SUNFLEX SF45 non-thermal aluminium system

Profile

We are exclusively able to offer complete versatility in meeting your own design requirements and to match in with any conventional aluminium or UPVC door and window systems with a choice of profiles from the WS (softline/rounded) edge to the WE (square) edge. All framework is assembled with patented moulded corner blocks and the panels are machine mitred at the corners rather than the cheaper butt jointed alternatives. Each panel is connected to the next panel/outer frame by a minimum of 3 hinges, ensuring an even continuous seal around the perimeter of each door panel.

Track options

There are two choices of track; a standard stepped weathered track for a severe weather rated system or for added convenience and improved safety, an aluminium flush track recessed into the floor. This provides a level walkthrough with an uninterrupted floor finish, compliant to Doc. M of the Building Regulations for disabled access.

SF45M – Middle folding & no track option

The Sunflex SF45M is centre-mounted, which enables the panels to stack half-in and half-out, so the space is evenly taken up on both sides; especially useful when space is at a premium. The SF45M is also offered with the option of being supplied without a bottom track, making it ideally suited for internal room dividers.

Security – Shoot bolts

A high level of security is provided as standard, with an effortless, quick, smooth and easy operation. It consists of a two-point top and bottom shoot bolt mechanism, with additional central locking point to end Lead door. The locking system is incorporated within the framework within each intermediate panel, operated by an internal flush handle. The shoot bolt rods are manufactured in aluminium and linked by a corrosion resistant cam. In addition, they are capped with polyamide cones that prevent any metal damage to the tracks when locking, whilst compressing the panels tight against the top and bottom seals.

Five-lever key-locking cylinder within the profile

A five-lever Euro profile cylinder key lock and handles are fitted to the end lead door or single pass door where there are an odd number of panels, or to the first opening pair, in an even number of panels. These can be fitted to either the inside only or both internally and externally as required, meeting the requirements of the Association of British Insurers. By integrating the locking cylinder into the existing profile in this way eliminates the need for an additional add-on profile familiar with other sub standard systems, ensuring all sightlines remain symmetrically the same.

Added security options

Additional key locks can be added at every intermediate handle point for higher security. Mortice locks can be fitted where a latching position is required for added convenience. Panic locks can be fitted for fire escapes, electric latch-release locks and rollerball latch locks are also available for commercial use.

Internally glazed and locking hinge pins

For improved security all Sunflex folding doors systems are internally glazed as standard, with external centre secured locking hinge pins and interlocking gaskets.

Weather seals – The weather track for severe conditions

A severe weather rated system is achieved with the weathered track option, providing a perimeter double-rebated seal. (The system achieves DIN 18055, Category C performance for wind loading and water leakage.)

The flush track

The bottom seal between the door and the flush track is via double, twin nylon brush piles separated by a twin fin seal, giving an effective seal. It is recommended that some form of a sunken drainage channel and a slope away from the doors be integrated, to avoid any pooling of water.

Discreet finger safe gaskets

The gaskets (consisting of long-lasting EPDM) between the door panels are continuous and have a unique chamfered design. This means that they interlock and form a highly efficient double seal, providing the system with the following distinct advantages:

A severe weather rating that ensures there are no draughts or rattling when the doors are closed.
It is finger safe - a particular advantage if small children are present - as the gaskets provide a buffer to prevent fingers from being trapped.
The interlocking of the gaskets means that, even if the hinges were forcefully removed, one panel would be prevented from passing another, thus providing an additional security feature.
A major feature of the gasket interlock design is that they are very discreet, only 11mm wide in total, ensuring minimal appearance. In addition this prevents potential thieves from being able to position a lever between the panels.

Operating system

The system is available either top or floor mounted. The running mechanism consists of wheels, manufactured from tough glass fibre reinforced polyamide, set around a maintenance-free sealed ball-bearing, giving a quiet, smooth operation with optimum resistance to extreme weather and temperatures fluctuations. Each wheel and guide mechanism can carry up to 200 kilograms.

Self-lubricating collar type bearings provide quiet operation without squeaking hinges.

Furniture

Handles and hinges are made of cast alloy, handles are sprung-loaded and flush-fitted to enable door panels to stack flat when fully opened. Optional lever handles are available upon request for single access door or lead doors. Alternatively there are a wide variety of aftermarket chrome and brass handles.

Large ‘D’ handles and automatic door closures can be fitted, for commercial instances. Trickle vents of either 2500mm² or 5000mm² can also be incorporated with the addition of a 40mm add-on head profile which can be colour-coded to suit.

Panel catch

In the situation of a single access or pass door in an odd number configuration, the panel is fitted with a heavy duty adjustable panel catch which prevents the door from swinging back round in high winds and also counter weights the door with the adjacent panel for effortless operation.

Pull handles

When the folding door system opens externally the intermediate panels are fitted with a moulded ‘D’ shaped handle this is attached to the internal hinge between two even panels and sit neatly within the gasket line enabling easy closure of the panels against the compression top and bottom gasket seal.

Design options
The door system design can be customised according to your preference - options include mid-rails, mullions, plant-on bars with dummy spacer grids, deeper top and bottom profiles and solid-in fill panels, among many others. Additional ventilation can be achieved by incorporating a tilt and turn window within the door panels.

Complete system

The SF45 system can also be utilised to manufacture single access doors, French doors, tilt and turn windows and fixed glazed screens. Also available in the SF45, is the new internal ‘Pocket Sliding’ door. Using matching profile sections enables you to achieve an aesthetically uniform appearance throughout. In addition, fixed glazing can be built above the folding door system. Where this is required for wider openings, strengthening profiles are incorporated within the door framework to aid lateral stability.