GatorStitch^™ is a revolutionary product combining the advantages of aluminum-based staple-in framing systems and the features of steel-based framing materials.

The GatorStitch^™ tube begins with standard 18-gauge Gatorshield^® steel, which, through a unique manufacturing process, is formed into Steel Stitch's distinctive modified octagon shaped tube. During the forming process, an aluminum stapling web is simultaneously encased within the outer walls of the steel tube. A triple-layered protective barrier keeps the two somewhat dissimilar metals from adversely reacting with each other. (See Figure 1 below)

Figure 1

Aluminum is the material of choice for the stapling platform because it is ideally suited as a staple receptor. Given the proper alloy and temper, aluminum is soft enough to allow stapling with common pneumatically actuated staplers, yet offers sufficient tensile strength and elasticity to provide superior pullout resistance. Over thirty years of successful field application validates the use of aluminum as the optimal stapling platform.

GatorStitch^™ steel staple-in tubing can be utilized with the same design and fabrication techniques as all-aluminum framing systems. It can be bent, cut, and welded into virtually any shape wire frame structure and then covered with the full range of awning and flexible face fabrics.

Why would an awning or canopy fabricator choose to use a GatorStitch^™-based steel tube awning frame over an all-aluminum one? Consider these following reasons -

1. Strength - Real and Percieved. As a raw alloy, steel is stronger than aluminum.
2. Cost - Estimated cost of materials savings range from 5% - 35%.
3. Because it is specified.
4. Shop is already equipped for working with steel tubing.
5. Easier to paint.
6. Recovers of existing steel-framed awnings or canopies.
7. Can more readily install on existing structural steel sub-structures.