![](/DF/2003/04/Files/Images/90378.jpg)
![](/DF/2003/04/Files/Images/90379.jpg)
The panels were off loaded from trucks and mechanically fastened to the structural components of the building. The scope of their expectations was to remain in the “installed position” and provide many years of acceptable performance. Doors, on the other hand, were expected to provide another purpose. A door can be defined as a commodity that temporarily fills a hole in the wall at a defined location of planned egress. The door is expected to be non-existent to all egress traffic flow and not be subject to damage resulting from accidental confrontations. The basic requirement and understanding for a door is “they open and they close.”
So what’s new with insulated doors and panels?
All panel and door manufacturing companies will be switching to more environment friendly foaming systems within the next few years. The Environmental Protection Agency has mandates in place that require all manufacturers to change to new “Blowing Agents” within certain time frames depending on the agents that they are now using.
Presently, most manufacturers of insulated panels are involved with testing programs for several different reasons. Structural testing is being required due to the need for compliance with new and revised code requirements. A second reason for this testing is the need to comply with changes regarding insurance coverage of the facilities. To a certain degree, some of this testing is necessary due to the implementation of the new foaming systems being installed into various manufacturing facilities. New profiles and methods of mechanical attachment for the panels also result in the need for new testing programs.
![](/DF/2003/04/Files/Images/90380.jpg)
Engineering services are now available from panel manufacturing companies. These services assist contractors and design firms with the use of the insulated panels in the overall building designs. This assistance usually includes wind load calculations, fastening patterns, allowable spans product recommendations for code compliance, etc. Why not ask, “How can our panel supplier help us?” and make the call.
Door manufacturing operations are continuously trying to accommodate the requirements and/or preferences of their customers.
In general, doors are larger and faster than ever before. High speed operators, with speeds of 40” per second / per leaf, have become a common request for “Hard”, cold storage, horizontal sliding doors. Even though these doors usually include soft start / soft stop features with braking, have you ever seen a 10ft. x 14ft. door move at such speeds? These speeds are usually specific to opening speeds only, with justifiable reservations to closing speeds. The traditional speeds of 12” per second- open and 12” per second-close doesn’t seem to satisfy current needs in material handling strategy.
![](/DF/2003/04/Files/Images/90381.jpg)
The stainless steel door is one of the newest offerings in the door industry. Primarily used in the Food Processing industry, these doors have now evolved into complete stainless steel units, with very little exception. Not only is the door finish stainless steel, but also the components of the operator assembly, mounting hardware, motor housing, control boxes, sprockets, shafts, etc. The intent of this design is to minimize the unsanitary conditions created by traditional components, due to rust and corrosion that is created through high wash-down conditions. This special design can be provided for horizontal, vertical, and overhead door designs.
Stainless steel INFIT door hardware has been made available for freezer and cooler doors. Hinges, Latches, Pull Handles, etc. are now optional in addition to the standard chrome and powder coated finishes.
![](/DF/2003/04/Files/Images/90382.jpg)
Internet websites are now being used by most door manufacturers as an integral part of Customer Service departments. Services such as parts sales, trouble shooting guidelines, technical drawings and personnel contacts are being provided for the convenience of their customers. Parts can actually be purchased from the website without waiting for personal service. Requests for information, trouble shooting assistance and various other inquiries are now being handled more conveniently through the use of e-mails in lieu of the traditional telephone service. These sites have become useful tools and deserve a visit. Comments about the websites and the services they offer are appreciated by the webmasters, so don’t hesitate to let them know how you feel.
A training seminar by factory representatives is one of the best services available to the installing contractors and the maintenance personnel at the facilities. These seminars are being provided on site, at the field locations, as well as in the manufacturing facility. The primary focus is the Maintenance of the specialty doors and Trouble Shooting for problem issues. Usually a one or two day session is sufficient, with the hands-on approaches that are used for the training. These seminars are a good investment of time and the few bucks that are usually involved. Contact your door provider for additional information on these seminars.
![](/DF/2003/04/Files/Images/90383.jpg)
Parkland Plastics Inc.
800/835-4110
Write in 412
www.parklandplastics.com
![](/DF/2003/04/Files/Images/90384.jpg)
Curtron Products Inc.
800/833-5005
Write in 413
www.curtronproducts.com
Ceiling and wall panels from Arcoplast are USDA compliant and designed for easy care and low maintenance. Virtually any configuration can be achieved with Arcoplast’s three ceiling systems constructed of fiberglass composite panels finished with either a permanently hard, impermeable, high gloss gel coat, or an extremely scratch resistant, fire-rated resin. The company features a full complement of wall components that are rugged, effective, flexible and technologically advanced. Panel sizes of up to 8' x 50' allow for minimal joints - an aesthetic and contaminant-fighting advantage. Wall panels are finished with gel coat or resin to offer maximum performance and product life. Arcoplast’s doors and windows are designed to be an integral part of the contamination-controlled environment. Solid core flush finished doors are constructed with fiberglass reinforced plastic. Both doors and windows, featuring Lexan glass and automotive gaskets, are resistant to oxidation, discoloration, corrosion, deformation and the wear of heavy traffic. These components can be purchased separately, or the company can provide complete, custom designed clean rooms, with microbial contamination control systems, and air filtration systems. The UVC biocidal emitter kills circulating and surface microorganisms in air handling systems to prevent the spread of contaminants. Integrated HEPA and ULPA filtration units can exceed all industry and federal standards.
Arcoplast
888/736-2726
Write in 414
www.arcoplast.com
![](/DF/2003/04/Files/Images/90385.jpg)
Devcon
800/933-8266
Write in 415
www.devcon.com
![](/DF/2003/04/Files/Images/90386.jpg)
Scherping Systems
320/485-4401
Write in 416
www.sherpingsystems.com