130 Attend CAD Technical Conference

Our third annual Technical Conference proved popular among members with around 130 attending a varied and informative programme. As previously we combined topics of more general interest with presentations on specific aspects of our supply chain, the latter given by member company representatives.

This year Ant Wilson of Faber Maunsell, consultants to the Government for the Conservation of Fuel and Power Building Regulations review, opened the day with a wide ranging discussion of the present requirements and future direction of this vitally important topic.

He was followed by Mo Panam, joint MD of powder coaters Barly Chalu, member of the Qualicoat technical group and one of the industry's leading experts, who laid out the steps necessary to achieve a high quality and long lasting finish on aluminium products.

The final morning offering was a fascinating overview of specialised glass products by Phil Brown of Pilkington's European standards team. The recently developed vacuum unit with very low U values was of particular interest in the light of ever tightening energy performance requirements for fenestration.

After lunch a comprehensive explanation of why the correct selection of fixings and fasteners is so essential for a successful and long-lasting facade solution was given by Robin Szymura of specialists SFS intec. With the environment and sustainability such high profile topics we were delighted that Jane Thornback of the Construction Products Association was available to give her own inimitable and very knowledgeable view of which and what aspects of such broad subjects our members should be aware.

For more details contact the CAB Office on 01453 828851 or enquiries@c-a-b.org.uk

David Earle
Technical Officer
Council for Aluminium in Building.