Architectural Openings - News from DORMA

Code Machine Adjustment

kim — Mon, 21 Jun 2010 13:02:22 +0000

Manufacturers and locksmiths alike use code machines to originate keys from bitting numbers. These machines are essential for implementing master keying systems. The depth and spacing of the cuts must be very accurate.

In the field it is easy to check cut depths with a caliper. Spacing is hard to check. Many key machine instructions advise using a factory cut key for calibration. The key is positioned against the stop; the cutter wheel is lodged into a given cut and the vise position secured by set screws or other means.

I prefer a technique that allows a visual check of lateral accuracy. Mill away the center of a plug deep enough to intersect the pin chambers. Leave enough brass to retain the pins. The full plug on either end stabilizes the key.

Put original manufacturer’s pins in the center chambers and cut a test key. Adjust the spacing until the pins rest in the center of the cut root. Use a magnifying glass for maximum accuracy.

Jerome V. Andrews, CML

6-7-10

Door Closer Identification “669G”

kim — Mon, 24 May 2010 15:45:46 +0000

Tech Services quite often will get calls from end users and distributors asking for components and or information on a model number “669G” door closer. This number is actually the U L Listing number that appears on every door closer manufactured in the USA by DORMA Architectural Hardware.

Current production door closers will have the actual model number of the closer stamped on the end of the closer body along with the date of manufacture.

Some of the older model door closers may have markings other than the model number along with a spring size and manufacture date. Give us a call here in Tech Services at 800-523-8483 and we will decode those numbers.

As a last resort we may ask that you measure the center to center distance of the mounting holes on the closer body. This will help tell us the closer series but not indicate the spring size or manufacture date.

Bob Cole

Small Format Interchangeable Cores – which one should you use for your Lock

kim — Fri, 21 May 2010 17:59:15 +0000

6 & 7-Pin Small Format Interchangeable Cores

All DORMA locks prepared for Small Format Interchangeable Core (SFIC) will accept either 6 or 7-pin cores. In mortise and rim cylinders, the spacers supplied should be used with 6-pin cores to prevent twisting of the two pins that drive the cam. In cylindrical locks, spacers keep the tailpiece engaged in the chassis. When using 7-pin cores, discard the spacers.

DORMA recommends using 7 pin cores for all projects, since they are priced the same as 6-pin cores and provide four times the keying capacity. The extra pin chamber allows our Master Keying Department to supply cores with fewer master pins. This increases the pick resistance of the cores.

When retrofitting DORMA cores to other brands of hardware, determine if there are 6-pin housings or locksets on the project. Hardware by others furnished within the last fifteen years will most likely be 7-pin.

Older hardware should be checked by pulling a few of the cores. Certain older locks and housings will accept only 6-pin cores. This is especially important when using DORMA SKC, as all Serialized Key Control cores and cylinders are 7-pin.

If you have further questions about interchangeable cores please contac the Master Keying Department and we will be happy to assist you.

Jerome V. Andrews, CML

Securing your building

Mike — Fri, 21 May 2010 17:28:03 +0000

If you own property or buildings, you want to secure and keep them safe. Companies such as DORMA offer many different ways to do this. You can secure the building by using Electric Strikes, Magnetic Locks, and/or Electric Latch Retraction Exit Devices. All of these are controlled by either 12 VDC or 24 VDC Power. These type of device allow authorized users to swipe a card, enter a keypad number or use a key to gain entrance to your building. All these devices can even be setup to work with loss of power to your building. You can even be informed when your door is opened and someone is coming or going through the door. You as a building owner have all these choices.

If you don’t want electrical hardware on your door — or would prefer the old-fashioned way of locking your door — companies like DORMA have many different ways to secure your doors. From cylindrical locks and dead bolts to mortise locks (which can include dead bolts) you have many different options to choose from. You can select locks that will all be keyed the same, locks that are keyed differently, or locks that are master keyed. You have a choice on securing your bulding that fits your need and budget.

Hardware Central

admin — Fri, 21 May 2010 16:06:41 +0000

We look forward to sharing and discussing the technical aspects of architectural hardware. Feel free to ask questions and offer your opinions.

New video: MAGNEO in motion

Mike — Mon, 17 May 2010 19:59:02 +0000

A new video on DORMA Group North America’s YouTube channel shows the MAGNEO sliding door system in action at an architecture firm’s office in Arizona.

New collaboration between Modernfold and Joel Berman Glass Studios broadens aesthetic options for operable partitions

Mike — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 12:21:45 +0000

GREENFIELD, Ind. (April 21, 2010) – Modernfold, the market leader in innovative operable partitions, has begun collaborating with Joel Berman Glass Studios to bring designer glass options to Modernfold space division products.

The use of glass in operable partitions is an accelerating trend that will likely continue given modern demands for daylighting and increased interior openness. The new collaboration will enable architects and designers to integrate a wide array of custom textures, colors and resins into Modernfold partitions for a customized, contemporary finish.

Modernfold systems suitable for the distinctive glass products include the full-glass partition MOVEO® line of partitions and window cut-outs on the Acousti-Seal® line.

“Modernfold has always been in the forefront of offering the latest aesthetic options to the architectural community,” said Dan Popplewell, director of sales at Modernfold. “With the availability of remarkable products from Joel Berman Glass Studios, we again demonstrate that space division can be beautiful and functional at the same time.”

Joel Berman Glass Studios glass will be available directly from Modernfold representatives, who will interface directly with the glass producer to accommodate nearly any standard or custom need.

For more information about operable partitions from Modernfold, call (800) 869-9685 or visit www.modernfold.com.

About Modernfold and DORMA Group North America

Modernfold is the worldwide leader in operable partitions commonly found in conference and convention centers, hotels, classrooms, corporate meeting rooms and other public spaces. Since 1925, Modernfold has delivered quality and durability through product design and technological advances. The company is supported by a nationwide network of independent distributors who assist in layout development, product selection, project coordination, installation, training and service.

DORMA Group North America manufactures and markets a wide range of products for the architectural openings industry, with a particular focus on commercial and institutional openings. Part of The DORMA Group worldwide, DORMA Group North America comprises DORMA Architectural Hardware, DORMA Glas, Modernfold, DORMA Canada, DORMA Mexico, and DORMA Entrance Systems — which markets products and services under the DORMA Automatics, Crane Revolving Door and Carolina Door Controls brands.

DORMA Group North America offerings include safety and security products, locks, door closers, exit devices, glass hardware and patch fittings, sliding and swinging automatic doors, revolving doors and operable partitions.

About Joel Berman Glass Studios

Joel Berman Glass Studios is a world-renowned designer and manufacturer of glass art for the architecture and design community, and offers leading edge solutions and collaboration possibilities to take any glass art project from concept to installation. From its design studio and manufacturing facilities located in Vancouver, BC, Canada, Joel Berman Glass Studios offers kiln-cast and pressure-formed glass, and related complementary products, crafted to the highest standards and featuring designer textures, colors, hardware and design services.

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New DORMA eLearning site offers continuing education credits for architects, others

Mike — Fri, 16 Apr 2010 18:02:24 +0000

REAMSTOWN, Pa. (April 16, 2010) – DORMA Architectural Hardware’s new “DORMA eLearning” site — www.DORMAe-learning.com — offers a convenient, online platform for learning about architectural hardware and obtaining continuing education credits through the American Institute of Architects (AIA). DORMA is a registered provider with the American Institute of Architects Continuing Education Systems, All courses meet health, safety, welfare and sustainable design requirements.

Successful completion of each 45- to 60-minute program will earn architects one LU toward maintaining their certification as a registered architect. Earned credits will be reported automatically to AIA’s CES records. Certificates of completion will be mailed to AIA members as well. Non-AIA members can receive certificates upon request for self reporting.

The classes provide essential information about architectural hardware to help the building team make informed decisions about product selection and performance. The programs are suitable for use by other members of the building team (including end-users) in addition to hardware sales representatives and distributors.

Two programs for AIA credit are available on the site now. DORMA plans to have eight credit programs available by year-end. In addition, a non-credit DORMA-specific class provides an overview of the company, its products and its services to familiarize the participant with the wealth of offerings available.

About DORMA Group North America

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New narrow stile exit devices from DORMA offer superior durability, styling, options

Mike — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 18:31:58 +0000

REAMSTOWN, Pa. (March 1, 2010) – DORMA Architectural Hardware has introduced a line of Grade 1 narrow stile exit devices that combines market-leading performance and durability with an attractive, compact configuration to meet an opening’s functional and aesthetic demands.

Based on DORMA’s workhorse 9000 Series heavy duty devices, the 9600/9700/9800 Series narrow stile devices have been tested beyond 2,500,000 operating cycles—more than five times the ANSI/BHMA 156.3, Grade 1 standard.

The exit devices have been designed to easily retrofit DORMA’s 5000 series and most other manufacturers’ narrow stile devices.

The 9600 Series (concealed vertical rod) and 9800 Series (surface vertical rod) narrow stile exit devices use heavy-duty castings for extra durability. The 9700 Series (RIM chassis) features heavy-duty 1020 grade carbon steel casting for a latch bolt static load rating of 1,500 lbs, over three times the ANSI/BHMA 156.3, Grade 1 standard for exit devices.

The series is ideal for narrow stile aluminum doors (1-7/8” – 2-1/8” in thickness, depending on application) medium stile aluminum doors (3 ½”), wide stile aluminum doors (5”) and wood and hollow steel doors in commercial and institutional settings such as office buildings, schools, healthcare facilities, industrial plants and public structures. For security needs, they feature up to 12 separate electronic monitoring and control options for managing critical access/egress applications.

All DORMA narrow stile exit devices are available in a variety of aesthetic options, including 14 ANSI/BHMA architectural finishes and dozens of custom colors. There are hundreds of trim and lever combinations. An antimicrobial coating option is available for ultra-clean environments. And a clear powder coating option can be specified for outdoor or highly corrosive applications.

DORMA narrow stile exit devices are U.L. and C.U.L. listed for panic and fire rated devices. Trim, pulls and levers comply with the Americans for Disabilities Act, 1994, and ANSI 117.1 2003 for accessible and usable buildings and facilities. They can contribute to U.S. Green Building Council LEED® MR credits in sections 2.1, 4.1, 4.2 and 5.1.

They carry an industry-best 10-year warranty for mechanical components and a two-year warranty for electronics.

For more information about the new narrow stile exit devices from DORMA Architectural Hardware, call (800) 523-8483 or visit www.dorma-usa.com

New CEO for DORMA Group announced

Mike — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 14:32:02 +0000

ENNEPETAL, Germany — At the beginning of 2009, the then sole proprietor of the DORMA Group, Karl-Rudolf Mankel, transferred the majority of his shares in the company to his daughters Christine and Stephanie Mankel, putting in train a generation change in the organisation’s ownership structure.

Now a further change has taken place at the CEO level. Thomas P. Wagner (42), the former CEO and Managing Director of elevator and escalator manufacturer OTIS Germany, joined DORMA as Dr. Michael Schädlich’s successor on February 1, 2010.

Born in Gaildorf, Baden-Württemberg and holder of a master’s degree in engineering with economics, Thomas P. Wagner held various senior managerial posts in sales at the world’s largest elevator systems manufacturer. He joined the Management Board of OTIS Germany in 2001. In 2002 he assumed international responsibility as Area Director, Eastern Europe Group, stationed at OTIS in Moscow. And in 2006, he was appointed CEO and Managing Director of OTIS Germany.

Also effective February 1, 2010, former members of the DORMA Managing Board Michael Flacke (Finance) and Lothar Linde (Engineering & Production) were appointed Managing Directors of the company Having been with DORMA for a little over 15 years, Dr. Michael Schädlich resigned his executive managerial posts as of January 31, 2010 but will remain in a consultancy capacity with the DORMA Group until expiry of his contract of employment on June 30, 2010.