Clearview National September 2015 - Issue 166 | Page 48
doors&windows
sponsored by
Investment in
Research and
Development
Origin invests 5% of its
turnover on product design.
A 3D printer and design
software, installed in 2014,
has made a huge impact on
the speed and accuracy of
operations. It’s also allowed
us to redesign, manufacture
and test components in-house
for increased strength and
durability.
The design process involves
coming up with the initial
concept, then using the latest
technology to design a 3D model.
The component is then made
on the 3D printer to see how
it feels and works in the hand.
Origin then makes iterations
after iterations until the product
is 100% right. The design is
made into a metal prototype with
springs and screws, and then the
final component will go to cycle
testing to ensure it meets Origin’s
high standards.
[email protected]
Steering away
from gimmicks
In 2008, only 7,000 sets of
bi-fold doors were installed. This
number has risen significantly and
is estimated to be closer to 50,000
this year, according to Palmer
Research. As the popularity has
risen, so has the temptation to
produce the ‘next big thing’.
From electric bi-folds to inbuilt
blind systems and zero thresholds,
a number of new design features
have launched in recent years.
48 » SE P 2015 » CL EARVI E W- UK . C O M
While we are open to new
design, Origin steers away from
gimmicks. Origin champions the
true function of the product, a
discipline that has allowed us to
offer a 20 year guarantee – twice
the industry standard.
Going for Fold –
the next big thing
in bi-fold design
The next big thing isn’t a
product being launched. Instead,
performance across the board is
vitally important. Improving
the thermal efficiency of existing
systems particularly will be key,
especially with fuel prices on the
rise.
For Origin, the objectives for
2015 are to see how our award
winning bi-fold door and window
system can be improved – a job
that’s easier said than done.
For more information, visit
www.origin-global.com or call
0808 168 5816