Click here for Product Archive
Horizontal
Success for Beaufort
Beaufort
Secure Design
has reported an enthusiastic response to its recently introduced thermally
broken horizontal sliding (HS) window. This addition to Beaufort’s
aluminium range has been successfully specified for a number of prestigious
refurbishment projects since its launch, including a luxury apartment
in Dorset and a school in the Channel Islands.
On
the island of Jersey, Beaufort HS windows have replaced steel frames in
the Dining Hall at St Michael’s Preparatory School. Local installer,
Pallot Windows, has fitted HS aluminium frames in a two-panel sliding
format to match existing fenestration in the school’s main building.
A gleaming white finish was chosen for the new windows from Beaufort’s
extensive selection of standard and special colours.
Beaufort’s HS aluminium windows have also provided a replacement
solution for an apartment enjoying panoramic views over Poole Bay. Vogue
Windows (UK) Ltd in nearby Bournemouth has fabricated five two-panel HS
windows as part of a major refurbishment. The windows’ white polyester
powder coated finish combines low maintenance with high resistance to
pollution and weathering, a particular benefit given the apartment’s
coastal location.
Beaufort’s HS window has a neat, slim appearance and is offered in
a variety of sliding panel combinations. The design is based on Beaufort’s
sliding patio door system, thereby allowing fabrication of two product
lines from essentially the same stock of profiles.
The HS window features a night vent facility, which is built into the
top of the inner sliding leaves, and all panels slide and lock independently
for optimum security. A comprehensive range of ancillaries to allow easy
coupling to other products in the range is also available.
Like all products in the Beaufort range, the HS window is fully compliant
with Document L. It can be supplied in white, silver, brown or black as
standard, plus special colours to order on very short lead times.
‘Manufactured from high quality components and easy to fabricate
from bar length, our HS window is proving a popular option for a wide
range of applications, this is clearly demonstrated by the differing demands
of these two projects,’ comments Nigel Yates, Managing Director of
Beaufort Secure Design.
Tel: 01633 29 40 40
Web: http://www.beaufortsecure.co.uk
Bohle
Introduces new Measure Meter
Bohle
UK
has introduced an additional measuring meter designed specifically to
aid the control of thin coatings on glass. The ‘R-Check’ Resistivity
Meters are especially useful for checking Solar, Photonic, Automotive,
Display as well as Low-E coatings in particular relation to the quality
of the coating.
Explians
Bohle M.D. Gary Dean ‘The simple Low-e detectors we sell are designed
as a quick check that a coated surface actually exists, but this is the
limit of what they can do. If you need to check the quality of the coating,
for example the uniformity, or need more convincing or complex checks
then you need to take a more scientific measurement. The resistance of
any thin film (such as used in automotive) or coating is directly proportional
to the resistivity, and inversely proportional to the thickness. By measuring
this it is possible to define a quantity, and this quantity can be thought
of as a material property that indicates quality and thereby consistency
in the coating.’
Bohle reports that these meters are especially popular with the leading
glass manufacturers worldwide, and recently Pilkington purchased a batch
for several UK locations. ‘They are particularly useful for production
personnel, quality assurance, R&D and sales people as they go deeper
than the simple check for the existence of the coating.’ Gary further
explains ‘In this way, not everyone needs one, but leading manufacturers,
producers and merchants can and should take these measurements as part
of their own quality control programme.’
Contact: Gary Dean
Tel: 0161 342 1100
Email: mailto:gdean@bohle.de
It
was a long nine months, with lots of apprehension as well as a few trying
moments along the way, but that was quickly forgotten with all the excitement
on the birth of Listers new baby.
Okay, it's only a sculptured window, but Phil Warren, Listers Sales Director
says it felt like becoming a father again. 'It took us around nine months
of in-depth research and trials to produce this little baby' says Phil,
'all the Directors and most of the management team and the production
staff were involved in producing the right product at the right time'.
Rather than just delivering a normal sculptured window, Listers conceived
the idea of giving its customers some new features as well as good looks
in the new product. 'You could say it was a designer baby' says Phil.
'So although the window is elegantly sculptured, it also has a five chambered
construction for extra thermal efficiency, super fast beading, greater
weather rating than the company's standard window and lots of time saving
features for the installer.' And to really celebrate the event, Listers
also delivered a complete range of new marketing materials for its customers
at the same time.
Listers says that the company's customers love the new addition to its
family, but then again, all doting parents would say that wouldn't they.
Tel: 01782 205605
Roll
on with New Alfas PVCu Trim Concept
Alfas
Industries’
Technical and Specifications Division has introduced a new concept in
plastic finishing trims.
The
company’s new Rollable PVC Trim is specially designed for fast and
effective installation on PVCu windows, doors, conservatories and similar
installations.
Available in both internal (i) and external (e) versions, the new trim
format improves ease of transportation and on-site handling, while avoiding
the waste associated with rigid fixed-length trim sections that must be
cut and fitted on site.
With the rollable trim, the exact length required can be fitted immediately,
with no off-cuts or wasted sections.
The Rollable Trim incorporates a special pre-compressed PU foam seal encapsulated
in a special polypropylene film, which is activated by pulling away the
overlapping film along the length of the tape. This then releases the
pre-compressed foam to fill the gap with uniform pressure, forming a highly
effective edge seal.
In this way the trim seal provides high performance weathersealing characteristics,
meeting air tightness requirements (Rollable Trim i) and driving rain
resistance standards (Rollable Trim e) in accordance with UK Building
Regulations, Part L and European DIN standards.
Both the internal and the external trim are supplied in rollable format
and are available in a range of different widths and foam tape thicknesses
to suit a variety of PVCu installations and applications.
A member of the illbruck Group, the Technical and Specifications Division
of Alfas Industries supplies an extensive range of glazing industry, roof,
floor and wall jointing and sealing systems, which have been specified
by leading architects throughout Europe for almost 40 years.
Tel 0191 419 0505
Email: mailto:techspec@alfas.com
Web: http://www.alfas.com
Trojan
Introduces New Handle Range
Fabricators
and installers are offered an even greater choice of window and door handles
with the introduction of a new range from Trojan.
The new ‘Unicorn’ handles offer a distinct, contemporary appearance,
which sits well with today’s modern day principles towards smoother,
cleaner lines and minimal finishes.
Unlike traditional methods where the mechanism sits within the handle
grip, the Unicorn range has been designed with a mechanism which is positioned
in the base of the handle, thus allowing an aesthetically slimmer product
to be achieved, but without any compromise to strength and durability.
Available in a full choice of finishes – Gold (PVD), Chrome and Traditional
White - with the options of inline or both right and left-hand cranked.
Commenting on the introduction, Managing Director, Terry Dolman stated,
‘In today’s changing market company’s need to offer something
different in order to win the sale. The new Unicorn range complements
modern, consumer trends with its exceptional streamline appearance and
therefore gives fabricators and installers something unique to offer.’
The Unicorn range is available from stock.
Tel: 01922 713933
Email: mailto:tjd@trojan-hardware.com
Glass
to Glass First on Frameless Floor
A
breakthrough in fire resistant glass flooring now allows continuous panels
of glass to be laid without the need for intermediate framing.
This significant aesthetic development was achieved using glass from Vetrotech
Saint-Gobain, one of Europe’s leading specialist glass
manufacturers.
The fire test, carried out by Roger Wilde Limited, the Oldham-based firm
that has pioneered glass flooring, further extends the boundaries of what
is possible – allowing architects to design buildings where natural
daylight can flood downwards.
The fire test carried out at BRE Watford used SGG Swissflam Structure,
a Class A multi-laminated and fully insulating glass, which achieved 48
minutes of integrity and insulation – as well as a level of load
bearing integrity that makes it suitable for most domestic and light commercial
applications.
Although glass flooring has been around in some form for over a century,
only very recently has Roger Wilde Ltd successfully added fire-resistance
to give architects the option of turning glass on its side and making
it a floor.
The fire test now allows glass slots to be installed for any length for
widths of up to one metre without the need for intermediate cross supports.
This represents an important breakthrough in glass floor design, as each
sheet of glass only needs a small sealing joint to provide complete insulation
and integrity against fire, radiant heat, smoke and toxic gases.
‘At Vetrotech Saint-Gobain we have a comprehensive range of glasses
all offering Class A safety and UV stability to suit every internal and
external application where fire resistance is required. This range can
be further enhanced by the inclusion of other Saint-Gobain glass products
to provide blast or bullet resistant, solar control, acoustic enhancement
and, of course, decorative options,’ said Sue Hargreaves, the company’s
UK Manager.
‘Our specialist glasses provide an ever-increasing range of design
options, as architects and specificers recognise that safe and secure
glass and glazing systems can be incorporated almost anywhere within the
building envelope - including the floor,’ she said.
Working closely with Vetrotech Saint-Gobain, Roger Wilde Limited offers
architects and designers three options for 30/30, 60/60 and 90/90 glass
floor solutions and in recent years has carried out over 40 such installations
across the UK, continental Europe and further afield.
Because fire-rated glass flooring has only recently moved from conjecture
to reality, architects and designers are only now beginning to realise
the huge potential that they offer.
‘Fire resistant glass flooring is a new medium that, until four years
ago, nobody had thought was aesthetically possible,’ said Greg Butler,
marketing manager at Roger Wilde Limited.
‘With Vetrotech Saint-Gobain, we have successfully taken the concept
from drawing-board to reality – and this latest test extends architectural
options still further,’ he said.
Greg Butler
Roger Wilde Limited
Tel: 01223 872937
Email: mailto:greg.butler@ntlworld.com
Sue Hargreaves
Vetrotech Saint-Gobain
Tel: 0113 2391599
Email: mailto:sue.hargreaves@saint-gobain.com
New
Software Gives Schüco Fabricators Competitive Edge
Just
available from Schüco International
is Schücal+, a new generation of estimating software designed to
give Schüco’s designers, estimators and fabricators in the aluminium
window and façade industry a competitive edge. Fully compatible
with Microsoft Windows™, the package is not only faster than earlier
versions, but is also more user-friendly. Drop-down menus and ‘right
click’ shortcuts enable even inexperienced users to produce accurate
estimates in just minutes.
Schücal+ integrates the tasks of designing, planning and ordering
window and façade systems with fabrication details such as cutting
lists and can be linked directly to the latest SNC Schüco CNC machines.
All the system selections are based on profile combinations so that users
can quickly and easily tailor the program to their own regular profiles.
Accessories such as handles are selected by means of drop-down menus showing
pictures of the options available, while the drawing interface supports
full 3D imaging complete with actual project colours. Cross sections are
also only a click away and can be exported as DXF files in an instant.
Schüco reports that the response from customers test-marketing the
package has been overwhelmingly enthusiastic, with many users believing
that by slashing tender response times and minimising waste in the fabrication
process, Schücal+ will enable them to compete better and improve
their company’s overall profitability.
Full details of Schücal+ may be obtained from the Marketing Department,
Schüco International, Whitehall Avenue, Kingston, Milton Keynes MK10
0AL. Tel: 01908 282111 or visit the website: http://www.schueco.co.uk
Readymade
Cavity Closer Service from Plaslyne
‘House
builders and fabricators can take the hassle out of sourcing their cavity
closer requirements with Plaslyne's
straightforward and cost-effective Winfit ReadyMade service.’ says
the company.
Launched at Interbuild 2004, the service has been growing in popularity
with builders, insulation companies and fabricators who need the product,
yet haven't the time or space to devote the necessary resources to making
it.
Designed specially for the new-build market, Plaslyne's BBA-approved Winfit
ReadyMade system has extra insulation to meet the energy-saving requirements
of Part L of the Building Regulations.
Made of high quality PVCu, Winfit Readymade is a window former, acceptor
and cavity closer in one. This enables house builders to fit window frames
quickly and easily by building around the sub-frame and fitting the window
after all the building work is complete.
Just one phone call to Plaslyne's Telford base can begin the whole window-forming
solution, from specifying size and quantity to delivery dates and details.
Where appropriate, if cavity closers need to be supplied closer to site,
Plaslyne can arrange delivery of Winfit ReadyMade direct from its network
of nationwide fabricators. In this way Winfit ReadyMade can provide both
a national and local service - the best solution for the client is the
aim.
With an extensive insulation industry background, Product Manager Warren
Sim runs the service and helps to manage contracts on behalf of clients
to ensure seamless scheduling from ordering to final fitting.
‘Winfit ReadyMade has evolved from being a simple barlength product
to a complete window former/cavity closer solution. Complete flexibility
comes built-in, so the builder can choose when to 'close off' a property
or properties as required.
‘With just one phonecall, the client can place an order and we'll
do the rest, ensuring everything is delivered on time and at the right
time,’ says Warren.
Contact: Warren Sim
Tel: 01952 292511
Metal
Technology Launches New Curtain Walling System
Architectural
aluminium systems company Metal Technology,
has launched a new curtain wall system, Latitude. Based on its successful
System 17, the new curtain walling offers an extensive variety of mullions
and transoms with a strong horizontal focus.
The Latitude Curtain Walling system is designed to give facades an ultra-contemporary
and high tech aesthetic.. This is formed by an extended elliptical capping
to the transom which has an integrated drip facility, combined with a
flush gasket option, to the vertical mullion joint. This is backed up
by a pressure-equalised drainage facility.
The new system offers structural support to all sides of the double-glazed
units through concealed or disc fixings which allow transom centres to
be increased. To complement the fixed glazing a concealed vent is also
available. The Latitude Curtain Walling also benefits from a thermally
enhanced pressure plate and is fully compliant with the latest requirements
of Doc L.
Metal Technology has also recently launched a new tilt and slide door
to suite with their 5-20 tilt and turn window. These are suitable systems
for high spec loft apartments and modern city dwellings. Full details
of all products are available through the company’s website http://www.metaltechnology.com.
New
Securistyle Handle is A Vision of Beauty
UK
window hardware manufacturer, Securistyle,
has launched the Vision offset espagnolette handle which has been ergonomically
designed to look modern and feel comfortable to use. ‘The handle
offers specifiers the opportunity to provide residents with the best in
safety and security hardware, as well as satisfying them in terms of aesthetics.’
says the company.
Available in chrome, silver, satin chrome, white, black, gold and brass,
the handle will complement any window colour and style. White and brass
handles are available with a distinctive, easy to locate, non-locking
green, egress button for emergency escape.
The handle features a positive stop to ensure accurate in-line closure,
a push to unlatch mechanism and key dead lock for added security.
The Vision handle comes with a 10-year guarantee and is fully compatible
with other Securistyle hardware including the Vector Excluder locking
mechanism.
Tel:
01242 221200
Web: http://www.securistyle.co.uk
Strength
and Safety with FortPlus™
There
are many high performance applications that require a product to have
two essential properties – strength and safety. These aspects are
paramount when specifying glass for high-risk areas such as roofs, atria,
commercial entrances, balustrading and squash courts. HansenGlass
offers a suitable solution with its FortPlus™ product that can provide
the client with peace of mind when specifying glass in these areas.
FortPlus™
is a high quality toughened glass available in thicknesses from 8 mm to
25 mm. It is available in a range of different types of glass including,
tinted, clear and low iron that gives a clearer appearance. With a Class
A safety impact performance to BS 6206 this product is five times stronger
than any ordinary glass.
Other advantages are that this glass breaks safely into small, blunt edged
fragments and has high visual clarity which can reduce the risk of injury.
FortPlus™ has been used extensively in many products throughout the
UK and Europe such as the Buchanan Galleries Shopping Development in Glasgow
and the Lowry Footbridge in Manchester.
FortPlus™ can be visually enhanced with Ceraphic™ screenprinting
and Cerocco sandblasting to a clients specific pattern or detail.
HansenGlass offers a wide range of technical services, including thermal
stress calculations, environmental control integrated packages and acoustic
control.
Tel: 0151 545 3000
Email: mailto:sales@hansenglass.co.uk
New
Balustrade Clamp for Laminated Glass is Available from Prefit
A
new, sleek, rounded balustrade clamp shape, specifically designed to support
laminated glass (not pinch it, which can cause the glass to crack) is
being marketed by Prefit, a specialist
in fittings for glass.
The safe, secure, clamp is manufactured in Germany by Pauli + Sohn for
fixing to flat and radius posts, and is designed for most standard thicknesses
(ie. 10.8mm to 13.5mm) of laminated safety glass. A key feature of the
clamp is that its pressure is equally distributed.
Supplied in a wide choice of 15 RAL colours, including simulated stainless
steel, the clamps are being tested to meet stringent German Building Regulations,
and test certificates will be available in due course from Prefit.
Tel: 020 8961 4777
Email: mailto:sales@prefitfittings.co.uk
Web: http://www.prefit-fittings.com
Lenhardt
- Automatic Desiccant Filling Station
To
fill the bent spacer, Bystronic - Lenhardt Technology
has introduced the automatic desiccant filling station desiccantfiller
- a high-performance system - to its product range.
It enables parallel drilling, filling and sealing of two frame pieces.
Sensor-controlled monitoring of the filling process serves to guarantee
an optimum degree of filling with desiccant granulate. Large 200-litre
containers are used to supply the desiccant. Excess desiccant granulate
is extracted and thus contamination through dust minimised. After the
filling process the bore holes are sealed with butyl.
Depending on requirements, population of the desiccant filling station
and transport of the filled frames ensues either manually or automatically.
Automatic transport enables the station to be coupled with a butyl coating
machine. With this Bystronic - Lenhardt Technology closes the process
chain for the industrial production and coating of spacer frames.
Tel: 0049 7234 601 0
Web: http://www.bystronic.com
No
More Unsightly ‘Overlaps’ with Patented Elumatec Bead Saw
Proving
that attention to detail – one of the company’s main design
aims – can often make an enormous difference, Elumatec
has introduced a new bead saw that the company says is not only the fastest
and most accurate of its type currently on the market but also includes
a patented glass simulation system to ensure that gasket edges are precisely
mitred ready for installation. The advanced GLS 192 Bead Saw is expected
to gain particular interest from fabricators manufacturing with co-extruded
profile.
The GLS 192 aims to cut down on bead and gasket preparation time and produce
accurate cuts for a better quality finish. Equipped as standard with two
material clamping devices, the saw can process two beads simultaneously
for speed, while its four saw blades allow for clean, efficient cutting.
Two of these blades ‘undercut’ the bead profile while it is
also being prepared above, saving time and costs in an area that is a
notorious bottleneck for busy fabricators.
A unique feature of the GLS 192 Bead Saw is a patented simulation jig
that allows the gasket to be cut as if the glass was already in place,
producing neat, accurate results. Cut in the conventional way, beads and
gaskets overlap in the corners, a side effect that, while only an aesthetic
flaw, can raise questions with end users regarding the quality of the
finished unit. Elumatec’s ‘glass simulation system’ eliminates
this problem: a special device puts the same counter-pressure on the gasket
while it is being cut as it later receives from the glass pane, so that
beads and gaskets are processed under realistic conditions. The net result
is that, when glazing beads and gaskets are installed at a later stage,
the gasket edges are precisely mitred, providing a neater, more professional
appearance.
A number of special options are available for the machine that boost these
features. The bead saw can be equipped with an automatic digital measuring
system for even more precise electronic positioning, with an internal
memory able to store up to 250 different data sets for processing. Online
connection can be made either by disk drive or by RS-232 interface. A
label printer and barcode scanner may also be connected to the machine.
Contact:
Phil Heavey
Tel: 01908 580800
Web: http://www.elumatec.com
Kombimatec
EV470 PVC Weld Joint Cleaner Now Fitted with Production Reliable 3 Phase
Routing Motors
The
latest version of the EV470 CNC Corner & Transom Cleaner manufactured
at GTI’s factory in Luton, Bedfordshire
has three phase motors fitted as standard for all motorised machine moves
including drilling & routing motors.
Three
phase induction motors are more reliable than series wound or air motors
sometimes preferred by machinery manufacturers for economy.
Good quality routing motors are important because of them playing an increasing
role in weld cleaning with the introduction of profiles being welded with
gaskets.
The Kombimatec EV470 CNC automatic cleaner has been designed specifically
to cope with and solve these cleaning issues on both corner and transom
welded joints.
The EV470 comes equipped with a special milling blade to clean the outer
corner profile edge that copes with more than 70 different profiles. Angled
internal and external bevel knives that achieve a superior finish to conventional
cutters. Plus groove knives for white and flat knives for woodgrain and
other laminated profiles.
The EV470 also has an enhanced automatic profile recognition system with
the introduction of new capacitive sensors. These magic devices enable
the machine to detect if a transom or cruciform is present and pick up
specific detail on the profile. When combined with the measurements of
the profiles widths the machine has an accurate picture of the profile
to be cleaned. The program is then selected and cleaning is executed automatically.
Kombimatec is constantly improving its products and upgrades are available
to existing owners. This service becomes practical and cost effective
because Kombimatec is a UK manufacturer of machinery for PVC window fabrication.
GTI Kombimatec has an extensive partner reference list and invites all
window fabricators & profile suppliers to visit the design and manufacturing
plant in Luton, England to see machines being built to high exacting standards.
Please call 01582 455 934 to arrange a visit or alternatively view products
on-line at http://www.kombimatec.com.
Bonding
Glazing Bars with Confidence
Reducing
the risk of unit failure in Georgian, H-bar and Cottage style windows
by the use of glazing bars which are bonded to the double glazed unit,
instead of an integral part of the window frame, is rapidly increasing.
Finding the right adhesive which will keep the bars, whether manufactured
of timber or co-extruded PVCu, firmly in place and able to withstand all
the elements for the lifespan of the window is critical to the long term
success of this radical change in window design and manufacture.
Hodgson Sealants waterproof and weather
resistant adhesive tapes are designed to give confidence in the most exacting
bonding situations and can be used for bonding timber and PVCU glazing
bars, window trims and doors trims. Available in Black and White, Foamsekure
BMS is created by merging high density Polyolefin foam with a thick coating
of solvent free pure acrylic adhesive which provides exceptional bond
strength and long term adhesion. For the ultimate in bond strength Hodgson
offer BMS 250 in white, a solid acrylic adhesive tape which has additional
high performance uses including fixing body panels in the automotive industry
and in the fabrication of door panels and signs.
Tel: 01482 868321
Email: mailto:sales@hodgsonsealants.com
Web: http://www.hodgsonsealants.com
MGG
Glass Patch Fittings System For Toughened & Laminated Glass Doors
- From Häfele UK
The
MGG range of high quality fittings for glass panels are now available
from Häfele UK.
'Not
only are they suitable for 10 & 12mm toughened glass panels, but they
are the only patch fittings on the market that can be used with laminated
safety glass.' says the company.
At the heart of the system is a fixing point consisting of an inner conical
sleeve and two pig nose bushes which form the main connection between
the fitting and the glass. When using toughened glass the fixing point
is bolted through a countersunk hole to secure it; if laminated glass
is used the conical sleeve is secure using a UV bonding technique.
The patch fittings have a distinctive design which uses only about 25%
of the fitting components in the standard range, all patches are supplied
in brushed stainless steel or a polished chrome
finish.
Pivot doors can be single or double action, they can be self closing on
a floor spring or mounted on a free swing pivot, fittings from the MGG
system are used incorporate fixed side panels and glass transoms to create
a glazed partition with minimal fittings visible.
The MGG range also includes an option for a frameless glass sliding door
which can be either manually operated or with automatic sliding operation.
The MGG is a versatile system, and also robust, the maximum panel width
is nearly 10% more than that of a standard patch range system at 1300mm,
and has a maximum load rating of 120kgs per panel for pivoting doors.
Along with the stylish modern design, and durable operation, MGG components
are easy to install and adjust.
Please contact Häfele UK for technical drawings, quotations or further
information.
Tel: 01788 548203
Email: mailto:gary.king@hafele.co.uk
Web: http://www.hafele.co.uk