HF Technology for Membrane Architecture
FIAB high-frequency welding machines are an advanced solution for manufacturers of membrane structures and large-format canopies. HF technology ensures durable, sealed welds on architectural materials with areas reaching thousands of square meters.
Applications in Sports Architecture
- Stadium canopies – roof membranes over stands and sports arenas
- Football and athletics stadiums – stand covers with area of 500-5000 m²
- Tennis courts – year-round and retractable roofs
- Sports halls – tensioned structures over enclosed facilities
- Swimming pools and ice rinks – canopies for aquatic and ice facilities
- Amphitheaters – membranes over stages and auditoriums
- Orlik sports fields – covers for small sports facilities
- Retractable roofs – folding systems like at the National Stadium in Warsaw
Membrane Structures
- Low-pressure membranes – saddle and arch systems tensioned with cables
- High-pressure membranes – pneumatic structures and inflatable structures
- Stretch ceilings – internal covers for facilities
- Membrane facades – external walls made of architectural fabrics
FIAB Models for Large-Format Structures
FIAB 960 – machine with 8 kW power and electrode up to 800 mm, ideal for medium sections of stadium membranes.
FIAB 1400 (13-26 kW) – premium series with electrode up to 1500 mm. Construction with the ability to work "from the inside" enables welding of large-format membrane panels. Available in stationary and rail-mounted mobile versions (up to 100m hall length).
FIAB 1900W and 2060W – machines with the largest working width for extremely wide membrane sections.
FIAB HPS-MINI – mobile 8 kW welding machine for repairs and on-site assembly.
Architectural Materials
- PVC/PVDF (900-1400 g/m²) – polyester fabric coated with PVC with PVDF protection (e.g., Mehatop, Valmex)
- PTFE – glass fiber coated with Teflon (National Stadium - 54,000 m²)
- Fluotop T2 – polyester fiber with protective layer for retractable roofs
- ETFE – architectural films for pneumatic cushions
Properties of Stadium Membranes
- Tensile strength above 5000 N/5cm
- UV resistance and weather conditions (25+ years lifespan)
- Fire resistance class M2 according to EN 13501-1
- Self-cleaning properties (PVDF coating)
- Natural light translucency
- Thermal resistance -40°C to +70°C
Stadium Membrane Production Process
- 3D design of membrane structure in CAD software
- Material compensation (consideration of tension and deformation)
- Cutting membrane sections with CNC plotters
- HF welding of sections into panels with area of 500-2000 m²
- Edge reinforcements and mounting of fastening piping
- Application of mounting elements (hooks, straps, rings)
- Weld quality and tightness control
- Packaging and transport to construction site
- Assembly and tensioning on steel structure
Advantages of HF Technology
- Strength – welds stronger than base material
- Tightness – hermetic connections resistant to leaks
- Aesthetics – smooth, even welds invisible from distance
- Speed – production of thousands of m² weekly
- Precision – adaptation to complex architectural shapes
- Durability – welds resistant to multi-year stress and tension
Requirements for Membrane Production
- Production hall minimum 25-100m length
- Welding tables or rail tracks
- 3x400V power supply (32-63A)
- Compressed air 6-7 bar
- Weld quality control system
- CAD software for membrane compensation
Specialist Electrodes
- Straight electrodes – linear welds of sections
- Curved electrodes – contour connections
- Reinforcing electrodes – double welds in critical areas
- Piping electrodes – application of cables and fastening elements
Standards and Norms
- EN 13501-1 – fire classification of building materials
- DIN 4102 – fire resistance standards
- REACH Directive – chemical substance safety
- Static and strength standards for structures
Implementation Examples
- EURO 2012 Arena Poznań – Mehatop F 1400 FR membrane
- National Stadium Warsaw – 54,000 m² PTFE + 10,000 m² PVC
- City stadiums – stand canopies 500-1500 m²
- Amphitheaters – membranes over stages
- Tennis courts – year-round roofs
Production Economics
- Production of 500-3000 m² of membrane weekly
- Canopy lifespan 25-30 years
- Low operating costs vs traditional structures
- Possibility of dismantling and relocating structures
FIAB welding machines are a professional tool for membrane structure manufacturers, enabling the realization of spectacular architectural projects with the highest strength and aesthetic parameters.
