DSM Composite Resins (Schaffhausen, Switzerland) and Fiberline Composites (Middelfart, Denmark) have worked together to develop residential window frame solutions based on high-strength, thin composite profiles. The new materials reportedly provide a greater effective glass surface because of their high stiffness and strength and better insulation than metals against heat loss in cold weather, which helps homeowners reduce their energy bills. DSM and Fiberline used life cycle assessment (LCA) methodology to identify the material, energy and waste flows associated with the production of composite window products. The environmental impact or eco-footprint helps to substantiate the positive contributions composites can make to sustainability, in this case compared to aluminum windows. “DSM has in-house expertise and a solid track record in performing LCAs,” says Robert Puyenbroek, chief technical officer of DSM. “We are committed to implementing LCAs as a key decision-making tool for innovation and development processes. Consequently, DSM is actively involved in the development of international standards and guidelines for Life Cycle Assessment.” An electronic copy of the LCA brochure on window profiles is available via e-mail: manuela.tobler@dsm.com.
Momentive Specialty Chemicals Inc. (Columbus, Ohio) announced on Dec. 18 that it has been selected as a supplier of the year by Molded Fiber Glass Co. (MFG, Ashtabula, Ohio). MFG uses Momentive resins to produce wind turbine blades and other composite products. The selection is based on a score by the MFG purchasing team of technical support, quality, cost and delivery performance, coupled with inputs from senior management. Each year MFG hosts a daylong event that brings together the suppliers who play a part in the company’s success. The 17th Supplier Recognition Day gathered 22 raw material suppliers and three tooling companies.
Langan Design Partners of Newport, R.I., has selected GMT Composites as the carbon rig supplier for a new 55-ft, high-performance yacht that Langan has been commissioned to design for a Brazilian client. The rig will be built in Bristol, R.I., and shipped via sea freight from Bristol to the boatbuilder in Brazil. The two companies previously collaborated on an intricate communications arch for the 138-ft Langan-designed super-yacht Calliope. The new rig is one of two currently in progress at GMT and bound for Brazil. Langan Design partner Sam Howell commented on their previous experience by saying, “MT delivered on time and to spec.”
After fire destroyed its predecessor, a new company, Omniglass SCT (Winnipeg, Canada) has begun work on fiberglass pultruded window and door frames and components at its new location inside Structural Composite Technologies’ composites manufacturing plant in Winnipeg. Omniglass SCT was formed by partners John Zadro, president of Structural Composite Technologies, who will be president of the new company, and Leroy Dankochik, general manager of both the predecessor and the new company. Together they purchased the assets, including the patents, processes and window and door systems of Omniglass, a successful 30-year-old Winnipeg business that was destroyed by fire a year ago. Omniglass SCT has hired 10 former employees, including Laurie Davies, founder and former CEO of Omniglass, to assist with sales and business development. “We are bringing back a respected name in fiberglass to the North American window and door industry,” said Zadro. “We are returning Omniglass SCT to what it did best: designing and manufacturing the best fiberglass components possible for windows and doors.”
