External Bi-folding / E3
E3 is a medium-heavy bi-folding door hardware system for
panels to 176lb – Centor Architectural’s latest solution
to the challenge increasingly being put to the window and door industry – how
to create truly seamless transitions between indoor and outdoor spaces.
E3 is suitable for a range of residential and commercial applications
which exceed the capacity of the medium E2 system but
do not demand the substantial heavy door capacity of E4.
| SPECIFICATIONS |
| max
panel weight |
176lbs
(80kg) |
| max panel height |
9’10” (3000mm) |
| max panel width |
39” (1000mm) |
| min panel thickness |
1 3/8” (35mm) |
| 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, E3 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.
With double the weight-bearing capacity of the E2 system
the elegant, precisely functioning E3 ensures that possible
applications for the Centor’s Bi-fold range are limited only
by the imaginations of the world’s most progressive architects
and designers. Allowing for the use of even sturdier frame materials
and the option of double glazing, E3 sets the standard for
functional, stylish ways of bringing the outdoors in.
E3 can be relied upon to add flair and flexibility to the
widest range of applications, from private residences to the most
ambitious store front, restaurant or commercial project. The benefits
to the end-user in flexibly managing their space to suit lifestyle
or business have created an
overwhelming demand for these systems – literally changing
the face of contemporary design. 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 E3 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.
HIGH PERFORMANCE SYSTEM
Environment, operational function, durability; Painstaking attention
to detail and unerring commitment to quality mean Centor’s
systems achieve Centor-grade performance – whatever the category.
The result is a degree of control and comfort for the end-user which
matches the easy flexibility of modern design.
Uncompromised Internal Environment
E3 is truly a system for all seasons and all locations. E3 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 tested doors using the system™ to
their relevant local standards, including doors utilizing the E4 system
tested to US sea-coastal hurricane standards. The same technology
is built into E3 meaning driving rain and howling gales can
be shut out completely. 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.
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 E3 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 E3’s impressive panel
weight capacity unprecedented insulation against noise and temperature
variation is possible.
Effortless Operation
While E3’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
E3 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. 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 E3 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
The E3 system’s thoughtful design doesn’t achieve
the highest performance in all categories all on its own. It’s
in its element teamed 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
E3 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 E3 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. E3 has been tested in excess of 50,000 cycles
with many of the parts rated to over 100,000 cycles, ensuring years
of trouble free operation.
Corrosion Testing
Stainless steel, brass, anodized aluminum, and engineering grade
plastics are used throughout the E3 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 E3 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 less substantial 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.
E3 UP CLOSE
From even a casual glance at the E3 system Centor’s
commitment to quality is obvious, but it’s only upon closer
examination that the attention to detail really becomes apparent.
Stacked with clever standard features, with abundant flexible options
to choose from, E3 is a system that looks even better up close.
Materials and Finishes
E3 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, 1L4R). The easily installed hardware can teamed with ordinary ‘book
end’ door panels in wood, aluminum, PVC or fiberglass.
Concealed Floor Channel
Floor guides and floor pivots have been offset so that the guide
channel is located directly under the doors when they are in the
closed position. This thoughtful feature is not only beneficial from
an aesthetic perspective but reduces opportunity for dust and debris
to enter the channel.
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 E3 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.
E3 ASSURANCE
Modern design is all about allowing the end-user to feel relaxed
and comfortable in their surroundings. E3’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 E3 system responds to an increasingly security conscious
marketplace with measures designed to ensure unwanted visitors are
excluded, as well as the elements.
Concealed Fittings
When doors utilizing E3 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 E3 system incorporates locking screw technology which
ensures 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 E3 hardware.
Hardware Selection
E3 is a fully integrated system suitable for applications
up to 176lb per panel in wood, aluminum, PVC or fiberglass. Architects
and specifiers can feel confident simply specifying “Centor
E3” and leaving detailed component selection to the
builder/joiner/fabricator.
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