External Bi-folding / E4
E4 is a heavy-duty bi-folding door hardware system for panels
to 265lb (120kg) – Centor Architectural’s most generously
proportioned solution to the challenge increasingly being put to
the window and door industry – how to create truly seamless
transitions between indoor and outdoor spaces. E4 is suitable
for a range of larger residential and commercial applications which
exceed the capacity of the medium E2 and medium-heavy
E3 in terms of both panel weight and size.
| SPECIFICATIONS |
| max
panel weight |
265lb
(120kg) |
| max opening |
57’ ( 17600mm) |
| max panel height |
13’1” ( 4000mm) |
| max panel width |
3’7” ( 1100mm) |
| min panel thickness |
1 3/4” ( 45mm) |
| max number of panels |
8 each way |
IMAGINE THE POSSIBILITIES
HIGH PERFORMANCE SYSTEM
LABORATORY PROVEN DURABILITY
E3 UP CLOSE
E3 ASSURANCE
IMAGINE THE POSSIBILITIES
Business or pleasure, E4 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.
E4 sets new standards for functional, stylish ways of bringing
the outdoors in. Its massive weight-bearing capacity means the sturdiest
frame materials and double glazing can be used and openings of unprecedented
width and height are possible. E4 can be relied upon to add
flair and flexibility to the widest range of applications, from large
private residences to the most ambitious store front, restaurant
or commercial project. 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 E4 can be just as suited to indoor use, or
where exterior doors are needed between a sun room and the main structure.
The benefits to the end-user in flexibly managing their space to
suit lifestyle or business have created an overwhelming demand for
the Centor’s
bi-fold systems – literally changing the face of contemporary
design. With E4 Centor has widened the scope even further.
Applications are surely only limited by the imaginations of the world’s
most progressive architects and designers.
HIGH PERFORMANCE SYSTEM
Environment, operational function, durability; Painstaking attention
to detail and unerring commitment to quality mean the Centor’s
bi-folding systems achieve Centor-grade performance – whatever
the category. Notwithstanding the grand scale of doors utilizing
E4, the system allows for an unparalleled feeling of control
and comfort, matching the easy flexibility demanded by modern design.
Uncompromised Internal Environment
E4 is truly a system for all seasons and all locations. E4 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. Many of Centor’s door manufacturing clients in Australia,
Canada and the United States have subsequently tested doors using
Centor bi-fold systems to their relevant local standards, including
doors utilizing E4 recently tested to 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. 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 E4 system effectively
resist air infiltration to a level up to 50 times better than a sliding
door.
Noise and Temperature
With double glazing allowed for by E4’s impressive panel
weight capacity unprecedented insulation against noise and temperature
variation is possible.
Effortless Operation
While E4’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
E4 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 five 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. Engineered polymer is used on the stylish
and anti corrosive floor channel that adding ti a smooth, almost
silent rolling action which brings a smile to the face of the user!
Installation and Adjustment
All fittings are surface-mounted with no mortising required. Installation
couldn’t be easier with comprehensive instructions available.
With architectural grade performance guaranteed for ten years E4 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 adjustments with one hand, simply using
an allen key!
Collaborative Process
Centor bi-fold systems 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 E4 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 E4 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 E4system.
Corrosion Testing
Stainless steel, brass, anodized aluminum, and engineering grade
plastics are used throughout the E4 system 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 E4 performs
admirably in challenging conditions such as an exposed coastal application.
Structural Testing
As might be expected from a truly heavy-duty system E4’s
tested strength is phenomenal. Centor has successfully completed
independent testing to Dade County Hurricane requirements with panel
sizes 120’’ high and 42’’ wide.
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.
E3 UP CLOSE
From even a casual glance at the E4 system Centor’s
commitment to quality is obvious, but it’s only upon closer
examination that the attention to detail really becomes apparent.
Behind E4’s tough good looks and robust proportions
is a system stacked with clever standard features and abundant flexible
options to choose from. It’s a system that looks even better
up close.
Materials and Finishes
E4 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 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.
The type of tall, heavy doors typically used with the E4 system
will generally require four hinges at each junction.
Drop Bolts
The E4 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.
Notes > Aluminum door system specifications may vary from the
above. Consult your aluminum door supplier for details. Minimum panel
thickness of 1 21/32” (42mm) allows for weather seal seating
on panels correctly. Panels which exceed 2 ¼” (57mm)
in thickness or which are below 24” (600mm) in width require
special consideration in construction.
There are a number of materials such as soft timbers which are not
suited to production of large, weighty doors. Panel construction
materials should be of sufficient strength that screws cannot pull
out. Concerns about material choice should be referred to a joiner
experienced with the Centor’s bi-fold range.
Materials and Finishes
E4 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 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.
The type of tall, heavy doors typically used with the E4 system
will generally require four hinges at each junction.
Drop Bolts
The E4 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.
E4 ASSURANCE
Modern design is all about allowing the end-user to feel relaxed
and comfortable in their surroundings. E4’s superior
strength, 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
In addition to the comfort of its sheer strength the E4 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 E4 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 E4 system incorporates locking screw technology which
ensures the E4 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 E4 hardware.
Hardware Selection
E4 is a fully integrated system suitable for applications
up to 265lb per panel in wood, aluminum, PVC or fiberglass. Architects
and specifiers can feel confident simply specifying “Centor
E4” and leaving detailed component selection to the
builder/joiner/fabricator.
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