FastFrame - The future in frame

Fast Frame - Aluminium Framing System

The Cladding System

The FastFrame system presents the fastest, simplest and most cost-effective facade support solution available on the market. FastFrame was developed by Plasterstrip to overcome the problems found with other facade support systems and offers a secure economical solution to facade framing. The key to the FastFrame solution is the 3-piece design of the patented* universal component framing bracket, suitable for all building sub tractors, simplifying the selection and application of the brackets.

FastFrame Brackets are fabricated from folded aluminum with a uniform heavy gauge wall. The base leg is strengthened by the addition of a bracing place, punched with holes to fit over the base leg, the incorporation of which means that the back leg is thicker than that in extruded systems, making for increased strength and greater spanning capability.

The assembly is completed by a rigid PVC isolation clip that holds the whole assembly together. During fitting, separate isolation pads can often inadvertently be omitted by contractors, leading to early degeneration of the whole framing assembly owing to corrosion from the chemical reaction between the aluminum brackets and the building substrates. FastFrame eliminates this problem, also preventing cold bridging from the building itself and ensuring a longer life for the cladding installation.

The Company

FastFrame is a division of Plasterstrip, itself part of the global Amari group and a market leader in the manufacture and supply of PVC and aluminum extrusions and cladding systems to the construction industry.

Plasterstrip Warehouses Founded in 1959, Plasterstrip has been based in St Austell for the last 40 years and still has family connections working within the company. Customer service is a critical element of Plasterstrip's mission statement and it has achieved continued growth by exceeding its customers' demands. Always aware of its customers needs, Plasterstrip is constantly involved in the innovation of new solutions to customers' problems. High caliber products, available on time and at the right price, has been the company's guiding ethos from the outset and remains so today.

Plasterstrip has a philosophy of continuous improvement in its products and their manufacture, maximising the benefits to customer and end user alike. The business has been built through on-going relationships with its customers and partners. Plasterstrip believes that business is done between people - not between companies and strives to deliver added value through strategic technical and marketing services in addition to quality products along with the timely deliveries they have come to expect.

Quality is in the detail at Plasterstrip and it has always gone above and beyond accepted standards to bring its customers the benefits of products and materials that stand the test of time. Plasterstrip incorporates dozens of innovations into its products, many of which cannot be seen, yet which put its products at the leading edge of the industry.

Benefits of the FastFrame System

The fastFrame solution offers a multitude of benefits not found in other systems, speeding installation and by doing so, offering a more reliable, cost-reduced facade support system. The FastFrame component bracket also resolves issues with other current rail and bracket aluminum framing systems. The unique design of the three-part folded aluminum bracket features a base leg much thicker than the thickness of the stalk leg. As the performance of the bracket is directly related to the thickness of its base leg, this ensures that FastFrame brackets can easily withstand the total stresses placed upon it by its own weight, the forces of the wind and the weight of the facade.

Isolation of the bracket from the building substructure is essential, both for thermal and FastFrame Isolation Bracket long term reliability purposes. Without a form of inert material between the aluminum bracket and the building, corrosion will eventually occur, weakening the framing and shortening the life of the installation. This aspect is not to be underestimated as the failure of the whole facade. By incorporating a tough integral PVC clip to secure the 'L' piece and the base plate together, this essential isolation barrier cannot be inadvertently omitted, while at the same time speeding installation.

The design of the highly efficient FastFrame bracket also yields long term environmental benefits, contributing to meeting Building Regulation Part 'L' by limiting heat conduction away from the building and lowering heating costs. A further benefit of the stronger isolated bracket is that it facilitates wider spanning and, in many cases, a reduction in the number of brackets required to secure the facade. This brings significant saving in terms of materials and particularly in installation time.



The benefits of FastFrame would be substantial in themselves but the benefits of any product can be limited by the level of service available from its supplier. Recognising this, the system benefits of FastFrame are enhanced by the service and backup available from Plasterstrip.

FastFrame brackets in use
  • The system is fully backed by independent structural engineers offering PI cover
  • In-House calculations specific to every application are carried out to determine bracket spacing.
  • The Project Checklist can be filled in on_line and e-mailed to Plasterstrip
  • FastFrame offers a range of top grade stainless steel anchors suitable for a wide variety of substrates
  • On-Site pull-out tests by trained technicians are offered
  • FastFrame is available from a UK Distribution network and is available ex-stock
  • Fast delivery is available anywhere in mainland UK


FastFrame System - Components

FastFrame 3 piece component It's the minimisation of component parts that best express the true simplicity and cost effectiveness of the FastFrame system. The patented three-part universal component bracket features an integral heat stabilised high rigidity PVC isolation pad. The brackets themselves are precision engineered from 3mm 5251 structural grade aluminum with tensile strength twice that of most other framing system manufacturers. The addition of the 3mm thick bracing plate doubles the effective base thickness, significantly strengthening the bracket and facilitating wide spanning and thus fewer brackets to be installed.

Depending on the weight and dimensions of the cladding panels to be attached to the frame and the calculated wind loading, a combination of single and double brackets may be employed. 10 bracket sizes from 65mm to 240mm are available, covering cavities from 80mm to 280mm. The brackets are universal for both fixed point and floating point rail support and all forms of brick, block-work, concrete, masonry, timber and light steel frame (Lightweight Steel Framework (Lightweight Steel Framing)).

A bespoke design service is offered where customer needs dictate a non-standard bracket size. FastFrame Bracket and Rail demonstration

Carrier rails are fabricated from heavy duty 6063 T6 aluminum, 2.2mm thick. Only two rail types are required; either 'L' rails for intermediate supports or 'T' rails for extra fixing or bonding space where there is a vertical join between facade panels. Rails available in lengths of 6m cover all cladding applications and are compatible with Rockwool Rockpanel, HPL, enamelled steel, fibre cement, ACM and other common cladding materials. FastFrame rails are also compatible with Sika Tack Panel adhesive systems.

Any Cladding system is only as good as the fastening system securing it to the building substance. Plasterstrip recommend and stock EJOT fastening systems of top grade stainless steel for superior strength and endurance.

This low component count enables Plasterstrip to hold extensive stocks, ensuring prompt delivery to site and eliminating costly delays while the installation team await materials.



The FastFrame System comprises only three main components

FastFrame Universal Brackets

  • Precision engineered from 3mm structural grade aluminum to 3mm 5251 structural grade aluminum
  • Suitable for fixing to brick, block work, concrete. Lightweight Steel Framework (Lightweight Steel Framework), masonry and timber
  • Designed for fixed and floating point
  • Integral isolation pad of heat stabilised, high rigidity PVC
  • Integral rail location clip to aid initial positioning.
  • Standard sizes 65mm to 240mm - bespoke sizes available to order
  • Bracket adjustability 25mm for the 65mm bracket and 32mm for all other sizes
  • Tensile strength 220 - 240 N/mm2
  • Unique three-part design offers superior performance and wider spanning

Fast Frame Rails

  • Engineered from 2.2mm high specification 6063 T6 aluminum
  • Ribbed to assist facade bonding when adhesive fixing
  • Only T & L section rails necessary
  • Rails supplied in lengths of 6 metres
  • Thicker low-deflection bespoke rails available on request Fastenings
  • EJOT SaphirŪ & Super-SaphirŪ range
  • Superior long-life stainless steel fastenings to DIN 1.4301
  • Fixings for bracket to rail, steel and wood are A2 stainless steel with an 8mm hex head
  • Fixings for bracket to block work, brick and concrete are A4 stainless steel with a 13mm hex head
  • Bi-metal fixings are hardened carbon steel drill point case hardened to DIN7504
  • Correct drill point geometry for reduced wastage


The FastFrame System is compatible with various facade finishes including:
  • Rockwool Rockpanel
  • High pressure laminate
  • Cement based sheets
  • Render systems
  • ACM
  • Timber
  • Terra cotta

FastFrame Rails
2.2mm Aluminum Grade 6063 T6

RAIL CODE T/L SIZE (mm)
FIX/TEE/HD/100/60 T 100 x 60
FIX/ANG/HD/40/60 L 40 x 60


FastFrame T Rail FastFrame L Rail

FastFrame 3 piece isolation component FastFrame Isolation Clip

The FastFrame Isolation Clip is an integral part of the bracket ensuring installation is carried out and corrosion minimised.The contact surface is rigid PVC.

FastFrame Wind Loadings Compliance

Complies with BS6399 Part 1 & 2
(Dead and Live Loads)

Complies with: BS8118, BS8200
(Design of non load bearing vertical enclosures)

FastFrame bracket range

Bracket - 3mm Aluminum 5251
Tensile strength 220-240N/mm2
BRACKET CODE SINGLE / DOUBLE BRACKET SIZE MIN CAVITY MAX CAVITY
FIX/BR/65
FIX/BR/80
FIX/BR/100
FIX/BR/120
FIX/BR/140
FIX/BR/160
FIX/BR/180
FIX/BR/200
FIX/BR/220
FIX/BR/240
FIX/BRD/65
FIX/BRD/80
FIX/BRD/100
FIX/BRD/120
FIX/BRD/140
FIX/BRD/160
FIX/BRD/180
FIX/BRD/200
FIX/BRD/220
FIX/BRD/240
Single
Single
Single
Single
Single
Single
Single
Single
Single
Single
Double
Double
Double
Double
Double
Double
Double
Double
Double
Double
65mm
80mm
100mm
120mm
140mm
160mm
180mm
200mm
220mm
240mm
65mm
80mm
100mm
120mm
140mm
160mm
180mm
200mm
220mm
240mm
80
88
108
128
148
168
188
208
228
248
80
88
108
128
148
168
188
208
228
248
105
120
140
160
180
200
220
240
260
280
105
120
140
160
180
200
220
240
260
280
Bespoke Brackets can be manufactured to order.

FastFrame
Standards and Technical Data

Rails
    Aluminum 6063 T6
    Comply to BS1474
    Tolerance comply to BS EN-755-9
    Chemical Composition BS EN 573-3:2003


Brackets
    3mm Aluminum 5251
    Tensile Strength 200-240N/mm2
    Yield Strength 170N/mm2min (approx only)
    Shear Strength 125 N/mm2
    Elongation 4-8 %
    Brincell Hardness 60HB
    Thermal Conductivity 149W/m.k
    Electrical Conductivity 39.4 %
    Coefficient of thermal expansion 23.5x10 -6 1/K
    Elastic Modulas 70000MPa


Sika Tack Panel Adhesive Logo FastFrame System Fixings

FastFrame system is compatible with the Sika Tack Panel Adhesive System.

FastFrame Fastening System

To secure the framing system to the building substrate, only the very best will do.The fastening must not only be secure but must be durable over many years and for this reason Plastestrip recommend and stock only EJOTŪ fasteners.

EJOTŪ is one of the world’s largest and best regarded manufacturers of fasteners and anchor systems and has had a dramatic impact on all key areas of the industry. EJOT’s products have FastFrame Mounted Bracket earned their reputation as ‘The Quality Connection’ in the building and construction sector. Plastestrip has formed an effective partnership with EJOTŪ and works closely with them to specify fixing solutions for each and every FastFrame project.

Only SAPHIRŪ & Super SAPHIRŪ stainless steel self-drill / tapping fastenings of typically 4.8mm to 10mm diameter are specified for FastFrame installations. Ejot Super Saphir A4 stainless steel anchors embedded in nylon sleeves are recommended for anchoring the brackets to brick and block-work.

FastFrame Unique Project Checklist

Before any project proceeds accurate data on the installation must be provided and assessed prior to a recommendation being made as to component selection and fitting centres.The specification of the cladding material and the area to be clad is critical as are details such as span deflection, fixing centres and standoff and must be provided from the outset.

FastFrame Unique Checklist Of great importance is data on wind loading and the material and condition of the substructure. Windloading data can be obtained from the project engineering team and data on fixing centres and deflection can be obtained from the manufacturer of the cladding to be employed.The foregoing data should be assembled and made available to Plastestrip so that their recommendations can be made.

To facilitate the provision of this data, Plastestrip has created the FastFrame Project Checklist. This can either be filled in as hard copy or on-line on the FastFrame website. In a very simple format, it assembles on one sheet, all the relevant data that enables Plasterstrip’s technical department to advise on component selection and fixing centres quickly and accurately. Based upon the provision of accurate data, Plasterstrip will respond promptly with recommendations on FastFrame support centres and the type and number of brackets required.

Only top quality fasteners are recommended by FastFrame. Shown here are some of the standard fixings supplied in conjunction with EJOT.

FIXING CODE/APPLICATION EMBEDMENT / HOLE DIA LENGTH / MATERIAL
SDF-KB-10 x L E Fastener For fixing bracket to concrete and brick 50mm/10mm 60, 80, 100
A4 stainless steel setscrew.
Nylon sleeve.

SDF-KB-10L x L E Fastener For fixing bracket to frame and honeycomb brick 90mm/10mm 120, 140, 160
A4 stainless steel setscrew.
Nylon sleeve.

SDF-KB-10U x L E Fastener For fixing bracket to lower density concrete and concrete block work 70mm/10mm 80, 100, 120
A4 stainless steel setscrew.
Nylon sleeve.

SDF-KB-10S x L E Fastener For fixing bracket to frame and aerated concrete block 70mm/10mm 80, 100, 120
A4 stainless steel setscrew.
Nylon sleeve.

JT3-3-6.3 x 50 Fastener For fixing bracket to steel 1.5mm to 3mm - /- 6.3 x 50
A2 stainless steel Bi-met.

JT3-2-6.5 x 50 Fastener For fixing bracket to timber - /- 6.5 x 50
A2 stainless steel Bi-met.

JT4-4-4.8 x 19 Fastener For fixing rail to bracket - /- 4.8 x 19
A2 stainless steel fastener.



Simco External Framing Solutions Limited - Registered Office : Leamore Lane, Bloxwich, Walsall West Midlands, WS2 7DQ. - Tel: 01922 494900/ 496600 - Fax: 01922 494982/ 496609
Company Reg. Number:5857360 - Registered in England and Wales - VAT Reg. Number 889024979.

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