Uponor’s revolutionary new professional fitting system with ‘Tool Inside’ technology is being trialled at 36 strategic Plumbase merchants with a view to a nationwide roll out in 2012.
The RTM, or Ring Tension Memory, system, from plumbing specialists Uponor, eliminates the need for tools to make quick, safe and professional joints and is the latest major launch for the company which has continued to produce industry-leading innovative plumbing solutions.
A built-in visual indicator means installers can never be in any doubt that the joint has been made securely and the constant pressure applied by the connecting device, which equates to two tonnes of force, means the joint will never be weakened or disconnected.
Plumbase category manager Richard Brankin says the benefits of the system were so clear during the company’s research that the decision to start the trial was simple.
He says: “The speed of installation, simplicity and reassurance that the RTM product range offers was immediately evident. The instant audible click and visual indicator mean you can be in no doubt that the joint is made securely.
“As with any new product introduction, we have embarked on an initial trial and have chosen 36 strategic merchant centres to feature the RTM range. It will be housed in a bespoke point of sale dispenser near the trade counter to showcase the product’s benefits.
“Customers will be able to pick up the RTM fittings, examine them, and see for themselves how easy the system is to install.
“The rollout of the trial took place throughout July and August and already there has been excellent feedback and sales have exceeded expectations. It is likely that RTM will roll out to the rest of the network next year.”
Uponor plumbing applications manager, Mark Dowdeswell, explains the technology behind the new device. “RTM is a simple yet highly effective new way of installing plumbing systems and signifies a huge step forward for the industry.
“Many years of Uponor product development have resulted in a connection device that is lightweight yet shares the best mechanical features of our well-proven press-fit technology providing exceptional joint security and strength.
“The secret to the joint’s security lies in the high tension metal ring inside the device. Constructed from high carbon steel, the spring-like ring uses the same technology as the automotive industry uses for ABS brakes. Its memory effect ensures watertightness and its constant and consistent pressure acts as the tool itself, applying a pressure of around two tonnes.”
Simple and easy to use, the RTM device means making a joint is as straightforward as inserting a length of cut and calibrated pipe into the connector. An audible click is heard when the joint is secure and for added peace of mind, a visual indicator means that the installer can see at a glance that the connection has been made.
Mark continues: “The most important aspect of the joint, the RTM ring fitting itself, is visible through a transparent window. The joint indicators keep the ring under tension until the joint is made and becomes detached upon connection with the pipe. They are also colour coded to indicate the diameter of the pipe. We describe this a s the “Tool-Inside” concept.
Mark concludes: “Uponor has always invested in moving the industry forward and in developing new products that make installers’ jobs easier without compromising quality and joint security. RTM is the next phase of our product development and offers a full range of fittings that integrate easily with the company’s existing range of plumbing solutions.”
RTM works in tandem with Uponor’s existing multi layer composite pipe which offers numerable benefits over copper including speed and ease of installation, price stability, joint security as well as requiring fewer joints eliminating the need for hot works and is not prone to theft as copper is.
A video of the product in action can be viewed at http://bit.ly/n7NuIW.
For more information about Uponor click on www.uponor.co.uk, email enquiries.uk@uponor.com or call 01455 550355.