This is a letter to the editor. Deceuninck are also sponsors of DGB.

Dear Jason

In the 35 years I’ve been in the industry, I’ve seen PVC-U manufacturing become more efficient, streamlined and lean.

The principle of streamlined production is simple – removing unnecessary processes makes it more efficient and cost-effective. In practice it has helped improve quality throughout the manufacturing process, and it’s helped make business as profitable as possible.

But, the process of using galvanised steel to reinforce PVC-U profile is largely unchanged. Steel reinforcement acts as a cold bridge in the profile, reduces energy efficiency and makes windows heavier. It also adds another step to the manufacturing process, plus the labour and time to cut, handle and fit the reinforcement, and the space to keep it.

Removing the need for separate reinforcement would be a next logical step.

Deceuninck’s new 5000 composite window system incorporates patented Linktrusion™ technology with immensely-strong pultruded glass-fibre reinforcement embedded in the profile. The system includes optional, patented thermal reinforcement with embedded steel wires in a low-density, insulating foam core encased in recycled PVC-U for excellent U-values.

Linktrusion™ technology is the first to remove the need for traditional steel reinforcement, which enabled the designers to create slim sightlines. Its great, inherent strength also allows specifiers to consider using very tall windows, and very large doors eg 1100 by 2500 for a single door. The windows are very strong and light and available in countless Decoroc and foiled colours as well as being 100% recyclable. Unlike steel reinforcement, the embedded Linktrusion™ reinforcement improves thermal performance rather than reducing it.

I believe the thinking and technology behind Linktrusion™ is the future of streamlined production. One day we’ll look back and wonder why we didn’t do it sooner.

Sincerely

Chris Jones, Sales Director Deceuninck

To get weekly updates from DGB sent to your inbox, enter your email address in the space below to subscribe:

By subscribing you agree to DGB sending you weekly email updates with all published content on this website, as well as any major updates to the services being run on DGB. Your data is never passed on to third parties or used by external advertising companies. Your data is protected and stored on secure servers run by Fivenines UK Ltd.