Introduction
As technology advances and farming practices evolve, the tools and materials used in agricultural ventures have also revolutionized.
One of these advancements is in shading solutions for greenhouses, particularly regarding Aluminet Shade Cloth versus shade cloths（black shade clothes and white shade cloth made with HDPE）.
In this article, we delve deep into the characteristics, advantages, and differences between these options.
Aluminet Shade Cloth
2 Kinds of Aluminet Shade Cloth
The main difference between these two kinds of aluminum shade nets is that they are made using two different methods. Different methods result in various structures and functions.
- The traditional aluminum shade cloth is designed using knitted methods, similar to the regular HDPE shade cloth.
- The 2nd generation, typically referred to as Aluminet Shade Cloth, is innovatively produced by attaching aluminum strips to polyester threads or high-density polyethylene materials.
What are the Pros and Cons of the Two Aluminet Types?
The traditional Aluminet net is made using a knitted technique, resulting in its uniform structure.
The 2nd Aluminet shade cloth is designed explicitly for an extensive array of commercial greenhouse interior and exterior shading and insulation requirements; it offers unparalleled flexibility in greenhouse climate control.
Structures can either be opened or closed based on ventilation needs.
It offers customized reflectivity and shading rates and can also be paired with other functional films like diffusing films and blackout films to formulate multifunctional greenhouse covers.
| Traditional Aluminet | 2nd Generation Aluminet | |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturing Method | Knitted | Attaching aluminum strips to polyester or HDPE threads |
| Smooth | No | Yes |
| Precise Shade Rate | No | Yes |
| Open Structure with High Air Permeability | No | Yes |
| Add Light Diffusion Film | No | Yes |
What is Aluminet shade cloth used for?
The aluminum foil-based netting, the Aluminet Shade Cloth, offers impressive shading capabilities, reaching as high as 99%. This material is widely utilized in various applications, from greenhouses to animal shelters.
Aluminet is renowned for its superior quality and unmatched efficiency in controlling greenhouse climates.
So far, it's predominantly used to cultivate high-value economic crops such as ornamental flowers like orchids, gerberas, anthuriums, and various herbaceous plants essential in spice cultivation.
How long does Aluminet net last?
The fabric density of Aluminet shade cloths is gauged by their ability to block UV rays, with a typical lifespan of around 4 years.
The life span of Aluminet can also vary due to certain factors, such as indoor and outdoor use or the difference in the material.
Indoors, when used as an internal shade in greenhouses, the Aluminet Shade Cloth proudly has a lifespan of nearly 5 years.
For outdoor applications, its durability mainly hinges on the composite film and adhesive's quality.
EyouAgro Top-grade variants can last up to 3 years, maintaining their integrity even under harsh outdoor conditions. The aluminum film ages only slightly, while the PE thread stays strong.
In stark contrast, lower-quality options break down after just 1 to 1.5 years.
The difference?
Many manufacturers use cheap adhesives that quickly give way under the sun’s relentless rays, causing the aluminum and PET layers to peel and degrade.
Why settle for short-term solutions when superior durability is within your reach?
What shading percentage does Aluminet offer?
Aluminet shade cloth, known for its unique construction, achieves its shading capabilities through the meticulous integration of aluminum foil strips.
The density of these foil strips dictates the overall shading percentage.
Commonly available options in the market include 40% and 70% shading rates.
However, the versatility of Aluminet doesn't end there.
Recognizing that different settings and plants may have varying light requirements, manufacturers can tailor-make Aluminet cloths to align with specific shading percentages.
This customization ensures that customers get a product finely tuned to their unique agricultural or architectural demands, making Aluminet a favored choice among many who seek precise light control solutions.
Is Aluminet shade cloth fire-resistant?
Standard Aluminet shade cloths are typically not designed to be fire-resistant.
However, specially crafted versions of Aluminet infused with flame retardants are available for those seeking added safety, especially in high-end greenhouses.
This incorporation ensures that the cloth resists ignition and provides an additional layer of safety.
However, a word of caution: introducing flame-retardant materials might potentially reduce the longevity of the Aluminet cloth.
As with any modification, there's often a trade-off.
Customers should carefully consider the benefits of enhanced fire resistance against the potential for a shortened product lifespan.
As always, understanding one's specific needs and consulting with manufacturers can help make an informed decision.
Is Aluminet shade cloth made from biodegradable materials?
Biodegradable materials have found widespread use in agriculture, especially for single-use items, given their environmental benefits.
However, Aluminet shade cloth is not designed as a disposable product.
Given its higher price point, users typically expect to use it multiple times over an extended period.
Consequently, biodegradable materials are not employed in its manufacturing.
The objective is to ensure that Aluminet provides users with several years of reliable service, maximizing its cost-effectiveness.
Opting for longer-lasting materials aligns with the user's expectation of durability and repeated usage, making it a sustainable choice for longevity rather than biodegradability.
Knitted vs. Woven Shade Cloth
Both knitted and woven shade cloths provide sun protection.
While they might be crafted from identical materials, their manufacturing processes differ.
Knitted shade cloth is produced using a Raschel knitting mechanism, whereas woven shade cloth is woven on a loom.
The woven variant is more synthetic, characterized by a precise grid pattern formed by intersecting lines. When comparing the two types at the same shading percentage, woven shade cloth is approximately 30% lighter, making it more cost-effective.
However, its plain weave structure makes it susceptible to damage; if punctured, it's prone to tearing and unraveling.
On the other hand, knitted shade cloth offers a more consistent design and boasts superior longevity.
It resembles fabric in its look and texture, with threads interlacing in multiple directions.
A significant advantage of the knitted type is its resilience; even if cut or punctured, it remains intact without unraveling.
In terms of durability, woven shade cloth typically lasts around 3 years, while knitted variants can endure for about 5 years.
| Features | Knitted Shade Cloth | Woven Shade Cloth |
|---|---|---|
| Mode of Production | Using a Knitting Mechanism | Crafted on a Loom |
| Weight | Heavier | Lighter |
| Cheaper | No | Yes |
| Easy to be Damaged | No | Yes |
| Longevity | Yes | No |
| Life Span | 5 Years | 3 Years |
Black Shade Cloth vs. White Shade Cloth?
Black and white shade cloths, the traditional options in the shading world, have their unique advantages and applications.
While black shade cloth is excellent at providing shade, white shade cloth offers a moderate shading level coupled with reflective properties.
Furthermore, white shade cloth is perceived as more aesthetically pleasing, making it a popular choice for household gardens. This cloth doesn't impede light absorption as much, making it particularly suitable for plants with high light requirements.
In contrast, black shade cloth lacks reflective qualities. Its dark hue inherently absorbs heat, leading to greater heat accumulation within the cloth itself.
However, the color black intrinsically offers anti-aging properties, rendering this type of cloth more durable in outdoor settings.
Black shade cloth can be the preferred choice for plants that are sensitive to intense sunlight or require more shaded environments.
Although these two shade cloth have some distinct features, their prices do not differ significantly.
| Black shade cloth | White Shade Cloth | |
|---|---|---|
| Main Material | HDPE | HDPE |
| UV stabilizer | Yes | Yes |
| Color | Black | White |
| Sun Shading | Yes | Yes |
| UV Reflection | Yes | Yes |
| Life Span | 5-10 Years | 5-8 Years |
| Ideal for | Farm | Garden, Yard |
Aluminet vs. Black Shade Cloth
Aluminet is celebrated for its potent UV reflection and impressive insulation capabilities, with these properties being especially pronounced during nighttime.
On the flip side, while black shade cloth excels in providing shade, it inherently absorbs heat due to its material makeup.
In stark contrast, Aluminet's composition ensures it doesn't absorb heat.
Moreover, when considering shading efficacy, Aluminet outperforms.
In practical applications, Aluminet can potentially reduce the temperature inside a greenhouse by approximately 8-10 degrees.
Nevertheless, the affordability of black shade cloths makes them a viable option based on specific demands.
| Aluminet Shade Cloth | Black Shade Cloth | |
|---|---|---|
| Sun Shading | Yes | Yes |
| UV Reflection | Yes | No |
| Insulation During Night | Yes | No |
| Light Diffusion | Yes | No |
| Open Structure of Mesh | Yes | No |
| Ideal for | High-value Crops, Flowers, and Herbs in Greenhouses | Normal Vegetables |
| Life Span | 3-5 Years | 5-10 Years |
Aluminet vs. White Shade Cloth
Aluminet can also be integrated with diffusing films to produce multifunctional curtains with its potent UV reflection and insulation features.
On the other hand, white shade cloths proffer moderate shading and some reflection at a more economical price.
The ultimate decision should prioritize the crops' value and cultivation needs.
| Aluminet Shade Cloth | White Shade Cloth | |
|---|---|---|
| Sun Shading | Yes | Yes |
| UV Reflection | Yes | Yes |
| Insulation During Night | Yes | No |
| Light Diffusion | Yes | Yes |
| Open Structure of Mesh | Yes | No |
| Ideal for | High-value Crops， Flowers, and Herbs in Greenhouses | Normal Vegetables |
| Life Span | 3-5 Years | 5-8 Years |
Internal Aluminet vs. External Aluminet Shade cloth?
Internal shading nets, generally found inside glass greenhouses, are characteristically soft and easy to store due to the polyester threads employed in their creation.
In contrast, external shading nets on greenhouses' exterior utilize HDPE threads.
This ensures longevity, as polyester threads might degrade and break under outdoor conditions.
Yet, regardless of the threading difference, both classifications employ the same aluminum foil material.
| Internal Aluminet | External Aluminet | |
|---|---|---|
| Material of Supporting Yarn | Polyester | HDPE |
| Main Material | Aluminum foil | Aluminum foil |
| Soft | Yes | No |
| Life Span | 3-5 Years under greenhouse | 3 Years outdoor |
Price: Aluminet shade net vs. Black &White shade cloth?
Due to the specific materials used, the price of Aluminet is notably higher, approximately 3-4 times that of traditional black or white shade cloths.
However, despite its steeper cost, Aluminet delivers superior performance to black or white shade cloth.
This efficiency can result in higher economic value over time.
As a result, Aluminet is widely favored in greenhouses cultivating plants of high economic significance.
Conclusion
In the ever-evolving world of agriculture, making informed decisions about the tools and materials used can drastically impact outcomes.
Whether it's Aluminet Shade Cloth or the traditional black and white shade cloths, the choice ultimately boils down to specific requirements, budget constraints, and the intended crops' value.
As with many things in agriculture, understanding the nuances of these materials will guide you to the most effective solution for your needs.
Aluminet or Shade Cloth – Which One Is Right for You?
Choosing between Aluminet and traditional shade cloth depends on your unique growing environment. At EyouAgro, we offer both high-quality options to ensure your crops get the best protection and cooling possible.
Still not sure which one to choose?
Contact us today for expert guidance and let us help you find the perfect solution for your farm.
