NCL VEKA takes a fresh outlook that notes innovative design solutions.A JV initiative between NCL, India, and VEKA, Germany, NCL VEKA combines nine decades of experience in window manufacturing. With a capacity to manufacture 18,000 tonne of profiles each year, it has the ability to meet the requirements of approximately 300,000 homes. While NCL comes with the advantage of having the largest network of dedicated fabricators across the country, VEKA AG is the largest uPVC manufacturer in the world, with presence in 40 countries. Not surprisingly, the resulting product comes in a combination of conforming to the highest European standards of quality while accommodating unique Indian requirements.  Quality is paramountNCL VEKA has the required systems in place to identify and monitor the production process right from sourcing the raw material. The finest grade of the synthetic resin PVC, coming in white rigid powder in its pure form, is distinguished by a qualified plastic engineer. The identified material is then subject to a series of tests such as specific density, colour, impurities, flowing quality before being chosen for factory use. These tests ensure that the profiles that finally emerge from the manufacturing unit offer the ultimate strength that stands the test of time. Blending mattersNCL VEKA recognises that PVC requires proper blending and sources the required additives from across the globe to come with a perfect 10 in perfection. The additives sourced are combined in accurate proportions, where their impact on strength, weathering, fluidity, gloss, welding, remain uncompromised, yielding the highest potential. The R&D team strives to improvise and arrive at the perfect composition.  Shaped to perfectionThe shape of uPVC profiles require the expert eye of seasoned engineers who have spent years designing some of the finest profiles across the world. This process, christened as extrusion, consists of a complex system of barrel, screws and drive mechanism. In the extrusion process, the PVC compound is fed from the hopper into the feed zone of the screw where it is compressed, plasticised and homogenised in an extruder barrel that is kept under controlled heat and pressure. The melted material is then channelled through a specially designed die that enables a continuous flow to the required shape. Unique imaging software continuously monitors the entire process, taking the final product to its perfect finish. Incidentally, it is this specialised art of extrusion that offers the window profiles their shape, colour consistency and gloss, making the final finished window a piece of art adorning the space. Fabrication the final keyHowever perfect the profiles may be, it is final fabrication or the skilled hands that work at the last segment which seals the final finish of the product. Crafting to perfection at the last stage hence requires a master craftsman to work to the last minute perfect detail, cutting, welding, cleaning, polishing, drilling, glazing, to enable the product to last generations in its continuous uncompromising quality. Passing the testWindows are the first to face the onslaught of extreme weather, yet are expected to remain intact to function smoothly. This means their quality control has to be not just perfect but go through the most stringent tests that ensure consistency is maintained against all odds. NCL VEKA ensures every uPVC profile to passes through the most stringent quality tests before being approved for installation. The quality testing process begins with checking the quality of the resin which continues till the final fabrication. The uncompromising tests are carried by seasoned plastic engineers with many years of experience to their credit. The toughness, durability, properties and contours of the profiles are monitored strictly, leaving nothing to chance. Only those profiles that survive these tests are finally approved for adorning the walls.