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Trietex has been producing motors for interior window coverings since 1977. The company says ongoing research and development has resulted in a series of models providing optimal solutions for commercial as well as residential buildings 
Timo Huegin of Trietex talks to Blinds & Shutters about the company’s Panel 360 system. He describes it as a ‘new generation’ Panel system which offers the possibility for partial shading. The Panel 360 was on show at R+T 2009 and received a great reaction B&S: Where did the inspiration come from for Panel 360?
We received an inquiry from North America for one particular project with the demand for large panels that should be able to follow the sun. In the first step we looked if existing technology for vertical blinds could be used. But we learned very early that for panels of this size and for the requested possibility of full 360 degree tilting we had to develop something completely new.  B&S: What are the ‘unique selling points’ of Panel 360, where does it excel?
If you compare Panel 360 with an ordinary panel system you will easily see that this is like a new generation. Normal panel systems have a very limited technology resulting in a big stack at one or both sides and only offer open and close – no possibilities for partial shading. Panel 360 offers the aesthetics of a panel system but you can have partial shading and still enjoy a broad view to the outside. And as it was developed for projects we put big emphasize on the durability of the complete system. It is in fact hard to break it. Even if you turn the panels by hand they will return back in their original position.
B&S: Where do you see Panel 360 being of most use?
To really benefit from the advantages of Panel 360 you need glass – e.g. a double facade. While the classical vertical blinds are still a popular choice for double facades – the limited sizes of the slats make it rather look like an improvisation than a real shading solution while Panel 360 is a product that is tailored for the double façade.  B&S: What size panels can Panel 360 offer?
The size of the panels depends to some extent on the textiles being used. We have made successful tests with panels of up to 4.500mm in height – but possible is even more. Widths vary from 500 to 800mm.
B&S: Please tell us about the options for operating Panel 360?
Panel 360 is a highly flexible system. You can use it with a single top rail or with rails on top and bottom for better guiding the panels. Panels can be arranged for centre opening or on the left or the right side. For the motorization you have the choice of tilt only or tilt and traversing. B&S: You showed Panel 360 at R+T 2009, what has the reaction been to the product?
We are aware that Panel 360 is a niche product as you also need some space for the rotation of the panels. It is not suitable for a two room apartment – it is a product mainly for commercial projects. We were surprised about the number of enquiries we received during the fair. Also the very effective mechanism that allows you to detach the panels with a simple twist caught the attention of many visitors. We left the fair very enthusiastic. B&S: Where do you see the next big area of growth in the market?
Motorization will remain a hot issue despite the current crisis worldwide. There have been also a lot of developments in intelligent sun control systems and building management systems that require more flexible systems than a classical panel system. B&S: What can we expect from Trietex in the future?
We will keep on doing what we can do best – develop quality systems and motors for interior shading as OEM or under the Trietex brand name. We are now also introducing an upgrade in our motorized curtain track system and the next products to follow will be new motors with intelligent electronics.
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