Para of Italy, makers of Tempotest acrylic awning fabrics, has recently published the results of a nine month study into the technical characteristics of their products.

The entire Tempotest range, covering just under 300 plain and patterned designs, has been tested by the technical department of the University of Milan. Each fabric was exposed to carefully controlled quantity of light energy at various frequencies and measurements were taken showing how much energy passed through the fabric, how much was absorbed and how much reflected. The frequencies of light varied from UVC, UVB, UVA, visible and infrared. This spectrum was used to represent natural sunlight in overall composition and strength. An enormous amount of data was collected over several months and tabulated. The results show many characteristics for each cloth.

This research is claimed to be the most intensive research ever carried out in this sector, and will be a cornerstone for future ranges as they are produced. The results show absorption and transmittance of UVA, UVB and UVC in order to offer a customer the choice of fabric depending on their requirement to block the harmful rays of the sun.  In the visible part of the spectrum, the results show which fabrics and colours create varying degrees of shading; and the infrared results show the heat reduction characteristics of each fabric.

All these numerical results have been represented graphically on a poster which shows the range and reference numbers (for easy selection by a customer) and symbols representing the technical parameters. Further, there is a brief illustrated technical explanation of the test methods. Copies are available in English, German and, of course, Italian. Centurion Blinds holds a comprehensive selection of the Para Tempotest range, available as rolls, cut lengths and finished covers and complete systems.

High bulk supplies are available from Para direct. Full details about the poster and fabric supply is available from Para's UK representatives, Ullmann International.

• Centurion Blinds Tel: 01384 276240
• Ullmann Internationa Tel: 0113 2018844