Technical Construction File

A number of EU directives require a "Technical Construction File" to be maintained and to be available as part of their documentary requirements. Two examples are the Low Voltage and R&TTE directives. While the directives place specific requirements on the contents of the Technical Construction File (TCF) there are some general principles that are car charity throughout. The TCF is a document or series of documents that contain the full technical details of a product, and it is usually required to have a unique serial number. At a minimum the TCF should contain the following information:

• Table of contents
• Design calculations and tradeoffs
• Bill of Materials
• Electrical schematics
• PCB layouts
• Mechanical design details including enclosure materials if applicable
• Test results for both internal and "approvals" related tests
• User Manual
• Certificate of Conformance

In addition to the above I would recommend adding the following for completeness:

• Software source code and project files
• Assembly photographs and details
• Change notes and revision change history.
• Design review records

An extremely difficult decision is when to start the creation of the TCF. From an engineering perspective it is preferable to defer the creation until the first production batch is to be manufactured, as only then is the design likely to be stable. However in terms of capturing and protecting the businesses investment into product Intellectual Property (IP) the pressure is to start the TCF on the first day of the project. We have found that in most cases the best timing is immediately following the release of the Alpha prototyping phase. donate cars the design is not yet stable it is critical to carefully control engineering changes from this point and into production and a rigorous approach to documentation is natural at this point.

Any technically competent member of staff is capable of compiling the TCF, although it is better to have someone who is not intimately involved in the design and development process. If your company has a Quality Manager they would make the ideal candidate, as it is an excellent opportunity to audit the design and its associated documentation. Where a company does not have the resource an video games third party can be used. However the TCF contains extremely valuable information and suitable contractual protection should be put in place.

The TCF should be seen as a vehicle for capturing and securing the IP of a product rather than simply fulfilling a legal requirement. As such it should be carefully controlled, remembering the contents are confidential and the only disclosure required is to a regulatory authority. To maintain the value and accuracy of the TCF it should be regularly reviewed for completeness and accuracy.

Nigel Gaylard is Technical Director of TrimeriX Limited who are href="trimerix.co.uk">wireless consultants, offering RF Design and development. href="trimerix.co.uk">TrimeriX are based in High Wycombe, UK

Using Fire Rated Glass Blocks to Create Safe and Stylish Windows and Walls

If you've got a 60 or 90 minute fire rating requirement Dark Shadows books you're looking to enhance the looks of your building as well what product donate used car you use? Answer - a stylish and contemporary option are 60 and 90 minute fire rated glass blocks. In this article you'll learn the following about these products:

The features and benefits of fire rated glass masonry units
Where to use fire rated blocks.

The features and benefits of using fire rated glass masonry units

The main reason to use a fire rated glass block vs. a standard block is to meet UL ratings of 60 and 90 minutes for window assemblies (a standard block has a 45 minute rating). The following are some additional benefits you'll get with these specialized glass units:

1. Transparency, looks, and light transmission - The blocks are available in Vue (see through) and higher privacy patterns (Endura and Decora from Pittsburgh Corning and Wave from Mulia) and provide 75% visible light transmission.

2. Noise reduction - Fire rated blocks have thicker faces of 3/8", " and 3" of solid glass. The thicker face result in an improved sound transmission class to reduce noise of 53 for Solid Vistabrik glass bricks, and 48 for the sixty and ninety minute rated blocks.

3. Added security- Since the fire rated assemblies are mortared together, and the blocks have thicker faces, they have increased impact resistance and are harder for vandals to break through. The faces on these blocks are 50% thicker for 60 minute blocks and 300% thicker for 90 minute blocks than a standard block.

4. Architectural design flexibility - Use one pattern or combine all 3 patterns to create unique designs with increased fire ratings.

5. Bullet and graffiti resistant - The Vistabrik 3" solid glass blocks and bricks can resist penetrations from high impact weapons with .357 magnum and 9 mm bullets. The non-stick glass surface makes it easier to remove graffiti as well.

Where to use fire rated blocks

Since fire rated glass block windows and walls will generally cost about 50 to 100% more than a standard glass block project (and will visually appear the same to someone looking at your building) they are generally used where the additional fire rating capabilities are either required or desired for additional safety. Here are some of the more popular places this product is used:

1. Limited lot line communities where the side walls of adjoining homes are close together - A project in Columbus Ohio is considering 90 minute fire rated Thickset Decora pattern block for condominium style homes that are 12 feet apart from each other. The fire department requires a 90 minute rated window product and the builder wants to make sure all the rooms are light filled and feel open for prospective buyers.

2. Stairwells in schools, hospitals, parking garages, libraries, and homes - Provides light and the feeling of safety.

3. Windows in gymnasiums, homes, factories and other commercial buildings - The blocks are hard to break with gym equipment or in a harsh industrial setting.

4. Building corridors.

5. Multi unit apartment and condominium complexes - more light gets into each unit without sacrificing the tenant or owners privacy.

As you can see fire rated glass blocks can do much more than simply increase fire safety in a building - they can enhance looks, increase privacy, and make a more secure and safe environment as well.

Mike Foti is President of Columbus Glass Block, Cleveland Glass Block, Mid America Glass Block Cincinnati, Dayton, Akron 1921 Koester Bread baseball cards Vice President of Eastern Glass Block New York & New Jersey - nationwide factory direct suppliers of fire rated glass block for security and safety. Mike's companies also professionally supply and install glass block windows, walls, and showers.

Nationwide 877-668-5888

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