by W. Barry Wampler
Installers who want to save both time and money may want to utilize the clamping system
for attaching rails to glass doors. In addition to time and cost savings, the system also
provides specification flexibility as opposed to the wet set and dry-glaze systems.
Following many years of successful use in Europe, the clamping system has now become
accepted in the United States. The product is unique because it uses fasteners with a
two-piece rail to form a clamp that grips the glass. This results in a quick and accurate
installation with savings on labor. And because of the clamping design, glass or rail
replacement can be easily performed at the job site, eliminating the need to send doors
back to the manufacturer.
Easy adjustment and sizing are also facilitated by the clamping system. Because fasteners
are used to attach the glass, the actual door size can be adjusted larger or smaller at
the job site by simply loosening, adjusting and re-tightening them. This means installers
can adjust the door size to fit the opening rather than cut down a stainless-clad rail,
even when openings have been measured incorrectly.
In addition to labor savings, the system affords installers and end-users with the
convenience of flexibility. The removable cover is a big key to this flexibility. Rather
than dealing with spattered concrete on polished brass-clad rails, installers can leave
the cover off until the other trades are off the job, maintaining its pristine condition.
This is also a tremendous advantage with regard to finishes. If the wrong finish is
installed, it becomes a very small problem because the covers are removable. Similarly, if
the end user wants to change the finish or color at a later date, the clamping system
easily allows for this.
With time and labor savings, easy adjustment and convenient flexibility, the clamping
system provides installers and end users with optimum benefits when attaching rails to
glass doors.
Barry Wampler is president of DORMA Glas Inc., of Upper Marlboro, MD. DORMA Glas is
part of the DORMA Group North America.
BOC-8451 Edge Seal Introduced by Thermedics
A multi-layer polyurethane product has been introduced by Thermedics Inc. of
Woburn, MA. The Tecoflex: BOC-8451 edge seal has been designed as a protective membrane
when laminated to the edge of a transparency, according to the company. The product
protects, prevents moisture and solvent migration and camouflages the edges of a security
transparency.
The BOC-8451 is made of a diamond pattern embossed polypropylene film carrier, which can
be removed following lamination; a proprietary black polyurethane; and a final clear
layer, which permanently bonds to the edge of the laminate.
TRACO Introduces TR-8300 Sliding Glass Door
TRACO of Pittsburgh, has introduced its thermal aluminum TR-8300 sliding glass
door. The door features an enhanced arch pull handle design and tandem steel wheels for
easy operation, while a raised track bead and threshold cover ensure durability, according
to the company. Features include a 1-inch insulating glass unit made with tempered lites,
sidelites and transom options, optional sills for higher water performance up to 15 PSF
and narrow sightlines. Optional features include exterior or internal muntins, exterior
screens and a multi-point locking system.
Access Hardware Stocks Locknetic Products
Access Hardware Supply of San Leandro, CA, announced that it is now stocking
Locknetic’s CM5100 and CM5500 card reader locksets. The locksets are available with
an ABA standard trak two magnetic stripe card reader that integrates with most existing
phone, credit and “one-card systems,” according to the company. Cylindrical
style, latch bolt mortise and the auto bolt mortise style are also available. The locksets
are powered by a micro-motor that is run on four AA batteries, which provide 80,000
activations or three years life.
Fulton Windows Introduces French Doors
A new line of French Doors is available from Fulton Windows Inc. of Mississauga,
Ontario. Features of the doors include a 2 5/8-inch thermallized main frame, which is
extruded from 6063-T6 aluminum alloy; a 3/4-inch thick corner-reinforcement keys, which
are expoxied and staked; and the 1-inch insulating glass units, which are bead-glazed with
durable gaskets, according to the company. The doors are available in acrylic, Kynar and
anodized finishes.
Guardian Manufactures Privata™
Privata is a cost-effective alternative to leaded glass, cast glass and glass
block installations. According to Guardian Industries of Auburn Hills, MI, manufacturer of
the new privacy glass, the product also provides more durability than acrylics. The glass
has a uniform pattern distribution and depth that enables natural sunlight transmittance
while providing privacy. Suggested applications include interior partitions, sidelites,
patio furniture, shower enclosures or privacy windows, according to the company.
Westcrowns to Provide Profilit™
Westcrowns Inc. of Venice, FL, says it has reached an agreement with Pilkington-LOF to
provide marketing, sales and engineering support for the specification and installation of
Profilit glass products. Used in Europe for almost 30 years, it has just recently been
recognized by the American market. The Profilit profiled glass system is a translucent,
cast glass that is manufactured by Bauglas Ind., one of Pilkington’s companies. Due
to the elongated U-shaped glass configuration, the system can be installed in high
elevations or large unit lengths without requiring additional vertical or horizontal
mullions, according to the company.
Sprayway Offers Mirror Edge Sealant
Sprayway Inc. of Addison, IL, now offers a mirror edge sealant, spray No. 209.
The spray protects mirror edges from blackening and effectively retards edge blackening on
newly cut mirrors, according to the company. The clear coating reduces silver
deterioration and dries in minutes. No. 209 should be used at room temperature and applied
to a clean surface, according to the company.
TruSeal Introduces R-Lock® Into IG and Glazing Markets
TruSeal Technologies of Beachwood, OH, in conjunction with Lockformer of Lisle,
IL, and Graco of Minneapolis, has introduced the R-Lock system into the insulating glass
and glazing markets.
The R-Lock system is an automated production system that transforms coil stock into a
cut-to-size and desiccated spacer bar, ready for sealant and glass application, according
to TruSeal. The system offers high-volume insulating glass manufacturers a labor-efficient
way to replace conventional aluminum spacer bands, corner keys and bead desiccant with
batch-fabricated parts.
USG
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