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Fixing
Colour to Glass – Permanently
The
Glass FX colour treatment from Glass UK
offers an unlimited choice of colours for almost every glass type. This
means that an architect’s vision for the use of colour can be made
real through this process for the permanent fixing of colour to glass.
The
Glass FX formula includes an agent that is mixed with colour compounds
to create a colourfast and, above all, extremely durable finish to glass.
The possibilities of this cost-effective process are already being recognised
in the UK and it has been used on many major projects. It is suitable
for a wide range of applications, from kitchens, bathrooms and showers
to imaginative developments such as hotels and style bars. It is heat
resistant and can be used effectively for both internal and external applications.
Using Glass FX for splashbacks in kitchens and bathrooms is just the start
as the possibilities are limitless.
Glass FX, which is non-staining and easy to clean, has been rigorously
tested at a wide range of different temperatures. Glass UK has the confidence
in the technology and its consistent colouration to offer a 10-year guarantee
against delaminating and discolouring. Using Glass FX reduces the amount
of wall preparation needed, and it works well with the large size units
which are Glass UK’s speciality.
Glass UK’s quality of service and speedy turnround time is all part
of the attraction of the Glass FX process. There are 18 applicators across
the UK for the product, which is non-silicon and is sprayed on.
The system was developed in Australia, and has rapidly spread through
Asia. ‘Now architects and designers in the UK are able to appreciate
its versatility, and end users will enjoy the benefits of its durability.’
says Neil Sharda, Glass UK’s Production Manager, ‘Glass FX is
the most advanced and versatile glass colour treatment on the market.
It enables you to choose the exact colours and textures you desire to
take advantage of the inherent beauty, functionality and durability of
glass.’
Tel: 01895 629940
Web: http://www.lmcgroup.co.uk
Safety
and Security with Fuhr Multisafe 870 from Groupco
Fuhr's
Multisafe 870 locking system with panic exit function is now available
from Groupco, the independent UK hardware
distributor. Combining safety with security, the 870 provides protection
from unauthorised access from the outside plus unobstructed escape from
the inside in the event of an emergency.
Particularly
suitable for public buildings and areas with high volume traffic, the
Fuhr 870 features ultra smooth latch operation and can be locked and unlocked
from the outside by two key turns for complete security. However, should
the need arise the door can be opened from the inside without the use
of a key simply by pushing the panic exit bar or lever. After the panic
release has been activated the door can be locked again by turning the
key.
The Fuhr 870's advanced design satisfies the stringent standards of DIN
EN1125, which replaced any national standards when it was introduced in
March 2003. Under the European standard safe escape to the outside of
a building must not be compromised when the door is locked, and also requires
that exit doors can be opened through the impact of the body or by hand
without the need for keys or other tools.
Groupco is initially offering the Fuhr Multisafe 870 with steel round
bolts for use with single doors. It is available as a self-contained lock
and hardware package, complete with strike plates, panic exit bar, 9mm
spindle and fire resistant backplate - with or without doorknob - in black
matt uPVC with steel substructure. It can also be specified with either
a solid or split follower to suit individual fitting requirements, and
can be supplied in a choice of faceplate finishes and sizes on request.
Groupco and Carl Fuhr have built a long and successful partnership that
spans over 40 years. Groupco's Managing Director, Richard Duncan comments:
‘The 870 is another example of Fuhr's commitment to premium standards
of quality and reliability. It's a valuable new addition to our range,
and being EN 1125 approved specifiers and end-users have the added assurance
that the product has undergone rigorous testing is certified fit for purpose.’
Tel: 01733 234750
Web: http://www.groupcoltd.co.uk
Lean-To's
with a Greater Sense of Styal
When
it comes to the design of lean to roofs, Wendland
Roof Solutions offers a number of complete design solutions,
whatever the application. With some competitors only offering a limited
number of options, Wendland says that it has been to quick to offer the
best of both worlds, a bespoke and a modular solution.
Wendland's Styal system provides a complete bespoke offering with a broad
range of glazing options including glass and polycarbonate options that
include 16, 25, 32 and 40mm glazing. While many other bespoke lean-to's
only go down to a 5° pitch, Styal will go down further to a 2.5°
pitch, providing installers and homeowners alike with a broader design
option. Similarly, Wendland says that Styal lean-to's can span further
than many other systems on the market, unsupported up to 4m in glass and
5m in polycarbonate. A wide range of colour and laminated options adds
to the wide number of key features in Styal.
The newly developed Modual system from Wendland is an off the shelf, modular,
low pitch roof solution. Available at 500 centres and glazed with a 60mm
PVC panel, Modual has been designed to be cut down on site through the
use of a panel adaptor. The system has a core number of components numbering
just 20 and this facilitates a very quick and simple installation process.
Modual spans up to 4.5m unsupported and allows for pitches 2.5 - 10°,
providing a greater level of design freedom.
Tel: 0870 420 7900
Email: mailto:info@wendland.uk.com
Yellow
and Green Will Now be Seen at WHS Halo
The
next few months sees WHS Halo introducing
a series of colour coded labels onto its laminated products to help its
customers improve efficiency with speed of product identification and
stock picking. The new colour labels will be applied to all the company’s
systems, such as Eclipse and Eclipse esthétique.
Green
labels will be used for Rosewood products, whether they have Rosewood
on both sides or are Rosewood on white; while yellow labels will identify
Cherry products – again whether the finish is on one side or both.
All other finishes will continue to have white labels.
The move comes as response to customer requests for an easier at-a-glance
means of identifying held product.
The new colour scheme will be a big benefit to those who tend to store
a mixture of slower moving profiles in the same stillage, and is another
example of the company’s commitment to continuous improvement in
customer service.
Tel: 0121 749 3000
Web: http://www.whs-halo.co.uk
A
New Dimension in Decorative Glass?
Dichroic
Bevels from Decra Led are bevels with
an iridescent coating that changes colour when viewed from different angles.
‘This is seen as one of the most exciting new decorative glass products
to be introduced in a long while.’ Says the company.
Dichroic
is a word used to describe certain rare crystals which have this chameleon-like
ability. When fused onto glass bevels the effect is not only stunning,
but also completely bewitching, as the shimmering colours appear to change
as the viewer shifts position or passes by.
Launched only last May at GP&T, and currently being shown at trade
fairs around the globe, the take-up by the market in the UK has already
been reported to be 'excellent', with sales steadily rising.
Available in three base colours in Glue Chip and Chinchilla patterns,
and a further Diamond coating in Chinchilla, with 174 bevels and shapes
to choose from, the hardest part is said to be deciding which bevels to
start with.
How the idea for Dichroic Bevels came about in the first place is a story
in itself. Decra Led md Stephen Hart explains:
‘We were talking with a supplier, who showed us the range of coated
glasses he dealt with. One of the coatings had a dichroic effect. We said
it was a shame that such glass as this couldn't be bevelled, which started
off a long thinking process. If ordinary glass can be bevelled, why can't
coated glass? Well, by making modifications to the production process,
it can!
‘Although the initial samples were very rough, by working closely
with our supplier, we managed to help him produce a better quality product
with a lower reject rate. Now, while there is a very slight batch to batch
variation in the coating, this has been minimised to a very acceptable
level.
‘Because the coating is fired on, it is very durable, and will withstand
the worst weather conditions without ever fading or losing its effect.
‘With Dichroic Bevels a whole new avenue of possibilities has been
opened up for the decorative glass market, as windows and door panels
that feature the effect, far from being run-of-the-mill, can now stand
out from the crowd, and become a unique talking-point once more’,
says Stephen, who asks: ‘Is this a new dimension for decorative glass?’
A fair question. After all, self-adhesive lead strip was a revolutionary
product in its day, but that was nearly 25 years ago, and apart from some
variations in the produced finish (Antique, Gold, Brass, etc) is now applied
to virtually every decorative glass panel produced today.
Coloured film, upon its introduction some time afterwards, added another
dimension to the possibilities available to the glass shop, but again,
modern conservatories and fanlights are now full of it. The same can be
said of ordinary glass bevels.
Dichroic Bevels on the other hand, introduce an element of wonder and
novelty to any decorative glass, as being entirely new, original, and
different.
Opening a door containing standard decorative leaded and bevelled glass
panels is like... well, opening a door, but open a Dichroic bevelled door
to visitors, and immediately the sparkling light and subtle changes of
colour caused by movement can't fail to catch anyone's attention.
Dichroic Bevels will also draw a similar response in the conservatory,
changing colour and sparkling as people move around, and also in intensity
as the light varies during the day.
As the conservatory market has grown, with competition between manufacturers
becoming increasingly close, many suppliers are seeking ways to imbue
their products with more character and individuality in order to gain
that ever-elusive unique selling point against rival products. Dichroic
Bevels now provide customers with an ideal opportunity to detail that
character in their own 'crystal room'.
Tel: 0161 368 4491
Email: mailto:decraled@decraled.co.uk
Web: http://www.decraled.co.uk
Scope
for Fire-Resistant Glass is Widened
Pilkington
Building Products - UK
continues to demonstrate the capabilities of its popular clear fire-resistant
glass range with the introduction of 10mm Pilkington Pyrodur 60-10 and
important additions to the test portfolio for 23mm Pilkington Pyrostop
and 15/18mm Pilkington Pyrostop. The Fire-resistant Glass Range brochure
and Specifire glass selection guide have also been updated and revised.
10mm
Pilkington Pyrodur 60-10 has been developed specifically for use as viewing
panels in 60 minute integrity-only fire doors in recognition of the increased
need for glazed doors following the revision of approved Document M and
the increasing emphasis on risk assessment with the pending introduction
of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order.
It has all the tried, tested and trusted qualities demonstrated by the
Pilkington Pyrodur range in numerous applications. The product is classified
as a Class C safety glass according to the impact performance requirements
of BS 6206: 1981 and as a Class 2(B)2 safety glass according to BS EN
12600: 2002, and has been tested in accordance with the fire test requirements
of BS EN 1363-1: 1999 and BS EN 1634-1: 2000. Fire test summary reference
RF 05036 is now available to provide glazing details and tested sizes.
Four further fire test summaries have been produced demonstrating the
additions to the substantial test portfolio of the Pilkington fire-resistant
glass range. 23mm Pilkington Pyrostop 60-101 for 60 minute integrity and
60 minute insulation requirements can now be used in horizontal screens
(test reference RF 04022), a screen incorporating LUXACLAIR blinds (test
reference RF 04017) and as a large pane in a one hour insulated timber
fire door (test reference RF 05035).
15mm Pilkington Pyrostop 30-10 and 18mm Pilkington Pyrostop 30-20 have
been successfully tested for use in a full size timber door panel with
extremely large sized screen surround (2870mm x 1336mm). This test demonstrated
the robustness and flexibility of the Pilkington Pyrostop technology having
incorporated a very tall and narrow panel 2870mm x 333mm (Test reference
RF 05037).
The new Pilkington Fire-resistant Glass Range brochure introduces each
of the products and contains valuable technical and test data on each.
It is available as a download or hard copy. The new information has also
been incorporated in the useful Specifire CD ROM that helps specifiers
identify the most appropriate fire-resistant glass quickly, easily and
accurately.
Specifire allows users to navigate through the application requirements
in nine easy steps and, based on the selections made, displays the details
of the recommended glass type, together with its properties and links
to the corresponding fire test summary sheets. Pilkington has now published
43 fire test summary sheets and each one is available on Specifire.
To request information on any of the above items e-mail to mailto:pilkington@respond.uk.com
or by telephone the Pilkington Technical Helpline on 01744 692000.
Web: http://www.pilkington.com
New
Vertical Slider from Total Glass
In
a further enhancement to its range of products, Total
Glass has introduced a new vertical sliding sash to give its
customers even greater selling opportunities in a mature market.
The
Liverpool-based fabricator believes the traditional aesthetics combined
with all the performance, security and low-maintenance benefits associated
with modern window design will make its cost-effective vertical slider
a sure-fire hit.
Meeting all the relevant Building Regulations, including Part B egress
depending on size and Part L, the sliding sashes include authentic aesthetic
detailing such as sash horns and window bars to replicate the traditional
Victorian window style. Manufactured to ISO 9001:2000 quality standards,
the frames are also compliant with BS EN 1279/2.
Commenting on the company's new product, Stuart Waring, Sales and Marketing
Manager, says it enables customers to take advantage of the growing sliding
sash windows market. 'They offer a genuine alternative to standard casement
windows, particularly in sensitive conservation areas where planning rules
can be much stricter on the use of PVC-U.
'In addition, given the huge pool of older Victorian terraced homes in
large cities such as Liverpool which are ready for modernisation, as well
as the increasing use of this type of product as a feature in newbuild
properties, we believe this replacement market is only set to grow in
the future.'
Stuart observes that the company's new competitively-priced product is
already proving popular, reflected in the increasing number of inquiries
it is getting each week for sliding sashes. 'In the past, people assumed
they would cost an arm and a leg. However, as prices have come down, we
can now offer an affordable product to give our customers the best possible
competitive advantage when selling in the home,' he adds.
The vertical sliding sash windows are available now from Total Glass,
along with a wide range of windows, doors and conservatories manufactured
using the Profile 22 system at the company's 100,000 sq ft production
facility at Knowsley. For further information on Total Glass, contact
Stuart Waring on 0151 549 2339 or visit the website at http://www.totalglass.com.
WHS
Halo puts Top Swing Brown Profile on the Books
As
a result of close contact with its Top Swing fabricators, WHS
Halo has identified a niche market opportunity and is introducing
a dark brown version of its Top Swing profile ready for woodgrain lamination.
Traditionally, Top Swing profile was only made in white because of very
low demand and it tending to be a contract specific requirement. However,
thanks to an increase in demand and process efficiencies, the company
will now hold the new brown profile in stock – resulting in an order-to-fulfillment
time frame of only six weeks for this item.
Furthermore, providing that orders can be incorporated within the existing
lamination schedule and are for a minimum of 600m per profile, it will
be available at no extra cost.
Tel: 0121 749 3000
Web: http://www.whs-halo.co.uk
New
World Launches Inverted Door Panel
New
World
inverted PVC door panels are being increasingly specified in ‘high
use’ cases where doors are subjected to more than average stress.
The inverted moulding of the Vintage Collection gives the same distinctive
appearance and aesthetic appeal of a traditional timber door but the moulding
is shielded from knocks and scratches.
Nine
different designs in a choice of four colours, red, blue, green and black
as well as wood grain and white are available with a range of classic
and contemporary glass designs.
Explains marketing manager Linda Tomb 'Often Local Authorities have to
take into account intense usage of a door so the Vintage Collection can
be an ideal option. The inverted moulding design accentuates the traditional
appearance of the panels but offers added protection.'
The Vintage range of panels is reinforced with two sheets of 6mm exterior
grade plywood and a complementary sidelight range is available. All New
World’s panels can be ordered through PanelSpec, New World’s
on-line trading facility. The website http://www.nwd.uk.com
is now receiving over 9,000 hits per month. With PanelSpec, customers
can browse the full product range and technical information before placing
their order on line.
Taking less than five minutes, fabricators work through the options to
create the exact door panel specification with PanelSpec’s interactive
service on or off line.
Styles, colours, glass designs and accessories are selected to build an
ideal door on screen. Also the PanelSpec CD is an clever sales aid which
can be used in the customer’s home or fabricator’s showroom
where an internet facility may be unavailable.
Tel: 028 2563 2200
Email: mailto:linda.tomb@nwd.uk.com
Fenestrator™
Solves Grade One Problem
Grade
One listed buildings are those of exceptional interest and they form part
of our heritage. As installers know, to protect these buildings a tough
set of criteria has to be met before carrying out alterations. So the
need to modernise these old buildings, for comfort and safety, can cause
problems.
Fenestrator™, a retro fitted opening aid manufactured by Mighton
Products Ltd, the sash window hardware specialist, resolved
one such problem for St John's Hospital in Bath. Fenestrator is a manually
operated system that allows even the heaviest sliding sash window - timber
or PVC-U - to be opened easily.
Martin Luckett, Facilities Manager for St John's Hospital, says: ‘With
a Grade One listed building replacing the timber sashes with casements
wasn't an option. So I searched the internet and found Mighton, at http://www.mightonproducts.com.
The company was offering exactly what I needed, which allowed me to keep
the existing timber sash windows.’
St John's Hospital, a charity founded in 1174, houses the elderly. Martin
explains the challenge: ‘One of our elderly residents is less than
five foot tall. One of her windows was recessed and another was above
a kitchen sink, so she struggled to open them, until we fitted Fenestrator.
She's now over the moon. Fenestrator has allowed us to keep the character
of the property but not at the expense of our residents, who had difficulty
with the unmodified windows. The Fenestrator can also be adapted - in
this case with an L Bracket for recessed windows. It's an ingenious innovation
and is fitted using only basic joinery skills. So we'll be using more
of them in the future to help the elderly be more independent and lead
a better quality of life.’
Tel: 0800 0560471
Web: http://www.mighton.co.uk
New
Shiplap Cladding Features Celutex Wood Effect
In
response to growing demand for high quality authentic looking wood effect
cladding, Celuform has extended the
range of shiplap products by introducing a new PVC-ue embossed wood grain
finish - Celutex - that is almost indistinguishable from timber. Unlike
wood however, it is unaffected by damp, rot, decay, frost or insect attack.
Featuring
a new patented process, Celutex offers a realistic matt finish and it
is available on single or double plank versions for rapid installation.
There is a comprehensive range of corners, edges and joint trims to ensure
a smart finished look and a 15-year guarantee against defects and discoloration.
The cover width of the plain or embossed single boards is 150mm and the
double boards are 300mm.
All four versions match a standard 19mm shiplap profile and may be fitted
horizontally, vertically or diagonally.
'This exciting product innovation allows extra versatility and greater
possibilities for design expression on external cladding and weather boarding
projects,' says Ged Ferris, Celuform's Marketing Manager.
Celuform supplies stockists throughout the UK and Europe with a wide range
of cellular plastic roofline, cladding and windowboard products.
Tel: 01622 719199
Web: http://www.celuform.co.uk
New
Dry-Glaze Balustrade Clamping Rail from Prefit Cuts Down Installation
Time
A
new balustrade clamping rail, the Glass Wedge Dry-Glaze system that cuts
down traditional installation time by 50 per cent, has been launched by
Prefit, specialists in fittings for
glass.
Of
interest to architects and designers, Glass Wedge allows the glass to
cantilever out of a base shoe and is simple to install only using a small
number of fittings. It is a totally dry-glazed system and is less messy
and time-consuming than pouring cement into a base shoe.
After attaching the base shoe to the structure, the glass is fitted using
wedge isolators, aluminium wedges and a roll-in gasket. It is clad on
both sides.
Available in various finishes and for 12mm and 19mm glass, Prefit is stocking
shoe sections for 19mm glass with the clads available in a satin stainless
steel finish.
Where a handrail is required to comply with Building Regulations, various
diameters are available, with a 50mm diameter saddle type being stocked
by Prefit in a satin stainless steel.
Tel: 020 8961 4777
Email: mailto:sales@prefitfittings.co.uk
Web: http://www.prefit-fittings.com
In
an effort to increase efficiency and to reduce operator movements Aetna
can now offer two new options to run in conjunction with its popular Spiror
range of horizontal stretch wrapping machines for the extrusion and timber
markets.
Pack
Collation
Products are collated as required, then placed on the infeed roller table.
The operator then either pushes the pack into the machine or starts the
infeed rollers. After that, the wrapping process is automatic and the
newly wrapped pack arrives on the discharge table.
Normally, the operators have to remove the finished pack before restarting
the cycle. However, Aetna can now offer the option of a side shifting
conveyor. This conveyor collates the wrapped packs parallel to the outfeed
rollers allowing the operators to keep feeding the machine without stopping.
The length of the collating conveyor can be specified at order placement
but can usually accommodate 10 to 15 minutes worth of packs.
When the collation conveyor is full, the operators now move to the offloading
station and remove the packs in a continuous process. Packs are conveyed
to the end of the conveyor by the operator using a footswitch.
Bulk Packs
Should the packs require stacking into a larger ‘transport’
pack then this can also be offered. As the packs exit the wrapper, they
can be collated into a bulk pack format automatically. The rows and column
numbers are pre programmed into the machine as required. The stacker builds
the finished packs then moves it away for banding, FLT, or overhead crane
offloading.
Both options can be retrofitted to existing Spiror machines if required.
Tel: 01234 825050
Email: mailto:sales@aetna.co.uk
Web: http://www.aetna.co.uk