curtain

In manufacturing, a curtain is a suspended fabric panel used to divide spaces, contain hazards, or protect workers from heat, light, or airborne material. Unlike the theatrical curtain, industrial curtains are engineered for specific protective duties: welding curtains shield bystanders from arc flash and ultraviolet radiation, while strip curtains made of flexible PVC or vinyl separate temperature zones or control dust and fume drift in open-plan facilities.

Welding curtains are typically canvas or fiberglass cloth treated with flame-resistant coatings, meeting ANSI Z49.1 standards. They are mounted on movable frames or rigged to overhead rails and hung to create temporary enclosures around welding stations. Strip curtains consist of overlapping vertical strips (usually 200 to 300 millimeters wide) that hang from a rail; workers and equipment push through them easily while still containing temperature differential and particulate. Both types allow visibility and air circulation while blocking radiant heat or drafts.

Installation and maintenance concerns

Curtains must be hung with sufficient clearance from moving machinery and positioned so they do not interfere with emergency exits or sightlines for overhead crane operations. Sagging or misaligned curtain sections reduce effectiveness; regular inspection for tears, staining, or loss of flame-resistance is essential. Canvas curtains absorb oil and dust and may require cleaning or replacement annually depending on shop environment. PVC strip curtains can degrade under UV exposure or extreme temperature cycling.

The term reflects the theatrical origin but the industrial application is purely functional: a barrier that is semi-permanent, reusable, and transparent or translucent enough to allow work to proceed safely on both sides. In modern lean manufacturing, curtains are preferred over permanent walls because they can be repositioned as production layouts change and they permit natural light and air movement in otherwise enclosed areas.