An advance in aluminium espags from Mila

Mila has added a new enhanced security, twin cam espag locking system to its range of Advance products, developed specifically for aluminium window systems.

According to Mila, this new espag has been designed to solve the problems that aluminium fabricators frequently encounter with existing mechanical hardware solutions – hence it comes with a C-track design, stronger gearbox, concealed gears and a more premium aesthetic.

Mila adds that the C-track design of the Advance espag means there is none of the risk associated with U-track espags of the track gradually collapsing against the profile and, over time, interfering with the smooth operation of the window.

The 6mm wide gearbox has been developed with transmission gears which ensure a ‘smooth, non-notchy action’ and successfully strength tested to perform beyond the 40 Nm force where most other C-track aluminium espag gearboxes tend to fail. The gears themselves are concealed beneath the faceplate to protect them from damaging dust and debris.

The whole espag is manufactured in high quality 304 grade stainless steel with a premium matt, corrosion resistance finish, and there are integral nylon end caps which provide additional support around the end fixing point, as well as a more premium finish with no exposed edge visible.

Richard Gyde, Mila’s MD, explained: “The rationale behind Advance is to bring real design ingenuity into the aluminium hardware sector and underpin that with Mila’s proven commitment to quality and performance durability. We’ve already done that very successfully with our Advance bi-fold door magnets and now we’re set to do the same again with the Advance espag.”

The Advance espag is PAS24: 2022 and SBD accredited and stamped, and Mila says it also incorporates clever design details which make it easy to ‘fit and forget’.

For instance, the length is displayed on the faceplate, and both the backset size and the handling indicator are visible on the gearbox when it is in the open position to save time in the factory during fitting. The twin stainless steel anti-jemmy mushroom cams (available in 5.5mm and 7mm heights) are also compression adjustable (+/-1mm).

The Advance espag has been tested to 50,000 cycles for operational reliability and comes with a comprehensive 10 year guarantee on mechanical operation.