A revolutionary step for the aluminum industry

World first: development of special sill in aluminum frame combination

atom 13, Aluprof and BUVA are strong brands in the wood, plastic and aluminum window and door markets. By entering into cooperation, these companies aim to use joint product development to serve players in the aluminum frame industry more efficiently with a sustainable and aesthetically pleasing sill solution.

Tom Louwers, general manager of PaSCAL windows and doors and atom 13, was 16 years old when he was introduced to aluminum window frames. He "instantly fell in love" with the product. He wants his companies to make the construction process more efficient for builders and provide maximum support to his customers.

Roland Djasmo, BUVA's engineering team leader, together with his team, forms the technical heart of the Barendrecht-based company. His goal is to improve the company's existing assortment so that it better meets current market needs. In addition, he wants to work innovatively so that the assortment also meets future demand. 

With the development of a sill for the aluminum market, atom 13, BUVA and also system house Aluprof are taking the next step in building with aluminum door and frame combinations. 

Synergy 

"The contact regarding the development of the sill for the aluminum market between BUVA and atom 13 was made by Michiel van Duren of Aluprof, because he knew that an employee of atom 13 had already been in contact with an employee of BUVA in the past about a sill for the aluminum market" said Tom.

Tom on this moment: "BUVA and atom 13 had made sketches of a sill separately from each other without our knowing about it. When we got together, we put these two drawings together and saw that there were common ground for 90%. Then we forged one of them!"

Atom 13 needed BUVA not only to supply the product but also for its knowledge of fiberglass and machining. "BUVA's production and testing facilities and knowledge of fiberglass add tremendously to our aluminum frame," Tom states. "Because of the existing relationship and added value, these companies are therefore the obvious parties to take this development further."

The strength of atom 13 in this case is the knowledge of the demand, the knowledge of the other markets plastic and wood as well as the production process. This gave more and more clarity on how the end result should become. Tom indicates: "Our added value is mostly in the practical part of the design."

"The cooperation between BUVA and atom 13 is just perfect," Roland said. "BUVA already has experience because we apply sills in the field of wooden - and plastic window frames. We are very good at that. In the field of aluminum window frames, BUVA had no knowledge yet but that was brought in by atoom 13. In addition, they have a good idea of what the client needs."

Bright future for this innovation

Tom continues, "As we shift more and more to precast construction, this sill is going to take off more than previously thought." 

With the BUVA sill, the frame combination can be set as a single element in the facade, making it easier to apply in a housing factory. In addition, it is also easier to use in traditional construction. 

Roland confirms this and adds: "Applying the sill in the aluminum window frames gives the facade a totally different appearance. Aesthetically, this is a much nicer solution. But it is not only more beautiful, it also provides ease of installation for the builders." 

The seals are also of higher quality and the building is better insulated. With the new sill, the inside and outside of the building remain separated from each other. The development of this sill saves time, is of better quality and better for the environment. By jointly installing the frame and the sill, only one craftsman is needed what was previously done by two craftsmen. "With this we also solve part of the problem, which is the shortage of craftsmen in the construction industry," Tom argues. "Because you install an aluminum element with an integrated sill, you also no longer need to buy a bluestone sill, and therefore you don't need to lay it, which means the cost goes down dramatically."

The cooperation between the companies, who have the same goal in mind: namely, unburdening the builder, makes this development so special. Because each party has brought its own specific knowledge and information to the cooperation, it has been possible to develop a high-quality and sustainable sill solution for the end user in the most efficient way possible.    

For more information on window frames with this unique lower sill, download the brochure at www.atoom13.nl or contact your atomic 13 account manager at 0493-319072.