Doors, windows and shutters

The effective safe performance of doors, windows and shutters requires them to be sturdy yet also easy to operate for users. Whether it be in the home, office, public building or in a transport vehicle, these architectural devices are key elements of access control systems. Subject to countless operations over their lifetime they must open or close smoothly every day in normal use and are often vital escape mechanisms in case of emergency. Ensuring their manufacturing quality and verifying that their operational forces are within the limits stipulated by various guidelines and test standards, eg Disability Discrimination Act (DDA), is essential for safety and comfort. For passenger vehicles, doors and windows must have the quality feel and smooth opening and closing performance which matches the brand perception. Testing the physical strength and operating force and torque is a key quality-control parameter.

Mecmesin have developed testing solutions for operating torque of handles, winders and louver blinds. The opening and closing force of doors (eg. fire-door push-bars). The tensile strength of cables, shutters and roller doors. The tensile and compressive strength tests of extruded thermoplastics such as weatherstrips and seals. The bending resistance and flexibility of struts and panels. The pull-out force of fasteners and fixings. And compliance testing of health and safety appliances.