http://www.twinfix.co.uk/news/entry/ en james@supercooldesign.co.uk Copyright 2010 2010-06-28T07:50:17+00:00 http://www.twinfix.co.uk/news/entry/clear-and-safe-roof-glazing-for-nursery-canopy/ http://www.twinfix.co.uk/news/entry/clear-and-safe-roof-glazing-for-nursery-canopy/ The latest from Twinfix is a new, 'safe' roofing panel glazed with solid, see-through polycarbonate that conforms to the HSE’s recommendations for non-fragile, (or safe), roofing.  Fitted as part of a Twinfix canopy at a nursery school, this glass-like roof glazing enables high levels of natural light to flood into adjacent classrooms.  Due to the innovative fix and link mechanism in the Multi-Link-Panels on the roof, the free-standing canopy was installed in less than two days once the foundations had been prepared and has created a great sheltered space for the children to enjoy their sand and water play. The 6mm Multi-Link-Panel NF, Non-Fragile, is a modification to the well-known Twinfix standard Multi-Link-Panel NF that is glazed with multiwall polycarbonate.  This new version enables the creation of large expanses of overhead glazing that not only let in huge amounts of natural light, but also provide for people’s safety when they are working near to the glazing, as, should they slip and fall, they will not fall through these Non-Fragile roof lights. Click the link to see Twinfix testing their new panel to the HSE’s recommended drop test, ACR[M]001.2005, Test for Non-Fragility of Profiled Sheeted Roofing Assemblies (third edition).  You will see that this product achieves a ‘B’ classification.  The highest grade achievable, ‘A’, is only granted when there is no marking on the product whatsoever after the drop tests, which is extremely hard to achieve, especially with a glazing product. School teachers and governors can specify a Twinfix canopy fitted with either a solid or a multiwall glazed Multi-Link-Panel NF roof in the sure knowledge that they are providing their establishment with one of the safest products in the marketplace. Product Info 2010-05-25T13:26:58+00:00 http://www.twinfix.co.uk/news/entry/new-cpd-seminar-on-fast-track-modular-roof-glazing-systems/ http://www.twinfix.co.uk/news/entry/new-cpd-seminar-on-fast-track-modular-roof-glazing-systems/ These seminars, provided in the form of a slide presentation, include hands-on demonstrations, and are aimed at anyone who specifies overhead glazing, including rooflights, corridors and glazed canopies or walkways, in factories, stations, schools, warehouses or hospitals.  The presentations aim to give specifiers a balanced view of the various glazing products available and cover the requirements of Document L2 and the Health & Safety Executive's recommendations for non-fragile roofing assemblies.  At about one hour long, either seminar is suitable for holding over a lunch-time or early evening period. Further information can be found on the downloads on this page.  If either CPD seminar is of interest to your company please get in touch with us via the contact page.  2010-03-10T09:49:02+00:00 http://www.twinfix.co.uk/news/entry/chas-and-constructionline-accreditations-updated/ http://www.twinfix.co.uk/news/entry/chas-and-constructionline-accreditations-updated/ Twinfix have also recently renewed their registration with Constructionline, the UK's register of pre-qualified construction contractors and consultants supported by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS).  Membership of Constructionline is designed to streamline pre-qualification procedures, to save valuable resources in the construction industry, rendering it more efficient and effective. Managing Director, Graham Kench, says: “We are really pleased to hold accreditation to both CHAS and Constructionline as this demonstrates to Main Contractors, Specifiers, Head Teachers, School Governors and others that any work they place with us will be completed to high safety and construction standards.  I am very proud of the Twinfix team who have continued to work so hard and enabled us to retain these two important accreditations.”   2010-06-28T07:50:17+00:00 http://www.twinfix.co.uk/news/entry/test-title/ http://www.twinfix.co.uk/news/entry/test-title/ A recent addition to the Twinfix range is a 40mm thick, 500mm wide multiwall polycarbonate glazing panel, ideal for sports hall glazing at either high or low level. With its tongue and groove connections it simply and quickly clicks together.  Fitted into a thermally broken aluminium edge frame with no vertical profiles to cast shadows, Twinfix Thermoclick combines good light transmission and high impact strength with an excellent U Value of 1.41 W/m²K.   The Twinfix Thermoclick panels were installed as high level glazing in this Local Authority sports hall where its toughness will withstand the odd knock from any high-flying footballs or basketballs.  It will even withstand the occasional cricket ball from the nearby pitch!  It was also installed in one of the fitness studios as a large 5 metre by 2.4 metre window that floods the room with light, but enables members to undertake their workout without anyone watching them from outside. Both the aluminium frame and the Twinfix Thermoclick panels may be recycled at the end of their long life span. 2010-05-27T11:21:10+00:00 http://www.twinfix.co.uk/news/entry/food-factory-chooses-twinfix-polycarbonate-rooflight-system/ http://www.twinfix.co.uk/news/entry/food-factory-chooses-twinfix-polycarbonate-rooflight-system/ The Twinfix modular rooflight system, the Multi-Link-Panel NF (Non-Fragile), glazed with tough, 25mm opal multiwall polycarbonate, was recently installed in five 20 x 3 metre runs at a food-preparation factory in Liverpool where management were keen to avoid the likelihood of any falling broken glass contaminating their manufacturing lines in the future.   The opal tint was specified as it allows natural light into the factory, whilst also helping to prevent glare from the sun and creating more comfortable working conditions.  One run incorporated aluminium insulated panels, fitted in place of the polycarbonate glazing, where additional shading was required over a lift shaft.  This now means that maintenance work can be undertaken out of direct sunlight.   And, with a U Value of 1.45 W/sq mK, the 25mm multiwall glazing really helps the company to retain heat inside their buildings, and cut down on their carbon footprint! Should anyone gain access on to the factory’s flat roof they will not fall through the glazing, as these panels are designated Non-Fragile (or safe) to the HSE’s recommended drop test for roofing assemblies, ACR[M]001:2005.   These modular panels are manufactured to size for each project and are delivered to site ready to fit.  Due to their patented ‘fix and link’ method of installation, fitting is extremely quick, meaning less factory down time is required during any refurbishment programme.   Multi-Link-Panels are available in a variety of polycarbonate glazing tints and thicknesses and the aluminium frames can be powder coated to a range of colours. Both the aluminium framing and the polycarbonate glazing can be recycled at the end of their long life span.   Product Info 2010-04-26T17:45:56+00:00 http://www.twinfix.co.uk/news/entry/video-hse-drop-test-6mm-solid-polycarbonate-glazing-fitted-into-twinfix-mul/ http://www.twinfix.co.uk/news/entry/video-hse-drop-test-6mm-solid-polycarbonate-glazing-fitted-into-twinfix-mul/ Video 2010-04-09T16:03:32+00:00 http://www.twinfix.co.uk/news/entry/video-hse-drop-test-6.8mm-laminated-glass/ http://www.twinfix.co.uk/news/entry/video-hse-drop-test-6.8mm-laminated-glass/ Video 2010-04-09T14:14:27+00:00 http://www.twinfix.co.uk/news/entry/non-fragile-safe-rooflights-for-use-in-station-canopies-and-rail-depots/ http://www.twinfix.co.uk/news/entry/non-fragile-safe-rooflights-for-use-in-station-canopies-and-rail-depots/ Falling through fragile roofs and rooflights has been identified as one of the main causes of death and injury in the construction industry in recent years.  The CDM Regulations require designers to ‘eliminate or reduce risk’, and specifying the Twinfix Multi-Link-Panel NF (Non Fragile) rooflight system will help to solve this particular problem. In addition, the bespoke Multi-Link-Panels NF are lightweight and glazed with multiwall or solid polycarbonate sheet.  (16mm multiwall weighs only 2.8 Kg/sq m compared with 6mm glass that weights 15 Kg/sq m.)  Even large panels can, therefore, usually be handled easily by two men.  Polycarbonate is very tough so panels won't crack or break during installation and use.  The aluminium framing won't rust over time and can be powder coated to match any colour scheme.  Individual panels are factory manufactured to size for each project and delivered to site on a J-I-T basis, ready for fast installation.  Due to their innovative 'fix and link' design they are incredibly quick to install, taking only one-third of the time it takes to fit a traditional split bar glazing system.  This is obviously of great importance when working on station canopies as possession times are, necessarily, limited. Document HSG33 outlines the Health & Safety Executive's recommended testing method for assessing products to be used on a non-fragile roof: ACR[M]001:2000 Test for Fragility of Roofing Assemblies (revised in 2005).  The wording of the test indicates that it is to be carried out on complete systems ('roofing assemblies') and not on individual components that might be installed on a roof.  The Twinfix Multi-Link-Panel NF when glazed with either 16mm or 25mm multiwall polycarbonate passes the drop test with a 'B' classification, as does 6mm glass-like solid polycarbonate.  However, 16mm multiwall polycarbonate fitted into a 60mm wide glazing bars fails the ACR[M] test.  It is the patented and concealed method of holding the polycarbonate sheet in place within the Multi-Link-Panel NF that enables this system to pass the drop test. 6.4mm laminated glass fails the test; offering no resistance to the standard 45kg impactor dropping onto the test sample from the regulation height of 1.2m.  6.8mm laminated glass also fails the test. The Twinfix Multi-Link-Panel NF also passes the more stringent drop test devised by London Underground, Engineering Standard E3404A3.  And, as all parts of the Multi-Link-Panel are recyclable at the end of their life span, this is often the product of choice for many station and depot specifiers when they need to refurbish their roof glazing.  Twinfix are accredited to Link-Up. Product Info 2010-01-25T16:51:50+00:00 http://www.twinfix.co.uk/news/entry/twinfix-multi-link-panel-fitted-with-16mm-multiwall-pc-non-fragile-drop-tes/ http://www.twinfix.co.uk/news/entry/twinfix-multi-link-panel-fitted-with-16mm-multiwall-pc-non-fragile-drop-tes/ Video 2010-01-07T12:07:31+00:00 http://www.twinfix.co.uk/news/entry/16mm-multiwall-polycarbonate-and-standard-glazing-bar-non-fragile-drop-test/ http://www.twinfix.co.uk/news/entry/16mm-multiwall-polycarbonate-and-standard-glazing-bar-non-fragile-drop-test/ Video 2010-01-07T12:06:03+00:00