AusBonsai

shibui wrote:Hey Billa,

There are HEAPS of different fabrics which all revolve around controlling light. They all have very different elements (even like anti-bacterial, Fire Retardant, zero ultra violet transmittance etc.) a MASSIVE fuss is made about the fabric capabilities...but openness can range from 0% to 12% and all in between and even higher if you want to pay big $$

As an industry insider can you tell us how 'openness factor' equates to 'shade'. Does 5% openness equate to 95% shade?. as indicated above we are looking for fabric that has less shade for the health of the trees.
Hope the hospital visits are not terminal?

Hello my friend,

An industry insider indeed...before I started I had no clue about how complex fabric can be...especially these days as we have to appease numerous different GREEN STAR ratings & standards, not to mention Government and building codes.

To answer your question - you were spot on. An openness factor of 5% will equate to 95% shade.

Colour of fabric will also have a slight effect and just because I can I will explain the fabric components we must adhere to before we manufacture and supply to Australia...

Heat Transmittance
Heat Reflectance
Heat Absorbance
Light Transmittance
Light Reflectance
Light Absorbance
Ultraviolet Transmittance
Shading Coefficient
Heat Protection
Glare Reduction
Shade Factor
Insulation
UV Protection -TO NAME A FEW!!!

If we want to put blinds up at a school for example...my god we have to get a the fabric approved and certified by The GREENGUARD Children & Schools Certification Program. A big deal is made on fabric!! I really cannot explain how intense it is...


Hey..if anyone sees a business opportunity in incorporating these kick ass fabrics to develop some super shade for bonsai PM me....please no one steal my idea

My only concern is with trees in bonsai pots as they can heat up quick under shade cloth the leaves tend to grow bigger an intinode spacing increases . My plan is to have them in full sun but since most of my trees are bigger then most im going to try to shade the pot only with shade cloth have a few ways to go about it