Afterthought Polyclose

Unique sill for lift-and-slide doors

ISC specializes in the development and production of innovative, durable plastic building elements, such as insulating sills. One example is the Bluestone under sill, which is composed of GVC fiberglass composite and incorporates a completely new technology with uni-directional fiberglass. This lower sill is available in bluestone or Ral 9005 matte black with textured grain. The top layer always consists of PU lacquer, which provides UV, ozone and scratch resistance.

At Polyclose, the specialist from Schijndel introduced a new door sill for combination with all plastic systems, which can be glazed directly. No additional glass profile is needed anymore. 

The most striking innovation at the booth, however, was the K-VISION-PSG (PremiDoor Smits Gemert BV), a robust and durable plastic lifting sliding door with special lower sill made of GVC fiberglass composite, available in bluestone or black. 

This solution, a joint development of ISC BV and Smits Gemert BV, is produced entirely in-house by the under sill manufacturer. Initially, this sill will also be marketed exclusively by Smits Gemert BV, but in time it will also be available to other users of K-VISION profile systems in the Netherlands.

More information can be found at: www.smitsbedrijven.nl

Universal mounting brackets for large screens

Of course a Renson Fixscreen is ideal for large windows, but then the fabric box must be secured in certain cases. The specialist prescribes that for large screens - depending on the type from 3.6 meters wide - the fabric box must be additionally set in the middle. Otherwise, the case can sag and the fabric tension will decrease. In the past, the installer had to find a solution for this himself, but now the manufacturer has developed a universal mounting bracket, which makes mounting the screen easy.

This new development is available as an accessory for the Fixscreen Slim, Fixscreen 150 and for the Medium and Large versions of the Fixscreen Minimal.

With one type of bracket one can "secure" all these Fiscreens on the window. This bracket is also height adjustable, allowing one to adjust the position of the fabric box in relation to the window at any time as desired. A set includes a coupler and L-bracket with self-drilling screws, washers and the instructions. The coupling piece is screwed or set on the back of the fabric box, while the L-bracket is then mounted on the fabric box through the screw holes provided in the coupling piece. Finally, the L-bracket is also screwed onto the window profile.

More information can be found at: www.renson.eu

A small tag with a big impact

A building's digital shell is becoming the backbone of modern, future-oriented buildings and smart cities. It collects and communicates data and information and creates digital solutions that make our urban spaces more efficient, sustainable and pleasant places to live, work or meet. 

Schüco Internet of Facades (IoF) is a software that provides the basis for that digitization. The basis is the IoF ID, a small tag that gives each part of a facade its own digital identity. All information, documents and processes related to the facade are stored there and are available throughout the life cycle of each Schüco element: installation data,
maintenance information, ..... 

There is much more. Each facade element can be assigned an item number, for example, from the existing construction drawings. Thus, subcontractors can immediately see where the facade element is located according to the schedule. Furthermore, photos of the facade element can be taken after acceptance and installation, which can then be linked to the dates and date. Should a defect be reported, simple proof is available. This makes the daily work of Schüco partners much easier. This data is stored in the cloud and is always accessible. This gives the user a better overview and thus more control. 

More information can be found at: www.schueco.com

Spotlighting innovations in locks, cylinders and electronic locking technology

'An orderly booth full of locks and cylinders, each with their own specific characteristics'. It is a brief description of WILKA's booth. In addition to the existing systems, especially the novelties were highlighted. For example, extra attention was paid to the new series 8000 multi-point locking systems with escape door function: the series 8600 with key operation and the series 8700 self-locking models. 

Of course, the spotlight was also on the new electronic hardware, which makes rooms extremely conveniently accessible while increasing security. Thanks to its flexible integration into the various WILKA software platforms easyAccess, easyApp, easyBasic and easyHotel, this hardware ensures a high level of security in offices and hotel rooms, as well as for doors in private homes and the most diverse projects. 

For the operation of its electronic locking systems, WILKA also offers various software packages, such as easyApp. This smartphone solution, available in a version for Android^® and iOS^®, can be easily downloaded by the user and is suitable for a front door of a single-family house, but can equally be used for the entrance doors at smaller commercial or office premises. For this easyApp application, by the way, the manufacturer developed the new wall reader E231.

More information can be found at: www.wilka.de

Innovations for the plastics industry

Supplier for the construction and window frame industry BUVA looks back with pride on the Polyclose trade fair, where an extensive range for plastic windows and doors was highlighted in a fine living room atmosphere. "We welcomed very valuable visitors," says Tom Knijn, Lead Account Manager at BUVA. "In recent years we have sought even more cooperation with customers, system houses and other relations within our market, who lingered for a long time at our booth. This created a special cross-pollination."

"While enjoying snacks and drinks, visitors were guided past various innovations," Knijn said. 

"For example, the developments of the IsoStone^® sills could count on great interest. Biggest eye catcher were the new BUVA locking plates with locking bowl, which are completely recessed into the lower sill. This allows the rubber under the door to retain its shape and keeps wind and water out." 

The booth was completed with a new range of aluminum profiles, allowing the glass of the sidelights to extend onto the IsoStone^® sill. But also with the new BUVA Eco-Cylinder with a lead-free housing and very interesting price-performance ratio.

Curious about all the product innovations? Then check out our website.

More information can be found at: www.buva.nl

Scoring new products

The Novatio stand at Polyclose was once again dominated by live demonstrations with products for use during the preparation of the gluing process, during the production and assembly of windows and doors and for maintenance and repair. The well-known maintenance boxes for aluminium and PVC windows, doors, gates and terrace coverings were also present. 

Novatio naturally also introduced a number of new products, one by one which scored well with the visitors. There were new protection products for the saw cuts of the profiles and also new bonding products for the corner joints, which are free of Meko and isocyanates, unique in the industry. 

Furthermore, it is necessary to protect joinery during the period between installation and project completion. After all, it can be damaged during the work of other construction partners. With Peelcoat, the specialist developed a peelable protective coating based on modified natural resins for smooth surfaces. It is easy to apply and remove from PVC, glass, metal and powder coating. Profiles, doors, windows and gates can thus be protected. 

More information can be found at: www.novatio.com

Border-breaking door opens new possibilities for architect and processor

For the production of SAPA windows and doors, sliding windows and curtain wall systems, starting this year, only Hydro CIRCAL 75R will be used, specifically aluminum that consists of at least 75% of post-consumer scrap and has a footprint of only 2.3 kg of CO₂ per kg of aluminum has. 

One of the latest developments, the SOLEAL Next universal door, was presented to the professional public for the first time at Polyclose. This door is available in many applications: freestanding or fixed part, glazed or overlapping panel, inward and outward opening, push-pull, panic doors, heavy-duty doors (tested up to 2,000,000 cycles), a single or double door, integrated into the façade, hinged or pivoting, with low or barrier-free sill. It is compatible with the TENTAL façade and SOLEAL Next window systems.

This door is suitable for glass thicknesses up to 59 mm and heights up to 3 meters. It provides excellent performance in terms of thermal insulation and acoustics and guarantees high tightness. SOLEAL Next also includes many security features, such as finger trap protection, anti-panic escape route, burglary resistance (RC2/RC3) and bullet resistance (FB4 NS), as well as smoke and fire protection. SOLEAL Next combines aesthetic design with a wide choice of colors and accessories, including concealed elements and hardware.

More information can be found at: www.hydro.com

Sill systems and hardware complete windows and doors

Venster Techniek, manufacturer of sills, glass and stop profiles as well as sealing profiles for wooden and plastic window frames, also showed several demo-puys at this Polyclose. 

Thus, an exterior pivoting wooden door with sidelight was shown in combination with a VTD Excellent Hybrid sill, a 100% sill made of fiberglass. This door was also equipped with an Easy-click stop profile 22-10 and glass profile 10 mm. Furthermore, this solution included a DV handle, a handle on shield and a pusher on shield with cam protection from the Sluit.nl brand, as well as adjustable hinges and a cylinder-operated C600 multi-point locking system from S2. In a second demo module, an outside hinged plastic door was combined with an EEAL sill from Venster Techniek and concealed hinges, a DV handle and handles on shield on the inside) and outside, all from Sluit.nl. 

In addition, the company also demonstrated the redeveloped plastic lift-slide door. This was already presented at the previous edition of Polyclose and subsequently further developed on the basis of visitor feedback. This system was tested with more than 600 Pa and, according to the manufacturer, scores excellently in terms of wind and water tightness. Venster Techniek again chose one stand together with S2 Hang- en Sluitwerk. 

More information can be found at: www.venstertechniek.nl

Dutch partner with expertise

The name BelgaClima is synonymous with a balanced and high-quality range of innovative products for the air and watertight installation of insulation, especially for low-energy and/or passive buildings. Also at Polyclose, the specialist once again put the wide range in the spotlight, including the recently introduced BelgaStormblocker, an all-in-one storm-resistant window connection foil. 

Loyal partner for the Dutch market

Since this trade fair traditionally generates a lot of interest in the Netherlands as well and since the installation method of elements is slightly different there than in Belgium, BelgaClima deliberately chose for Multifast to be present at the stand. 

"We have been partners in the distribution of products on the Dutch market for more than 10 years. Both product and market no longer have any secrets for us. We have a team of 5 people in the field, who can also call on the technical support of our internal specialists," says owner Ard Bols. "With our knowledge, we can also advise the BelgaClima team to further expand and optimize their product range to perfectly comply with regulations in the Netherlands. By the way, the stand also features a striking orange module, completely dedicated to the Dutch market and its specific installation methodology."

More information can be found at: www.belgaclima.be

A suitable hinge for every application

Breuer & Schmitz once again demonstrated its continuous drive for innovation at Polyclose. To respond to the increasing interest in large wooden garage doors in the Dutch market, Breuer & Schmitz developed a new specific SKG-approved hinge. The first pilots have since been very successful. The patented RD 818 adjustable hinge with double-threaded knot is ideal for adjusting doors quickly and precisely. With an adjustment range of 4 mm parallel/sideways, the hanging seam can be infinitely adjusted to the millimeter. After that, the position is fixed. If the door does eventually hang down, it can be readjusted in no time.

"Another innovation is formed by our 'Connect' hinges for permanent transmission of power and data to the door from the frame side," says Gijs-Bert Drost, account manager for Southern Netherlands and Belgium. "Thanks to its unique and flexible technology, this system is suitable for almost all common electronic components connected to a door or frame, including project and glass door hinges - obtuse or overlay - as well as the VZX 3D hinge system. It is an ideal solution for controlling, for example, motor locks, fingerprint and combination locks, electric door springs, milk glass films and panes, sensors, lighting and much more."

More information can be found at: www.breuerundschmitz.de

New version of the familiar 'blue foam'

More than 10 years ago, Soudal developed the elastic PU foam Flexifoam for sealing around exterior joinery. Today - what is called "the blue foam" among professionals - it is still one of the top products on the market. At Soudal, however, they are not resting on their laurels and always want to be one step ahead of the competition. This is why the specialist launched the new generation of this product at Polyclose: Flexifoam X-tra.

High elasticity was already an important feature of the original product, but this big brother is even more elastic, even when stretching joints. In addition, Soudal guarantees more yield with this product 30%. In other words, the processor can fill more meters of joints with the same volume of product. This new development has already been extensively tested at the ift in Rosenheim, so that the necessary test reports can be presented and the quality will always be guaranteed now and in the future.

Another eye-catcher at the booth was the new member of the Soudatight family, developed specifically for exterior use on the underside of windows. With this product, windows on terraces and balconies can be completely sealed without any problems, and standing water also does not get a chance to seep in.

More information can be found at: www.soudal.com

Commit to expanding and optimizing range

Polysun^® offers a unique concept, where for shading and light control a Venetian blind, plissé, plissé black out or roller blind is integrated into the insulating glass. At Polyclose, the company again presented a number of revolutionary innovations, such as a combination with Fineo vacuum glass and a plissé black out system with narrow cavity and adapted fabric. 

Also, the Polysun^® ScreenLine 'ROOF-TOP' solutions for roof glazing were highlighted. For example, the integration of motorized slat and black out systems in double or triple glazing is an excellent and efficient solution for veranda roofs and skylights. Furthermore, the specialist developed a solution in which their systems are integrated in heatable glass in the façade or roof. This perfectly eliminates the thermal bridge that everyone knows with glass in the facade and increases comfort.

For larger window areas, Polysun supplied^® already solutions with two simultaneous slat systems in a single cavity, allowing areas of up to over 12 m². At Polyclose, a one-piece system for heights up to
4 m and surfaces up to 10 m² presented. This innovation was appreciated by the many visitors to the booth. Finally, the specialist also demonstrated an app that allows you to control systems with a battery module and to enter preferred positions, but above all to link multiple systems and to enable suntracking, an application that was not possible until now.

More information can be found at: www.polysun.be

Terrace canopy becomes an all-season outdoor space

At Pallazzo one can always find a suitable slatted roof or an ideal patio cover. The LOUNGE^® is a roof of up to 6 x 4 m with 135° rotatable slats, which is mounted against the facade or free-standing. The Pallazzo SQOPE cubic terrace enclosure^® is characterized by a sleek and symmetrical design with roof beams that are straight and integrated into the structure. Innovative technologies make it possible to create canopies with free spans of up to 7 meters and depths of up to 4.5 meters.

With a Pallazzo slatted roof or patio cover, consumers experience the charms of every season. A high-quality LED lighting system, the Pallazzo FLOWZZ^® screens and the sliding glass wall Pallazzo INVIGO PRO^®. 

New are the wind and water-resistant awnings with acrylic fabric Ikuno^®, which is mounted on the roof of the canopies and blocks the heat, and the aluminum side wall Pallazzo Pareda^®, which provides privacy or shelter. Pareda^® is available as a flat wall or a variant with horizontal or vertical line structure and can be seamlessly integrated into the patio cover frame.

More information can be found at: www.pallazzoveranda.nl

Burglars won't have a chance

Also during this 20th edition of Polyclose, Roto once again presented a lot of innovative technology. For example, with the TiltSafe mechanism, the specialist offers a solution for tilting windows and ventilating rooms, even at night or when you are away, without the risk of burglary. Indeed, three specially designed steel locking pieces provide burglary protection that complies with SKG^**, even at larger tilting widths. This solution is suitable for PVC, wood and aluminum windows, both manually operated and electromechanical.

Another eye-catcher at the booth was the Roto Patio Inowa, the smart hardware for hermetically sealed sliding systems of up to 400 kg in aluminum, wood or plastic. 

As soon as the user closes the handle, the hardware is activated on all four sides. Thanks to an innovative sliding movement, transverse to the window profile, it is no longer necessary to lift the window sash. This locking system is burglary-resistant to class RC2 and reduces energy consumption. In addition, the system protects against heavy driving rain and wind pressure, which can also occur especially on higher floors. Finally, ambient noise is almost completely attenuated. The new soft functions (Close, Open and Stop) make heavy windows feather light and guarantee a smooth and quiet sliding movement. 

More information can be found at: www.roto-frank.com

New 5-axis machining center in the spotlight

For more than 25 years Emmegi was represented in the Belgian and Dutch markets by its own reseller, but in October 2021 the machine builder established Emmegi Benelux. This subsidiary with new facilities in Zaventem ensures even better customer support in sales, but also in machine maintenance in Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg. This will also allow the machine builder to strengthen its market position. Emmegi participated in Polyclose for the first time under its own name.

The company unpacked the new 5-axis CNC machining center Comet R6 HP, the first of 7 meters, equipped with a full cab. 

This system also includes two additional axes for positioning the clamps and reference stops while the machine operates in pendulum mode. The motor can rotate infinitely from -15° to 90° on the horizontal axis and from 0° to 720° on the vertical axis to perform work on the top and on all lateral sides of the profile. Comet R6 HP is equipped with a tool magazine with 12 places, including a 250 mm saw. This machine also features a movable worktop, making loading and removal of profiles much easier and significantly increasing the machinable width. 

More information can be found at: www.emmegi.com

Innovation as a key word

Innovation was the thread running through Aluminios Cortizo's story at Polyclose. With the COR 80 Industrial, they showed a window system with a frame depth of 80 mm for glass thicknesses between 25 and 65 mm. This solution perfectly meets the most stringent climatic requirements thanks to the tubular polyamide strips of 45 mm and the incorporation of polyolefin foam both around the glass and between frame and sash. 

The COR 80 with hidden sash for glass thicknesses up to 51 mm not only scores well in terms of light, but also in terms of thermal and acoustic performance. This system is available with concealed hinges as well as an exclusive handle integrated into the sash profile.

The eye-catcher at the booth was the COR VISION PLUS, a sliding system with sashes up to 4 meters, a center post of only 25 mm and frames embedded in the perimeter, allowing a glass area of up to 94%. 

This solution is suitable for glass thicknesses up to 56 mm and can be supplied with a manual (up to 400 kg) or motorized (up to 700 kg) opening system. To optimize the transition between inside and outside, the rail can be hidden and even fully integrated into the floor.

More information can be found at: www.cortizo.nl

Turning trends into innovative solutions

AluK's R&D department converts trends into innovative solutions. For example, with Nesto, the manufacturer presented a facade cladding based on durable vertical aluminum profiles. The range includes block profiles with a depth of 20 mm and 35 mm, respectively. Combined in one project, they create a decorative interplay of lines. 

Thanks to the different base and finishing profiles, various design constructions are possible. Using L-profiles, corners can also be neatly finished. Nesto can also be easily disassembled, after which the aluminum profiles are completely recycled. The powder coating with Qualicoat Seaside seal of approval ensures a good protective coating and retention of color in all conditions and environments.

Other innovation was "Clara by AluK," a unique window concept with an all-glass sash that lets in more natural light and provides a boundless transition between inside and outside. This window system combines the transparency, accessibility and openness of a glass window with all the advantages of a tilt and turn window. The window sashes are made without bumps and edges. 

Functional components, such as hardware and seals, are concealed with elegant enameled glass, available in an extensive RAL color palette. 'Clara by AluK' windows are also extremely energy-saving and score high in terms of acoustics and burglar resistance.

More information can be found at: www.aluk.com

A new era in cladding

Harinck had promised novelties and they were actually shown. For example, the manufacturer launched its Frager Facade. After all, Magnetude®, known for years for the production of entrance doors, can now also be used for a facade cladding or sectional door. The combination of flat aluminum sheets with concealed shadow joints and sleek interior and exterior corner solutions creates a modern, minimalist design. This gives architects even more freedom when designing their aluminum cladding.

This patented technology, which works through magnetism, allows dilation without loss of adhesion. Moreover, assembly is done precisely, quickly and easily, saving a lot of time. In the first stage, the custom-delivered façade frames are screwed to the wall, after which the embedded aluminum shadow joint, skirting or corner is slid into the façade profile. The next gable frame can then already be installed. At a later stage, the exterior panels in aluminum or other materials, which are also made to measure, are then mounted on these façade frames with magnets. 

This cladding consists of sustainable material and can eventually be completely recycled. Thanks to Magnetude® technology, individual exterior panels can be easily replaced without the use of tools, useful in case of damage or if the owner wants to change the look and feel of his facade. 

More information can be found at: www.harinck.be

Innovative locking system for escape doors

FUHR Benelux demonstrated its wide range of products with special attention to the premiere of the autosafe 837P, an automatic, self-locking anti-panic lock with electronically linkable crank controls. 

"This innovative locking system combines automatic locking, which provides enhanced security and optimal closure of the door, with the ability to escape safely and, if necessary, in a controlled manner from the inside. From the outside, there is always controlled access," explains managing director Martijn van Dort. 

"Through the locking system, the user or building manager receives information about the status of the door. In addition, a motor can be mounted to open the door via an access control system with a swing door operator. 

Autosafe 837P has a mandrel size between 35 and 65 mm and can be supplied for all possible door combinations in aluminum, steel, plastic and wood. At FUHR, we expect the Autosafe 837(P) to be available in the second quarter of 2023."

More information can be found at: www.fuhrbenelux.info

Walk-through machine increases productivity on the shop floor

Calvet, a leading player in the field of CNC machining centers, is preferred supplier of A-brands such as Urban, Pressta, Mecal, Tigerstop, Thorwesten, Pemac and Schirmer. In addition to several other systems, the supplier demonstrated at Polyclose a pass-through machine from Schirmer. This system includes a vertical and horizontal saw module for interleaved machining of profiles from 20 by 20 mm to 300 by 150 mm, even unmanned for several hours. With its high capacity, this machining center promotes flow on the shop floor, significantly improving productivity.

"Meanwhile, we continue to look for solutions to make production environments even smoother and more efficient. I am thinking, for example, of the steps in the production process after the profiles have been taken from the machining center: gluing miters, gluing press corner, assembly, pressing, checking and polishing. Today all these tasks are done one by one at separate workstations and by several operators," says Managing Director Stefan Nees. 

"We are developing a system with two robots, which would allow one operator to perform all these operations in one motion. For this project, we are working closely with a robot integrator. The first prototype is scheduled for October, and by the second half of 2023 this new machining center should be ready for production."

More information can be found at: www.calvet.nl

Closing solutions

At S2 Building Hardware the emphasis was on wooden elements. At S2 they wanted to demonstrate that wooden systems, just like aluminum, steel and plastic, can be worked with narrower profiles, without loss of properties and with matching hardware. In the demo setups on the stand - as always shared with Venster Techniek - various solutions were integrated. 

Development, engineering, production, assembly and service happen at S2 under one roof and the drive for innovation remains strong. Witness an adjustable hinge, a stylish closing frame, a bottom threshold and a universal window handle with self-adjusting handle pin. This handle pin is springy and variable from 32 mm to 45 mm, allowing the user to simplify his stock and reduce costs. 

The window handle is notable for its slim handle and is available in a non-lockable version and a variant that can be locked with a key (SKG^**-certified). 

This universal solution is suitable for aluminum, wood or plastic windows with a 43 mm center-to-center distance: turn, tilt/turn, drop, expand and turn-tilt windows. The handle can also be easily clicked into an integrated 45° ventilation position, if this function is provided.

More information can be found at: www.themans.nl