External Bi-folding / E2
E2 is a medium bi-folding door hardware system for panels
to 90lb (40kg) – Centor Architectural’s original elegant
solution to the challenge increasingly being put to the window and
door industry – how to create truly seamless transitions between
indoor and outdoor spaces. E2 is suitable for a range
of residential and light commercial applications which do not require
the extra capacity of the medium-heavy E3 or the substantial
E4 heavy-duty door system.
| SPECIFICATIONS |
| max panel
weight |
90lb (40kg) |
| max
panel height |
118” (3000mm) |
| max panel width |
3’3” (1000mm) |
| min panel thickness |
1 3/8” (35mm) |
| max number of panels |
8 each way |
IMAGINE THE POSSIBILITIES
HIGH PERFORMANCE SYSTEM
LABORATORY PROVEN DURABILITY
E2 PLUS UP CLOSE
E2 PLUS ASSURANCE
IMAGINE THE POSSIBILITIES
Business or pleasure, E2 means entertainment without
the interruption of conventional sliding or hinged doors, views which
become vistas, breezes when you please! Over the past decade Centor
Architectural’s groundbreaking Exterior Bi-folding Window and
Door technology has caused a worldwide revolution in window and door
installation.
E2 adds flair and flexibility to the widest range of
applications, from private residences to store front, restaurant
and commercial projects. One moment bi-folding doors are acting as
an effective, secure barrier from rain, wind and noise. The next
they’re effortlessly moved
aside
to reveal wide open space – with no fixed glass panels, mullions
or posts and no obtrusive door sill, just a recessed track in the
floor. Engineered to withstand the most severe weather E2 can
be just as suited to indoor use, or where exterior doors are needed
between a sun room and the main structure – a major advance
in visually and physically connecting spaces. The benefits to the
end-user in managing their space to suit lifestyle or business have
created an overwhelming demand for Centor’s bi-fold systems – literally
changing the face of contemporary design.
HIGH PERFORMANCE SYSTEM
Environment, operational function, durability; Painstaking
attention to detail and unerring commitment to quality mean Centor’s
bi-folding systems achieve Centor-grade performance – whatever
the category. Now an integral part of progressive construction and
renovation E2 provides a
degree of control and comfort for the end-user which matches the
easy flexibility of modern design.
Uncompromised Internal Environment
E2 is truly a system for all seasons and all locations.
E2 hardware, teamed with quality door panels, creates
a formidable barrier against the elements when closed. The integrity
of the required internal environment is never compromised.
Rain and Wind
A door using Centor’s bi-fold system was the first tracked
bi-folding door system to be successfully certified against Australian
Standard AS2047 which specifies the performance required of external
windows and sliding doors, in particular for resistance to rain and
wind. Subsequently many of Centor’s door manufacturing clients
in Australia, Canada and the United States have tested doors to relevant
local requirements including stringent US sea-coastal hurricane standards.
Higher levels of water resistance can naturally be achieved in outward
opening doors, but with close attention impressive water performance
ratings are achievable from inward opening doors. With E2,
a development of the proven original design, driving rain and howling
gales can be shut out completely.
Air Infiltration
The system achieves its superior rain and wind resistance in part
from the way it allows the folding doors to close snugly against
weather seals. In the same way doors using the E2 system
effectively resist air infiltration to a level up to 50 times better
than a sliding door.
Effortless Operation
While E2’s outstanding performance as part of a
secure, weatherproof barrier is crucial, it’s not until the
doors are opened that the space-transforming benefits of the system
truly come into play. For maximum enjoyment and use of the system
every effort has been made to ensure that doors glide open and slide
shut with the minimum of effort – and that they continue to
do so.
Quality Manufacture, Clever Design
E2 carriers, guides and pivots use the highest grade
stainless steel bearings custom machined to extremely fine tolerances
on state-of-the-art Swiss and Japanese machinery – a minimum
of four bearings to each carrier. Machined wheels are individually
precision ground to an ultra-fine hone. Clever carrier design prevents
scraping on the inside of the overhead track. A polypropylene floor
channel lining adds to the smooth, almost silent rolling action which
brings a smile to the face of the user!
Installation and Adjustment
With a choice of quick-fix surface-mounted fittings or mortise hinged
components for more traditional wooden joinery, installation couldn’t
be easier. Comprehensive instructions are included and drill jigs
are available for precise placement of fittings.
With architectural grade performance guaranteed for ten years E2 will operate flawlessly for an indefinite period.
Even so the built-in Surelock™ mechanism means the system is
tolerant
of an imperfect world. If, for example, a newly built structure settles
over time the end-user can easily make vertical and lateral adjustments
with one hand, simply using a screwdriver!
Collaborative Process
Centor bi-fold system’s don’t achieve the highest performance
in all categories all on their own. They’re in their element
teamed up with the quality products created by Centor’s many
manufacturing and custom fabricating clients. The Centor technical
department can assist in the design process for doors incorporating
the E2 system to ensure that the highest criteria for
completed and installed doors are met.
LABORATORY PROVEN DURABILITY
As much as Centor Architectural enjoys its reputation for innovation,
ensuring products meet and exceed the highest standards for durability
is just as much of a passion. This means a significant investment
in repeatedly testing systems under the toughest of conditions – then
testing them again!
Laboratory Testing
In addition to the extensive weather testing undergone by doors using
Centor’s bi-fold systems, all individual E2 components
have undergone extensive laboratory testing, ensuring years of trouble-free
enjoyment from hardware which ages with grace.
Cyclic Testing
Centor’s minimum requirement of cyclic testing for any released
product is a grueling 50,000 cycles without a single failure at maximum
configuration, meaning years of trouble free operation from the E2 system.
Corrosion Testing
Stainless steel, brass, anodized aluminum, and engineering grade
plastics are used throughout E2 and are carefully selected
to maximize performance in any environment. Centor conducts regular,
thorough corrosion testing in a salt spray chamber, fixing hardware
to various substrates to ensure that E2 performs admirably
in challenging conditions such as an exposed coastal application.
Structural Testing
Structural proof load tests up to 3600 Pa (74 psf) have been achieved
by doors using the E2 system.
Finite Element Analysis
Finite Element Analysis (FEA) is a computerized simulation technique
where products are exposed to virtual operating environments and
accurate predictions made in terms of load and deflection. Centor
undertakes FEA in the design process to ensure the best balance of
performance, cost and materials in every system.
E2 PLUS UP CLOSE
From even a casual glance at the E2 system Centor’s
commitment to quality is obvious, but it’s only upon closer
examination that the ‘pluses’ really show through. Stacked
with clever standard features, with abundant flexible options to
choose from, E2 is a system that looks even better up
close.
Materials and Finishes
E2 carriers, guides, pivots and hinges are available
in solid brass or architectural grade stainless steel. Brass is available
in a bright polished finish or a US10B Oil Rubbed Bronze finish for
a choice of harmonizing or contrasting appearance against the door
materials. For the precise, modern impact of industrial metal the
brushed stainless steel finish is another alternative.
Support track, guide channels and sill are produced in extruded aluminum
and can be supplied anodized in clear or bronze.
Panel Size and Materials
Centor’s innovative hinge system (patent pending) enables all
door panels to be made the same size regardless of the door configuration
(eg 3L2R or 1L4R). The easily installed quick-fix hardware can teamed
with ordinary ‘book end’ door panels in wood, aluminum,
PVC or fiberglass.
Wall Pivot
A floating wall pivot is used to control door stile deflection and
bowing on tall doors caused by wind loads or climatic conditions.
When using tall doors (over 7’4” high), use of four hinges
at each junction is recommended, instead of the standard three.
Drop Bolts
The E2 system is matched with the clean-lined Symphony™ and
Overture™ ranges of dropbolts to anchor the doors firmly in
the closed position. They resist wind and together with the weather
seals eliminate rattling in strong winds.
E2 PLUS ASSURANCE
Modern design is all about allowing the end-user to feel relaxed
and comfortable in their surroundings. E2’s superior
functioning and performance goes much of the way towards meeting
this goal and Centor takes care of the rest with a range of measures
to ensure the system can be used with complete confidence.
Unparalleled Security
The E2 system responds to an increasingly security conscious
market place with several measures designed to ensure unwanted visitors
are excluded, as well as the elements.
Concealed Fittings
When doors utilizing E2 are closed there are no externally
accessible parts that can be removed or damaged. Screw fixings are
concealed and hinge caps are retained by hidden fasteners.
Locking Screw Technology
The E2 system incorporates locking screw technology which
ensures the hardware can not be removed from the track when the doors
are closed.
Warranty
In line with a commitment to the highest possible quality Centor
offers a
10-year warranty on all E2 hardware.
Hardware Selection
E2 is a fully integrated system suitable for applications
up to 90lb per panel in wood, aluminum, PVC or fiberglass. Architects
and specifiers can feel confident simply specifying “Centor
E2” and leaving detailed component selection to
the builder/joiner/fabricator.
|
