Alukon: 'The innovative ZipTex screens are also suitable for solar solutions'

ZipTex is ALUKON's zipscreen system. The zipper guide fixes the fabric at the sides for optimal fabric tension and wind stability. With zipscreens, large areas can be shaded, where the fabric choice - e.g. transparent or blackout - determines the further functionality of the awning. 

Some advantages of the ZipTex according to ALUKON: 

• For window areas up to 18 m²
• Protection from sun and heat, glare, annoying glare and UV radiation while maintaining transparency to the outside
• Water- and dirt-repellent and thus weather-resistant canvas
• Reduction of cooling requirements
• Many choices of hardware colors and cloths
• Wind resistance class 6 in accordance with DIN 13659
• Weatherproof and low maintenance
• Insect repellent
• Easy installation, including retrofitting

Pre- or surface-mounted

ALUKON's ZipTex screens are available for mounting against the facade and in a recessed version for window mounting. Both versions are suitable for both new construction and renovation. All boxes and guides are made of extruded aluminum and then powder coated. "All parts and components of our screens are distinguished by a wide variety of shapes and colors and are particularly robust and durable," says sales manager Benelux and UK Hans Becks of ALUKON. 

The foamed attachment box AK-FLEX is especially for new construction and renovation projects, where the entire window is addressed. This cabinet meets current requirements for sound and thermal insulation. "The AK-FLEX can be used in combination with all wall constructions and for all installation situations," Becks emphasizes. "Due to its flexibility and the possibility of adjusting the external dimensions, the AK-FLEX is particularly suitable for installation in existing houses or buildings or other situations, in which wall thicknesses must be compulsorily adhered to." 

Smart motor support

"As ALUKON, we listen carefully to our customers," said Becks. "Not infrequently, product innovations result from that. For the ZipTex zipscreens, for example, some time ago ALUKON developed a new motor support that allows motors to be installed or removed more quickly and efficiently. The new motor support snaps onto the side cover of the ZipTex and easily grips around the Somfy motor head." 

Practical and aesthetic solar solutions

"Thanks to advancing technology, we in our industry are able to solve problems for which there used to be no solution, or only a less attractive one," Becks observes. "Take, for example, the battery-powered motors we have available to us today. They can be particularly useful in numerous situations. For example, in projects where shutters or screen blinds are needed, but it was not foreseen during construction that motorized products would be on the facade." 

Previously, there was no other option but to drill through the facade, to lay cables inside. In situations where that was undesirable - for example, for aesthetic or practical reasons - there was really no solution possible. "Thanks to the fact that today we have motors with battery technology, powered by solar panels, we do have that solution," Becks said. 

ALUKON's ZipTex screens are ideally suited for battery-powered solar solutions, Becks knows. "The great thing is that the ZipTex with a 100 mm case is ideal for integration of a solar panel and battery motor. In fact, internally there is an aluminum bulkhead in the cabinet, behind which the cables and the plug that connects the solar panel to the motor can be concealed, so the cabinet always looks immaculate." 

By the way, ALUKON shutters can be equipped with solar drives in a similar way. Cables and plugs are also concealed in the shutters. Thus, if a project requires both ZipTex screens and roller shutters, the same solution is possible for all products. By incorporating battery motors of 20 Nm tensile strength, larger screens and roller shutters can also be operated. Operation can be via handheld transmitter or app. 

Hans Becks is pleased with the battery solution. "Together with the dealer we look for the most beautiful and practical integration of his battery motors into our products and the result is worth seeing. An additional advantage of ALUKON is that we offer a choice of no less than 30 standard RAL colors in both gloss, matte and textured paint!" 

R+T

ALUKON had planned to go big at the R+T in Stuttgart. "But now that the fair has not gone ahead, we are keeping the news we planned to present there under wraps for a while longer," Becks says. "It gives us some extra time to connect the dots. Then later this year we will certainly come up with some more novelties, including in the area of screens."