Innovation doesn’t always have to be about major technical advancements. Sometimes, the improvement lies in a small detail. At Almacon, we’re constantly looking for ways to further optimize our products. A great example of this is replacing the steel connectors on the edge of our floor slabs with plastic ones. Paul Voorduin and Wim Krabbe, project engineers at Almacon, explain the reasoning behind this change and the benefits it offers in terms of safety, finish, and ease of installation.
From steel to plastic
According to Paul Voorduin, this change didn’t come out of the blue. “We had previously replaced the steel couplers and corner joints on our handrails and knee rails with plastic. We wanted to make the same improvement to the kick plate as well.” The main reason was to achieve a better finish. Paul explains: “When cutting steel parts to size, sharp edges and burrs can form. Of course, you don’t want that—especially on a handrail. With the plastic connectors, we can neatly finish the cut ends. Plus, installation becomes less labor-intensive.”
“Improving the quality of the final result is always our top priority”
Paul Voorduin, projectengineer
The idea arose from a combination of engineering, assembly, and practical experience. “Improving the quality of the end result was our top priority,” said Paul.
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- Hoek- en eindstuk schoprand
Smarter design, simpler installation
When developing the plastic connectors, safety, ease of installation, and a clean finish were key priorities. A major improvement is the universal design. “We used to use separate corner pieces for inside and outside corners. Now we have a single plastic corner piece that works for both applications,” says Paul.
Bij de ontwikkeling van de kunststof verbindingsstukken stonden veiligheid, installatiegemak en een strakke afwerking hoog op de prioriteitenlijst. Een belangrijke verbetering is het universele ontwerp. “Vroeger gebruikten we aparte hoekstukken voor binnen- en buitenhoeken. Nu hebben we één enkel kunststof hoekstuk dat voor beide toepassingen geschikt is,” zegt Paul.
In addition, the new design enhances safety. “Since there are no longer any sharp edges protruding, the end result is safer and has a neater finish.”
“The biggest advantage of plastic is that it doesn’t corrode”
Wim Krabbe, projectengineer
Innovation is also in the details
Although this is a relatively small part of a floor slab, this modification clearly illustrates how Almacon approaches product development. “For us, innovation isn’t just about big, visible developments,” Wim and Paul emphasize. “It’s actually the small improvements that often make the difference in practice. We listen to the experiences of customers and installers and translate them into smart, practical solutions.”
With the new plastic connectors, we are taking another step toward further optimizing our floor systems. It’s a small component, but it represents a valuable improvement in safety, quality, and ease of installation.
Your options
Do you have questions about our floor systems or the technical options for your project? Our engineers would be happy to discuss your specific situation and work with you to find a suitable solution. Please contact us to discuss the options.
📞 Bel 079-3610663
📧 Mail info@almacon.nl
“Almacon literally and figuratively lifts customers up to a higher level”
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Co-authors of this article: Paul Voorduin and Wim Krabbe
Projectengineers
Paul Voorduin and Wim Krabbe are project engineers at Almacon. Both have many years of experience in the engineering of steel structures. Their technical expertise, practical experience, and calm approach make them valuable partners for colleagues and clients.