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  • Timeless, sustainable, robust

Corrosion resistance and weldability key to Forster's use of Magnelis® in doors, windows, and facades

Forster Profilsysteme is a world-leading supplier of steel profiles for doors, windows, and facades. The company utilises Magnelis® from ArcelorMittal Europe – Flat Products to create its all-steel solutions which are free of plastics. The self-healing properties of Magnelis® offer exceptional corrosion protection during transport and storage of the profiles. Welding operations are also simplified with Magnelis®, enabling Forster to create high-quality and durable profiles. To enhance the sustainability of its operations, Forster is currently building a state-of-the-art headquarters which will bring together production, administration, and sales. And wherever possible, they’re utilising ArcelorMittal steels.



“We see steel as a timeless, sustainable, robust, and durable product which gives us the opportunity to offer a globally unique profile which is entirely made from steel,” says Willi Lüchinger, CEO of the Forster Group. “Unlike other profile makers, Forster does not use a plastic web to connect the two half-shells of a profile. Instead, we use a specially designed stainless-steel web. This improves the recyclability of the product, and its stability, without restricting the thermal properties of the system.”


La Tuilière football stadium in Lausanne uses a glass curtain wall to bring the sunlight in and provide an uninterrupted view of the game [Copyright: Forster, Damian Poffet]

Magnelis® offers easy weldability and protection

The company has offered Magnelis® solutions since they became aware of the unique steel coating in 2015. “In our business, the zinc-aluminium-magnesium Magnelis® coating is primarily there to provide corrosion protection in transport and storage,” says Willi Lüchinger. “But the biggest benefit of Magnelis® to us is the quality of the welding process. It is almost as easy to weld as black steel.”


The curved glass facades of the HiLo research building in Dübendorf presented unique challenges due to the lightweight concrete used [Copyright: Forster, Roman Keller]

Forster sees the innovative strength of ArcelorMittal and the relationship as central advantages says Willi Lüchinger: “ArcelorMittal products such as Magnelis®, and initiatives such as XCarb® show that the partnership is based on a common mindset. They are also an important building block in realising our own ambitions for even more mindful and sustainable use of our world’s resources.”


The concrete subsides over time, requiring a facade that can be readjusted [Copyright: Forster, Roman Keller]

Sustainability is a key driver in Forster’s business as Willi Lüchinger explains: “Dealing with resources in a mindful way is part of our DNA. We are currently undergoing a company-wide process to evaluate where and how we can reduce our carbon footprint further, and ArcelorMittal’s XCarb® initiative is part of that discussion. Obtaining XCarb® green steel certificates for the steel we buy from ArcelorMittal could be a game changer, and a major step towards a greener future.


The renovation of the Fenix I building in Rotterdam includes thermally insulated windows and fixed glazing from Forster [Copyright: Forster]


The Circle, a commercial development near Zurich Airport, uses more than 500 m2 of fire-protected glazing [Copyright: Forster]


The Art Deco facade of La Samaritaine in Paris was completely refurbished using Forster’s unico steel window system [Copyright: Forster, We are Contents / Stéphane Aboudaram]

Solutions deployed in new builds and renovations

Forster’s profiles are sold around the world, though Europe remains the company’s leading market. Most of Forster’s main system profiles are made from flat steels supplied by ArcelorMittal.


Willi Lüchinger, CEO of the Forster Group [Copyright: Forster]

The main customers for Forster’s products are metal fabricators who create profiles based on the designs of architects and building owners. The profiles are turned into window, door, or facade solutions by specialist fabricators. “We train the fabricators in the optimal processing techniques for our systems and provide technical support,” notes Willi Lüchinger.

 

Related links

Forster's website
More info on Magnelis®
Order steel samples here
Contact ArcelorMittal Europe – Flat Products
Steel for construction at europe.arcelormittal.com
Steel at home at europe.arcelormittal.com
XCarb®