Particularly façade units made of larger and heavier glass panes require specialized machinery and techniques to ensure safe transport and precise assembly.

Areas of use for stepped units
When it comes to IG units, there are specific applications in which the offset between the outer and inner pane is crucial. Examples include:

• Cold storage display doors
• Glass façades

In both applications, the steps are on all four sides to completely conceal the underlying construction behind the glass pane.

How to produce stepped units
The production of units with steps on all four sides requires significant adjustments to the machine design in order to provide sufficient support for the glass at the stepped edge. To be able to process different step heights flexibly, the machines must be height-adjustable.

The latest generations of LiSEC machines are capable of producing steps with a height of 0 to 150mm on the bottom edge and up to 200mm on the other sides, with optional steps up to 1000mm also possible. This adaptability is crucial to meeting the diverse requirements of different construction projects while ensuring the high quality of the glass units.

In a LiSEC insulating glass line the larger glass pane of a stepped unit is always aligned towards the rear wall. In the case of triple units, the larger glass pane is also aligned towards the rear wall, while the two smaller, identical glass panes are positioned in front of it.

Continuous support at the bottom edge
In the case of glass units with a step on the bottom edge, depending on the dimensions of the glass and the stability of the spacers, the smaller stepped glass may tip or sink due to its own weight. Therefore, the smaller glass panes must be supported at a higher position than the usual glass transport height.

To effectively address this challenge, LiSEC has developed machines that provide continuous bottom-edge support for all glass sheets, such as the AGP-A press and the VFL-1F / SRP-A sealing station. These machines ensure that all glass sheets are continuously supported from the gas filling press to the end of the production line.

Step support in action
The use of stepped units increases reliability in production and enables excellent product quality. The video shows the production process with rigid and flexible spacers.

Source: LiSEC with additional information added by GlassBalkan

The post LiSEC: Overcoming the Challenges in IG Production appeared first on GlassBalkan.

A Plus Aluminium, based in Watford and renowned for its expertise in trade window and door manufacturing, proudly reveals a remarkable 30% surge in sliding door sales throughout 2023, surpassing the previous year’s performance and doubling over the past four years. The company attributes this unprecedented success to the growing consumer demand for sliding doors, supported by industry experts and Google Trends data indicating a 100% increase in searches for aluminum sliding doors over the last five years.

Jon Palethorpe, Joint Managing Director for A Plus Aluminium, observes the shifting market dynamics, stating, “Sliding door sales are now encroaching on the bi-fold market share, a trend that would have been extraordinary just a short time ago. Homeowners are increasingly opting for aluminum sliding doors due to their perceived benefits, such as maximizing the glazed area and minimizing the frame.” Palethorpe attributes this preference to the desire for ample natural light and a seamless indoor-outdoor transition, a feat achieved by the slim frames and expansive glass panels of A Plus’s sliding doors compared to bulkier bi-fold alternatives.

The PlusGlide 47 stands out as the company’s best-selling sliding door, with increased volumes across the entire range, including the PlusGlide 46 Lift & Slide and the ultra-slim PlusGlide Vision boasting a 20mm sightline. A Plus also acknowledges the continued popularity of the traditional Crown sliding patio door.

A Plus, as a Cortizo fabricator, credits the Spanish design-led systems house for contributing to heightened consumer awareness of sliding doors. Jon Palethorpe emphasizes the impact of marketing efforts by Cortizo and other industry leaders, influencing consumer decision-making and directly contributing to increased sales, particularly in the sliding doors category.

Looking ahead to 2024, A Plus Aluminium anticipates a continued upward trajectory, with a robust forward order book reflecting the ongoing ‘improve, don’t move’ revolution. The company foresees additional growth as the property market rebounds, with early signs already evident.

With nearly four decades of experience, A Plus Aluminium stands as one of the industry’s largest trade suppliers, offering exceptional quality windows and doors. For more information about A Plus Aluminium and how the company can support businesses in achieving heightened sliding door sales in 2024, please reach out to us.

Source: GlassBalkan

The post A Plus Aluminium Celebrates Record-Breaking Surge in Sliding Door Sales appeared first on GlassBalkan.