, but no way to mount it to the ceiling. His calls to existing vendors did not produce a good option for hanging the curtain, and he had another problem. The decorative material of the curtain was semi-transparent when used with the existing lighting on either side of the curtain. He looked for a way to not only add a liner to the material, but also for a way to support the weight of the finished curtains. At this point he decided to perform some internet research to find other options.

Don’t Give Up, Instead, Think Creatively

When used inside a quality banquet facility such as the Mirabelle, the curtains need to meet the requirements of fashionable and modern décor. Industrial curtains are typically constructed of vinyl, as they are used for purposes required inside manufacturing plants, factories, warehouses and work shop type situations. Although using an industrial curtain was not an option, the method used to mount the large curtain wall looked promising.

A Track System Used As Great Design

Jim called AmCraft and found that he could indeed use a steel structural track to mount the curtains. But, the track is fabricated from polished steel and is industrial looking in appearance. AmCraft provided an option to powder coat the steel track to make the color better blend with the existing pipes and beams on the ceiling. This solution solved the appearance issue and provided a way to support the weight of large retractable curtains. The structural mounting system with a color change was perfect!

Custom Sewn Curtains From Supplied Material

Jim supplied the decorative curtain material to AmCraft and a nylon liner was sewn to it, making it opaque, but still lightweight. The decorative material was sewn to the nylon with double side hems, which created a more rigid curtain that allowed it to hang smoother and more evenly. It also eliminated the transparency of the decorative curtain material.

The combination of the two textile materials produced a high-quality, decorative curtain that is not only beautiful, but also durable enough for everyday use.

A Beautiful Outcome

Reaching out to vendors outside of your industry makes you realize there are many ways to get what you need. AmCraft enjoyed working with Jim to determine the best fabric, mounting option and construction method for the creation of a this decorative, yet industrial solution to his needs.

If you need ideas for restaurant curtains or help in dividing areas for any type of space, call AmCraft Manufacturing for custom curtain solutions at 847-439-4565.