Storm & Security

FORECAST 2015 / STORM & SECURITY PROTECTION 15 exceeding the European slat systems. In energy testing, both the Qompact and the European foam-filled slat both blocked 96 percent of the solar heat gain. The Qompact curtain strength is similar to a steel curtain, but without the bulky large box and heavy operation. In strength testing, the Qompact hinge's pull-apart strength was 2,700 pounds with a six-inch section versus the foam- filled breaking at 100 lbs. Additionally, each of the end-retention security screws required 1,500 pounds of pull out. A typical Qompact shutter will have more than 60 end-retained security screws. Qompact utilizes a non-slip hinge, which enables the use of a torsion spring inside the tube. The wound spring offsets the weight of the shutter and allows for easier strap and crank operation with larger sizes, a manual push-up/pull down operation for shutters up to 140 square feet, and extended motor life as the shutter motor has less weight to lift due to the spring assist. Unlike a foam-filled slat, a Qompact shutter is 99 percent recyclable when it does exceed its lifespan. "During manu- facturing, 100 percent of the slat cut-offs are recyclable. Thus, the Qompact is possibly the most sustainable rolling shutter on the market with almost no material ever going into a landfill," stated Tom Miller, Qompact manager at QMI. QMI has been producing rolling shutters for hurricane and security protection in the United States for more than 26 years and it holds more than 20 patents for shutter designs. This is its first worldwide R+T Innovation Prize. QMI rolling shutters are used by national retailers for storefront protection and counter protection and are proven to reduce burglary attempts by more than 85 percent, the company states. The 2015 R+T Stuttgart trade fair for roller shutters, doors and gates, and sun protection set records, again, with increases in exhibitors and visitors. The main industry topics at this year's R+T were energy efficiency, comfort and safety. Visitors crowded onto the exhibition stands during the five days beginning February 24. R+T demon- strated its global importance by attracting 60,000 visitors—more than half of whom came from countries outside of Germany. They traveled from 122 countries in order to obtain information, see product innovations and network. In addition to the products showcased in the exhibit halls, special shows, forums and informational events were held, which proved popular as many sessions were fully booked. This year, the trade fair attracted more new professional groups to R+T. They included, for example, window manufacturers, facility managers, energy consultants, electricians and property managers. Held every three years, the next R+T Stuttgart is scheduled for February 27 to March 3, 2018. The Qompact's nested design can be seen as different slat sizes are used to enable the hinges to sit next to and not on top of the adjacent hinge. From 122 countries, 60,000 visitors came to the 2015 R+T Stuttgart trade fair. R+T 2015: More Exhibitors Attract More Visitors

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