Design
Architectural:
Architects collaborate with us for our input on design and technical considerations to successfully and artfully deliver great product.
We are experts in the design of, engineering, and innovative execution of lightweight fabric structures. With years of experience, we are extremely knowledgeable of how fabric behaves under tension, the reaction forces that are at play and how these can affect details of the design. Reaction loads, pre-stress on cables and fabric, compensation (how much the fabric will stretch warp and weft) and local codes are all factors that must be considered.
With a quick sketch of your design intent, we can suggest the best fabric and finish materials, provide quick 3-D modeling, prelim engineering, reaction loads and/or provide estimated budgetary numbers. Many times we’re called on to work through design details by producing mock ups, test fits, or providing first articles for a project. We can provide quick turn around on these since we control the manufacturing process.
Engineering • Permits • Jobsite:
Once we receive an order, we review the design concept and create shop drawings that stay true to the design intent but add functionality with regards to fabric layout. Our shop drawings show true fabric behavior and reflect engineering requirements of the hardware, backing, attachment details and steel support structure(s). Our engineered stamped drawings and calculation set allows us to facilitate the process of obtaining permits by submittal.
When the jobsite is ready to take field measurements, we use a 3D laser scanner to capture all pertinent areas of the jobsite relating to our tension structure. This allows us to create a 3D world (point cloud) of the current job site and drop our CAD model directly into place in the point cloud. We are then able to identify obstructions/conflicts early on in the project. This process lends well to creating pre-construction as-builts as shop drawings as opposed to simple 2D drafting based off of preliminary construction documents.
Manufacturing
In-House Process and Fabrication:
Our entire team are expert in our field with years of experience and practical and technical knowledge of tensile fabrics and structural requirements. Those, coupled with new machinery, the best computer aided programs and strong quality control, give us the ability to deliver the highest quality results.
Once we get the approval to begin a job, detailed AutoCAD shop drawings are finalized and sent to our AutoMatrix expert who then details everything needed to build a structure. Fabric and steel patterns, steel connections, angles and bolts are all documented. Steel is laid out on this program and patterned on a 1 to 1 scale for our metal fabrication shop and fabric patterns are produced.
Metal and Metal Fabrication:
We produce some of the finest quality frames available. Our welding department does an impressive job of making sure welds are perfectly ground smooth and finished. We produce many of our own brackets and can fabricate custom metal parts on site with quick turnaround if required. We use AESS quality steel and powder-coat every frame. When required we can provide metalizing or hot dip galvanized coating as an extra precaution against rust. We use only marine grade stainless steel cables.
Automated Fabric Cutting:
Patterns are laid out using our computerized cutting system which then gives us the ability to cut fabric and other related materials with precision accuracy. This cutting technology allows us to not only cut but also marks folds, seams and welds which becomes part of our superior fit and finish. Any fabric shape or specific fabric design can be cut with this technology.
RF Welding and Professional Sewing:
RF or radio frequency welding is the process of bonding together materials through the use of electromagnetic energy. The RF welding system we use is the best way to produce clean, stable and long lasting connections when joining fabric together. Sewing is used for materials where RF welding cannot be used. Our highly skilled craftswomen have the experience and the equipment needed to complete any task where sewing is required. We use the highest grade PTFE thread for longevity as it doesn’t degrade like much lower cost polyester threads.
In-House Graphics:
We offer printing of fabrics for our projects and can produce graphics, logo’s and custom images. We can also offer vector art to layout your requested graphic design. For those projects using Sunbrella we have the latest technology from Sunbrella SGS using a heat-transfer system that bakes the graphics into the Sunbrella canvas ensuring a long-lasting result.
Installation
Experienced Professionals:
Installation is one of the most important components of a successful project and J Miller Canvas installs all of our own products. We employ the finest crew in the industry who have tremendous experience and fine tune every aspect of the installation to successfully complete a project. Safety is our number one goal; we follow OSHA guidelines and maintain an Injury Illness Prevention Plan (IIPP). We provide Job Hazard Analysis (JHA), Site Specific Safety Plans (SSSP) and MSDS as required. Additionally, the American Safety and Health Institute certify all of our installers in CPR and AED.
Most large jobs require heavy equipment for installation. Our installers are licensed to operate and have the ability to handle most equipment without the use of outside operators.
Company Insurance
- Additional Insured Certificates
- Waivers of Subrogation
- Workers Compensation
- $1,000,000.00 (single occurrence)
- $2,000,000.00 (aggregate)