How to capitalise on the upturn in aluminium fabrication
With industry figures proving that aluminium fabrication is on the rise, Katrina Earl, sales director at Epwin Window Systems, looks at how to stand out in the market.
The upturn in aluminium fabrication has been confirmed by the latest industry figures, which show a 4.7% increase in the number of aluminium fabricators since 2019.
On the face of it, this is good news for aluminium fabricators because it reflects an increase demand for aluminium products. On the other hand, it also means more competition.
As a result, aluminium fabricators must find ways to distinguish themselves to maximise market opportunities.
A key strategy lies in selecting the right aluminium system – one that offers competitive advantages across various market sectors and simplifies compliance with stringent Building Regulations. These choices become crucial as companies navigate the complexities beyond the basic compliance headlines.
A standout system in the aluminium space is Stellar from Epwin Window Systems. Designed from scratch, Stellar Aluminium sets new industry standards, complying with all the latest Building Regulations and gaining traction across multiple market sectors. This system not only meets technical requirements but also offers substantial benefits in fabrication and installation, increasing its appeal in the market.
To understand what sets Stellar Aluminium apart from other market offerings, let’s take a look at the latest addition to the system collection: the Stellar Aluminium inline sliding door.
Unlike traditional aluminium sliding doors that use a dummy sash for the fixed pane, this product features a direct glazed fixed light, which significantly enhances thermal efficiency by reducing the use of conductive aluminium.
This innovation not only meets the stricter thermal efficiency standards of today but also contributes to superior aesthetics by minimising sightlines and maximising the glazed area. The sleek 35mm interlock offers an even slimmer profile, enhancing the visual appeal of the door, particularly in configurations with smaller door apertures.
Fabrication benefits are equally impressive. When you fabricate a traditional aluminium sliding door, you typically manufacture three ‘squares’ – the sliding sash, the fixed pane and the door outerframe. With Stellar, you only need to manufacture two parts because the dummy sash on the fixed pane has been removed. It saves on fabrication time and material costs, bringing time and cost efficiencies that are especially important when overheads such as energy costs remain stubbornly high.
Installation is streamlined as well. Like all Stellar products, it uses patented knock-in glazing beads, which means it’s as easy to glaze as a PVC-U sliding door. The process also leaves a cleaner internal gasket line, which delivers a high-end finish that adds even more to the aesthetics. Plus, the door uses a dry-glazed bonding solution instead of the more usual wet-glazed solution. This means that if the glass is ever damaged, it’s more straightforward to replace.
In short, the Stellar Aluminium inline sliding door encapsulates the benefits of all Stellar Aluminium window and door products. It’s suitable for all sectors, is compliant by design and offers class-leading aesthetics.
In today’s competitive landscape, aluminium fabricators must leverage both innovation and efficiency to differentiate themselves. Adopting advanced systems like Stellar Aluminium offers a strategic advantage by meeting rigorous regulatory standards and enhancing both the aesthetic and practical aspects of aluminium products, ensuring fabricators stand out and seize the competitive advantage.