'Natural' timber alternative only from Quantal

Quantal Natural is a patented real wood veneer system solution that perfectly complements timber conservatory walls.

The company says that before the advent of Quantal Natural, the only way to match a conservatory roof to timber frames was to use a timber effect foil finish or adhere timber directly to the underside of the glazing bar. The new snap-on cladding system easily allows a perfect systems match of wood with wood.

To ensure quality and long term durability, accelerated environmental performance testing has been carried out on Quantal Natural. The laminate passed with flying colours, indicating that its performance will comfortably equal that of all the other roof components.

The real wood product is bonded on to the clip-on PVCu internal cladding and can be stained, varnished or painted as required.

'The new option will extend Quantal's range of finishes. It is the only real wood veneer available for conservatories in the UK and gives customers a real advantage in the timber conservatory sector, which amounts to 25% of all conservatory sales.' says the company.

Quantal Natural complements the company's existing range of foiled finishes, which includes mahogany, rosewood and light oak. The external surface of the roof is available in a light oak or mahogany powder coated finish to suit the shade of the frames.

Contact: Richard Hulbert
Tel: 01626 836 403
Email: mailto:sales@quantal.co.uk
Web: http://www.quantal.co.uk

Know What You're Installing: Lead Free Roofline from Freefoam Plastics

Where products are identical it can be argued that it doesn't matter to customers if the products are identified clearly or not, although the standard of packaging and labelling on most products is generally good and improving. But roofline and cladding products are not all the same, and if you are a fitter the differences are significant, as many have been finding out.

One third of cellular PVC-UE roofline and cladding brands are lead free, offering a guarantee against costly pinking problems, while two thirds of the market are still using lead based formulations and carry a risk of future pinking problems. However with many roofline and cladding brands supplied without clear branding or product identification at point of sale it is not easy for the installer to select the right product.

Tony Walsh, Managing Director of Freefoam Plastics, a fast growing supplier of lead free roofline and cladding systems, comments:
'The evidence is building up that Pinking is a far bigger problem for installers and stockists than had been thought. Installers need to be able to identify brands at point of sale and know if they have a lead-free board or not. Knowing what we now do about Pinking, buying blind is just not worth the risk. All Freefoam cellular foam boards are despatched with a printed adhesive tape that not only identifies the boards and protects them on-site during installation, but it reassures fitters they are using 100% lead-free products.'

Installers and stockists can check out the latest situation on Pinking at http://www.freefoam.com or by calling the Freefoam enquiry line on 01604 759871 in the UK or 021 4911055 in Ireland

You can also read the latest news and updates on Pinking and other issues by subscribing to the Freefoam Ezine - the company's new online newsletter. Simply email your own email address to ezine@freefoam.com to receive your copy regularly.

The swing door drive GEZE TSA 160 Invers opens doors via spring force and closes them electro-hydraulically. This ensures that the doors can be opened and remain open in case of a power cut. The TSA 160 Invers is not only suited for standard automatic operation but can also be combined with the GEZE-SecuLogic Emergency Exit System. In this case the door is kept close via the escape route locking device (no-load door opener or magnet) and is unlocked immediately upon operation of the emergency button which causes the door to open by means of spring power.

The right partner is important

The strengths of the GEZE TSA 160 Invers is demonstrated by the simple combination with the GEZE-SecuLogic Emergency Exit System: an important component of the system is the possibility to release the door unit via a key-operated switch or a card reader located at the emergency exit system. This activates the actuation elements of the automatic door drives. If the sensors respond, the drives open the doors by means of spring power. Upon lapse of the preset hold-open time (max. 60 seconds) the single-leaf or double-leaf doors close automatically with all safety elements being active. This means that if a person is within the range of the safety sensors, the door drive stops automatically and the closing function is interrupted. The door will not close completely unless the person concerned has passed the door.

Strong in the struggle against fire and smoke

Even for an emergency the GEZE TSA 160 Invers is perfectly prepared. If the red emergency button is operated by a fleeing person, the doors are immediately unlocked and mechanically opened by means of spring force. Thus the escape route is free. The operation of the emergency button at the same time releases an alarm which is transmitted to the control centre. If an alarm is released by a smoke detector or a fire alarm system the doors are also immediately unlocked and mechanically opened to ensure quick and safe smoke extraction and to minimise the risk of poisonous fumes. The GEZE TSA160 Invers keeps the doors open until the alarm is reset. The combination of GEZE TSA 160 Invers, GEZE smoke and heat extracting systems and the GEZE-SecuLogic Emergency Exit System offers a maximum of comfort and safety - in everyday life and in an emergency.

GUARDIAN EXPANDS SUN-GUARD® PRODUCT LINE TO INCLUDE THREE NEW COLORS

Guardian Industries Corp., a leading manufacturer of high performance coated glass for the commercial construction industry, today announced the availability of three new coatings in its Sun-Guard® Series: Sun-Guard Pewter-30, Sun-Guard Platinum-23, and Sun-Guard Silver-10. The expanding Sun-Guard® product line features the only high performance coated glass products that can be used annealed, heat treated, bent or laminated.

“Sun-Guard® products give fabricators increased market opportunity because, without sacrificing product performance, they can be fabricated near the project, which shortens lead times and provides fast-track project completion. In addition, Guardian’s new silver, pewter and platinum colors provide architects with more design flexibility while delivering excellent solar performance,” said Russ Ebeid, president of Guardian Industries Corp.’s glass group.

The new products are available on clear and green glass. Sun-Guard Pewter-30 and Sun-Guard Platinum-23 have an antique silver appearance, while Sun-Guard Silver-10 provides a crisp sterling silver look with the lowest shading coefficient commercially available. All three products are produced at Guardian’s Corsicana, Texas, facility.

Sun-Guard® solar control glass delivers energy efficiency that will meet or exceed local energy code requirements. A range of shading coefficients and U-values supports most specifications.

Guardian Industries Corp., based in Auburn Hills, Mich., is a leading worldwide manufacturer of float glass and fabricated glass products for the commercial and residential construction industries. One of the top 100 global automotive suppliers, Guardian Automotive Products, Inc. provides complete exterior systems to the global automotive industry. Guardian Fiberglass, Inc., a Guardian subsidiary, is one of the largest manufacturers of fiberglass in the world and occupies a significant and growing position in the building materials distribution business. Guardian, its subsidiaries and affiliates employ 19,000 people and operate facilities throughout North America, Europe, South America, Asia, Africa and the Middle East.

GEZE SecuLogic: Safety technology that sets new standards

Whether in hotels, congress centres, schools, discotheques or music halls, emergency exit systems are an indispensable part of building safety and of fire prevention and personal protection in all public buildings, where thousands of people get together.

Legal requirements are correspondingly rigorous. In all these places an emergency exit system is in demand that allows no compromise with regards to safety and takes the different requirements of the buildings into consideration.

Owing to the fact that the individual components of the GEZE-SecuLogic Emergency Exit System (RWS) are linked via the CAN-BUS technology, one can be sure of getting high operating convenience as well as individually coordinated, comprehensive safety technology.

Comfort and flexibility through to bus technology.
Bus systems are already used in many sectors of building management technology in order to link up several system components and transfer large quantity of data quickly and with a minimum of cable installation. The advantages of bus technology are now also used by GEZE-SecuLogic in the field of escape route systems, thereby offering convenient control and monitoring of several escape route central units as well as a simple start-up procedure for the system. The linkage of components is based on CAN-Bus which has been tried and used in applications world-wide and which is particularly noted for its high degree of reliability and robustness.

To push the emergency button is sufficient to start a door control unit at the bus. A maximum of 40 doors on different levels can be easily monitored on the screen owing to control and visualisation software VAT 220.

The actual door status is displayed at the control screen at any time. With a simple mouse click it is possible to unlock individual doors, or all doors simultaneously.

As an alternative to the software VAT 220, the GEZE-SecuLogic programme offers a compact hardware panel TE 220 as central control unit for up to 15 doors.

In addition to this, the bus technology allows later configuration and adaptation of the system to alterations within the building - an advantage which is of special importance for larger buildings.

Operating surface VAT 220Networking of several components via CAN - Bus
Prepared for emergencies
In order to guarantee a maximum degree of safety, there is the possibility to connect a smoke alarm system or other higher-order alarm systems to the bus system to unlock a selected group of doors or all doors at the same time. It is also possible to unlock all doors in case of an emergency via the central emergency button in the VAT 220 or at the control panel.

At all times the necessary releasing function via emergency button remains available at the local door control unit in order to allow manual operation. The same applies for any connected burglar alarm systems and also in case a fault occurs in the bus.

In addition to the higher-order fire alarm system it is also possible to release each individual door via a local smoke detector.

The combination of GEZE-SecuLogic with an automatic single-action door drive will permit handicapped people to escape quickly. In case of fire fresh replacement air will be provided. Whereas in case of a power cut the emergency power supply will ensure uninterrupted operation of the escape route system.

WHITELINE INTRODUCES FIRST 70mm UNGLAZED FULLY OVOLO SYSTEM


Whiteline Group, the South East specialist trade fabricator, has introduced a new fully Ovolo 70mm frame. The Goldline 70 Ovolo design, offered across a full suite of unglazed products including both doors and windows, will be available to installers from March 2002.

Whiteline claims that the new oval 'designer'product is clean and contemporary, its curves offering installers and their customers an alternative new look in the market for PVCu replacement windows. Complementing the existing 58mm unglazed bevelled product range marketed under Whiteline’s Framelink brand, the new Goldline 70 Ovolo extends customer choice.

'Building on the Whiteline Group’s reputation for providing frames exactly tailored to match local market requirements, the new range also creates an opportunity for the company to improve its market share.' the company comments.

Providing installers with an alternative to the standard bevelled profile, Goldline 70 has been designed to appeal to customers whose preference is for a more ‘traditional’ frame. An authentic replica of timber ogee design, the decorative shape of the new Ovolo product is used on every aspect of the new frames.

Backed by the Whiteline Group’s comprehensive service package, Goldline 70 is supplied in protective packaging and is offered on a five day delivery schedule (subject to customers meeting Whiteline’s standard terms and conditions of sale). In addition to Whiteline’s technical support programme, the new system also benefits from a comprehensive sales kit and a marketing support package.

'Whiteline undertook their own market research which confirmed previous indications that demand for 70mm was growing, particularly amongst installers whose customer base occupy older-style properties built with timber windows. The research indicated that installers welcome the benefits offered by 70mm and are increasingly looking for a product which offers a competitive advantage in today’s increasingly demanding market.' says the company.

In addition, the new Goldline 70mm Ovolo range fully complies with all the requirements of the forthcoming Document L. This document, covering new Building Regulations relating to energy performance of new and replacement windows, will be introduced in April.

The new product has been developed in partnership with German company Kömmerling, a leading European manufacturer of PVCu profiles. Whiteline has worked with Kommerling since 1995. Over the years Kömmerling has developed a number of 'exclusive'profiles for the company which now form part of Whiteline’s product offer. Currently all 58mm Goldline profiles are sourced from Kömmerling and it was a logical step for the two companies to work together on developing a new range of 70mm Ovolo window and door products.

The excellent understanding between the two companies has created a number of opportunities for Whiteline over the years, with the development of a number of exclusive products. This has enabled the company to establish itself as a market leader and was instrumental in Kommerling’s decision to invite Whiteline to work with them in developing the new range. This unique approach will give Whiteline a real advantage in the market for 70mm product.

In addition to conducting extensive research prior to introducing Goldline 70, Whiteline has also made a major capital investment in new machinery to ensure the new range adheres to the highest quality standards. £850,000 has been invested in an additional production line at the company’s Framelink unglazed factory in Birch Close, Eastbourne, and a further £50,000 committed to recruitment and training of additional staff.

The new production line is operated on 'flow line'principles, allowing for greater automation and a high degree of flexibility, for example the new Rotox multiple head transom cleaner can be set up to run both 58mm and 70mm profile. All lock slots are precision cut by a Stuga computer controlled cutting centre that completes all machining.

Two specially commissioned five head Hollinger welders, supplied by Winmac, can be configured for either 70mm or 58mm profiles and an automated line for vents enables cleaning, gearing and gasket fitting to be completed in a single operation. New corner cleaners, able to cope with the additional (and more complex) angles offered by the Ovolo profile, have been installed on the line.

Sash/frame assembly remains the only labour intensive operation. Frame completion is followed by Whiteline’s quality inspection check immediately prior to wrap and dispatch.


Contact: Peter Hand
Tel: 01323 723724
Email: mailto:peter_hand@whiteline.ndo.co.uk
Web: http://www.whitelinewindows.com

Low pitch lean-to roof enhancements

Quantal's 2.5 deg low pitch lean-to roof has been further developed to make fabrication and installation faster. The rise height has been significantly reduced which increases the application range of the roof.
The new eaves beam now uses less parts for fabrication, assembly and installation. The rider and slider system, which previously set the pitch and attached the glazing bar to the eaves beam assembly, is no longer required because it has been built in to the new low pitch lean-to system. Meanwhile other mating parts such as guttering, cleats and tie bars remain compatible, whilst existing claddings have been cleverly and attractively used.

The existing three part wallplate, wing and cover assembly is replaced by a simplified single wallplate which incorporates 'pocket glazing' used for the first time on a Quantal roof. This system means that multiple square beads are no longer required to hold the glazing in place, making fabrication and installation quicker without sacrificing durability

The system also has a new firring, which can be supplied as part of the complete assembly to reduce cost and installation time.

Contact: Richard Hulbert
Tel: 01626 836 403
Email: mailto:sales@quantal.co.uk
Web: http://www.quantal.co.uk

GRENADIER IN THE FRONT LINE OF WINLOCK’S SUCCESS

A 24% growth in sales of Winlock Security’s Grenadier window handles, in the last year, has taken total production of this push-to-open espagnolette handle to well over one million.

'This handle is a huge success for us,' explained Winlock sales director, Philip Swann. 'The Grenadier’s appeal is that it is a good solid, inexpensive handle offering high security and problem-free performance. Customers looking for a stylish, high level handle with maximum value for money are those most likely to specify the Grenadier,' added Philip.

Launched in 1998 and available in either swept or in-line design, the Grenadier is offered with a choice of two standard finishes; (white or brass-effect) plus a wide range of special finishes. The push button action and sculpted finger grip makes the handle easy to use and the teardrop effect around the barrel adds a pleasing dimension to the design. User confidence is enhanced by an audible “click” when locking.

Grenadier handles are available in budget locking, non-locking and dummy versions.

Contact: Philip Swann
Tel: 01952 680178
E-mail: mailto:sales@winlock.uk.com
Web: http://www.winlock.uk.com

SIEGENIA’S HIDDEN ASSETS

An ever-increasing number of refurbishment and modernisation programmes for old and listed buildings demand products that will meet stringent preservation standards and regulations. Siegenia-Frank (UK) Ltd. has extended its range of concealed window hardware to meet these requirements.

Favorit V hardware with concealed hinges is suitable for both timber and PVC windows. The range has been specifically designed to provide architects and specifiers with products that will help them retain the character of original buildings, with the added quality, operational and security benefits associated with modern hardware.

The Favorit V range also provides significant benefits in terms of design flexibility. The ability to select concealed hinge hardware enables architects and specifiers to improve window aesthetics, providing unbroken sight lines that complement surrounding architecture.

Tel: 024 7662 2000
Email: mailto:si-uk@siegenia.com
Web: http://www.siegenia.de

NEW EXTERNAL LOCKING ATTACHMENTS

Two new locking attachments have been introduced by HOPPE UK under the ARRONE brand name.
The ARRONE knob version is designed and manufactured to operate in conjunction with most other ranges of panic exit hardware. It comes complete with an easy change cylinder cradle that allows the installer to change the cylinder to their own requirements simply by removing three screws. The second version is available without cylinder.

Finishes for both of these locking attachments are silver, gold and black.

'HOPPE is Europe’s leading manufacturer of aluminium, brass, stainless steel and nylon door and window handles. HOPPE UK’s state of the art purpose built distribution centre at Wolverhampton offers ultra modern facilities. A fully equipped showroom displays the complete range of architectural hardware which is widely specified by PVCu door and window fabricators, local authorities, architectural ironmongers, DIY and builders merchants.' says the company.

From its nine manufacturing sites in Germany, the Czech Republic, USA and Italy, HOPPE produces some 7,600 standard products in the range and over 77 million items each year.

Tel: 01902 484400
Email: mailto:info.uk@hoppe.com
Web: http://www.hoppe.com

ELUMATEC'S NEW MACHINING CENTRES FOR ALUMINIUM AND STEEL PROFILES

Elumatec has introduced two new machining centres for processing aluminium and steel sections. Although thousands of Elumatec machines are used daily for fabricating windows and doors using PVCu profiles, it is in the handling of metal sections that the company has estabiished its world-wide reputation.

Although very similar in appearance, the Elumatec SBZ 136 (pictured left) and Elumatec SBZ 140 machining centres are considerably different in a number of key features. One that is common to both, however, is the precise clamping of the profile whilst all routing, drilling and tapping operations are carried out fully automatically, which prevents scratching to the surface of the section. Another feature common to both is the ability for the operator to feed and clamp a second profile whilst the first is being processed (standard feature over 6.2 m working length).

The Elumatec SBZ 136 utilises a 3 axis machining system controlled by an industrial PC operating on the Windows NT plafform. Eight tool holders are provided which, by utilising a rotating angle head that holds 2 different tools at any one time, allows the SBZ 136 to process three sides of the profile. An optional turning unit will also allow both ends to be machined.

The Elumatec SBZ 140 further extends the extraordinary functions of these new generation machines by offering 4 axis processing of heavy duty profiles for any application, also controlled by a PC operating on Windows NT. Versatility is extended by the milling head being able to process profiles infinitely at any position between 0 deg. and 180 deg with all available tools. This makes the use of tools with special angled heads unnecessary.

A key feature of both machines is the control system, which has been designed to improve the physical and operational interface. The 15" TFT colour screen and dust proof keyboard may be adjusted to suit the operator, whilst the CD-ROM and 3.5" disk drives are easily accessed. Tables and storage for order sheets and other documentation are also provided and even a cup holder is provided!

The versatility of these machines may be further extended with the addition of 3D profile processing software provided by Elusoft, the Elumatec Group's specialist software house. The division has developed programmes that allow the operator to view all possible operations and from all angles through sophisticated graphics, even visualising the whole process prior to machining being carried out.

Elumatec says 'These machines are amongst the most versatile available today, whilst also offering users the company's unrivalled reliability and long-term durability.'

Tel: 01908 580800
Email: sales@elumatec.co.uk
Web: http://www.elumatec.com

Ultraframe, the designer and manufacturer of conservatory systems, is pioneering new contemporary designs in the conservatory sector. As the market for conservatories and contemporary design becomes increasingly youthful, Ultraframe is seeking to drive the market forward by appealing to the tastes of more style-conscious consumers.

First in a new wave of modern shapes will be curved eaves beams. The curved eaves beam - with associated cutting edge glass forming technology - facilitates an almost seamless ellipse from conservatory roof down the side of the structure'. This revolutionary technology has become available to the Ultraframe Group as a result of its acquisition of the Four Seasons group last year.

This anticipated - and researched - demand for contemporary structures can be ascribed to the growing perception by the consumer of the conservatory as an 'outdoor room' - a room that offers a threshold into the garden. The outdoor room has, over the past few years, become one of the most important lifestyle trends to the UK homeowner. This can be evinced by one or two simple statistics: firstly, Britain's largest selling gardening magazine - BBC Gardeners World - outsells Britain's best selling homes' magazine - ldeal Home - by 120,000 copies, or 50%. Secondly, a recent survey by the Alliance & Leicester showed that garden design - after number of bedrooms - was the most important purchasing influence for UK homebuyers.

The growth in the importance of the contemporary garden is reflected in the increasing desire - influenced by TV shows such as Ground Force, Home Front, Home Front in the Garden and Gardening Neighbours - for landscape and garden structures. This necessarily includes the conservatory.

'It is logical, therefore, for a leading international designer and manufacturer of conservatory systems to consider the 'outdoor room' as an analogous market and develop the systems to grow and meet the demand.' says the company.

Tel: 01200 452375
Email: sales@ultraframe.co.uk
Web: http://www.ultraframe.co.uk

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