Kömmerling has just launched AluStar, an aluminium clad, outward opening PVC-U window based on its reportedly market leading C70 Gold and O70 Gold platforms, fresh from the Group research and development facility in Germany.
According to Kömmerling, this latest development of the C70 Gold and O70 Gold systems adds a ‘completely new dimension’ for finishes. With its external aluminium cladding, customers can benefit from a ‘near unlimited’ range of RAL colours, among other ‘impressive’ features. The system also reportedly offers improved levels of thermal and sound insulation and extended longevity, particularly when specified with a marine grade powder coated finish.
The AluStar technology is not new for Kömmerling, as it is already available on the KBE System 88 product, which can reportedly offer U-values as low as 0.6 W/m2K and is said to have been proven on a number of Passivhaus projects. This system has also won the SolVin Award for PVC Innovation in the recycling category, back in 2010.
For manufacturers and commercial specifiers, this new hybrid product can be used for projects previously specified in aluminium only, yet with the benefits of lead free PVC-U, including woodgrain foils on the internal face. There’s also the added design option of an ovolo or chamfered internal glazing bead, adding to the design possibilities.
For the fabricator, Kömmerling claims that the new AluStar product requires little capital investment and ‘integrates easily’ into existing manufacturing processes, as the aluminium sections are simply cut, punched and applied to the external face of the PVC-U profiles. It can be glazed with a standard 28mm unit or with 36mm and 40mm triple glazed units.
Kevin Warner, of Kömmerling, said: “This is a hugely exciting product launch for us and our customers and is a product aimed at the style savvy consumer and commercial specifier. The interest has been immense already with a number of our leading fabricators ready to start production and is yet another reason why we are so highly regarded for product design and development.”
