The process of making
an umbrella is not as complicated as you might have assumed it to be. If you
are interested in knowing how an umbrella is made, this is an enlightening
guide for you to understand the process. This article looks into the different
parts of an umbrella, the function of each, and how they come together in the
manufacturing process.
The Making of the Shaft
The manufacturing
process of an umbrella starts with the shaft, which is the pole that connects
other parts of the umbrella. The pole is usually at the center of the umbrella
to give it length and core. Wood from ash trees is the traditional material
used in creating shafts. However, several other materials have been introduced
to the umbrella-making process. Aluminum, fiberglass, and steel are the most
common material choices nowadays among the host of materials available for
manufacturers to use. While aluminum shafts are more common because of their
affordability, steel is sturdier but also heavier and fiberglass happens to be
light.
Fixing Springs
After deciding on the
material to use for the shaft, the shaft needs to be cut to accommodate the
springs—the bits of metal that allow you to open or close the umbrella. The
springs are fixed into two slots cut in the shaft with one at the button and
the other at the top. To prevent the umbrella from breaking due to too much
opening, the stop pin has to be slightly above the upper spring.
The Runner
Whether plastic or
metal, this part of the umbrella is the one that slides the umbrella open and
close. During the manufacturing of an umbrella, the runner is fixed onto the
shaft for easy opening and closing of the umbrella.
The Ribs
After the runner has
been fixed, the next step in the manufacturing process is to fix the ribs.
These are umbrella parts that actually form a part of the frame as they stretch
the canopy to form an arch when the umbrella is opened. The ribs are fixed into
a ring at the top of the shaft and firmly secured with a wire.
The Stretchers
Asides from the ribs,
stretchers are the other part of the umbrella that forms its shape. They
function as the connection between the ribs and the runner of an umbrella. A
Stretcher can be made of metal, fiberglass, or fabric. Once the stretchers have
been fixed, the frame of the umbrella is completed and needs a canopy.
The Canopy
The canopy of an
umbrella is the fabric used to cover up the frame, to protect you from rain or
sun. The canopy makes the umbrella itself what it is today and without it, the
umbrella can’t perform its functions. Polyesters are the most commonly used to
make the canopy resist the weather. The fabric has to be cut into triangular
panels which are also known as gore. The gore will be sewn together and
assembled to create a vibrant canopy to cover the frame of the umbrella.
Attach the Handle
The handles allow the
umbrella to be held and needs to be attached. It can be made with plastic,
rubber, or wood and can be made straight or hooked. After attaching the handle
of the umbrella, now’s the time to attach a decorative ring to the top-notch of
the umbrella and ferrule above the shaft.
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