Continuous innovation in fastening technology by Rapierstar is enabling housing specifiers and contractors to achieve ever higher performance standards throughout their window and door programmes.
The fasteners in its STARPVCU range are instantly recognisable through their ‘tri-thread’ logo which appears on the heads, and they are available in three different metals to suit the target level of corrosion-resistance – zinc coated carbon steel as standard or martensitic stainless steel and austenitic stainless steel for increased durability.
But optimising the quality of the alloys used in the fasteners is just one dimension to the development work that Rapierstar undertakes to optimise the performance of these significantly important components. The company’s technical team also ensures the head, thread and point design of every fastener in the STARPVCU range is best suited to the applications for which they are to be used, such as attaching friction stays, handles or security glazing clips.
Left: Locking mechanism. Image © Shutterstock. Right: Rapierstar’s stainless steel screws. Image © Rapierstar.
Smoother casement opening and closing
One example of how Rapierstar’s technical innovation has resulted in the creation of better functioning windows for housing residents is its LFG low profile head fastener. This has become the go-to product for attaching friction stay hinges when assembling casement windows because. it provides more hinge arm clearance when opening and closing while improving screw mechanical strength.
As a result, end-users are less likely to experience problems with the sash scraping or catching under routine operation. That means fewer call-backs for property maintenance teams and higher levels of tenant satisfaction.
Opening the door to better hinge fixings
Another example is Rapierstar’s recently developed CFG fastener for attaching door hinges to PVCu outerframes.
Because of the way many door hinges are designed, particularly 2D and flag hinges, the clearance between the fastener head and the body of the hinge is very small. This can mean the door hinge and fastener head clash during normal use, affecting the smooth functioning of the door and causing cover caps to work loose. It can also damage the protective zinc coating on the metal, resulting in premature rusting and, ultimately, breakage of the screw.
Rapierstar has developed a solution for this application with a new type of fastener for use with PVCu profiles reinforced with thermal composite materials. The CFG features a larger sized head which is designed to countersink perfectly in the hinge’s frame plate or hinge body, ensuring the opening and closing movement is 100% obstruction-free.
Find out more: www.rapierstar.com
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