DWM - June2006

Volume 7 Issue 6 June 2006

DWM's Third Annual Guide to New Products

It can be overwhelming to consider how many new products are entering the marketplace every day, all designed to make the job quicker and easier than ever before and to result in a better end product. Information has come pouring into DWM for its Third Annual Guide to New Products, and we’re passing the news along to you about the newest services, equipment, components and products that could be waiting to improve your manufacturing process.

SERVICES
PLV Systems Provides Service for Auditing Material Quality
PLV Systems Inc. of Concord, Ontario, has begun to make available an incoming material quality audit and analysis service for the door and window manufacturing industry. The service begins by working with the door and window manufacturer, and when possible the supplier of the extruded profiles, to identify material orientations used in the manufacturing process.

These orientations are then translated into an electronic measurement specification that can measure an incoming extruded cross section. The incoming material is measured as it is received on an automated measurement system in approximately 15 to 20 seconds per profile. The timeframe over which to run the audit may be determined by the manufacturer.

Following the audit period, a report of the dimensional characteristics of the material audited is generated. The report is used as a guideline to identify the areas of dimensional variance causing production disruptions. It is at this point a dialogue with the supplier may be required to identify areas in the original material specifications that may need to be updated to improve the incoming material.

According to a company news release, the industry generally incurs a loss of 4 to 6 percent of available production, due to incoming material variations. The availability of the service means that a door and window company does not have to make the commitment to purchase measurement equipment—and provide the training and support staff to run an extensive quality control department—to achieve benefits in reducing production downtime.

Based on annual sales of $20 million per year, a door and window manufacturer can save $200,000 per year with the service, according to the company.

Results of First Warranty Study Available and First Who’s Who Guide
DWM magazine has teamed up with Fry Consultants, a leading researcher in the building products industry, to complete the first of its kind research into door and window warranties. This ground breaking research is available to interested parties.

Here’s a look into just a few of the questions answered by CEOs of leading door and window manufacturing companies:

1. What stipulations are included with your window warranties?
2. What situations void the warranty?
3. What are the most frequent reasons for warranty claims?
4. Do you make allowances for warranties on your balance sheet?
5. How often are warranty claims passed to the component supplier?

Purchase the full results for just $985. Contract advertisers (6 times or more) receive the full report for 50 percent off. Contact Tara Taffera at 540/720-5584 x 113 for additional details or see the May issue of DWM, page 44.

In addition, Key Communications Inc., publisher of DWM, has announced the availability of the first addition of Who’s Who in the Architectural Glass and Metal Industry. The guide lists approximately 200 industry leaders, complete with photos, contact information, work histories and more.

A limited number of copies of Who’s Who in the Architectural Glass and Metal Industry are still available. The book costs $49.95. Orders may be placed by calling 540/720-5584 or visiting www.glass.com.

SEALANTS AND ADHESIVES
New Desiccant Matrix Offers Improved Performance of IG Units
PRC DeSoto’s new 550WM warm-applied desiccant matrix, developed for Intercept spacers, is a user-friendly material with desirable attributes for today’s manufacturer, according to the company. It affords energy savings, higher water capacity and better, more comfortable operator handling when compared with competitive hot-applied desiccant materials. The matrix also achieves an enduring chemical bond to the metal spacer, and cools quickly to become tack-free.

For manufacturers using a hot-melt matrix, this new desiccant material offers dramatic energy savings because it is applied at a low temperature. It is designed to achieve the optimum melt and flow characteristics of hot-applied materials by utilizing the same pumping equipment. No capital investment by IG manufacturers using hot-melt products is necessary, according to PRC.

In Intercept units, the desiccant is carried in a matrix extruded onto the inside of the spacer. As a result, melt and flow characteristics are important for application efficiency. To achieve their application flow qualities, hot-melt materials must be heated to 200 to 265 degrees F. By comparison, PRC 550WM desiccant matrix needs to be warmed only to about 120 degrees F for optimum flow. Because it is much cooler when applied, this new desiccant matrix is more comfortable and easier for equipment operators to handle, and it affords dramatic energy savings.

Replacing a hot-pump matrix with this new warm-applied product could reduce electric consumption by about 45 percent annually in a typical insulating glass fabrication operation.

In addition to reduced energy consumption and costs, the lower application temperature means less maintenance and wear on components and dispensing equipment.

Another important benefit of this new warm-applied desiccant matrix is its enhanced performance. The function of the desiccant in an IG unit is to remove internal moisture from the unit and prevent condensation.

Because of PRC 550WM’s unique chemistry, says the company, it has a measured drying capacity by weight of 12 percent, which is significantly higher than typical hot-melt products. As a result, less material is needed to achieve required adsorption capacities and long-term unit performance, saving material costs and improving manufacturing efficiencies for the IG unit manufacturer. It is applied at a rate of 5 grams per foot, compared with 6.4 grams per foot or more for hot-melt matrix products. In addition, the manufacturer says the warm-applied desiccant matrix has the most rapid dewpoint suppression of any in the market. As a result, moisture is removed more quickly from the airspace after unit assembly.

Desiccant matrix products used in Intercept units, unlike beads, also must be aesthetically pleasing since they are visible through the opening of the U-channel. Because of its optimized flow dynamics, this warm-applied desiccant matrix is extruded with clean starts and stops without tailing, and won’t cover the gas fill hole. Also, the flow characteristics allow uniform filling edge-to-edge to create the high-quality appearance today’s IG market requires.

This desiccant matrix cools quickly to become tack-free because of its low application temperature. It is less likely to be damaged during further handling of the IG unit, for example, when muntin bars or grids are added.

Using a cooler desiccant means less heat is introduced into the spacer system during production, according to PRC. The operator can handle the spacer more comfortably. Additionally, there is less likelihood that the bond line area will be damaged when the spacer is folded into shape.

SEALANTS AND ADHESIVES
Frank Lowe Now Offers Saint Gobain Structural Glazing Tape
Frank Lowe Rubber and Gasket of Farmingdale, N.Y., has added Saint-Gobain Thermalbond® V2100, T-Bond V2200 structural glazing tape to its line of fenestration products. According to information from Frank Lowe, Thermalbond V2100 is a high-strength polyurethane foam substrate, and T-Bond® V2200 is a semi-rigid polyurethane.

The tapes are available in thicknesses ranging from 1/8- to ½-inch thick with adhesive on one or two sides for easy placement. The double-sided adhesive aids in stabilizing components while the silicone cures. The open cell foam structure allows air and moisture to reach the silicone permitting optimum curing.

The low thermal conductivity of the foam reduces heat transfer and inhibits condensation on doors, windows and metal systems. According to the company, the foam also offers high resistance to weather, fungi and oxidation.

Sashco’s Big Stretch is Redesigned
Sashco of Brighton, Colo., has updated its Big Stretch interior and exterior caulk. The water-cleanup caulk can span gaps of up to two inches, and stretch and compress with joint movement.

The 100-percent acrylic latex caulk is highly elastic, so that it moves instead of tears, and has strong adhesion to windows, wood, vinyl and fiber cement siding and trim. According to the company, the paint sheen virtually has been eliminated for improved paintability. Other improvements include a lighter weight formula, smoother gunning and improved rain resistance.

HARDWARE
Fusion™ System Simplifies Lock and Tilt Latch
The Fusion System from Truth Hardware of Owatonna, Minn., allows the homeowner to operate their lock and tilt latch from one central point. The system is designed to be simple to use and more appealing to look at as the tilt latches can now be enclosed within the sash.

The company says that the new Fusion System will help window manufacturers differentiate themselves from their competition and provide that unique characteristic that customers seek. The new Fusion System is available for vinyl or wood window applications.

Ultrafab Unveils Latest Innovative Sealing Option
UltraClad™, from Ultrafab of Farmington, N.Y., is designed to meet or exceed traditional foam-filled seal performance, at a cost effective price point.

UltraClad utilizes the latest polymer technology available, to ensure strong puncture and tear resistance. An embossed polymeric skin features a low coefficient of friction, and will not attract dirt or dust.

The new seal offers consistently low closing forces without variation, according to information from the company. The product’s stable closing forces assist with proper hardware operation and can help eliminate consumer operating force complaints, according to information from the company.

UltraClad works well in welded corners and does not buildup a mass of unwanted material and is a suitable seal to use for sound abatement, when standard pile or hollow bulbs are not enough.

UltraClad seal meets all AAMA applicable standards and has achieved Class A and B ratings under the new AAMA 702-2004 standard.

G-U Introduces Stainless Steel Multipoint Locks
G-U Hardware of Newport News, Va., has introduced a new line of stainless steel multipoint door locks. These custom-designed locks are manufactured of 304 stainless steel for security and corrosion resistance.

This new product line includes both active and inactive locks with shoot bolts that have been redesigned for smooth yet sturdy performance. The active version of these locks employs hooks that engage into the jamb.

According to information from the company, these new locks, combined with the company’s stainless steel trim package, provide a hardware package that more than meets today’s hardware’s demanding requirements.

Ashland Expands Lines of Hinges and Locks
Ashland Hardware Systems of Lowell, Ind., has unveiled a new adjustable swing door hinge for wood, vinyl, aluminum and steel doors.

Central to the new door hinge design is a patent-pending adjustment mechanism that allows the hinge to achieve low adjustment torque in both the vertical and horizontal direction. The new hinge delivers the flexibility to adjust ¼-inch vertically and 3/16 inches horizontally. The screw holes are located away from panel edges to prevent accidental wood splitting during hardware fabrication. Contributing to the wear resistance and extended service life, the hinge incorporates two plastic bushings. Additionally, the hinge can be reversed easily for either left or right-handed hinge applications, and offers a non-removable pin option for secure out-swing applications.

The company has also expanded its line of LX-series sash locks for both hung and slider windows. The new LX-3, LX-4 and LX-5 host a range of improvements that include strong positive-feel operation, cleaner and more integrated designs, and competitive pricing to fit a range of market requirements.

The LX-5 boasts a new spring-action lever that delivers a firm feel and response to the lock’s open and closed positions. The spring design provides the end-user the additional reassurance that the lock is not left between the open and closed positions, minimizing potential damage to the cam and keeper or the window itself. In addition, the locks have been tested extensively to exceed industry cycle testing standards. The locks deliver smooth operation and positive detent feel from both the locked and unlocked positions.

Ultra Hardware Takes On Stainless Steel
Ultra Hardware Products LLC of Pennsauken, N.J., has added stainless steel to its line of hardware products. Most recently, the company added the option of this corrosion-resistant, environmentally friendly metal to its casement window operators—including single, dual and dyad arm and awning operators—as well as casement and awning hinges that are tested to AAMA standards 904 and 907.

According to information from the company, stainless steel is resistant to rust, making it suitable for coastal areas with a high amount of salt spray. It is also easy to maintain, since it can be cleaned with water and a gentle cleanser, and is 100-percent recyclable.

COMPONENTS
TruSeal Spacer Now Warms Decorative Glass
TruSeal Technologies Inc. of Beachwood, Ohio, has unveiled DecoSeal®—a specially-engineered warm-edge spacer IG system for decorative glass used in doors and windows. DecoSeal reduces the assembly steps necessary in the fabrication of triple glazing by accommodating and supporting the center lite of glass or decorative panel.

According to information from the company, DecoSeal provides a new level of thermal performance in decorative windows with multiple air spaces. This new warm-edge spacer system is wrapped around the perimeter of a decorative panel and then placed between two additional lites for an efficient and aesthetically pleasing IG unit.

The spacer also features a low moisture vapor transmission rate and a concentrated desiccant layer for rapid dew point development. A low profile accommodates secondary sealing or structural reinforcement in large lites. The spacer can be used in single- or dual-seal constructions and can easily incorporate high-performance glass and gas options.

BSI Adds Coils for Balance System
BSI-Balance Systems of Sioux Falls, S.D., a part of Amesbury Group, has announced the release of a 7 ½-pound and a 9-pound coil for its universal constant force ½-inch pocket balance system. Both of these new springs are available with full travel of 35 inches.

According to information from the company, the addition of the 9-pound coil will allow customers to balance an egress window with a single carrier and single springs, whereas competitors’ systems may require dual carriers and two springs. This product expansion is designed to save both time and money.

In addition, the universal system meets or exceeds the AAMA 902-99 guidelines.

SCREENS
RiteScreen Provides Wood Option in Screens
The RiteScreen Co. of Elizabethville, Pa., has introduced a new wood-wrapped window screen as an upgrade for casement and awning windows.

Featuring real laminated wood applied to an aluminum screen frame, the screen is designed to match the most popular species of wood windows available, including pine, alder, mahogany, oak, maple, cherry, fir and walnut. The beauty of the natural wood can be appreciated from every exposed surface of the screen. In addition, the screen can be painted easily or stained to match any shade desired, according to information from the company.

FINISHED PRODUCTS
Kenyon’s Introduces Its Euro Door
Kenyon’s Stained Glass Factory Inc. of Grove City, Ohio, has introduced its aluminum Euro door with architectural glass applications. The Euro doors are made for office cabinetry and come in the anodized aluminum color along with navy blue, cinnamon, turquoise or black. Other colors are available upon request. Holes are pre-bored for hinge application. The glass types are unique to the industry and include many tempered textured choices as well as unique laminated designs and colors.

Kenyon’s has invested in custom made CNC machinery to precisely miter pieces. The equipment also drills the holes from top and bottom to ensure consistent accuracy, allowing the company to guarantee a three to five day lead time. With the technology used to create this product, the seams in the door are smooth and extremely tight, and the glass in the doors is secured so they do not rattle, making the product appealing and functional, according to the company.

CMI Introduces Two-Panel Plank Interior Door
Chicago-based CMI has introduced the new Corvado™ two-panel, square-top plank interior door.

The smooth-surfaced Corvado resembles the classic Shaker style door, which originated in the northeastern United States, yet it is versatile enough to complement a broad range of home décors from Southwestern and rustic to contemporary.

The latest addition to CMI’s CraftMaster® Interior Doors, the Corvado has a distinctive groove and modified sticking profile that provides the feel of a traditional plank door, while adding beautiful architectural details. Corvado will be available in standard 6-foot 8-inch and 7-foot heights and in passage widths from 1-foot 6 inches to 3-foot. Bifolds will be available for most standard openings from 2- to 6-foot.

Corvado is manufactured from molded, high-density fiberboard to resist shrinking, cracking and joint separation, which may occur in wood doors. The two-panel plank door also can be used with the company’s Cellini Series special raised-panel molding to create a truly unique plank door.

FINISHES
Linetec’s Spattercoat Finishes Mimic Masonry and More
Wausau, Wis.-based Linetec is offering spattercoat custom finishes. The multi-colored, textured finishes can mimic marble, stone, brick and other textures.

To achieve one-of-a-kind spattercoat finishes, Linetec utilizes Kynar 500®/Hylar 5000® polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) resin-based paints.
“Spattercoat is achieved by first painting the under coat color over the entire exposed surface. The material is then spattered with the remaining color to give it a 3D effect,” said Paul Bratz, paint plant manager.

Linetec’s president Rick Marshall noted, “In addition to simulating natural, earthy and artificial surfaces, our spattercoat process offers architects and building owners the opportunity to create a truly unique, personalized building. We can also keep within your prescribed color palette to maintain corporate identity standards or match school colors.”

Auto-Screw Feeders Designed for Reliability
As a manufacturer of equipment for the door and window manufacturing industry, Erdman Automation Corp. of Princeton, Minn., designed and built its new screw feed system specifically to improve the overall reliability of the assembly machines the company build for manufacturers.

The screw feeding systems have many notable advantages, according to information from the company. It can be used for most painted screws because of the low abrasive action created during the sorting and blow feeding of the screws. In addition, the screw feeders can accommodate different size screws, and the components are simple for easy set-up and maintenance.

“We at Erdman as well as many of our customers were not happy with the long term results of using the screw feeders on the market today. The frustrations created by late deliveries, screw feeders not tooled for the right size screw and screw feed failures on the production floor that often shut the equipment down, stopping production and idling line operators told us that we needed to do something better. I decided that Erdman Automation would endeavor to create something better. Now after more then two years of designing, building and testing the new Erdman® screw feeder system is ready for the market,” said Rodney Erdman, president.

MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENT
Two Heads Provide More Angles for Welding
Ameri-Can Machinery Ltd. of Mississauga, Ontario, is offering the WM2L/E automatic double-head welding machine for PVC doors and windows.

A fixed left hand welding head and movable right hand welding head offer 90° welding, with the ability to weld angles from 40° through 180° with the moveable head. There is separated adjustment of fusion pressure for each welding head. The machine features automatic temperature control of the fusion plate, automatic control of fusion times and automatic control of welding times. The working cycle and other functions are controlled by an electronic card and limit switch.

A “safe touch” safety device on the profile clamping kit provides automatic return of locking devices, if the operator’s hand is present between profile and locking plate. It also features integral protection of the working area, welding tables and clamping devices, according to information from the company.

It features removable knives for welding seal limitation and a limitation of standard welding seal thickness (2 mm-1 mm). The welding machine also offers the possibility to repeat the profile locking, in case of wrong positioning.

Desiccant Filler AT Optimizes Production
Bystronic of Hauppauge, N.Y., has introduced the desiccant filler AT, an automatic desiccant filling station that works at its optimum in production runs that require filling spacers of different size formats—a common occurrence when trying to keep individual orders together. Because a number of feeders can be filled at the beginning of the line, a large buffer is created, adding flexibility to the process through pre-sorting.

The large buffer ensures that delays can be caught in pre-production. If a spacer bender fails, the cycle time of the line can still be maintained. The automatic, computer-controlled transfer of frames onto the butyl applicator eliminates the need to place the frames on the conveyor belt manually, optimizing production further.

Making the switch from manual to automatic filling is easy because the desiccant filler is always the first element in the insulating glass line, according to information from the company. Unlike a washing machine or press, production can continue to run normally during the conversion without major interruption.

Anton Braun, director of production at Glas Trösch in Memmingen, Germany, has been running Bystronic’s desiccant filler AT in his IG production line since 2004.

“We’re still reaching the average hourly number of pieces we need to,” said Braun. “Depending on the type of frame, we’re even running significantly above it in some cases. Based on the results we see today, we would switch over from manual to automatic desiccant filling again time after time.”

Compact Automated Line Welds and Cleans Sashes
The new compact sash line from Stürtz of Solon, Ohio, can produce up to 900 welded and cleaned sash per shift with one operator in under 1,000 square feet.

The new line consists of two Stürtz Model SMI-HSM-20/19CDS horizontal four point sash welders. Each welder is unloaded automatically via a single-tier belt system. The welded sash are then transferred onto a twin-tier buffer and transport table which separates the squares and feeds them onto an infeed belt buffer. The buffer conveyor then feeds each individual square into the corner cleaner.

The highlight of the line is the Model SMI-CNC-H-4K automated four head pass through sash corner cleaner. This programmable CNC machine cleans all four corners of the sash at the same time. Compact tooling arrangements allow for four-head cleaning on sash as small as 12 by 12 inches.

This new line is designed with high productivity and space savings in mind. To achieve this, the welders can be mounted on a common base, and conveying systems are kept to a minimum length which still allows for adequate buffering through the line.

Billco Automates the Application of Any Flexible Spacer
Billco Manufacturing of Zelienople, Pa., has added a new component to its line of IG products. The FlexiGlyde offers IGU manufacturers a cost effective, horizontal solution for the application of any flexible spacer. The equipment is designed to integrate into a variety of layouts and replace existing manual application tables easily. The dual-headed application option allows production-minded facilities the ability to use the same equipment to apply spacers from different manufactures, with zero change over time.

Operating at a sustainable 1,000+ UPS, the fully automated solution is designed to increase the quality, consistency and throughput of IG units, while reducing labor requirements.

Pistorius Introduces Chop Type Single Cut-Off Saw
A precision manual and semi-automatic chop-type single cut-off saw is now available from Pistorius Machine Co. Inc. of Hauppauge, N.Y.

The saw is available in both manual and pneumatic models, in 12, 16 and 20 inches. The unique modular building design and the wide range of available accessories allows users to customize the machine to match specific cutting requirements. According to information from the company, the machine provides top quality cuts for wood, metal and plastics.

The saw is equipped with high efficiency saw dust ducts, has low operating noise when mitering aluminum and is available with a PROTEX® metered pulse type lubrication system. Also available are mechanical, digital and electronic powered automated positioners.

win-Station Corner Cleaner Cuts Cycle Times
GED Integrated Solutions of Twinsburg, Ohio, has redesigned the PC4000 twin-station programmable corner cleaner to decrease cycle times by an average of 32 percent over the earlier version. A new control platform delivers smoother, faster motion control to reduce cleaning cycle times and ensure better aesthetics and strength. It also allows integration of GED’s LeanNET software to streamline the entire manufacturing process. The PC4000 features two programmable cleaning stations; one fixed and one adjustable for simultaneous cleaning and fabricating.

GED has also developed a new flexible oven press that adjusts to manufacturers’ specific IG requirements. This technology allows for line speed and emitters to be modified according to the specific IG configuration being manufactured, allowing companies to use just one oven for all IG requirements. The new 3550 Smart Oven i3 can be configured for different energy rates for the top glass and the bottom glass of the IG unit, providing maximum quality especially when producing hurricane IG units containing impact-resistant glass types.

Sweed Takes Off with Bandit Scrap Chopper
Sweed Machinery Inc. of Gold Hill, Ore., has introduced the latest design in its scrap chopping line-up, the Model 300 Bandit. According to information from the company, the new unit eliminates hazardous plastic banding easily and up to ¾-inch steel strapping for recycling and easy disposal. The unit features a ½ HP motor.

Urban Machinery Introduces New Auto Sawing and Fabrication Centers
Urban Machinery of Tualatin, Ore., has introduced a new generation of high-speed automated sawing and fabrication centers, the CC-500 and CCN-500. The new machines offer customized high speed processing of vinyl door and window lineals and include control and maintenance features to keep machines producing reliably and around the clock.

Options are available for pneumatic or CNC notching blade assemblies, providing complete flexibility to process the most simple and the most complex notched window jamb and sill configurations. An automatic fabrication bridge allows for 360° custom programmable drilling, routing, punching, milling or other specialized processing. The fabrication bridge is designed so the tools can be accessed easily for maintenance or changed quickly and inexpensively for other tools should production requirements change.

The machines allow for 45 or 90 degree saw processing and CNC programmable blade paths. Multiple lineal magazine options offer pre-loading of two to 20 lineals, allowing operators to load and unload multiple machines efficiently and loading times to be integrated into the processing cycle time. In-feed sizes and layout configurations can be requested to match line requirements exactly, optimizing the use of floor space. The Siemens control and drive system integrates easily with existing information systems via network or online connection. The Windows XP operating system includes options for integrated lineal optimization and bar code label printing. Operator and maintenance interfaces are available in multiple languages. Unique maintenance features include comprehensive self-diagnostics, real-time machine monitoring via network, preventative maintenance triggers and options for high efficiency dust blow-off and containment systems.

Wood’s Gets a Grip on Curved or Flat Glass
Wood’s Powr-Grip Co. Inc. of Laurel, Mont., has introduced the N5450CS, an all-purpose hand-held vacuum cup for curved and flat glass fenestration applications.

Designed as one of the company’s most versatile hand-held vacuum cups, the N5450CS with 9-inch concave pad attaches quickly to surfaces with a 20-inch radius or greater curvature, making it useful for most common curved and flat door and window applications. The N5450CS’s decreased curvature and flexible edge require little force and few pump strokes to attach, allowing it to seal easily and safely on thin, fragile materials. Because the cup has less curvature and edges with greater flexibility than other models, it also readily attaches to flat surfaces, so separate styles of hand cups are not necessary for each application.

The cup features a heavy-duty metal handle, a red-line indicator that warns the user of any vacuum loss, a check valve that allows re-pumping of the cup without loss of remaining vacuum and a release valve lever that permits quick and complete release of the vacuum.

Besten Equipment Redesigns Quik-Dose™
Besten Equipment Inc. of Cleveland has introduced a new version of the Quik-Dose semi-automatic gas filling machine for improved efficiency in IG manufacturing. The new version now offers an automated vertical conveying system that moves an IG unit from the cryogenic argon dosing head to the final corner sealing. Once completed, the units can then be taken off or moved to a dual sealing application. By using Quik-Dose, gas filling can become an automated in-line process.

According to information from the company, Quik-Dose technology reduces unit-dosing time during the IG manufacturing process from two minutes to as little as three-and-a-half seconds by injecting liquid gas.

CMS Introduces New Equipment
Deltashape is the latest realization in glass fabrication equipment from Caledonia, Mich.-based CMS North America Inc. Best described as a vertical CNC edger, Deltashape has the ability to grind and polish a wide variety of parts, limited primarily by the fact that parts must have one flat side. The machine is equipped with two 3.5kW spindles, each able to carry a tool pack up to 2 ¾ inches thick. An OSAI control coordinates the machine’s movements, along with an extensive parametric programming tool and the CMS EasyGlass CAD/CAM software.

Deltashape is available in seven sizes up to 126 by 236 ¼ inches. Standard machines work glass from 1/8 to 7/8 inches thick; custom machines are available for thicker glass.

The company is also offering DOMUS, a moving bridge machining center equipped with single or dual independent working units and a special working table equipped with power-driven moveable rails and vacuum pods/vices.

According to information from the company, DOMUS can do the work of multiple machines and is targeted for medium and diversified production volumes. It can carry out internal and external profiling; straight and curved profiling; tenon, counterprofile and comb-shaped joints; and shaped recesses for hardware. DOMUS is available in six sizes.

ADHESIVE REMOVERS
ReMov ™ Breaks Bonds of Silicone and Adhesive
ReMov™ silicone and adhesive remover, from Easy Life Solutions of Bradenton, Fla., is designed to make adhesives, caulk and silicone clean-up easier than ever.
With silicones and polyurethane caulks, ReMov breaks the bond between the silicone and the surface. The product dissolves the adhesive in a single step, then cleanly wipes it away.
ReMov does not use flammable or corrosive chemicals and contains less than one percent hazardous air pollutants.

SOFTWARE
WoodWare Systems Introduces New Software Options
WoodWare Systems of Memphis, Tenn., has announced that it is offering a new software solution for door, window and millwork companies. The company’s software programs are being rewritten from the ground up in VB.NET (visual basic), with an underlying post-relational ODBC database platform. What this development means for the end-user is the availability of point-and-click selection options; pictures of doors, windows and other products to choose from; and drop-down selections throughout the program.
In addition, for companies that pre-hang doors and sell doors, windows and other millwork products, the Var-I-Frame Configurator now provides graphical capabilities while still allowing users to pre-hang doors with no bill of materials required. Users can either click on the options for doors, jambs, casing, hinges, etc., or can use quick codes to key in the order.

Edgenet Automates Catalog Management
Edgenet® of Brentwood, Tenn., has introduced iCat™, the first phase of its “enterprise channel management” solution for door and window manufacturers. iCat is a catalog management application that puts catalog control in the hands of a manufacturer’s business users (i.e. product managers). Using just a few screens, new products can be added, prices adjusted and promotions run. Additionally, iCat allows manufacturers to update and publish new electronic catalogs by sales channel or region.

The company has also introduced its new m2o® 2.5 Smart Client Catalog Update Service. This service automates both catalog deployment and software updates. This eliminates the need to mail CDs and ensures that a manufacturer’s dealer network is always using the latest version of their electronic catalog. Additionally, m2o Smart Client Catalog Update Service allows users to work both on and offline. This means that dealers can work from the field and orders will be transmitted automatically—and catalogs updated—as soon as a connection to the Internet is made.

FILM
Panorama® Hilite® 70 Blocks UV, Not the View
Panorama Hilite 70 is the newest window film offering in the wide range of solar protection solutions developed by Bekaert Specialty Films (BSF) of San Diego.

BSF applied its sputter-coating technology, using titanium, stainless steel, copper, gold, silver and various alloys to develop Panorama Hilite 70 window film. This technology, coupled with the use of optical quality polyester, high-grade ultraviolet inhibitors and special laminating and mounting adhesives, ensures stable color, extraordinary heat rejection performance and extended product life.

Hilite is a polyester-based, optically clear, paper-thin glass coating that is applied to a room’s interior glass surface. It must be installed by a professionally trained, Bekaert-certified installer, according to the company. Once installed, windows can be cleaned and maintained as usual.

According to information from the company, Panorama Hilite 70 blocks more than 99 percent of ultraviolet radiation and 95 percent of infrared heat, without noticeably affecting the view from a window.