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Thermal Insulating Strut
The main function of a thermal break system is to separate an aluminum profile into two parts to reduce thermal conductivity in a window.
Aluminum is a highly thermal conductive material that will rapidly transfer exterior climatic temperature unless something is done to stop the thermal conduction. A thermal barrier system will improve thermal performance while maintaining the structural and long-term durability of the fenestration unit. According to the thermal strut manufacturer, YUANFA, aluminum is 533 times more conductive than polyamide insulating strips.
Thermal Strut involves two separate extrusions and joins them through the use of engineered structural plastic strut. Both the inside and outside aluminum profiles are extruded independently with a cavity that will ultimately receive the strut.
With YUANFA thermal strut, products can be manufactured with two-tone finishes; because interior and exterior components can be coated before assembly. Architects and designers can choose to apply the interior and exterior finishes that best match their cost, performance and design requirements.
Assembly Process
Knurling. Knurling is the first step in the production process.
It is performed to produce teeth in the aluminum pocket that will "bite" into the Strut during the crimping process. Proper knurling is required to insure adequate shear strength of the composite profile.
Insertion. Prior to struts being inserted they are properly selected and verified against the production paperwork. Care must also be taken to assure the struts are oriented per the order requirements - not all struts are symmetric.
The strut is aligned with the cavity, and held by small automatic clamps on the back side of the first knurler. As material is run through the first knurler, the strut slides into the extrusion cavity. This extrusion with the strut in it, then gets transferred to the second knurler, and slid into place by an automated push plate. Little finger like slides guide the strut to the proper alignment with the other extrusion half of the assembly.
Crimping. The crimping process uses three sets of wheels which rotate the aluminum on to the strut to mechanically lock it into place, forming the bond between the two extrusions and the strut.
The assembled aluminum and Strut profiles then act as a composite to transfer loads. Over 1300 pounds of pressure is applied in stages to crimp the aluminum. The first set of wheels applies 50 percent of the pressure while the second set applies 100 percent. The third set of wheels help to straighten the extrusion and completes the crimping process.
Benefits of Thermal Strut
Structural insulting strut made of polyamide have been the chosen method of thermally breaking aluminum fenestration products for more than thirty years overseas.
YUANFA strut is made of fiberglass reinforced polyamide with glass fibers oriented in 3 directions for optimal structural performance.Strut offers increased energy savings with varying thermal separation widths including those greater than any other thermal break system.
thermal insulation aluminium window