Novum Membranes is committed to further investment in quality production equipment, material handling systems and new green technologies in order to continuously improvequality, efficiency and sustainability.

 Novum Membranes fabricates membranes for a variety of architectural applications specialising in the use of ETFE, PTFE and PVC materials. The company rapidly built a solidreputation for performance and value because of a dedicated expert staff providing service, reliability, innovation and adherence to the highest quality standards. An in-house engineering team, corporate re-investment, self-built state-of-the-art machinery and an optimised facility enable Novum Membranes to be one of the market leaders in the sector.

State-of-the-art facility
Top quality membrane products are manufactured in Novum’s high-efficiency German plant and are sold worldwide to speciality contractors. Full contracting services can be provided from within the Novum group.

ETFE – Ethylene tetrafluoroethylene
ETFE foil is a fluorocarbon-based polymer, which is a type of plastic. The benefits of ETFE make the foil increasingly popular as a construction material. Foil thickness ranges from 50 to 300 µm, depending on structural need. ETFE is recyclable, ultra-lightweight, has a full range of translucency, can be screen printed and has a self cleaning, non-stick surface. Additionally, ETFE exhibits a high-energy radiation resistance, yet allows UV-transmittance, making it suitable for swimming facilities and interior green spaces. ETFE withstands high temperatures for extended periods of time and is flame resistant. As ETFE has good impingement resistance; it is suitable for roofs and facades. In explosive blasts, the material evaporates and does not melt, making it more suitable overhead than glass in security applications such as transit terminals. ETFE is more durable than PVC, lasting 25 to 35 years.

PTFE – Polytetrafluoroethylene
PTFE is a synthetic fluoropolymer, well-known as a cookware coating for its non-stick properties, and its resistance to chemicals, water and high temperatures. Similarly, PTFEcoatings are used as a protective layer for structural fibreglass membranes, providing them protection from extreme weather conditions, UV-light, moisture and dirt. The reflectiveproperties of PTFE resist solar deterioration of the material and provide uniform light dispersion. With a life expectancy of over 30 years, PTFE coated fibreglass materials are widely used for large roofing applications. In addition PTFE is non-combustible and resists abrasion.

PVC – Polyvinyl chloride
The construction industry uses over half the PVC manufactured as it is inexpensive, durable and easy to work with. PVC membranes are thermoplastic polymers and while the surface is non-stick, it is less so than ETFE or PTFE. Architecturally popular for canopies, awnings and roof shelters, PVC can last from 15 to 25 years, depending on the application and climate. A highly flexible and translucent material, with a wide variety of colour and printing options, PVC works especially well for trade fairs and interior applications. PVC membranes come in different grades and are resistant to fires and tears.

Material properties
The varied material characteristics, properties and costs of ETFE, PTFE and PVC membranes provide a range of functional performance which can be advantageous compared to other materials.

Membrane systems
Novum operates two membranes systems which are as follows:
The Air Filled Pillow (AFP) system features individual pillows made of ETFE material which provides for economical, very light, large panels and the unique ability to readily
clad irregular none planar freeform surfaces. Every pillow has a fully integrated aluminium perimeter clamping mechanism creating a highly efficient and weather resistant system.

The Solid Supported Membrane (SSM) system features a single layer of translucent ETFE welded membrane which is discreetly supported and post tensioned by a lightweight grid of thin stainless or galvanised steel cables. Full screens can be completely customised for any concepts or logo.

Applications
• Long span lightweight roofs
• Canopies, awnings, facades
• Swimming halls, enclosed green spaces
• Monumental special effects lighting.