IFAI is offering one-day workshops that include educational sessions on shade products, industrial sewing, and welding and cutting equipment. These events are an opportunity to meet with suppliers and build fabrication knowledge with tips to keep production and manufacturing processes efficient and profitable. The Midwest Region Workshop will be held March 15, 2019, in Des [...]

This MFA Outstanding Achievement Award-winner has “Chestnut” Silvertex™ Vinyl enhanced by the double-stitching accent stitched on a single needle machine. Unique patterning and stitching were required for the seat sides and face, as the frame components are a continuous unit of three sections assembled into one continuous unit. When you plan your projects, [...]

The Marine Fabricators Association (MFA) provides resources and programs for marine fabricators and establishes standards of excellence for business practices, products and craftsmanship. The MFA is a division of the Industrial Fabrics Association International (IFAI). Join the only trade association today that represents the entire specialty fabrics and advanced textiles industry in the world. To [...]

Sponsored by the Marine Fabricators Association (MFA), the Fabrication Excellence Awards contest is designed to recognize excellence in marine fabrication. The entries are displayed throughout the MFA’s Marine Fabricators Conference and are judged by a panel of certified marine professionals. Awards of Excellence and Outstanding Achievement Awards are given in each category. The MFA recognizes [...]

David Elliott, David’s Custom Trimmers, Wakerley, Australia, was presented with the exterior canvas Award of Distinction for his project, “Dual Purpose Yacht Cover.” Llebroc Industries, Fort Worth, Texas, received the exterior upholstery Award of Distinction for its project, “SX Helm Chair with Tidal Wave™ Technology.” The Award of Distinction is given to the projects judged [...]

The Prohibition Era theme was well recieved by MFA attendees who embrased 1920s costumes. The 2019 MFA conference included 16 Australian guests who presented educational sessions on a variety of upholstery and patterning techniques. Aaron and Kym Stroud-Smith, Canvasbarn Marine Trimming, Swan Reach, discussed dodger fabrication from an Australian perspective and gave the [...]

Picture this: It’s bedtime and children peer into the dark asking the perennial question: Is the boogeyman here? And if so, what are they going to do about it? The boogeyman comes from the 15th-century Middle English word “bogeyman,” which means “frightening specter.” Legend has this ubiquitous creature prowling around at night, snatching up misbehaving [...]

The educational session on upholstery techniques presented by Linda Beach and Deborah Hamilton, Beach Upholstery LLC, was well attended. The 2019 Marine Fabricators Conference onboard the historic Queen Mary in Long Beach, Calif., Jan. 10-12, was a huge hit with the second-largest crowd in conference history. With nearly a hundred first-time attendees and [...]

Fabricators who do repairs may need to be adept at using a variety of tools. A heat gun, like this one from Steinel America Inc., can come in handy when the repairs involve weldable material. Photo: Steinel. Let’s go out on a limb here and make this proclamation: Repair jobs are not the [...]

These latest products are changing the marine fabricator industry. Want to see your products here? Email: erbernick@ifai.com. Venmark InternationalKeeping your products in front of the World Self-piercing grommets ClipsShop® Self-Piercing Grommet Sets are made from solid brass and feature gripping teeth on the washers that provide extra holding power for a wide range [...]