Euro Forgings

Master Catalog MC1

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VINYL HANDRAIL COVERING 6 panels 9/30/08 8:13 PM Page 3 INSTALLATION We have expert installation crews who can install all handrail tops to perfection, effecting considerable economies in both time and labour. STEP #1 - MOUNTING Fig.6 The plastic handrail should be sufficiently heated to about 170˚F in order to make it pliable when mounting. For short installations, hot water will suffice, but the Bicotherm hot air blower will render the best and most efficient service (Fig.6). The handrail is slowly guided through the hose, leaving it flexible for easy installation (Fig.7). After opening the lateral rims, the handrail is simply hooked on the flat bar or U-Channel and pressed on by hand. While cooling, the handrail will adopt its original shape and by slight contraction tighten itself upon the banister. For narrow bends, (minimum inside distance twice the width of the flat bar), the handrail must be heated longer than usual until maximum flexibility is achieved. During the installa- tion, the handrail must be pulled and stretched on the outside to prevent wrinkles on the inside. To assure proper fitting, use masking tape around and along the bend right after instal- lation and until the materials have cooled. This process requires a certain experience and should be tried out first in the workshop. STEP #2 - WELDING Fig.13 If handrails are heated above 250˚F, they become soft like wax. For continuous runs, mitred joints, and the fitting of end caps, Alku-Rail must be welded before the installation with a welding blade (as shown in Fig.8 & 13). After care- ful measuring and cutting (Fig.13), the cut ends are placed against each side of the welding blade until the P.V.C. reach- es the melting point. Carefully slide the heated ends off the blade and hold them together under pressure for at least ten seconds. A thick seam must be formed. The blade should be cleaned immediately. Allow cooling, then trim away the excess welding seam (Fig.10) and file down rough edges (as shown in Fig.11). STEP #3 - POLISHING When installation is complete, the Alku-Rail should be cleaned and polished with our special polishing liquid, tetrahydrofuran (Fig.12). The polishing liquid should be applied very carefully. If the handrail is exposed to the liquid for a long period, it will start to dissolve. Soak a rag in the polish liquid and glide it over the handrail once in a fast, wiping motion. A second or lingering application of the liquid will probably result in a blurred surface finish. Fig.12 Fig.10 Fig.9 Fig.7 Fig.8 Fig.11 FLAT BARS 1-3/4" 1-1/4" x 5/16" 1-1/4" x 1/4" 2-1/2" 2" 1-1/2" x 5/16" 1-1/2" x 1/4" 2" x 5/16" 2" x 3/8" 286 Tel. 905-265-1093 Toll Free 1-800-465-7143 Fax 905-265-1063 www.alkuplastics.com 11/16" 11/16" 13/16"

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