Aluminium Extra
Saving time and money in aluminium window manufacture
Saving aluminium window manufacturers both time and money , the innovative aluPilot Tilt and Turn fitting system from Winkhaus has been well received by the UK Market . Alastair Wheeler , Aluminium Systems Manager , explains how it works .
In all areas of manufacturing , time really is money . The whole idea behind our aluPilot is to make the production process of aluminium windows more efficient . Manufacturers can save up to 15 minutes production time compared to the traditional systems available on the market .
Multiply those 15 minutes saved per window across weekly production of several thousand windows , for example , and those time savings really start to add up , significantly reducing production costs of the entire window . These savings have been confirmed in tests conducted with manufacturers since aluPilot ’ s successful launch into the European and UK systems houses .
So how do we achieve 15 minutes time-saving ? We reach this through a combination of factors and four key features . The first is the ‘ fastening concept ’: by reducing the number of screw positions , all the hardware parts can be joined to the sash outer frame using ‘ clamp and clip ’ technologies .
Because the screws do not enter the profile , using clamps and clips to secure the components makes fabrication much faster . Sash components are connected to one another by drive rods , which are available in seven fixed lengths . This eliminates preliminary work steps , such as punching and cutting connecting rods to length .
As all the main parts needed arrive already pre-assembled , the manufacturer does not have to assemble these components . The part is simply taken out of the box and installed in the sash or the frame . Secondly , there ’ s the tooling feature . Where previously manufacturers inserted hardware for traditional systems , these production steps are eliminated with the Winkhaus aluPilot . Two screwdrivers and an installation lever are all that ’ s needed to install and adjust the components . This eliminates the need for time-consuming and costly machines , such as punches .
Thirdly , innovative design has created fitting components that are installed frontally into the fitting groove of the sash or frame . This removes the need to punch out the sash groove . The fixed lengths are all already cut to size , so there ’ s no need for measuring or further cutting to make a component fit . Simply slide it into place – job done !
Last , but not least , we have the handling feature . Everything comes pre-assembled , and we can supply everything , which is not size-dependent and totally bespoke to the manufacturer ’ s requirements . Whether this is for a left or right-hung window , with visible or invisible hinges and all the tilt and turn , tilt before turn or turn only options , everything ’ s in the box . Pre-installed components reduce the number of parts in a set of fittings by up to 25 %, so there ’ s significantly less handling effort during installation .
Added together , all these features and they contribute massively to more efficient production . It ’ s also production-friendly and more forgiving . Manufacturers make far fewer mistakes ; and if they do , it ’ s not a problem at all to change it . It ’ s a very easy and very simple system to work with .
In terms of weight , on the invisible hinges ( or top-hung style ), the standard hardware can take 130kg sash weight and this can be upgraded up to 180kg . On the visible hinges – the Concept range – again it ’ s a standard 130kg . We are now launching a new upgraded range , called Giant , which can accept 200kg on a tilt and turn window or 300kg turn only on visible hinges .
How large you go depends entirely on the application and system profile . For example , we can achieve an aluminium window measuring 3.8m by 1.5m weighing
150kg . Obviously other factors have to be taken into account , such as the weight of the glass , the type of profile and any insulation required .
Suiting all types of applications – both commercial and residential – aluPilot has been designed as the aluminium window manufacturers ’ ‘ friend ’, reducing costs through efficient installation .
At Winkhaus we see ourselves as a partner working with system houses to make their lives easier . By developing together , adapting methods to suit individual needs , we test together and certificate systems together . Each systems house can truly have its own bespoke window – each one saving 15 minutes to in its construction .
www . winkhaus . co . uk / en / alupilot
64 NOVEMBER 2023 CLEARVIEW-UK . COM