Special profiles for buildings: The window profile

The window profile is a complexly shaped long material which is exclusively intended for the production of windows. Characteristic of the window profile is its hollow chamber structure and its highly specific design.

Properties of a window profile

Window profiles have to fulfil a multitude of tasks. This limits its manufacturing method and its applicability. The profile must fulfil the following requirements:

Torsional stiffness
good workability
high-precision manufacture
durable
thermally insulating

Window profiles are designed for the production of windows and balcony doors. This means that they are mitred and joined together using right angles. This means that they practically always form a rectangular frame. A rectangle is always statically unstable. It always has a tendency to collapse. In normal construction, the problem is solved by diagonally arranged struts. In window construction this is not possible, as it would severely restrict the functioning of this construction element. The static transverse forces can only be absorbed to a small extent by the pane. This should actually be installed as stress-free as possible to avoid cracks and fissures. Maintaining geometry and stability is therefore solely the task of the window profile. For this reason, these profiles are always designed to be wide.

Since a window profile is separated at an angle and then reassembled, it must be made of easily workable material. At the same time, it must not be too heavy, otherwise there may be difficulties with handling and thermal insulation. Steel is therefore not suitable for the production of normal windows. The most common materials for the window profile are plastic, aluminium or wood.

A window profile must accommodate a large number of moving parts and also hold several panes of glass securely. This leads to very tight manufacturing tolerances. These must always be adhered to, both in the production of the long material itself and in its processing into window frames. The production of a window on special machines therefore leads to the best results.

A window should last at least 20 years. Since one side of it is exposed to the elements, it must be made of very durable material. Plastic and aluminium have proven best for this purpose. Wooden profiles, on the other hand, require regular maintenance.

The window profile achieves its heat-insulating properties through integrated hollow chambers. These also reduce the weight and make it easier to process.