The future of streamlined production

By Chris Jones, sales director at Deceuninck.

In the 35 years I’ve been in the industry, I’ve seen PVCU 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 PVCU 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 PVCU 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. It’s great, inherent strength also allows specifiers to consider using very tall windows, and very large doors, eg, 1,100mm by 2,500mm 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.