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It's Showtime
Even in Down Economy, Atlanta Event Promises
to Bring Some New Innovations to Market
If you’re investing in new machinery or equipment for the future, preparing
for when the economy and housing market inevitably turn around, then look
no further than these pages. The upcoming GlassBuild America event, September
30-October 2 at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, promises
to bring some new innovations to the market. Even if you can’t get away
for the show, the next few pages offer an overview of what’s expected
to be on display.
Visit DWM Magazine in Booth #2902
The staff of DWM magazine will be on-hand at the upcoming GlassBuild
America show. Be sure to stop by Booth #2902 to say hello and see the
latest from DWM magazine and, DWM’s sister publication, USGlass magazine.
Also be sure to visit www.dwmmag.com
during the event for the latest news and updates from the trade show floor.
MACHINERY
Speed Up and Reduce Waste with Erdman Systems
The new Erdman® IG Secondary Sealer includes an advanced controls
system. When coupled with the Erdman® Fluid Metering System, officials
say it provides consistent results at speeds up to 20 inches per second.
Sealant application systems are also available to perform hot, cold and
two-part applications. These systems offer both dual- and triple-glazed
unit capability; automatic sizing and sealant application; reduction of
waste and clean-up; reduction of rework; adjustable sealant fill via positive
displacement pump; mechanical drives and electronic controls; dispensing
capability of hot, cold or two-part sealant; and custom models and sizes.
The machines are available both stand-alone and as complete lines.
The company also has a new hand-assist glazing table, which features a
servo control system utilizing Erdman’s Fluid Metering technologies. This
provides a consistent diameter bead of sealant to products at speeds up
to 30 inches per second. This machine control allows any operator to apply
a properly proportion-ed bead of sealant, according to the company. Hand
Assists are available to perform hot, cold or two-part glazing and can
be setup for bead sizes from .060 inches up to 1 inch in diameter. www.erdmanautomation.com
J&S Extends Machinery Offerings
J&S Machine is introducing the CR148 RIMW, a PC-based CNC double-pinch
storefront material roll bender utilizing the CNW333 control. The CNW333
control is a Windows XP-embedded CNC consisting of an industrial PC with
a 40GB hard drive, USB ports, 17-inch color monitor, wired mouse and keyboard.
The CNW333 can be operated manually by push button or programmed to run
automatically.
The CNCHW version is recommended for bending single radius parts or multiple
bend parts with large radii. Because of its ability to change rotation
speeds during the bending process, the IMW allows for smoother transitions
from one radius to another, resulting in a better overall appearance,
according to the company.
The CNW333 features DXF importing software allowing users to download
information directly from a DXF drawing file to create a new program.
The CNW333 also allows the user to create a network connection with other
PCs. Additional features include animated visualization of the bend data;
quick view of material spring-back archive; click-and-store operation
settings; and import and store tooling data for fast set-up times. www.jsmachine.com
Machine Four Materials with One System
The new “R” series vertical spindle machining center from Ameri-Can Machinery
features four-axis CNC controls and is capable of machining extruded aluminum,
light alloys, PVC and steel. The machine is fitted with a 5.5-horsepower,
18,000-rpm spindle, and features an ISO 30 taper and automatic tool changer.
The machine’s tool magazine can store six tools to drill, mill and thread,
plus one 6-inch slitter blade. The unit is equipped with a total of four
clamps, which company officials say ensures precise clamping. The system
also utilizes a pneumatic spray mist cooling system to lubricate both
its work piece and tooling, in an effort to ensure a long tooling life
and to clean low burr cuts.
The machine’s rotation axis can be infinitely variable to any position
electronically within 180 degrees, by using a rotating table.
www.ameri-can.ca
Billco Introduces New Storage System and IG Line
Billco Manufacturing has introduced its new Remnant Storage System, which
stores then re-distributes unused glass leftover from the glass cutting
process in an effort to optimize and reduce waste. The company has a new
vertical insulating glass line that features multiple zones that can be
interchanged to accommodate each manufacturer’s unique processing needs.
The line is capable of performing a range of processes including washing,
edge deleting, gas filling and secondary sealing.
www.billco-mfg.com
Bystronic Partners with
Sashlite: Companies Look to Make a Splash at the Show SPACERS
Sashlite made its first introduction to door and window manufacturers
in November 2003 at the interGlassmetal (iGm) show. You couldn’t walk
the event without hearing comments about Sashlite—many of them skeptical.
Many suspected the technology couldn’t work.
Now, almost six years later, Sashlite president Bob Hornung is gearing
up for GlassBuild America, and once again, the company is looking to gain
significant attention. But this time, things are different. The technology
isn’t new anymore so people aren’t as dubious as they were then. Secondly,
Sashlite has partnered with machinery supplier Bystronic glass, which
has developed a fully automated vertical manufacturing line for the fabrication
of the Sashlite technology. Sashlite technology is an insulating glass
(IG) system that eliminates the separate IG unit by integrating the spacer
directly into the window sash. The result is a single, solid unit.
The Bystronic line, capable of making both dual- and triple-glazed insulating
glass units, will require only four to five workers to operate and has
a throughput of up to 800 integrated sash windows per shift. Other features
include the simultaneous assembly, gas-filling, and pressing of a unit,
and the automated, precision driven application of all sealants and desiccants.
The new line will allow for any production sequence of rectangular sash
formats and is capable of producing a wide variety of sash sizes, shapes
and designs.
DWM editor Tara Taffera interviewed Hornung, as well as Scott
Knisely, vice president of sales and marketing for Bystronic, regarding
plans for both the show and the future of the technology.
DWM: I’ll start with you, Scott. How
familiar were you with Sashlite when it debuted almost six years ago?
Knisely: The first I ever heard of Sashlite was at its launch at iGm.
People said there was no possibility it would ever work. That was my first
real experience and to be honest it was very negative off the bat.
DWM: How did Bystronic and Sashlite
decide to partner on this project?
Knisely: Two years ago Bob was trying to get ahead of Michael Glover
to see about working together with Intra. (Editor’s Note: Intra was another
technology that made a big splash at that iGm show. Intra has been described
by partners Stephen Field and Michael Glover as a rapid means of joining
thermoplastic profiles. Bystronic Glass Group acquired Intra in 2006.)
…. Initially we had an applicator machine to do some test applications
and that’s how it started. Over the course of the next 18 months we worked
on some equipment to work with the Sashlite technology. We supply every
IG platform irrespective of the spacer that goes into it. We’re proud
to say we now supply all of them.
We want to support everyone equally. Obviously there are some intrinsic
benefits when you don’t have to produce a separate IG unit and this provides
numerous benefits to the fabricator. We feel the technology is poised
to grow.
If you look at Super Spacer®, they didn’t really experience their
growth until they partnered with a big machinery supplier.
Hornung: Since we started we’ve been evolving. We started with
a manual line and one casement profile then we went to a horizontal line,
then a semi-automated line, then a vertical line. Now for the first time
we have a level of sophistication by partnering with a real global player.
That’s what we lacked before. The fundamentals of the technology were
always strong, but we didn’t have a clear path to make a lot of units
in a high-volume atmosphere and now we have that.
Knisely: This is an interesting case study if you look at it from
its early infancy. There are not too many products where you can see it
from the beginning to where it is today. There is a benefit to the fabricator,
and we did a lot of due diligence to make sure that was the case.
Because the spacer is integrated into the sash it goes in line with what
we’ve promoting over the last few years in terms of eco-efficiency. If
you take a look as to what that encompasses, for example, a decrease in
carbon footprint, etc., then you’ll see that this fits in line with our
corporate strategy, which is very important to us.
DWM: Is this equipment
something a manufacturer of any size would be interested in purchasing?
Knisely: We do see it as a high-end, high-quality manufacturing
solution. Bystronic prides itself on high-quality equipment. This equipment
is expensive and there is an entry-level requirement. It wouldn’t be cost-effective
for a manufacturer producing fewer than 50,000 units, etc.
DWM: But, to clarify, prior to this
new equipment, manufacturers could use machines from Sash Systems and
Erdman Automation that can be used to produce the technology. Is that
still the case?
Hornung: Absolutely. These are still being used every day and frankly
[this] is a growing part of our market.
DWM: So really, manufacturers of all
sizes can use the technology?
Hornung: Yes. Before we never had solution for the high end of
the marketplace and now we do.
DWM: Can you explain to me how the
technology fits into companies interested in producing energy-efficient
products?
Hornung: Our technology wins on a variety of fronts—performance
characteristic, best warm-edge rating and the best DP rating. I think
we also have best aesthetics on marketplace and the greenest technology.
Knisely: As we start looking to 2013 and the next phase of Energy
Star® changes, I think the companies that are looking ahead will plan
their strategy early next year. It will take them six to eight months
to get extrusions complete, etc. The window designers don’t want to make
the same platform being produced all over the market. We just want to
give them another option to consider.
DWM: We all know we’re in a economic
downturn, so why is now the right time to make this introduction?
Knisely: As margins whittle away, manufacturers have significant
cash flow problems and they can’t produce their products and make money.
It’s simply a right marketplace to offer something new.
Hornung: We see this as a niche technology …. There is a lot of
aging equipment out there …. If people want a clear path to profitability
they have to at least consider Sashlite.
DWM: So now that the technology has
been around for several years and you’re now partnering with Bystronic,
do you have a goal of how many fabricators you’d like to adopt the technology?
Hornung: We have a lot more credibility now that we have partnered
with Bystronic—an extremely sophisticated company. If Bystronic does what
it did to TPS then our technology will do really well.
For the first time our technology has a fully automated turn key system
from the washer all the way through to the gas filling process to applying
the glazing beads.
The manufacturers that are making Sashlite windows are having a lot of
success. But they couldn’t make a lot of them and now that is possible.
www.sashlite.com
SPACERS
Edgetech
to Promote SustainaBLOCK™ Setting Blocks
The newest setting blocks from Edgetech I.G. were designed to help meet
the need for total system compatibility and are available in a wide variety
of material options, including the latest in stable silicone technology.
The SustainaBLOCK line of setting blocks can be used to position, cushion
and support glass in a window frame or opening, and are compatible with
most sealant types. In addition to their sustainable attributes, SustainaBLOCKs
are available in variety of sizes, profiles and materials, including silicone
rubber, EPDM and plastics. With a minimum order, Edgetech also can customize
SustainaBLOCKs based on color, material, packaging and self-adhesion needs.
The company also recently upgraded its Super Spacer® Premium and Premium
Plus silicone warm-edge spacer systems. Company officials say that these
new systems have been tested to show that they can improve U-values and
condensation resistance and have low thermal conductivity numbers.
In addition to displaying the new setting blocks during the show, the
company also will educate customers about the upcoming Energy Star®
changes, insulating glass certification and best practices for meeting
the stimulus bill’s .30/.30 requirements. All of the education will be
part of the company’s continuing Edgetech University theme, which was
launched at last year’s GlassBuild event. www.edgetech360.com
Truseal Focuses on Energy Efficiency
Energy efficiency tops the bill for the Truseal Technologies Inc. booth.
The company will highlight a number of products and programs focused on
providing thermal efficiency and promoting enerenergy-saving solutions.
The company will focus on two technologies in particular, both of which
are designed to help windows meet and exceed Energy Star® Phase 1
criteria for 2010 as well as American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of
2009 .30/.30 tax credit requirements.
The first of these, Duralite®, is the company’s third-generation warm-edge
spacer system. Company officials say the no-metal, high-performance spacer
enables window manufacturers to meet and exceed energy efficiency requirements.
Likewise, the company’s latest developments to its Envirosealed Windows™
program will be revealed during the event. The current campaign includes
consumer-ready educational tools for promoting energy-efficient windows
such as literature, point-of-sale pieces and a dedicated website.
“With initiatives like the new Energy Star requirements and the .30/.30
tax credits driving up demand for better windows, it is clear that the
future of the window industry is all about energy efficiency,” says Ric
Jackson, director of marketing and business development. www.truseal.com
SETTING BLOCKS
New PVC Eco-Blocks™ are Color-Coded
The newest PVC setting blocks from LAMATEK Inc. are not only color-coded,
but they’re also eco-friendly, according to their manufacturer. The Eco-Blocks
are part of the company’s Greensteps™ product line and are designed to
serve as a drop-in replacement for current setting blocks. The blocks
are made from a proprietary 85 Durometer PVC blend.
LAMATEK officials say the Eco-Blocks have been tested and proven to be
compatible with glazing and IG sealants and are available with or without
a time-tested acrylic adhesive. www.lamatek.com.
HARDWARE
Truth Hardware to Introduce PAL and Encore
Owatonna, Minn.-based Truth Hardware will display its new Positive Action
Lock (PAL) and Encore® handle and cover designs.
The PAL, a lock system for sliding windows, is available in the original
“push button” design as well as the new “slide tab” design and offers
a snap-on cover. Officials say the PAL system requires minimal effort
to trigger the lock.
The new Encore designs’ full-flip folding handle recesses in the operator
cover and eliminates interference with curtains and blinds. The snap-fit
cover also removes easily for painting and staining window frames. www.truth.com
Interlock USA to Feature Concealed Tilt-and-Turn Hardware
and More
Interlock USA will feature concealed tilt-and-turn hardware from SIEGENIA-AUBI,
among several new products at its booth. Company officials say the concealed
hinge allows for more glass area due to frames as narrow as 10 mm and
it’s flexible and designed to meet a wide range of specifications. The
new hinge can be fitted in profile applications with both 9- and 13-mm
axes and features three-way adjustment and an integral adjustable turn
restrictor.
In addition, the company’s new non-corrosive, stainless-steel HEMISPHERE™
folding door mortise hinges feature a flush mount application, providing
a maximum level of movement. Interlock officials say the HEMISPHERE mortise
hinges are ideal for 2¼-inch wood flat-panel folding doors with
openings in excess of 45 feet wide and up to 10 feet in height, and can
accommodate doors that weigh up to 165 pounds per panel. The new folding
door hardware is available in a range of durable finishes, from classic
to contemporary. www.interlockna.com
Wood’s Powr-Grip Introduces New Low-Profile Vacuum Lifter
Wood’s Powr-Grip’s newest vacuum lifter, the MRTALP611LDCS, features a
sleek, low-profile design and manual rotation/tilt capability. This below-the-hook
lifter offers several unique benefits for installing doors and windows,
according to the company.
The lifter combines a thin vertical profile, mechanically assisted tilt
mechanism, reduced lifter weight and high lifting capacity, while also
featuring movable/removable pads and extension arms to accommodate a variety
of load sizes and shapes. The low-profile design provides ease of use
in tight work locations. www.powrgrip.com
COATINGS
SuperCapSR™ Now Available on MikronWood™ Composite Systems
Mikron Industries now is able to offer its patent-pending SuperCapSR color
technology on the company’s MikronWood™ composite window system. SuperCapSR
is a patent-pending technology that is low-heat absorbing. It is a molecularly
fused color layer that creates a durable color surface. Officials say
the tough co-extruded acrylic color layer is scratch-resistant and durable
to protect windows during delivery and installation. SuperCapSR colors
include architectural bronze, hunter green, adobe and brick red. www.mikronvinyl.com
SDL Bars: 65 Colors and Counting
Custom Glass Products has expanded its Decralite line of simulated divided
lite (SDL) lineal bars to include a color palette of 65 colors. Its dark
color coatings are designed so they are heat-reflective.
In addition, the company has added a variety of laminated wood grain bars
to its offering. Laminates of oak, cherry, pine and mahogany are
readily available for interior applications. Stainable laminates are available
on any bar width of 5/8 inches through 4 inches. All coatings and
laminates are available as 8-inch lineal bars or cut and notched kits
for custom applications. A wide variety of profiles is available
with coatings and laminates to include OG and beveled. www.cgpglass.com
Renolit Expands FAST Exterior Laminate Colors
American Renolit Corp. has expanded its FAST exterior film range to include
several new colors and woodgrain designs. The newest available colors
are clay and ivory, which join other earth tones to fit the latest construction
trends. Irish oak, a woodgrain design, along with Shadow Black and two
new silver colors, are also recent additions.
The complete range of films carries a full 10-year exterior warranty in
the United States and Canada.
The company also will feature its Cova IN range of interior laminate films
for window frames. The Cova IN films include new, modern prints that feature
soft finishes and realistic woodgrain designs like natural cherry, hard
rock maple, soft walnut and more, according to the company. www.americanrenolit.com
COMPONENTS
Chelsea Adds New Extrusions, PVC Reinforcement
Chelsea Building Products has new, solid-colored extrusions and painted
exteriors available, including an authentic woodgrain appearance option
(with three different woodgrain finishes available). In addition, the
company has a new composite PVC reinforcement available. The company reports
the product has an e-modulus that is four times that of PVC and that it
achieves an R-35 rating. www.chelseabuildingproducts.com
Glasslam Launches Patent-Pending Air-Clip™ Muntin Key
Program
Glasslam N.G.I. Inc. will exhibit its full line of architectural glass
products, along with its new patent pending Air-Clip muntin key program
for any and all foam spacer systems. It will have on-hand its Air-Tight™
the Generic EPDM (E-Class) warm-edge foam spacer; Air-Tight Premier Silicone
(S-Class) warm-edge foam spacer; Air-Tight SmartEdge™ the One Step Product
warm-edge foam spacer with pre-applied HMB; Air-Clip non-metal muntin
clip; Colour Cote™ sprayed glass system; Decopane™ decorative doorlites
and windows; Bevelpane® decorative glass; and Glasslam laminated glass
products including Polylam™, Safety Plus® II and the patent-pending
Sudden Impact™ IG System. www.glasslam.com
SOFTWARE
FeneVision Introduces Three New Products
Aurora, Ohio-based FeneVision has added three new products to its line
of automation software.
The line scanner, powered by Softsolution, detects glass defects and can
be installed all along the production process in either a vertical or
horizontal position and can be operated independently or integrated with
a current manufacturing system.
The FeneVision SCAD is a new CAD software application designed for non-standard
glass shapes and includes a catalog of standard drill holes and cutouts.
New virtual digitizer software digitizes the shape of a custom shape template
using a digital photograph. www.fenetech.com
Preference Launches PrefWeb
Preference North America recently released PrefWeb, a web-based product
configuration and order entry software. The system allows dealers to configure
and place orders for standard and complex products via their dealer website.
Dealers also have the ability to track their orders as well. All database
management is done centrally, making maintenance a snap. Web orders are
then fed directly into the PrefSuite door and window manufacturing software,
driving the order through the plant, including MRP, inventory stock control
and product labeling and shipping, even providing truck loading and shipping
routes.
www.prefsuite.com
TOOLS
Save Both Money and Time with EDTM
Electronic Design to Market (EDTM) will focus on two different tools to
help door and window manufacturers save not only time, but also money.
Among these is the Glass-Chek Pro (#GC3000), which will be available for
the first time during the event. This new digital instrument will measure
the glass and air space thickness of single-, double- and triple-pane
windows from a single side. The laser device offers numerous improvements
and features over EDTM’s previous similar tool, including applications
involving tinted and reflective glass plus triple-pane windows.
The Glass-Chek Pro also will incorporate an all-inclusive low-E coating
detector, which will allow the user to identify all of the low-E coating
surfaces in a window and measure them from a single side. The product
also may be able to differentiate hard-coat low-E from soft-coat low-E
products. Other improvements include expanded thickness ranges, accuracies
and the ability to identify suspended film applications in windows.
In addition, EDTM will highlight its window energy profiler sales kit
(#SK1740). The window energy profiler tests already-installed windows
for energy performance and will show the window’s estimated solar heat
gain coefficient, along with ultraviolet, visible light and near infrared
transmission values. The kit also includes heat lamps and surface temperature
guns to offer a sensory side to the presentation, allowing customers to
feel the energy performance in action. www.edtm.com
SCREENS
Secure It with RiteScreen
The RiteScreen Co. has a new, extruded latching window screen. The new
extruded screen for double-hung windows securely latches into place upon
closing, according to the company, and has a wall thickness of 0.040 inches.
In addition, it features the company’s staked corners to build strength
and eliminate gaps at the miters. Shapes with an integral stop leg, latch
and interior wool pile are available. www.ritescreen.com
EQUIPMENT
Meter and Mix with Precision
Nordson’s new Cobalt™ GR systems are designed to deliver precise meter/mix
capability to window fabrication and insulating glass processes. The systems
feature single and tandem spur-gear pumps to simplify adhesive and sealant
handling and metering directly from their shipping containers to improve
production efficiency and reduce residual waste. In addition, company
officials say the system’s intuitive PLC controls with touch-screen interfaces
and easily-adjusted mix ratio controls simplify its operation, and configurable
systems can handle any combinations of high-, medium- or low-viscosity
materials.
www.nordson.com
SEALANTS
H.B. Fuller Introduces Two-Part Urethane Insulating
Glass Sealant
H.B. Fuller has a new two-part urethane, PU-810, for use as an insulating
glass sealant. PU-810 provides high tensile strength and high modulus
and is available in several gel times to match the customer’s manufacturing
requirements. Product options exist for both handgun and robotic dispensing
equipment. www.hbfuller.com
DWM
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No reproduction of any type without expressed written permission.
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