Innovations
profine thinks ahead with PVC-U windows. The Group functions as a single source concentrating the experience, knowhow, creativeness, and innovativeness of its brands KBE, KÖMMERLING, and TROCAL.
The present lines of profine research are focused on innovations in the following, central areas of window technology:
• window ventilation technology
• bonding technology
• energy efficiency
• surface treatment
Window ventilation technology
A pioneer in window ventilation technology, profine has been providing solutions for a healthy living climate since the day it was founded. Tailored to the window systems of the KBE, KÖMMERLING, and TROCAL brands, these solutions have always reflected the state of the art. The present focus is placed on the following innovations in ventilation technology.
PremiVent
With PremiVent, profine is offering a high efficiency heat recovery system, the first that has been optimised for the profile systems of the three brands KBE, KÖMMERLING, and TROCAL. This innovation was developed jointly with the Zehnder Group, the leader on the European market for deluxe ventilation systems.
PremiVent is an efficient and economical solution in particular for modernising stocks. A decentralised solution integrated in the window, this system regulates the indoor climate, suppresses mould, and reduces the consumption of energy by recovering up to 80% of heat. The heart of PremiVent is an innovative enthalpy exchanger.
At the Praxis Altbau competition hosted by BAKA, PremiVent was honoured with one of the 2011 product innovation awards. Under the patronage of Peter Ramsauer, the Federal Minister of Transport, the award ceremony took place at BAU, Munich, in January 2011.
AirTronic
AirTronic is a ventilation module with user independent electronic sensor control. AirTronic is the intelligent combination of fan controlled exhaust air installations and electronically regulated air supply elements integrated in the window. Compared with conventional windows with integrated ventilation system AirTronic achieves a greater flow of fresh air through a residential building. Actuated electromechanically, AirTronic provides a constant flow of fresh air from outside and is therefore ideal for all fan controlled exhaust air installations. A modular design for easy expansion, it is a standalone and user independent system that provides a constant flow of fresh air, just as it is needed.
AirTronic is the perfect solution for the needs based ventilation of buildings and the regulated, reliable supply of fresh air in living areas. When exhaust air is drawn off, the system activates automatically for a supply of fresh air. It therefore fulfils today the ventilation standard DIN 1946-6 of tomorrow.
Bonding technology
Bonding in the standard systems
Following the new RAL guidelines a whole bonding system can now be tested, assessed, and approved for the first time. On this basis, profine has expanded the potential of bonding with various positions and with alternative adhesives and adhesive tapes. profine can therefore offer the customer a tested modular system for use on the standard systems.
In its type certification applications for RAL, profine is deliberately focusing on the premium systems with 88 mm installation depth and on the established 70 mm systems of the KBE, KÖMMERLING, and TROCAL brands. The primary bonding positions are on the rebate base, the glazing edge, and Position 1.
GlassWin system
For a number of years now, the profine GlassWin system has been providing structural glazing solutions with PVC-U sections. Similar to carmaking, the glass elements and PVC profiles are bonded with a special silicone adhesive. This enhances considerably the elements' static properties and provides architecture with all new design potential. For instance, glass units with extremely slim window profiles can be used for the visual design of buildings.
Energy efficiency
profine is also seen as a pioneer for systems with high energy efficiency. With its innovative 88 mm systems for each of the KBE, KÖMMERLING, and TROCAL brands, the Group provides solutions that present to an equal extent an attractive addition to architectural value and clear functional advantages.
The main features of the profile systems with 88 mm installation depth are the consistent six chamber technology, slender sight lines, and outstanding thermal insulation properties.Even the standard versions exhibit convincing Uf values as low as 1.0 W(m2/K), and with the last expansion stage present insulating values that are a match for passive houses.
The 88 mm system of the KBE brand was the winner of the 2010 SolVin Award for PVC Innovation in the Recycling category. The key features of this system are its ecological and equally cost effective properties. The system consists of recycled material (up to 50%), and its special passive house design with rebate base bonding exhibits a superior Uf value of 0.79 W/(m2K). With its intelligent combination of insulation cores, thermo steels, gasket systems, bonding technology, and an optimised centre seal, it allows variable expansions up to the passive house variant.
Surface treatment
Wide range of colour laminates
profine offers a wide range of forty four laminates that are available in wood grains and plain colours. With four laminates sporting a brushed metal look, the profine Group is expanding its colour laminate programme in 2011 for the 88 mm systems of its three brands. The particularly high quality appeal of the colours is made possible by the latest laminate technology involving the application of metallic pigments in a multistage process. Moreover, these new Metbrush laminates are also available in the high tech "cool colors". This innovative technology considerably reduces the heat absorbed by laminated profiles, enhancing their dimensional stability and weather resistance.
Aluminium-PVC-U combinations
In addition to its wide range of solutions with conventional aluminium shells, profine also presents AluFusion, a unique union of the materials aluminium and PVC-U. Thanks to the special bonding technology, the two materials in AluFusion complement and enhance each other's strengths and benefits. The best of each – the heat retention, sound insulation, and high economy of PVC-U; on the outside the clearcut aesthetics and great colour potential of aluminium. Its outstanding static properties make AluFusion ideal for particularly large windowed areas.
Easy to clean – naturally clean
Like other building materials, also profiles are exposed to the weather and soiling and need to be cleaned regularly. profine research is currently developing an easy to clean surface treatment that simplifies cleaning on the installed profile. In particular buildings in exposed areas can retain their visual appeal, and cleaning work can be considerably reduced, together with the costs.
Colour concepts by Friedrich Ernst v. Garnier
Making buildings appear as part of their natural surroundings is the trademark of Friedrich Ernst v. Garnier, a renowned colour designer who together with profine has drawn up guidelines in choosing colours for windows. In connection with this and in collaboration with the studio von Garnier architects and planners, the profine competence centre can provide comprehensive advice on the integrative design of buildings based on the innovative colour compass.