This custom curtain builder is presented to guide you, our customer, through some of the steps in designing and constructing a laser safety or blackout curtain. You will create a set of input information that our product team will use to develop a quotation for your consideration. You may write in any special requirements in the “Other Instructions” box at the bottom of the selections list. For special shapes, mixed heights, or other challenges presented by the layout of your laser room, it might be best to call us directly.
Instructions PDF (download)
Barrier Materials
We will contact you to review your laser parameters and confirm your choice of barrier materials. Detailed information about our material options is found nearby on this web site.
Construction Options
Direct Ceiling Mount: The most common construction method is to attach the curtain track directly to a ceiling or to suspend the track using overhead support beams, for example with threaded rods. Either method results in the top surface of the track resting against the exposed finished ceilings in the laser room.
Below Ceiling Mount: When a room has very high ceilings, sometimes the curtain track is suspended to a lower level using threaded rods or possibly a superstructure of box beams or similar. The end result is some open area above the curtain system.
Floor Mount: We have stock systems comprised of upright columns and heavy support bases for constructing curtain systems that do not contact the ceiling or other overhead structures. Special hardware ensures that the curtains have enough clearances to move along the tracks.
Between Walls or Posts: Straight curtain systems are commonly built this way. For example, a short straight curtain may be supported by two walls positioned at an angle just inside a door near the corner of the laser room.
Dimension Explanations
Straight Run: Enter Ceiling Height and Length A information. Straight runs are normally used to separate two optical tables, to create a pedestrian corridor, or to block an entrance door.
“L” Shape: Enter Ceiling Height, Length A, and Length B information. L-Shaped curtains can be used to enclose the corner of a room or to block an entrance door.
“U” Shape: Enter Ceiling Height, Length A and Length B information. U-Shaped curtains are most frequently used to create a laser safe island in the middle of a work space.
Ceiling Height: Enter a value for the distance from the floor to the point where you wish to place the upper surface of the track that will support the curtain. Please indicate your units of measure (feet and inches or meters and centimeters).
Length A: Please indicate your units of measure (feet and inches or meters and centimeters). Use actual linear distances. We will adjust as necessary to accommodate track curvature and allowances for fullness or draping. Use actual linear distances.
Length B: Please indicate your units of measure (feet and inches or meters and centimeters). Use actual linear distances. We will adjust as necessary to accommodate track curvature and allowances for fullness or draping. This dimension is not used for Straight systems.
Position at Floor
Our standard allows normally for curtains to fall to within 0.25 inches of the floor to allow for smooth operation and air flow. We will construct curtains to drag on the floor and will incorporate metal chain into the bottom hem for weight if required.
Valance as Option
A 12-inch tall valance is offered as an option. Valances attach to the track using Velcro® products. Two-sided valances are preferred for blackout applications. Note that our laser safety curtains are built with minimal clearance between top of the curtain and the lower surface of the track.
Curtain Breaks
Curtain breaks, or entry points, are important to the overall usefulness of your curtain system. Kentek’s standard, applied whenever possible, is a double by-pass roller trolley to create up to 18 inches of fabric overlap at an entryway. If you prefer, we can incorporate zippers or Velcro® as closures for entry points.
Interlock as Option
An interlock set can be integrated into curtain panels as an option. These switches enhance room safety by detecting open room or area access points using a non-contact, magnetic reed proximity switch. Unsightly wires are hidden in curtain hems and seams.
Other Instructions
Provide additional information that may be useful in generating a quotation. Describe if possible where the curtain attaches to walls or other surfaces and tell us if those attachment points should be fixed or if one or both should be constructed to allow for entry into the safety zone.