Date: 13 December 2004
Fittings for frameless glass doors are classified according to the style of fitting used as types A,B or C.
Type A doors incorporate a full length rail at the top and the bottom of the door, this is normally 76mm high for 8-12mm glass and 105mm high for 15 or 19mm glass. The rail clamps the glass panel and cover plates are then fitted along with matching end caps, because the glass is clamped no cut-outs are required.
Once the panel has been fitted with the rails, it can be fitted to either a pivoting assembly for swinging doors, or to a top and bottom filler section for fixed panels.
The advantage of using Type A doors is increased stability from having a continuous fitting holding the top and bottom of the door, which means panels up to 140kgs and 1400mm wide by 2800mm high can be used
Weather seals can also be fitted into the rail, which is common when used on commercial applications. A deadlock can also be incorporated into the rail which can be operated by a key or a magnetic lock as part of an access control system.
Type C doors are the most popular option, instead of using a full length rail across the door, a small patch is fitted at the top and the bottom of the panel. Patch fittings can be used for toughened glass thickness from 8 to 19mm, with panels weights up to a maximum of 120kgs and a maximum height and width of 2800mm.
The advantage of using patch fittings is that more glass is visible giving a truly frameless effect, and a combination of fittings can be used to incorporate side and over panels, allowing the designer to create a glass wall with minimal fittings visible. Locks are fitted at the top, middle or bottom of the panel, these are Euro profile cylinder deadlocks or a latch lock operated by standard lever furniture, meaning lever handles that are used on wooden doors in a project can be matched to the frameless glass doors.
Type B doors are simply a combination of the other two designs, using a rail at the bottom and a patch fitting at the top of the door. A Type B combination would be used for a number of reasons, if patch fittings are preferred but a rail is need to house a electric magnetic lock or the panel needs the extra stability of rails but an overpanel patch is required.
All fittings are supplied in 316 grade stainless steel, with the cover plates in satin or polished stainless steel as standard, other finish's are available to order.
Gary King of Hafele UK, who is responsible for the architectural glass fitting range can provide full technical advice and after sales back up, to architects designers and installers, including a free scheduling service for glass fittings and other related ironmongery.
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