aluPilot: Revolutionising Aluminium Fabrication
Winkhaus UK, a leading manufacturer of window fitting systems and door locking solutions, has combined its innovative range of aluminium solutions with an innovative technical support package, so aluminium systems houses and fabricators can streamline their production processes and fast track the development process.
Alastair Wheeler, Winkhaus UK’s Aluminium Systems Manager, stated: “At Winkhaus, we pride ourselves on being a collaborative partner, working closely with system houses to meet their specific needs. Through mutual development, testing, and certification, we ensure that each system house can enjoy the benefits of a bespoke window solution that saves precious production time and fast track their time to market through the support of our technical team and laboratory testing.”
aluPilot: Transforming Window Installation with Time-Saving Innovation
Using aluPilot, aluminium fabricators can reduce production time by up to 10 minutes per window compared to traditional aluminium Euro Groove systems. Faster and easier manufacture reduces the cost price of an aluminium window, saving time, money and increasing productivity. This time-saving result has been confirmed through extensive testing with manufacturers during the development and roll-out of aluPilot to European and UK systems houses.
aluPilot can be used across a range of modular applications including tilt turn, turn tilt, tilt only, turn only, and includes a range of restrictors, turn limiters and ventilation accessories. In addition to efficiency gains, the fitting system supports impressive weight capabilities, accommodating sash weights up to 300kg, making it versatile and adaptable to a diverse range of project applications.
Innovative Packaging Solutions
The aluPilot system is exclusively sold directly to systems houses, ensuring that the product range is customised and tailored specifically for their needs. Through development we work closely with partners production and supply teams to create a bespoke packaging solution that contains only the parts they require for their final solution. This approach allows customers to receive a bespoke range of aluPilot products that align perfectly with their profiles and product specifications. This solution not only reduces waste by ensuring customers receive everything they require in one box, but also to reduce the number of order lines required for inventory management, thus simplifying the order process.
Development and Testing Partnership
With over 100 years of combined industry expertise in product development, manufacturing, and testing, the Winkhaus technical and laboratory teams offer proven solutions to ensure the success of its partners’ future innovations. Our added value services include consultation, CAD design, 3D prototyping, product assessment, product development days, and UKAS laboratory accreditation.
When integrating the aluPilot system, the components undergo rigorous testing in conjunction with the profiles provided by the systems house. This testing phase provides seamless compatibility and functionality, ensuring that aluPilot becomes an integral part of the profile design. By testing the "click in" system components alongside the profiles from the systems house, any necessary adjustments or fine-tuning can be made at Winkhaus to optimise performance and reliability, meeting the precise requirements of the system. This collaborative testing process not only enhances the integration process but also ensures that the final product meets the highest standards of quality and performance.
Technical Development Days represent an innovative approach to product development, providing partners with an opportunity to commission new products, enhance existing ones, or appraise to new standards. During these development days, Winkhaus’ technical and laboratories' seasoned experts guide customers through the intricacies of testing, offering insights into potential vulnerabilities or failure points before official testing commences.
Ade Collins, Laboratory Manager at Winkhaus UK, emphasised the significance of these services, stating, "Traditional testing outcomes often end with a pass or fail result, which can significantly impede development progress. Technical Development Days mitigate these setbacks by enabling iterative design adjustments without the time and cost constraints associated with formal testing."
“When it comes to innovation, and creating bespoke products, a quick turnaround will provide a real benefit to our customers and the roll-out of their products. Our team works together with customers to get them to market as quickly as possible, providing them with a significant competitive advantage.”
As a UKAS accredited test facility, Winkhaus Laboratories plays a pivotal role in supporting innovation and accreditation for its partners. Boasting membership in the British Measurement and Testing Association, the laboratory stands as a beacon of excellence in the industry.
For over 25 years, Winkhaus Laboratories has provided a comprehensive suite of services, including full product assessment and accreditation, part assessment, and partner development evaluation. Its facilities cater to a myriad of testing needs, spanning security, durability, and weather resistance.
Among the tests offered are:
· PAS24: Enhanced Security Performance
· BS6375 (part 1, 2, and 3): Performance of Doors and Windows
· BS EN1634-3: Smoke Control Test
· TS007: Enhanced Security Performance
Why Winkhaus?
Winkhaus UK is part of Winkhaus Group, a leading manufacturer of door locking solutions, window fitting systems and access control solutions. For over 170 years we have been designing innovative security solutions for residential and commercial applications. All our products are designed and engineered in our state-of-the-art production facilities in Germany.
At Winkhaus UK, everything we do is centred around guaranteeing the success of our customers, providing added value services and solutions to ensure they have maximum competitiveness. From the quality and reliability that is consistently measured through the manufacturing process, ensuring timely delivery and a dedicated customer service team, to the bespoke development and testing of our technical and laboratory teams, Winkhaus offers a comprehensive service to our customers that doesn’t end once our products are sold.
