New butt joint licences issued.
14th June 2016

Masterframe is issuing licences for casement manufacturers to use its patent butt joint technique.

Alan Burgess, Managing Director explained how the technique came about: “A long time ago, we deduced that most homeowners who wanted really pretty looking windows did not want shiny plastic, mitre welded ones.

“We knew wood foil, with traditional butt joints was the answer, however there was a challenge in that most mechanical joints are open ended, meaning water penetrates easily. What was needed was a new method of joining the sections together to provide a fully sealed waterproof joint, which had a traditional ‘butted’ appearance.

Ray Rabett our Technical Director came up with a clever solution which was patented in 2005.

This new and novel method which was another first for Masterframe meant we have led the sash window field with an authentic, vertical butt jointing method ever since.

It now appears that casement manufacturers are finally catching up. Flush sash or flush casements are the latest style that fabricators are making. Many are only now recognising that standard mitred joints simply accentuate the ‘plasticy’ look.”

“Masterframe has noticed that Millions are being invested by fabricators buying new Graff welders, believing these are the only machines capable of providing a neat solution. However TMS in association with Masterframe have now found far cheaper solutions for welding butt mitred joints. 

 “Many casement manufacturers are now discovering that sales of their new flush casement depends upon them obtaining permission and a license for our patent.”

First to get this approval is Veka fabricator and long-time Masterframe customer Michael Hagan of Aztec Windows (Coventry) Ltd.

Michael said: “Having looked at other construction methods, it was clear that the Masterframe method was really neatly finished, sturdy and more reliable than any of the other methods considered. We are really pleased to be able to offer our customers the best looking and performing corner joint on the market. Initially, like so many other fabricators, we were blissfully unaware that a patent existed, but now we have the agreement, we can use it to prove our customers won’t get sued!”

As welded butt joints becomes more popular, Masterframe is in negotiations with a number of interested parties and Alan concluded: “Butting joints look fantastic but as with so many things in life, doing it ‘on the cheap’, simply means air and water will pour through any gaps. Doing it right is time consuming. Retail purchasers of sash windows want really neat aesthetics. On the whole we have little objection to issuing licenses to fellow fabricators, just so long as they aren’t making sash windows!”

Anyone thinking about making windows using this jointing method, welded or mechanical will require permission and a licence. Anyone interested in acquiring the licence should contact Masterframe direct.

For more information visit http://bit.ly/1WwsOPJ

www.masterframe.co.uk