Technoform‘s Gabriel Louthan has completed training and passed testing for the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) Certified Simulator program becoming the third certified simulator along with Stephen Aki and Bart Hensley.
Louthan and Aki are based in Oregon, and Hensley is in Tennessee. Together, these certified associates provide Technoform’s North American customers with NFRC-certified simulations to support research and development of façade, cladding and fenestration systems.
“We are pleased to offer our customers these simulations as part of our ongoing services. We regularly provide thermal simulations, R&D support, assembly assistance, and engineering review,” explains Stephen Aki. “Technoform takes care to individualize each customer’s experience to best suit their needs from product design through production.”
Along with its customized services, Technoform provides customers with insulating profiles for façades, cladding and fenestration systems. These thermal optimization solutions from Technoform include polyamide pressure plates, thermal break profiles and edge spacers for insulating glass.
The NFRC specializes in the performance of windows, curtainwall, doors and skylights in the U.S. With 30 years of experience and independent, third-party ratings data, the NFRC helps buildings meet the challenges of an energy-efficient future.
There are approximately 200 NFRC Certified Simulators in the U.S. To be certified, participants must complete a 30-hour course, pass two exams and maintain annual continuing education.
The training helps participants gain an understanding of heat transfer modeling software, which includes THERM, WINDOW, OPTICS and CMAST, RESFEN and COMFEN. In addition, they become familiar with the Spectral Data Library and learn how to apply simulations for U-Factors, Solar Heat Gain Coefficients, Visible Transmittance and Condensation Resistance Factors.
Aki adds, “We congratulate Gabe in earning this industry-leading certification. It’s really important that the three of us at Technoform are able to possess this knowledge and provide this service.”
In addition to Technoform’s participation with NFRC, its associates regularly pursue professional development and certification opportunities. Strengthening both their knowledge and their customer relationships, Technoform team members are involved with such additional industry organizations as the American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA), the Facade Tectonics Institute, the Insulating Glass Manufacturers Alliance (IGMA) and the National Glass Association/Glass Association of North America (NGA/GANA).