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Optima FC+, Secret Fix Hook On Rainscreen

OPTIMA FC+ RAINSCREEN

OPTIMA FC+ IS AN EVOLUTION OF THE ORIGINAL OPTIMA FC SECRET FIX HOOK ON RAINSCREEN

Featuring an innovative slide and lock adjustment mechanism, Sotech’s enhanced secret fix hook on rainscreen system now features carrier rail hooks.

These hooks can be locked in position on site by installers, rather than in the factory, leading to significantly reduced lead times for all parties. Its versatility is such that a multitude of materials and thicknesses (from 2.0mm to 4mm) used on one universal carrier.

View an interactive 3D model, animation, substructure information and panel sizes using the buttons below. If you have any comments or questions please get in touch and an expert will get back to you as soon as possible.

For a fully immersive virtual reality experience, SOTECHVR allows users to examine complete 3D models of our Optima range, change the rainscreen system to a material/finish of your choice, learn more about fire safety and rainscreen testing.

Benefits of the Optima FC+ System

  • Precision fit and finish with 20mm joints in both directions, suitable for large and bespoke panel sizes.
  • Mechanical fixing methods and no use of adhesives, providing true A1 and A2 cladding systems.
  • Improved ventilation & drainage as the ventilation paths are much bigger than the original FC.
  • Designed to work in harmony with Siderise OCSI products.
  • Design and tested using Hilti products
  • User friendly with quick and easy adjustment on site – can be fixed top down, or bottom up, with individual panel removal and replacement.
  • The system has been independently tested and certified to meet CWCT rigorous specification for rainscreen cladding.
  • Full range of Euroclass A1 and A2 – s1,d0 panel materials from 2mm – 4mm.
  • Fire tested to BS8414-2:2015, and classified to BR135 for high rise buildings.
  • NBS specifications available tailored to your project.

ANODISED ALUMINIUM

Anodising is an A1 non-combustible finish. It is an electrolytic passivation process used to increase the thickness of the natural oxide layer on the surface of metal parts.

Due to the nature of the anodising process and the tight quality controls on both the aluminium and the surface treatment, anodising has a homogeneous (matching & consistent) appearance.

Colours, textures and patterns can be incorporated in the anodic film, enhancing the natural metallic appearance without affecting the total UV resistance of the rainscreen cladding.

Anodising enhances the natural qualities of aluminium further; it permits a strongly contemporary finish with incomparable corrosion and abrasion resistance.

Aluminium is exceptionally recyclable, requires minimal maintenance and has proven lifetime performance.

Polyester Powder CoatED ALUMINIUM (PPC)

PPC is an A2 limited combustibility finish.

PPC is a type of dry coating, rather than a conventional liquid paint, and is applied to metal rainscreen as a free flowing, dry powder. The powder is applied to rainscreen panels electrostatically and is then cured under heat to allow it to form a ‘skin’. This electrostatic powder process means we can ensure complete coverage of the panels, even on more complex shapes.

Powder Coating can produce a much thicker coating than conventional liquid coating leaving PPC rainscreen cladding with a hard finish. This is much tougher than normal paint and its strong abrasion and corrosion resistance properties make it extremely durable and long lasting.

If you are looking for a finish to make your project stand out PPC is a great specification choice with a range of 200 standard RAL colours and a wide choice of special effects offer a great alternative to anodised aluminium and stone, natural effects and different textures can be used to add a unique touch to your project.
Fire Performance of PPC

 

Alpolic A1

ALPOLIC® A1 is a non-combustible composite panel. It is currently the only composite panel in the world that is classified to fire standard Euroclass A1 according to DIN EN 13501-1. This means: non-combustible and also no smoke development in case of fire.

ALPOLIC® A1 is easy to process and shape, weather resistant, impact resistant and has a high degree of flatness. The front side is colour-coated with the high-quality fluoropolymer resin LUMIFLONTM (FEVE), making it highly resistant to weathering, UV radiation, corrosion and colour fading.

Alpolic is 100% recyclable, after installation Alpolic saves energy consumption of the building by thermal insulation effect. The air space between the material and backing wall forms a thermal insulation layer and increases the wall systems energy conservation performance.

PRE-PAINT ALUMINIUM

Pre-PAINTED Aluminium is a great choice for large facade cladding projects, tough and hard-wearing.

It is available in a wide choice of colours and surfaces and gives a uniform paint layer and consistent colour minimising shade variation between panels – Euroclass A1 Fire Rating.

In addition to its UV and weather resistance, it is also easy to transform and allows creations of original shapes.

Prepainted metal is the choice for sustainable design, the aluminium coating is an environmentally friendly process and can be recycled without any loss in quality.

ACM A2

ACM A2 is a limited combustible aluminium composite panel.

It is a popular choice from the range of rainscreen cladding materials that we supply, as well as being fully recyclable and consumes low energy the other benefits include including enhanced durability and strength, and a huge variety of attractive finishes.

We’re dedicated to manufacturing our rainscreen cladding systems with the highest quality of materials, which is why we only work with the best suppliers of ACM A2 to bring your project to life. 

Minimum quantities may apply, please consult with Sotech for more information and available specifications.

  

Copper

Copper is an A1 non-combustible material. It is a traditional construction material excelling in durability, malleability and corrosion resistance.

Copper is perfect for architectural cladding, giving a unique aesthetic appearance with low maintenance costs due to a naturally forming, self-protecting patina.

The material is 99.9% recyclable and using only 15% of the energy used in the original manufacture to recycle product.

The material protects itself by developing a patina over time, however patination can be accelerated by a chemical process meaning the material is available in varying shades.

Strong, dimensionally stable, light and low maintenance.

CORTEN STEEL

A group of steel alloys which were developed to eliminate the need for painting, and form a stable rust-like appearance.

The corrosion process usually takes about 18-36 months. The anticorrosive properties of weather resistant steel are better than those of other structural steels. The material is self-protecting, the rust layer on the surface becomes a tight oxide layer that slows down the progress of corrosion.

The material reaches a stable oxidation point where further oxidation may occur but does not effect the quality of the steel. The visual appearance of the Corten Steel is something that it, the material weathers to a natural brown colour which darkens gradually.

The material is A1 non-combustible, long-lasting and fully recyclable.

Stainless Steel

The appearance of stainless steel panels is easy to maintain, as the material is highly resistant to atmospheric and pure water environments, it is also 100% recyclable and Euroclass A1 Fire Rating.

Rimex offer Stainless Steel patters that are produced by texturing or rigidizing ferrous and non-ferrous metals, increasing strength in all directions.

Textures diffuse light patterns to produce an optical flatness to sheet metals, eliminating the unwanted oil-canning effect. Deep textured metals resist dents and scratches resulting in low maintenance costs.

Richard Austin Alloys provide a complete range of processing services including surface finishing. Using various techniques we can provide you with grades bright, reflective and highly polished finishes.

Stainless Steel is Euroclass A1 Fire rating, the appearance of stainless steel panels is easy to maintain and 100% recyclable.

Zinc

A traditional construction material excelling in durability, malleability and corrosion resistance due to a naturally forming, self-protecting patina.

Naturally resistance to corrosion and virtually maintenance free as the rinsing effect of rainwater performs this task naturally. Zinc lends itself to both traditional and contemporary design. – Euroclass A1 Fire rating

One of the most unique features of Zinc Composite Material is that it uses the effect of air and the elements to enhance it’s finish; available in a natural blue grey, as well as numerous other shades, ZCM’s pre-weathered finish means that it matures over time as it’s exposed to the outside, and the natural patina that develops means that scratches and imperfections are virtually unnoticeable.

The surface only requires minor cleaning and maintenance over its lifetime.

OPTIMA FC+ Testing

BS 8414-2 refers to the fire performance of external cladding systems and is the test method for non-load bearing external cladding systems fixed to and supported by a structural steel frame.

The BS 8414 test methods were developed by the Building Research Establishment (BRE). They evaluate whether a cladding system subject to fire breaking out of an opening (such as a window) in an external wall, will result in excessive fire spread up the outside of the building and the potential for fire to re-enter at a higher level.

The tests are carried out in specialist laboratories, and are performed on full-scale systems (rather than small-scale samples) incorporating; joints and corner details, fixings, insulation, firebreaks, cavities and other elements of the system construction.

Performance criteria for assessing cladding systems tested using BS 8414 is contained within BR 135 –  Fire performance of external thermal insulation for walls of multi-storey buildings. It is important to note that the classification applies solely to the specific external facade system which has been tested.

Any deviations or product substitutions from that which was tested are strictly subject to BS 9414

Performance criteria for assessing cladding systems tested using BS 8414 is contained within BR 135

Fire performance of external thermal insulation for walls of multi-storey buildings.

It is important to note that the classification applies solely to the specific external facade system which has been tested.

Performance criteria of the test was based on BR135 Classification standard.

Optima FC+ cladding solid aluminium panels with PPC finish and rockwool insulation

Test was in accordance with: BS8414-2:2015

Any deviations or product substitutions from that which was tested are strictly subject to BS 9414

  • System/Material: 3mm Aluminium, PPC Finish on Optima FC+
  • Classification Report: 102034.001.8414
  • Test Report: 102034.001.135
  • Fire Test Performed at: Fire Protection Association, Gloucestershire
  • Date test performed: December 2019
  • Steel framing system (SFS) – 150mm Kingframe SFS
  • Insulation – Rockwool 180mm DuoSlab Insulation
  • Sheathing Board – 12.5mm Siniat Weather Defence Board
  • Bracket – HILTI MFT-MFI 155-M-6.5, HILTI MFT-MFI 155-L-6.5
  • Horizontal Cavity Barrier – Siderise RH25G – 90/30 horizontal Fire Barrier Vertical
  • Vertical Cavity Barrier – Siderise RV-90/30 vertical cavity barrier
  • Cassette Insert – Siderise open state cassette insert (OSCI)
  • Carrier Rails – Sotech Optima FC+ Carrier Rails
  • Panel – 3mm PPC Aluminium Optima FC+ Panel System
Learning Zone

Learn More…

The Learning Zone plays host to innovative design workshops, CPD seminars and launch events where designers, contractors and material manufacturers can meet, evaluate and review projects and address technical issues at the very start of the design process.

We also have constructed training walls where installation teams can come and familiarise themselves with our Optima Rainscreen Systems, and products can be tried, tested and handled prior to going on site.

IF YOU’RE AN ARCHITECT/DESIGNER

There is a huge range of materials, finishes, colours and design options, offering the specifier an almost limitless choice of products, presented in a practical and convenient way designed to cut research time for the designer and provide an in-depth technical resource.

IF YOU’RE AN INSTALLER:

Experience the range of systems and choice of materials, explore technical solutions to specific problems, iron out design details and gain an understanding of scheduling requirements.  All systems can be examined in detail and real-life applications can be rigorously reviewed and tested.

Learning Zone-2 Traynor Way, Peterlee, SR8 2RU, UK
Related Information
Canaan Lane Primary School in Corten Edinburgh
Canaan Lane
560m2 of 2.0mm Corten A has been used in the completion of the two-storey Canaan Lane Primary School in Edinburgh. Holmes Miller, the architect behind the project, opted for Corten material in a secret fix…
Continue reading
Christina Miller
Kings Buildings, The University of Edinburgh
2200m2 Optima TFC+ 3.0mm in Aluminium Luxe Coat has been used in the reclad of the Christina Miller Building and the Alexander Graham Bell Building within The King’s Buildings of Edinburgh University. The buildings were…
Continue reading
Peterborough University Photo Credit Richard Fraser
Peterborough University
672 m2 of Optima TFC+ in 5.0mm Aluminium PPC and 935 m2 of Optima FC+ 3.0mm Aluminium PPC* has been used in the completion of the £30 million pound Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) in Peterborough.…
Continue reading

OPTIMA FC+ CWCT TESTING

The CWCT ‘Standard for systemised building envelopes’ gives a framework for specifying building envelopes and provides a ‘Specifiers checklist’ showing information that will change from project to project.

This includes:

  • Internal and external environment
  • Air permeability
  • Thermal performance
  • Access and safety
  • Design life

Tests performed:

Watertightness – dynamic

Wind resistance – serviceability

Wind resistance – safety

Soft body Impact

Hard body impact

SOTECH Optima FC+

Certificate Number: 2020/98

Fire Test Performed at: Vinci Technology

Date test performed: 3rd March 2020

DOWNLOAD REPORT

Learning Zone

Learn More…

The Learning Zone plays host to innovative design workshops, CPD seminars and launch events where designers, contractors and material manufacturers can meet, evaluate and review projects and address technical issues at the very start of the design process.

We also have constructed training walls where installation teams can come and familiarise themselves with our Optima Rainscreen Systems, and products can be tried, tested and handled prior to going on site.

IF YOU’RE AN ARCHITECT/DESIGNER

There is a huge range of materials, finishes, colours and design options, offering the specifier an almost limitless choice of products, presented in a practical and convenient way designed to cut research time for the designer and provide an in-depth technical resource.

IF YOU’RE AN INSTALLER:

Experience the range of systems and choice of materials, explore technical solutions to specific problems, iron out design details and gain an understanding of scheduling requirements.  All systems can be examined in detail and real-life applications can be rigorously reviewed and tested.

Learning Zone-2 Traynor Way, Peterlee, SR8 2RU, UK
Related Information
Canaan Lane Primary School in Corten Edinburgh
Canaan Lane
560m2 of 2.0mm Corten A has been used in the completion of the two-storey Canaan Lane Primary School in Edinburgh. Holmes Miller, the architect behind the project, opted for Corten material in a secret fix…
Continue reading
Christina Miller
Kings Buildings, The University of Edinburgh
2200m2 Optima TFC+ 3.0mm in Aluminium Luxe Coat has been used in the reclad of the Christina Miller Building and the Alexander Graham Bell Building within The King’s Buildings of Edinburgh University. The buildings were…
Continue reading
Peterborough University Photo Credit Richard Fraser
Peterborough University
672 m2 of Optima TFC+ in 5.0mm Aluminium PPC and 935 m2 of Optima FC+ 3.0mm Aluminium PPC* has been used in the completion of the £30 million pound Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) in Peterborough.…
Continue reading
Canaan Lane Primary School in Corten Edinburgh
Canaan Lane
560m2 of 2.0mm Corten A has been used in the completion of the two-storey Canaan Lane Primary School in Edinburgh. Holmes Miller, the architect behind the project, opted for Corten material in a secret fix…
Continue reading
Peterborough University Photo Credit Richard Fraser
Peterborough University
672 m2 of Optima TFC+ in 5.0mm Aluminium PPC and 935 m2 of Optima FC+ 3.0mm Aluminium PPC* has been used in the completion of the £30 million pound Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) in Peterborough.…
Continue reading
West End Quay London
West End Quay, London
[CASE STUDY] 1100sqm of Optima FC+ in 3.0mm Aluminium Polyester Powder Coating finished in RAL 9006 has been used in the completion of West End Quay, situated in the heart of London.  West End…
Continue reading
40 Percival Street
Percival Street
800sqm of Optima FC in 3mm J57S Up aluminium, anodised by United Anodisers in UnAcol™ UA130-1, UA140-2, Anolok II ™ B711,B713,B715, was specified for 40 Percival Street in London.  A residential development owned by…
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Zig Zag pattern rainscreen cladding - LUSOM
Lancaster University School of Mathematics (LUSoM)
300m2 of Optima FC+ in 3.0mm Aluminium PPC Interpon D2525 Y2217F has been used in the completion of Lancaster University’s School of Mathemtatics. Optima FC+ was specified in order to create the feature `Zig-Zag` pattern.…
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Kelaty House Perforation Patterned Design Rainscreen 2
Kelaty House, Wembley
Over 9,500m2 of the brand new Optima FC+ Anodised Aluminium has been used in the ambitious completion of Kelaty House, a towering student accommodation and hotel in Wembley London.  With three different surface finishes…
Continue reading
New Bailey Plot C1 Manchester Optima FC+
Plot C1, English Cities Fund (ECF) – New Bailey, Salford Quays
8300 SQM of Optima FC+, Optima FC+ perforated panels and Optima IPC (soffits) have been used in the completion of the 23-storey New Bailey building in Salford Quays.  Optima FC+ was selected for a…
Continue reading
Public Service Hub - Ellesmere Port
Public Service Hub, Ellesmere Port
The striking Public Service Hub – Ellesmere Port – included 400m2 of Optima FC+ Solid & Perforated and Optima Clip-on Coping.  Both systems were finished in Axalta’s Supranodic Terra. The final design selected for the…
Continue reading
PEMC Nottingham
PEMC Nottingham
675m2 of Sotech’s Optima FC in 3.0mm PPC Aluminium 1050 Grade has been used in the completion of the Power Electronics, Machines and Control (PEMC) Research Group on Nottingham University’s Jubilee Campus. Home to three…
Continue reading

OPTIMA FC+ DOWNLOADS

PLEASE ADD WHAT YOU REQUIRE TO YOUR DOWNLOAD LIST.

Once you have added all the files you require to your download list you can gain access to them using the downloads button in the top right or bottom right of your screen. If you have any issues, comments or questions please get in touch and an expert will be in touch as soon as possible.

sotechVR

A NEW WAY TO VIEW OPTIMA SYSTEMS

No VR headset? No problem! SOTECHVR will automatically start a standard 3D version if no headset is detected.

For a fully immersive virtual reality experience, SOTECHVR allows users to examine complete 3D models of our Optima range, change the rainscreen system to a material/finish of your choice, learn more about fire safety and rainscreen testing.

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