STATE OF THE ART TESTING FACILITY CROSSES COUNTIES TO LEICESTER
Leading sealant supplier Bostik has moved its state of the art insulating glass unit (IGU) testing facility from its original location in Stafford to its hot melt production plant in Leicester.
The insulating glass research and development team has also been brought together at the Leicester site as Bostik’s industrial construction business manager, Chris Alderson, explains: “At our production facility in Leicester we have been manufacturing our market leading hot melt butyl edge sealants, as well as developing new products for the IGU industry, for many years. It therefore made sense to house the testing facility on the same site.”
Led by technical manager, Katherine Higgins, Bostik’s IG research and development team uses the testing facility to test IGUs to exacting European and International standards and was the first dedicated testing house for EN 1279 Parts 2 and 3 in the UK.
Katherine has worked with Bostik for over 18 years and was initially employed as a development chemist after graduating from the University of Birmingham with a chemistry degree. During her career she has worked on a wide range of polymer technologies and construction related applications.
Her in depth knowledge of the demands of the industry’s rigorous tests, combined with her formulating knowledge and involvement in the Glazing Components group of the Glass & Glazing Federation (GGF) and the sealants group of BASA, means that she knows exactly what is required to develop effective insulating glass unit sealants.
Commenting on the laboratory relocation, Katherine says: “It took three months of careful planning to transfer the laboratory, including our sophisticated gas leakage testing system which traps, separates and identifies minute quantities of leaked gases from IG units to test for compliance with EN 1279 Part 3.
“The testing equipment also includes three high humidity chambers, used to age units and test for compliance with EN 1279 Part 2.
“The facility as a whole allows us to carry out continuous research and development programmes to ensure that Bostik maintains its position at the forefront of product innovation.”
Chris adds: “The IGU industry is highly competitive, demanding constant change and innovation. With ever more stringent industry standards being introduced, it is vital that IGU manufacturers have a product they can trust to meet both current and future standards.
“Putting units though the testing facility that have been produced both by ourselves and our customers using Bostik products, has delivered consistently positive results meaning manufacturers can rest assured they have a product they can rely on.”
Bostik also offers all customers extensive support through assistance in changing products and making improvements to existing production lines. Chris explains: “Bostik's support team works very closely with customers when required to ensure systems are working as efficiently as possible.”
Prior to relocating the testing facility, Bostik’s Leicester site was the focus of a multi-million pound investment programme, which included the introduction of a computerised plant dedicated to the production of hot melt butyl perimeter sealants.
“With over 120 years experience in the sealants and adhesives industry, Bostik understands the market place, the needs of its customers, and in turn their customers, and as one of the longest established companies in the IGU industry, is committed to continuing to assist customers in their development and growth,” concludes Chris.
For further information on EN 1279, Bostik’s support package for IGU manufacturers, or on Bostik’s range of insulating glass sealants, please contact the insulating glass team on +44 (0) 1785 27 27 27 or email glazing.sales@bostik.com.
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