What is Keder?

Keder

What is Keder?

Keder is a rope-edge product that connects fabric panels to a frame, by sliding it into an aluminum extrusion rail. Foundationally, compromising of two components: a PVC extrusion core, and fabric. 

The fibers of the fabric are exposed on the outside, making the cord easier to slide into the frame. Combining the rope edge to the fabric panel, making keder easier to install than other rope edges.

What is Keder Used For?

Keder rope is versatile posing into a variety of different applications.  Therefore, we carry a variety of products, view our Kedermaker and Eurokeder catalogs to identify the products best for your project.

Tent Structures

Acting as a strong connection between the fabric panels and frames in tensile and tent structures. Lightweight specializes in supplying materials for repairing fabric panels in tent structures.

Banner Advertising

Capable of acting as a support system for advertising banners and signs.  Durability and easier installation make our keder ideal for this type of application.

Awnings
Canopies
Sunshades

Keder and extrusions rails systems secure awning fabric for smaller-scale outdoor spaces producing increased UV resistance.

Marine

Applying Keder as boat covers and sails offers many benefits. Without reservation, our materials do not compromise between flexibility and durability.

Which type of Keder is best for my project?

Factors to consider when it comes to choosing the right Keder is application, strength, durability, attachment methods, Style, weave, and thread weight are all factors to consider when selecting the Keder that is right for your project. Our brands,  Eurokeder and Kedermaker, are perfect at fabricating whatever your project may need.

Style

Keder style separates into three forms based on their attachment method: sewing, single-flag weldable, and double-flag weldable. 

Sewing Keder

Sewing flag is the simplest of the three to attach. Welding the flag shut, making it easy to sew to a fabric panel. A great choice for signs and banners, but also, for larger applications such as awnings and canopies.

It is important to note that most sewing thread is not designed for UV-resistance and thus this is not a suitable method when durability, especially against sunlight exposure, is an important property. Special PTFE thread can offer long-term durability.

Single Flag Keder

A single flag attaches with any welding method, including hot air welding, wedge welding, and radiofrequency welding (RF welding for short). RF welding creates a stronger bond and improves water tightness and UV resistance.  The single flag is not appropriate for larger panels with high tensile loads because of the welding occurring on one side, the weld becomes a single point of failure. This is why single flag uses wider 20mm welds, and why our experts recommend using RF welded single flag Keder. Lightweight distributes all keder already RF welded.

Double Flag Keder

Double-flag is the strongest and most durable, and only welds properly using a radio-frequency (RF) welder, which can be cost-prohibitive for smaller companies. The weld is no longer a point of failure because both sides of the flag welding to the panel make the strength of the fabric its only limitation.

Double Coated Keder Diagram
Diagram of double coated keder
Keder flags | Description of double flag keder
Keder flags | Description of double flag keder

Weave Styles
The weave style refers to the way the Keder Fabric is woven.  There are two common weaves: plain weave and the panama style weave.

Plain Weave

Plain weave is the most basic form of weaving. Each weft yarn crosses the fill yarns up and under. The next weft yarn goes over the fill yarn that the previous weft yarn went under and so on. 

Panama Weave

Panama weave is a variation, whereby 2 yarns next to each other go up and under, as well in the weft as the fill direction. The Panama weave allows a greater strength of the fabric with the same yarn size storing more yarn per each inch woven

P-style and Plain weave keder

Thread Weight

There are different strengths when it comes to the thread, or yarn, that makes up the fabric.  Fabric strength is measured using either Denier or the Dtex scale.  Keder with thicker yarn tends to be stronger, more durable, and slide better, however, it also usually costs more. Lightweight Manufacturing offers three different thread weights: 2000 Denier, 1500 Denier, and 1000 Denier. 

How do I know what size I need to order for my project?

Keder extrusions (also known as keder rails) are aluminum extrusions designed to allow rope edges to slide into them, securing fabric panels in a way that is safe and efficient. Allowing the integration of fabric panels into almost any frame with minimal alterations. The rails can offer solutions for awning and shade, tenting and structures, curtains, as well as banners and billboards.

Placing your order with our team of experts noting that you would like keder rails with your order and Lightweight will include the cost in your quote.

Lightweight is proudly partnered with ESTA an organization that envisions a safer, stronger entertainment industry through connection, education, and empowerment. Where there is architectural and engineering business production, ESTA is behind it.