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In celebration of 70 years in business, Quaker Windows & Doors has announced the introduction of its newly patented window products featuring OptiCore Technology. OptiCore products have been engineered to create a superior Architecturally Enhanced Aluminum window system that defines the next evolution in thermal, structural and sound transmission performance, while allowing for application flexibility that is changing the face of architectural window design. OptiCore Technology has been integrated into a new line of Quaker commercial/architectural and residential windows.
The scope of the OptiCore patent encompasses 16 protected elements and product variants, setting OptiCore windows apart from any other window system in the industry.
“Our goal when developing OptiCore windows, was to engineer the most structurally and thermally advanced architectural aluminum window products, that would also offer customers superior design flexibility”, explains Curtis Weavers, Director of Engineering at Quaker. With a thermally-aligned patented design, OptiCore products have been engineered to minimize thermal conductivity passing through the aluminum frame system, thus maximizing thermal performance with U-Values previously unheard of in an aluminum frame window ––regardless of interior design selected.
Thermal performance test results for OptiCore windows yield U–values that range from a 0.14 U-Value for a triple-glazed fixed Architectural rated window system, to a 0.24 U-Value for a dual-glazed Casement Architectural rated system.
OptiCore casement, awning and fixed windows passed the rigorous AAMA certification testing for air leakage, water penetration, structural resistance and life cycle durability and achieved an AW100 performance rating.
Additionally, OptiCore products are manufactured utilizing double corner key construction for maximum corner joinery and frame strength. This ensures superior performance while offering architectural design and combination flexibility to meet a project’s specifications.
A cornerstone of OptiCore Technology is the “Innovative Design Enhanced Adaptability” (IDEA) Essentials. The IDEA essential elements include performance, size, combination flexibility, interior and exterior design features and a variety of installations options.
“One of the most exciting features of our new line of OptiCore windows is that they offer the customer an aluminum frame and exterior window with an interior choice of natural wood, aluminum, or a two-tone aluminum option”, says Kevin Blansett, Quaker’s CEO. “This truly gives architects and homeowners unlimited options, whether they are designing a commercial building or a residential home, ” he added.
In 2018, Quaker opened a new 185,000 sq. ft. facility to house the advanced automation equipment that accommodates this next generation of products featuring OptiCore Technology. Recently, Quaker broke ground on a 200,000 sq. ft facility at their newest 127-acre campus located in Eldon, MO. Operations at this facility are slated to begin in early 2020.
