Ferrari cleans up
For over 25 years Ferrari Précontraint textiles have developed an outstanding reputation for their dimensional stability, super smooth surfaces, longevity and their ability to withstand harsh environmental conditions.
An excellent real world example of these physical benefits is this 13 year old shade structure fabricated from Ferrari Précontraint 702 with the old formula ‘S’ consisting of only acrylic varnish. Over time, the membrane was subject to less than perfect environmental conditions and due to the positioning of the structure beneath overhanging trees it had collected a substantial coating of dirt and slime (see images).
In June 2009, Shade to Order (of Newcastle NSW, the original fabricators), were commissioned to clean the membrane for the first time since its installation in 1996. Craig Flanagan of Shade to Order commented that “..it was really dirty with green slime on top of the dirt. I have never cleaned a structure this dirty.”
The cleaning team was expecting a pretty tough job considering the amount of dirt on the textile, but was pleasantly surprised when the Précontraint 702 washed up so well the first time with the simple application of cold water and light rubbing with sponges. Given that the surface coating was “old” technology this bodes extremely well for the newer S and T2 surface coatings now being used by Ferrari.
The experienced maintenance crew also commented on the fact that after 13 years without any attention, the structure only required minimal tensioning at the two low points of attachment.
Click here to view images.
- Details
- Fabricator: Shade To Order
- Year: 1996
