Arched and round frames are a challenge for the average fabricator and are often subcontracted to specialist profile bending companies.

Force 8 prides itself on the quality of its bending process and with three decades of experience, claims it can handle nearly any profile bending task, no matter how complex. The company operates a unique system that can fabricate full arched frames from a single length of profile, eliminating breaks or welds.

According to Force 8, this ‘highest quality’ seamless bend, is unique and unrivalled in the market.

Specifying an arched frame or curved frame can be daunting, especially when it comes to determining the radius measurements. A single incorrect dimension in the wrong place could lead to a costly mistake, resulting in a frame that doesn’t fit – a potential nightmare for installers. Such a scenario might prompt installers to decline work or seek assistance from a more experienced installation company, potentially losing out on additional work and profit.

But Force 8 offers a more straightforward solution as it will handle the measurements for customers – regardless of their location – on the first order and demonstrate how to specify an arched, curved, or unconventional shape frame simultaneously, a service that’s designed to eliminate any risk of an ill-fitting frame.

“We can guide them through the measurement process, ensure accurate dimensions, assist with completing and processing the order, and provide helpful advice,” explained Lisa Mottershead, operations director at Force 8. “We are constantly seeking ways to enhance our customer service, and while this may seem like a simple idea, we believe it will resonate with many customers and demystify the process. It’s a practical solution for a common problem, which is what we are all about here at Force 8.”

Force 8’s bending system is said to differ greatly from other, more traditional methods, which produce bends in small lengths using hot air and then the sections are welded together – which according to Force 8, creates weak spots.

Instead, Force 8 uses a hot oil system that heats the full length of the profile evenly before shaping it on formers. This requires a significant investment in equipment, including a dedicated factory unit. For shorter profiles, like small round windows, Force 8 still employs the hot air system where needed.

The company states that using a single length of profile not only improves aesthetics by eliminating welds and breaks but also enhances structural strength. This is said to be particularly important for foiled or woodgrain effect profiles, where visible welds can ruin the appearance, especially in period property refurbishments replacing original timber sash frames.

The company has produced a video tour of its Stockport factory, and its bending process, that can be found on YouTube.

Force 8 specialises in Veka and Halo profiles, as it says the versatility of Veka profiles makes them ideal for various bending and curved installations. As a result, Force 8 has ‘fine-tuned’ operations and invested in specific cutting-edge technology. Its CNC machinery and precision milling machine are optimised for Veka, and its extensive inventory ensures a wide array of sections are always available.

Dennis Sumner, the founder of Force 8, said: “Achieving our level of quality bending would be unattainable if we were bending multiple profiles, and constantly changing settings, tooling, formers and software. We would become a ‘Jack of all trades and masters of none’, so we prefer to be true masters of our craft.

“This approach has also enabled us to maintain an extensive stock of Veka and Halo profiles, ensuring that a wide array of sections are consistently available, which would be almost impossible with multiple profile brands and sections. Not to mention the down time and delays swapping and changing formers and tooling to match a specific profile, which could lead to mistakes and delays”.

Installation companies often miss out on a lucrative market for arched and special shapes due to the perceived difficulty or lack of resources. Force 8 welcomes design challenges from installers and claims to have achieved curved and arched frames that rival bending companies have declined due to the complexity.

Combined with its first order measuring service it keeps Force 8 ‘well ahead of the curve’.