A Proven System
It's good to have a plan - at Precision Timber Handrails we also have a system; one that ensures everything is in place to make accuracy, quality, aesthetic details, installation and finishing, a natural part of a cooperation with our customers, project managers, main contractors and architects. Working hand in hand to meet costs, deadlines and outstanding results.
Precision Timber Handrails - Systematic throughout
Information can be taken directly from architectural drawings (PDF or paper copies).
All main file types (DWG, DXF, IGES etc)can be imported into our CAD systems.
Typically we use drawings at the estimating stage.
For extra precision (and where site dimensions may vary from drawings), we carry out a comprehensive on-site digital survey to measure key points of newly built or existing elements. Using state of the art measuring equipment, accuracy of 80 microns can be achieved within the radius of our Measuring device. Using a leap frog system and accurate referencing tools, long distances can be covered with minimal loss of precision.
Used by manufacturers Porsche, BMW and Airbus, the digitising equipment and software enable rapid generation of point clouds , planes and curves for use in 3D models of stairs, landing and balustrades.
» Read more about the digitising process
1) Digital Measuring - peace of mind
Precision is key to ensure total accuracy, we offer a comprehensive digital site survey using state of the art measuring equipment. Our team of experts will visit the site and measure any underlying construction of the existing staircase using sophisticated, laser guided equipment. Used by manufacturers Porsche, BMW and Airbus, the digitising equipment and software generate underlying model geometry to within 80 microns.
The arm that we use has a 3.66metre range, and is set up on site by our experts. We are able to digitally measure underlying geometry before we manufacture each handrail - from underlying core rails, balustrades or just treads and risers.
A site survey typically lasts a few hours, but depends on the complexity and size of each contract. We are able to measure intricate metalwork, glass panels, concrete and timber staircases and record the results as a single CAD file for later analysis and development by our CAD team.
The Value of a Digital Survey:
Because concrete, steel and glass staircases often vary from planned dimensions, it is often essential that a site survey be carried out before manufacture to ensure a perfect fit of the handrail. This in turn, results in much improved aesthetics of the handrail.
Once on site, our professional team will ensure minimum disruption to clients and their property.
Email us: pth@clivedurose.co.uk2) CAD/CAM design, development and simulation ensures smooth accurate rails
Our highly skilled team of designers and engineers use leading
industrial design software to generate 3D models of each handrail prior
to production; dividing the more complex curves into parts and thoroughly
testing them through virtual simulation to make sure that each component is correct. Even the most advanced 3D software cannot outdo the human eye. After lofting complex profiles along curved and twisting paths, we go that extra mile, scrutinising cad models and slightly adjusting curvature in the rail to retain a smooth ergonomic feel.
Where design input is needed we have a heritage of craftsmanship and fine woodworking to support our clients in creating ergonomic and distinctive rails.
CAD/CAM design, development and simulation Our CAD team can build up precise 3D models of handrails from both architectural drawings, and from data captured on a site survey.
Leading industrial design CAD software allows us to easily share designs, drawings, renderings and recommendations with customers throughout the process using 3D PDF or e-drawings. Architectural CAD drawings can also be imported and exported in most common formats, including dwg, iges, and dxf for easy communication between all parties involved.
Precision Timber Handrails CAD specialists are trained to the highest calibre, giving you peace of mind that models will be accurate, and produced to professional standards.
High Tolerance CAM Accuracy & quality control Our CAD team can build up precise 3D models of handrails from both architectural drawings, and from data captured on a site survey.
Leading industrial design CAD software allows us to easily share designs, drawings, renderings and recommendations with customers throughout the process using 3D PDF or e-drawings. Architectural CAD drawings can also be imported and exported in most common formats, including dwg, iges, and dxf for easy communication between all parties involved.
Precision Timber Handrails CAD specialists are trained to the highest calibre, giving you peace of mind that models will be accurate, and produced to professional standards.
Upon completion of a 3D CAD model, rails are split into components. This ensures each part of the rail has the optimum uniformity of grain and strength from the timber. Once split, our CAM experts carefully analyse and program each piece using high precision specialist software akin to the automotive and aerospace industries. At each level of programming we aim to reduce waste material, and maintain accurate machining techniques to achieve the best possible surface finish.
Where possible we produce tooling for specific profiles or for more intricate pieces use 3D milling techniques. Ensnsuring the accuracy of the machining to extremely close tolerances is achieved through real-time simulations in the CAM software.
Because each part has a unique program, machining is constantly monitored and programmes are constrained to meet very accurate tolerances throughout.
Email us: pth@clivedurose.co.uk3) Precise machining
Using our state of the art 5 Axis CNC machining centres, curved rails
are carefully machined from a variety of fine timbers. Our process
allows us to work to extremely close tolerances; creating precise joints
between components.
This exclusive feature of the handrail service
ensures first class quality and considerable time saving for fitters on
site. Rails are meticulously sanded and dry fit tested at the production
stage, leaving the least possible amount of finishing during
installation - leaving nothing to chance.
Email us: pth@clivedurose.co.uk4) Jointing
In a world where finding skilled craftsmen is increasingly difficult, Precision Timber Handrails understand the importance of reducing time and effort as much as possible. Fitting and installing handrails on site can be tricky and expensive business if every component needs to be cut and jointed.
Using various pre-machined joint methods, our handrails can be quickly assembled and fixed together precisely. Security and strength are standard in all the joint systems we provide. Strong and totally reliable and done in a way to concealing the mechanical fixings, and maintain the aesthetics of the rail.
The solutions that we offer include:
INVIS
Although completely concealed, these fixings offer immense strength - over 3500N tensile strength and over 4000N shear strength without breaking. This means that each handrail can potentially withstand hundreds of kgs in weight before breaking, and that's without the use of our high strength adhesives and accurate doweling technique.
»Technical specifications
Mechanical Key System
A semi concealed, bolt fixing driven by a geared cam. Simply tightened with an allen key, the patented technology behind the system means that the fixing are perfect for use where access to the underside of the rail is straight forward. Although the access hole that is required for these can be plugged with a cross grained pellet, these fixings are good where existing core rails may conceal the fixing completely.
Because fixing and dowel holes are pre drilled on a 5 Axis machining centre during the production of the handrail component, we can offer unrivalled accuracy and stability when joining the continuous handrails.
We also drill additional dowel holes to prevent counter rotation of the two pieces during tightening of the fixing.
» Technical specifications
Email us: pth@clivedurose.co.uk5) Installation
Our philosophy is providing a complete handrail service. A professional, nationwide team is available to install and finish rails to the highest standards both quickly and efficiently.
Reducing on site jointing as much as possible is paramount to achieving higher quality installations: we achieve this by using various pre machined joint methods, and reducing the need for a lot of marking, mitring and manual cutting of rails on site.
Email us: pth@clivedurose.co.uk