Integral
Conservatory Blinds from Screenline
Screenline U.K. Ltd. has launched a new integral blind system specifically
designed for the Domestic sector and more particularly for use in Conservatories.
The simple to manufacture and easy to operate system uses a rotational
magnetic principle to allow the blind to be raised or lowered, without
compromising the hermetic seal.
Once sealed within the cavity, the blinds have a number of advantages
over conventional blinds - maintenance free and never need cleaning. Further
benefits such as improved U-value and the use of white and light colours
for the blind materials whilst retaining a pristine appearance.
The integral blinds are available as either a venetian slatted system
or as a pleated fabric in a choice of white, cream or silver colour and
use a 4mm / 20mm cavity / 4mm as the basic unit fabrication.
Screenline have supplied commercial integral blinds to most of the major
glass processors throughout Europe such as Pilkington, St Gobain etc.,
for many years and are probably the largest manufacturer of such systems.
For further information please contact Ed. Hatton 01744 893966
Piper
Launches 'Armourdoor' Composite Doors
Recently Piper made the decision to use its expertise in the manufacturing
industry to produce its own range of fully composite doors. After many
months of research, the specialised equipment had been sourced and purchased
and a new division of Piper Windows evolved.
Production
is due to commence in April in the new factory unit in Ramsgate. Piper
intends to employ its ideology of continuous development to this project
and ensure that by applying current technological advances it supplies
a product at the highest quality available.
Piper proposes to overcome the inherent maintenance problems associated
with timber doors by manufacturing doors using a self coloured material:
glass fibre, which is not easily affected by the weather. To gain structural
integrity the doors are filled with CFC-free low-density rigid polyurethane
foam.
The
glass fibre foam filled composite door is supplied pre-hung and is ideal
for social housing landlords. The door offers high insulation and acoustic
performance, and its traditional wood appearance will not warp, swell,
crack, dent or splinter.
The assembly sequence involves applying glass fibre skins onto a laminated
timber sub-frame and then filling the interior void with polyurethane
foam. The foam is injected into the core of the door leaf from a low pressure-dispensing
unit via an application lance.
The lance is inserted into a hole at the bottom of the subframe, the void
is filled with liquid foam and the door is then held in a hydraulic press
during the curing period.
The door leaf is then trimmed to size, and edge sealed with an aluminium
strip making the leaf more durable, unlike some other manufacturers who
simply apply a glass fibre resin to the edge of the leaf which can eventually
crack and let in water. The door is then glazed and hung into a PVC frame.
A variety of locking mechanisms and ironmongery are available subject
to client’s requirements.
Piper
created a dedicated production suite by utilising a substantial area of
existing floor space. Due to the nature of the materials involved in the
manufacturing process, and the need to maintain a constant ambient temperature,
the production area had to be partitioned off from the rest of the complex.
To replace the space used for the new production suite, an extensive mezzanine
floor has been installed to increase the current stores facility.
A new power distribution network was installed in the manufacturing area
to provide energy for the foaming machine, horizontal door presses, dimensioning
equipment, finishing benches and stores area. Pneumatic airlines were
also installed for the air powered tooling used in the manufacturing process.
Currently Piper buys up to a thousand composite doors per annum for use
in its commercial operation. More than ninety percent of sales are to
housing associations, local authorities and other social housing landlords.
The market has seen steady growth for the last five or six years and it
is envisaged that sales of between three and three thousand five hundred
per year will be achievable within a three-year period.
Tel: 01843 850500
Email: piper@piperwindows.co.uk
Web: www.piperwindows.com
The
Renovator Glass Restoration Service
Renovator claims to be the first glass polishing system in the world to
remove scratches from all types of glass with no distortion, says importer
Glas-Weld UK.
Since its introduction into the UK for trials in 1999 Renovator has been
used successfully in a wide range of applications to damaged added value
glass, where the restoration without any optical distortion was critical.
Probably the most high tech application was taking scratches out of wide
screen TV's and computer monitors in the distribution depots of companies
such as Currys. Other commercial applications have included the restoration
on site of Fire Resistant Curtain Walling for Structura, and revolving
glass doors at the Sony Building in London.
Now
you see it, then you don't: scratch removal without distortion from Glas-Weld
Substantial work was undertaken during the construction of the Bluewater
shopping centre, Dartford, and there have been numerous requests to remove
offensive graffiti from shop fronts and restaurants with various clients
including the Kudos group.
On the glass processing side, companies such as Solaglas, Rankins, Peter
Dabners and Glass Express have used the system on architectural, etched
and other added value products such as glass tables and show cases.
Glass
distribution companies such as Autoglass, Laddaws and Pugh use the system
to restore windscreens damaged in transit and for removing wiper scratches.On
the manufacturing side, it has proved invaluable to some processors in
the removal of soft coatings. Several clients have used the Renovator
when refurbishing buildings, to remove deposits on glass caused by rain
on aluminium window frames, for example. Added to this there have been
a large number of one off jobs, such as
polishing screens on the bridges of patrol boats for the Port of London
Authority.
Renovator
has removed scratches on mirrors in the lifts of embassies, and also in
conservatories - often the stumbling block to getting the cheque when
the job is completed!
Most people in the glass trade do not believe it possible to remove scratches
without any distortion and are not even convinced when they read the results
of tests carried out by BSI and SGS (copies enclosed). But seeing is believing.
The best proof of all is being paid by a delighted client for a restored
piece of glass that previously would have had to be scrapped, avoiding
often lengthy delays for replacement, and saving them considerable extra
expense and inconvenience.
Glas.Weld
employ the services of more than 100 mobile technicians with national
coverage of the UK, including Northern Ireland. The company has traded
in the UK for 13 years and is one of more than 40 such companies worldwide
of Glas.Weld Systems Inc, based in Bend, Oregon, USA.
Glas.Weld Systems (UK) Ltd
Carlotta house, 196/197 Parrock Street
Gravesend, Kent
DA12 1EW
Tel: 01474 564783
Fax: 01474 564804
e-mail: glasscare@lineone.net
Secondary Windows For Historic Buildings
Storm Windows Ltd, recently formed in the UK, offer a form of secondary glazing which they claim is designed to provide a very good thermal and complete draught-proof barrier in historic buildings.
This
secondary glazing provides an unobtrusive inner barrier incorporating a
system of sealing the frames and yet enabling them to be removed for cleaning
or storing during hot weather.The company claims that distortion of windows due to age presents no problems: 'All windows are individually made to accommodate obtuse measurements or out of square distortions. In other words, custom-made for each window.'
When fitted the windows are magnetically sealed down the sides. When custom-made, virtually any shape or colour of frame is possible. Storm Windows can make windows bowed, arched, circular or in irregular shapes.
Sash window renovation, especially in listed buildings, can be costly. Storm Windows claim that a complete draughtproof and heat conservation window is possible at around half the cost of replacement and refurbishment of sash windows as long as the historic window is in reasonable condition.
Storm
Windows also supply many types of specialist glazing to supplement the benefits
of their product. These include energy efficient glass, security glass and
UV protection glass.Contact: Storm Windows Ltd
Tel: 0113 275 1444
Fax: 0113 275 1666
Web: www.stormwindows.co.uk
The
Ebor Lasertec: New Technology for Accurate Measuring
Ebor Equipment Ltd, a leading supplier to the flat glass and natural stone
industries, has launched a new judgement and measurement device - the
Ebor Lasertec.
This hi-tech device will incorporate a backlit LCD reading providing accurate
measurements of:
- Glass thickness - single glass & both glass sheets in a double glazed
unit
- Cavity width
- A coating recognition and indication of position within a double glazed
unit
- A simple visual recognition of temping
Using
a Class III laser beam, the Lasertec provides a highly visible reading
on an LCD screen. An additional light source provides the visual recognition
of tempered glass.
With the implementation of Document L, coating recognition and detection
will become increasingly important. If you have this facility combined
with a double glazed unit measurement accuracy of 0.1mm, the new Ebor
Lasertec is a great tool for all those who wish to be fully prepared.
Stephen Jones, Sales Manager to the Accessory Division, comments, ‘The
demand for the Ebor Lasertec has been very positive, customers are identifying
the quality and technology behind the device’.
Ebor Equipment Ltd is a leading supplier in the glass and stone industries,
providing a comprehensive range of processing equipment, tools, accessories
and a support service. Founded in 1981, Ebor has grown in both size and
range of products and services available to customers, through establishing
close relationships with the best glass machinery and tool manufacturers
in the world. Working to international ISO 192 (BS5750) standards, Ebor
continues to set the standard of excellence in products, personnel and
customer service.
Tel: +44 (0) 1706 869691
Fax: +44 (0) 1706 869860
http://www.ebor.co.uk
NEW
SHEERFRAME PATIO
UK systems company L.B. Plastics has launched its all new patio door system,
available in bar length and kit form it exceeds all Part L requirements.
Available in two, three and four leaf versions up to 5.5 metres wide and
2.45 metres in height, the Sheerframe patio features high performance
multi chamber frames and co-extruded glazing gaskets which give exceptionally
high long term weather performance of up to 1000 pascals on air and water
ingress. Low level seals enhance the appearance of the patio, maximising
the glass to frame ratio.
The
new patio doors range, with low-emissivity safety glass, meets all the
requirements of the Building Regulations and comfortably achieves the
new Wm2/K performance requirements set under Part L of the regulations.
At 1.77Wm2/K its performance is substantially better than that achieved
by any aluminium patio.
Strength is provided by steel reinforcing in both the outer frame and
the inner leaf, using specially designed heavy duty steel jointing mullions
in the middle to ensure minimum deflection even in strong gales. A smooth
opening action is provided by the stainless steel wheels which glide along
the stainless track.
The Sheerframe patio door offers exceptional security too. It features
a four-hook two directional locking system which prevents unhooking of
the sash by levering. The new security lock comes with an elegant one-piece
keep and a six pin anti pick, anti drill gold finish cylinder.
Aesthetically the door has a number of attractive features including ovolo
glazing beads on the interior of the patio which blend in with any internal
sculptured skirting or architraves. Complementing the gold serrated threshold
are solid cast handles available in either gold or white.
According to Sheerframe product director David Strang, the patio system
sets a new standard in both performance and in style. 'The new patio is
the result of a major investment in product development and design. The
result provides a new lease of life for the patio, across all market sectors.'
Finishes match the range of Sheerframe window suites and can be linked
directly to either the 60mm or the 70mm Sheerframe systems. It is ideal
for use in conservatories or porches.
When products are branded 'Gold' and 'Platinum' you would expect something out of the ordinary. When those products are from Hallmark Panels, residential door installers know that they're on to something special.
Hallmark has added two new designs to its extensive range of door panels
but Hallmark Gold Pane and Platinum Pane are unusual in consisting of
triple glazed doors containing sculptured, decorative glass in various
patterns. In addition to the added insulation and weather performance,
the triple glazing protects the gold and platinum lead outlining the designs.
Hallmark Gold and Platinum Pane offers installers an edge through a clearly
superior product that is aimed at more discerning homeowners. John Rolland,
sales and marketing director for Hallmark believes this follows the market
trend: 'There is a clear indication that homeowners are looking for superior
quality in appearance and performance. These products certainly satisfy
both criteria, in appearance. Nonetheless they are both surprisingly competitive
in price.'
With panels available in woodgrain or white, all designs may be seen in
Hallmark's latest catalogue. Call Hallmark on 01482 781111 for details
of the full product range
Adrift
In A No-Growth Market...?
The consensus message from every window industry guru is that the market
is mature. Your own common-sense reinforces the message. As you drive
along you can see most of Britain's 23 million homes have replacement
windows and doors. Not all of them - and not whole houses but there are
many, many more new windows than a few years ago.
Of course, there are complementary products in growth areas - roofline
and conservatories for example. There are problems, though - roofline
puts you in competition with the 'Rusty Transit Brigade' and conservatories
are complex and offer lower margins. Does that leave you 'adrift in a
no-growth market?'
'Not
necessarily' states Andrew McDonald of Fenextra Limited. 'lf you would
like to explore a new product line that utilises your existing strengths
- sales; surveying; installation; professional promotion - plus gives
you good margin, differentiates you from your competitors and keeps you
firmly (and stylishly) in the window market then please contact us'.
Fenextra's product line is cedar 'colonial' shutters which have taken
the US and Australasia by storm and are quickly taking off here after
being featured on several of the TV home-makeover programmes. The company
will launch in the UK with a small select band of exclusive regional dealers,
many of whom will be window companies. The products are ideal for home,
office, hotel and leisure buildings.
Contact: Andrew McDonald
Tel: 01829 733477
Fax: 01829 733161
Email: enquiries@fenextra.com
INDUSTRY'S
FAVOURITE CORNER CLEANER
NOW ALSO CLEANS TRANSOMS
With literally hundreds of Elumatec SE-4AS-CNC Corner Cleaners in operation
throughout the UK and the rest of the world, it has become the standard
by which corner cleaners are judged, offering excellent features and superb
reliability. Now Elumatec has further extended the options available with
this extraordinary machine by adding Transom Cleaning to its specification,
for fabricators seeking total cleaning performance in a single package.
The
new machine, designated Elumatec SE-4AS-TC, offers the ability to clean
the joints of transoms and crucifixes in addition to conventional corners,
switching automatically between them. The new variant also continues to
offer the traditional features enjoyed with other versions of the SE-4AS.
It is freely programmable and utilises a saw blade instead of cutting
blocks, employing 4-axis control for speed, accuracy and efficiency.
Ideally suited for bevelled and sculptured profiles, the SE-4AS-TC will
automatically recognise profile shapes and consistently clean the internal
and external surfaces of each frame with the same precision - even foiled
sections are handled with ease.
Contact Phil Heavey
01908-580800
Inter
Curves provides complete bending and fabrication service
Inter Curves now provides a complete bending (including 6m lengths which
means no welding legs) and fabrication service which includes irregular
shapes.
The company claims that with over 12 years experience in the business
it has developed a system which offers customers high quality service
and excellent technical assistance.
All their frames are made to order, using the customers own materials,
but limited stock is available in various profiles. They have 600mm circular
windows in stock.
Inter Curves can accomodate collection and delivery if required using
their own transport, to prevent damage and breakages. They also export.
Contact: Stuart Brennand, Inter Curves Ltd
Tel: 01924 471515
Fax: 01924 470808
Web: www.fabricators-upvc.co.uk