Cassandra, Author at lockergroup

The Sportshub at the University of Queensland is a great example of creative facade design.

January 10, 2018 by Cassandra

First impressions count: What your facade says about you

Locker Group's range of perforated metal offers excellent materials for building facades, and make no mistake, this is one of the most important design elements of your project. Cognitive scientists have proved buildings can affect mood and feelings of well-being in humans, thanks to specially attuned cells in the hippocampus.

In coming years, these psychology-based insights could begin to play a major role in how cities are designed. In the meantime, it's worth considering how your building will fit, not just into its location, but into the hearts and minds of those who will interact with it.

How can building design affect people?

In his 2015 book Places of the Heart: The Psychogeography of Everyday Life, Colin Ellard (a cognitive neuroscientist) describes an experiment he undertook in a suburb of New York's Lower East Side. Ellard walked small groups of people around a partially gentrified neighbourhood and found that his subjects were unhappy and bored when faced with modern, slab-like structures with little creativity exercised in facade design.

Furthermore, pre-eminent urbanist Jan Gehl has observed that people will increase their walking speed when passing a blank building facade. Psychologist Daniel Berlyne has stated that humans are biologically disposed to prefer locations with some architectural complexity, and are easily bored when this complexity is absent. Even brief episodes of boredom have been proven to increase levels of bodily stress hormones, according to a 2015 study from the University of Waterloo.

While this is an extremely brief example of how buildings can affect people, the implications of these studies suggest an increased need for more human-centric facade design.

Generic facades leave a lot to be desired because we humans prefer some level of complexity. Pictured: Not a whole lot, actually.

How can this be manipulated?

While certain design theories may point to individual methods for adding a human touch, there is no single guaranteed feature that will make a facade more interesting to humans. The flip side to this is there are no hard and fast rules. An architect has a lot to juggle, and a facade needs to do many things. Getting creative with a facade will lead to a greater engagement from those who use the building, and more positive feelings and associations for those who live in the area.

How perforated metal can be used in facade design

Our perforated metal can be manufactured to any specification, meaning the only limit is your imagination. Check out our 2017 Lookbook for some amazing finished projects, using perforated metal and Locker Pic Perf, by some of Australia's greatest architects.

For more information about perforated metal in architectural contexts, contact us today.

in Architecture 0 comments

Here are our favourite ideas for creative uses of wire mesh and perforated metal.

December 20, 2017May 14, 2018 by Cassandra

Ingenious ways to recycle leftover steel panels and mesh

When you’re obtaining materials for a project, it’s often better to be safe than sorry. This might mean ordering a little more to make sure you’re covered should the project change slightly, or if you accidentally damage one of the sheets. But what happens if you end up with leftover wire mesh or perforated metal? There are actually a multitude of ingenious uses for leftover metal products from Meshstore – whether your unused sheets will serve a specific purpose or wind up being more of a creative exercise, here are some great ideas for excess metal.

Wire mesh

Woven wire mesh is useful for a whole lot of applications besides the ones we usually talk about, such as industrial flooring and fencing. Here are just a couple of easy ones to start with.

A post shared by Admire Landscaping (@admire.landscaping) on

Feb 7, 2017 at 3:19am PST

Wire mesh can replace trellis in your garden as material to support the growth of vines and other climbing plants. Since our wire mesh is fairly thick and sturdy, they’ll be strong enough to support grapes, cucumbers, and other heavier plant types.

A post shared by STILETTO in Style (@stiletto_instyle) on

Dec 18, 2017 at 4:54am PST

Another interesting use we’ve seen is people using expanded wire mesh as “bulletin board” type wall hangings. The profile of the mesh can be useful for hanging keys, jewellery or even small hand tools. Creating a place to hang knick-knacks is a pretty great way to get your money’s worth out of a small or oddly shaped pieces of extra metal.

A post shared by Elaine Weiner-Reed (EWR) (@ewrartist) on

Dec 16, 2017 at 7:04am PST

Those with artistic leanings could find interesting ways to incorporate wire mesh into their creative processes. The image above is a small sheet of mesh carefully manipulated by artist Elaine Weiner-Reed to be used as support for a plaster sculpture.

Perforated metal

Though our perforated metal sheets are ideally used as flooring, screening, balustrades and beyond, here are a few cool uses from outside the box.

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Dec 16, 2017 at 8:50am PST

If you have any old shelving in need of a spruce up, those additional sheets could put to good use as cabinet doors or sliding screens on a large shelf similarly to what is pictured above. It provides great functionality and looks amazing.

Perforated Table with A frame legs.

A post shared by Redfox & Wilcox (@redfoxandwilcoxworkshop) on

Oct 31, 2017 at 1:01pm PDT

Why not reinvigorate some of your old outdoor furniture but adding a new table top? While the table and chair above are clearly specially designed, the idea would be easy enough to replicate at a more DIY level.

A post shared by Nafets Remmos (@stefan1165) on

Nov 11, 2017 at 4:06am PST

Meshstore definitely doesn’t recommend taking your watch apart, but this time-piece from Swatch is incredibly cool, and a great example of creative use of perforated metal. Think how simply you could overhaul a wall clock to similar similar effect.

These are just a few ideas of how you can reuse extra metal product, but the true applications are limited only by your imagination. While Meshstore is more than happy to provide single sheets for creative projects, we would also understand if you find yourself adding a few extra sheets to your order to get creative this summer. For all your wire mesh and perforated metal needs, Meshstore has you covered.

in Uncategorized 0 comments

Perforated metal is a versatile material, but how is it made?

December 11, 2017 by Cassandra

How is perforated metal made?

Perforated metal has been used for the last 150 odd years for a number of purposes. First developed as a filtering system for coal miners, the original perforation process was lengthy and exhaustive. In the old days, labourers would manually punch individual holes into a metal sheet, but thankfully, more efficient manufacturing processes have been developed since then.

Our manufacturing process

We start with a coil of sheet metal in the desired gauge of the product we're making. There are a few different methodologies for different products, however for standard products the coil is fed into one of the machines. The machine's rollers pull the metal through, and the holes are punched by needles mounted on a rotating cylinder as the sheet metal moves through the machine.

For more specialised products such as Pic Perf, the whole sheet would be loaded into a turret punch, where the pattern is programmed in. This way the machines can punch the right configuration of different sized holes to present the larger image. The turret punch allows multiple needle profiles and sizes to be swapped into the punching position, so it's perfect for jobs that require unconventional patterns or greater detail.

Our flexibility with customisation

One of the things we pride ourselves on is our ability to provide unique tailored perforated metal solutions to our customers. We've set up operations in such a way that we can be flexible in terms of delivering specific or one off products. In many cases we've had to create new tooling to complete custom jobs. We are not put off by this, and we are certainly not the type of company to say "we can't do it." If it can be made, we can find a way to make it.

Our team are always looking for ways to improve the range.

Our engineering team are always looking for ways to improve the range, and this involves some experimentation. Trying out new methods, experimenting with tensile strengths and folding/trimming techniques to the get the best possible product out of the design and manufacturing teams. It's this dedication to flexible solutions and experimentation with materials and processes that helps us stay ahead of the market.

Perforated metals have a huge range of applications. From facades, screens and balustrades to filters, grilles and ventilation. Meshstore is your one stop shop for pre-made perforated and expanded metals, woven and welded wires, and metal planking and railing products. Backed by the industry leading Locker Group, you can shop online right now, check out one of our branches, or contact us for more information.

November 14, 2017 by Cassandra

4 Locker Group products ideal for your next spaceship project

Summer is on the way, which means it's time for that classic Australian pastime; getting your mates around, firing up the barbie and slapping together a spaceship in true DIY fashion. We've all done it, and we know you're about to as well, that's why we thought we'd provide you with a brief guide to how our products can add a touch of class to your cosmic cruiser.

Gridwalk

This expanded metal flooring solution is one of our most popular for spaceship floors, suitable for everything from general flooring, to catwalks to mezzanines in the engine room. Basically, anywhere you need durability and affordability – Gridwalk will be there. We've provided Gridwalk as flooring to a number of industry-leading interstellar agencies, so you know it's the best. It can be fixed via clips or direct welding and we're proud to say that Gridwalk meets every technical standard in The Milky Way.

Alutread

Alutread is lightweight though extremely tough, specifically designed for aggressive environments including the harsh vacuum of space. It's a fantastic material for external walkways on larger projects. Because the robust aluminium alloy is corrosion free, the Alutread will hold up against solar winds and all that radiation. This means that if you do have to venture outside the ship, you'll be just as safe as if you were inside. While it's true that in space, no-one can hear you scream, Alutread will make sure you never have to.

Gripspan

Our Gripspan planking offers anti-slip surfaces in a range of tread profiles. We recommend this highly durable steel planking for loading ramps. We don't know exactly what you'll be up to as you blitz the spaceways this summer ("what happens in space, stays in space") but chances are you'll find yourself in a situation where you need to get on board and depart in a hurry. Gripspan will help you avoid nasty slips and spills that might put the rest of your operation in jeopardy. Available in lengths as long as you can carry, Gripspan is perfect for any size spaceship project.

Animal Flooring Options

If we know anything about space, which we do, it's that there are creatures aplenty. Maybe you'll want to bring a few of those feathery Dog-things back from Kepler-6B for your Nan? If you're looking to bring back some alien livestock, then you should consider some of Locker Group's animal flooring options. These options boast extremely high tensile strength, and are available in different weaves and specifications to suit all manner of strange beasts. Let us know what you'll be transporting, and we'll have the solution for you.

If you're looking for out-of-this-world materials for your spaceship project this summer, look no further than Locker Group. To find out what else you can use our products for, get in contact with us today.

in General Industrial 0 comments

Whatever the job, Meshstore has you covered.

October 30, 2017May 14, 2018 by Cassandra

Meshstore’s fast shipping benefits even the smallest contracts

Picture, if you will, the following: You’re installing woven wire flooring in a recently built shearing shed. Being a professional, you made adequate preparations for materials and time – yet something odd has happened. Despite your infinite wisdom, you have miscalculated the number of panels you need and have come up short. Unfortunately, you’ve travelled a bit off the grid for this job and getting additional supplies will be difficult. What do you do? Who can you trust?

We understand your needs

Of course, the anecdote above won’t be a common occurrence, but it does illustrate the fact that it’s not always possible to pop into Meshstore and grab what you need. Not all jobs take place in centralised locations, and unfortunately these are usually where you find the highest density of materials and equipment. While sometimes you may find yourself in driving distance of a branch, this will not always be the case.

A lot of our customers work in remote locations, and many on projects that are heavily time reliant. Outside of this, we understand that timely completion of a job is vital to your success as a contractor. In this sense, timing is always a big issue, and sacrificing quality (in terms of either workmanship or materials) is not an adequate tradeoff for completing a job on schedule. Meshstore knows that you need the best, and that you need it ASAP.

A range for all applications

Meshstore stock a range of perforated, expanded and woven metal sheets, as well as planking, welded metal wire and handrail solutions. We have a long history in the production of perforated metal and wire products, and as such we’ve had plenty of time to perfect manufacturing practices to ensure we are producing only the highest quality product.

Our extensive range of metal products cater to a huge range of applications, from safety and security to screening and decorative – the only limit is your imagination. The good news is, you are not limited to buying these products in our physical branches. Meshstore offers our entire range online, and with our dedication to fast shipping, there has never been an easier way to stock up.

Quick dispatch & fast shipping

In most cases, when you place an order it will be dispatched the next working day. In order to get your goods to you as soon as possible, we prefer to ship from your closest branch. However, if they don’t currently stock the items you are looking for, we can source them from any of our branches. We know you don’t have time to waste, and that’s why we ship our orders as quickly as we can – so you can finish the job, collect your paycheck, and move onto the next one.

For more information about our product range or our shipping options, contact Meshstore today.

in General Industrial 0 comments

October 30, 2017July 4, 2019 by Cassandra

Gold on the ceiling: A case study of PwC Sydney, by Futurespace & Civardi Furniture

Global accounting and consultancy firm PwC recognised that business is changing. Their clients were implementing new technologies and processes that eclipsed those that came before, and PwC realised that in order to meet the demands of this changing landscape, they needed to change too. Looking to make a fresh start, PwC worked to establish new premises that would integrate technology and modern, sustainable design to create a space that is less business, and more destination. The goal was to provide an environment that lent itself to creativity and collaboration, one that could boost efficient workflow while retaining the flexibility to support the working processes of a multitude of different clients.

Project background

While PwC developed new premises in many of their locations, it's the Sydney office that utilised Locker Group's woven wire. Situated west of the CBD in the multi-award winning Barangaroo development, PwC is situated at One International Towers, Watermans Quay. Their clients will find the new customer experience centre over four levels, beginning at the welcoming centre on level 17.

PwC brought in Futurespace for the interior design. As a forward thinking architecture and interior design agency, Futurespace had the passion and approach to create a truly unique design. Inspired by the emergence of companies introducing disruptive business models, PwC hoped to to change the way their business operated, and this needed to begin with where the business was operating. Dedicated to many of the same principles that PwC hoped to integrate into the design, Futurespace was the best agency for the job.

Futurespace Design Director, Gavin Harris, explained that moving away from a more traditional consultancy layout was essential. It was important to design a space that had multiple settings, that would foster collaboration and greater results for PwC's client base. Harris described how the Futurespace team looked at hospitality, branded airport lounges, and other types of co-creation spaces to inform the way that the PwC customer experience would need to function.

Of course, it was more than simply function that PwC required. The customer experience centre also needed to look and feel unique – the multiple interactive elements had to come together as a cohesive whole. This is where the gold ceiling comes in. Locker Groups Planar 441 woven wire was used as a ribbon that winds its way through the space and connects everything together. The wire is visually striking, particularly where it dips and becomes a shield for the window of the foyer. This feature, coupled with the unique viewing portal, makes an immediate impression as soon as clients step out of the lift.

PWC Sydney foyer The foyer of PwC's client experience level.

Why Locker Group's Planar 441?

In bringing Planar 441 to PwC, Futurespace teamed up with Civardi Furniture, a specialist joinery manufacturer dedicated to pushing the boundaries of materials and design. Civardi have their own extensive portfolio of innovative and visually pleasing solutions, and this is what drew the team at Futurespace to collaborate with them.

Gavin and his team had an idea early in the design process about using a material that would render the ceiling a transparent gold. The downward curve of the wire against the foyer window was something the team had hoped to implement early on, believing it to be a strong welcoming statement that was both interesting and inviting. While trialing possible materials, tone, colour and profile were taken into consideration as the designers weighed up the strengths of different types of metal to see if their vision was possible.

Gavin explained that finding the right woven wire product is what brought the idea to fruition. Locker Group's Planar 441 offered the right amount of reflectivity and transparency without sacrificing lighting, sound, or aesthetics. It was ideally suited as the consistent texture between the shielding in the foyer and the ceiling panels, lighting the way for PwC clients.

Implementing the woven wire

While Gavin and the Futurespace team had hoped to implement a feature like the woven wire ceiling, it was not without it's challenges. Initially there was some concern around how it would be mounted, and whether this would negatively impact the lighting, sprinklers and fire alarms, and that optimal acoustics would remain intact. In turn, it was also important that these essential fixtures didn't detract from the metal's beauty. With proof of concept coming from Civardi, the panels were able to be installed via a supporting spring line.

The final product

Ultimately, Gavin, the Futurespace design team and the specialists from Civardi created a wonderfully vibrant and engaging environment. Locker Group's Planar 441 woven mesh panels create a strong impression from the very moment a client enters the building. This new space will change the way PwC interact with their clients, and it was all achieved by a winning combination of creative minds, skilled hands, and top quality materials. For more information about Locker Group products, or to find out what materials we have that will suit your next project, get in touch today.

in Architecture / Case Study 0 comments

They said "never let the truth get in the way of a good yarn." We say otherwise.

October 30, 2017 by Cassandra

Locker Group vs. Skynet: How T2 should have ended

Spoilers ahead: We shouldn't have to do this for a movie released in 1991, but don't say you weren't warned.

As far as automated killing machines go, you could find worse than Skynet. They have an army of unfeeling androids, time travel capabilities, and just whatever it is that the T-1000 is made of. If you're like most reasonable people, you'll probably be pretending that James Cameron's Terminator franchise ended with the second installment.

While this film is unquestionably the greatest of all time (citation needed), we can't help but wonder if that final climactic scene could have gone differently if the factory in question had some semblance of health and safety measures. Linda Hamilton's Sarah Connor was the hero of the day, but the overwhelming abundance of safety hazards surely played a role in the defeat of Skynet.

Flooring

There was certainly no shortage of metal grating covering the ample staircases and catwalks of the steel mill in the film. We can't fault the mill there, the flooring was probably strong enough to handle most human equivalent loads. Did the designers of the factory skimp on materials, opting for something that looked strong but wasn't really? Or was it a matter of poor installation?

Either way, we can promise you that it is not supposed to bend and buckle at the slightest point of stress. Locker Group's range of industrial flooring solutions would hold up against this kind of pressure. In fact, we guarantee there is not an artificially intelligent death-bot on Earth that could inflict that kind of damage on our products.

Railing

This may come as a surprise to the T-800's and T-1000's of the world, but good safety railing doesn't come loose when you pull or push on it. In fact, safety railing is generally designed to do the opposite. How do we know? Well, we've been manufacturing products like this for decades.

General housekeeping

Safety in manufacturing isn't just about "doing your best" but whoever is in charge of the steel mill in Terminator 2 isn't really even trying. To start with, there are too many angles in this scene that show off seemingly random bits of equipment emitting sparks. If your factory has something dangling from the ceiling spitting sparks everywhere, you should probably sort that out.

Further, if you have an enormous churning gear that an Arnold Schwarzenegger can merrily ride on – put a safety barrier or even a wire mesh enclosure around it. Finally, Locker Group would like to advise against an unrailed platform that hangs over a pool of molten steel like a diving board. This might be the very definition of workplace hazard, and recent studies have found that having employees who are consistently alive is the first step towards creating a safe and effective working environment.

No one wants a Terminator in their factory, but poor materials might be just as dangerous. If the steel mill in question was geared more towards health and safety, John Connor might have got to keep his socially awkward mechanical friend. For more information on how our perforated metal products can contribute towards health and safety, or if you want to talk about robots for a while, contact Locker Group today.

in General Industrial 0 comments

Automating manufacturing will not affect the need for quality industrial materials.

September 11, 2017 by Cassandra

How Locker Group will aid the Industry 4.0 evolution

Industry 4.0 is coming. The next logical step in the evolution of manufacturing from a human labour-based industry to one that's technologically automated, the changes ahead will reshape the very factory space itself. Industry 4.0 will also change the sector's job structure from a significant proportion of low-skilled blue collar labourers to highly skilled interpersonal workers.

Indeed, Mr Jeff Connolly, Chair of the Prime Minister's Industry 4.0 Taskforce, said in a speech to the Committee for Economic Development of Australia 'it [Industry 4.0] need not be seen as a threat to manufacturing jobs – even though the jobs will definitely evolve. Indeed, Australia should see the fourth industrial revolution as an opportunity.'

Industry 4.0 need not be seen as a threat to manufacturing jobs – indeed, Australia should see it as an opportunity

Although Industry 4.0 will undoubtedly have a huge affect on industry, there will always remain a need for quality industrial products that guarantee the efficient operation of your production line and ensures your workers can operate in the work space safely. Locker Group has more than 60 years of experience in developing quality industrial products and these reliable industrial products will be much-needed in the changes to come.

Improving efficiency

With Industry 4.0, basic jobs previously reserved for manual labour will be completed by machines and human managers working together. This will ensure processes are completed quicker and more effectively, while still retaining adequate quality control. Efficiency in production will also be achieved by working with effective industrial products that will make the manufacturing process more streamlined.

Locker's industrial range, including perforated metal, Expanded wire mesh and woven wire fabric are durable and tough, designed to stand up to the rigours of rapid production. While automation will change the infrastructure of production, Locker Group 's range is guaranteed to be up to the challenge.

Guaranteeing safety

Industry 4.0's evolutionary changes will remove the need for human involvement in the more dangerous mechanical processes. However, maintaining and repairing malfunctioning equipment will remain a very human role, while access to all areas of the manufacturing space will still be required. Locker Group have a range of safety products, like Safe T Perf, designed to ensure that equipment operators and managers are able to safely navigate the workspace.

Even after automating basic manufacturing roles, durable industrial materials will still be essential.

Grating products like Gridwalk and Gripspan are steel flooring options designed to ensure maximum grip for pedestrian access and prevent dangerous conditions underfoot. We also have a range of walkway kits, prefabricated and ready for installation, that enable workers to navigate heights safely. Ensuring safe human management is vital to making the operation of automated machinery more effective.

Industry 4.0 will bring a lot of changes to bear on the workings of Australian manufacturing – but what will not change is the need for quality products that bring optimal production quality and guarantee safety for workers. Locker Group's range of products are industry-noted, so go on and contact us today – prepare for the future!

in General Industrial 0 comments

Finding the right architectural products to blend with nature can be challenging.

August 25, 2017 by Cassandra

3 Locker Group products that blend industrial and green

Sydney Park marks one of the city's most visually distinctive open spaces, due to its post-industrial brick kilns towering over the north-western corner and recently revitalised wetland areas.

In 2014, the City of Sydney metropolitan council launched an ongoing park management strategy for the coming years which will redevelop the area. The council put communicating the cultural heritage of the area and increasing public amenities high on the agenda, with a specification towards architectural designs in keeping with the area's industrial history.

What better way to embrace the industrial history of the the Sydney Park area than with art installations and innovative architectural structures that blend visual appeal with a durable industrial edge? Locker Group have a range of architectural products that would suit.

Our range

Locker Group have a range of products that provide a striking architectural look, and have a history of use in integrating green spaces into an urban environment:

Perforated metal – one of our most popular products, perforated metal offers users an innovative architectural look. Perforations can be adapted to client specification, taking into account shape, size and profile. Their design allows for water run-off, which prevents rusting, and the sheets come in a variety of surface treatment options to ensure minimised natural wear-and-tear. Available in a variety of metal substrates, they add a rugged industrial edge to sun shading canopies or art installations.

Perforated metal allows ample light and airflow.

Hi Light louvres – these colourful products are ideal for sun shading, vital in a park space that will draw the public to stroll in the sunshine. With treatments available to reflect glare and prevent sun damage, Hi Light louvres are available in a range of bright and bold colours that truly make your space stand out. The aluminium grating is also perfect for screening private spaces and parking areas from view.
Expanded metal mesh – a truly multifunctional product, this metal mesh fabric is customisable to client needs and easily installable, instantly providing a distinct architectural look that also functional. The metal mesh can provide sun shading on hot days while still encouraging air flow. Additionally, creeper plants growing through the perforations perfectly blend the industrial with the natural, a visual best serving the history of Sydney Park.

Sydney Park can be the model of innovative architectural products meeting nature.

Sydney Park's rich heritage deserves distinctive architectural concepts that beautifies the park for public access and embraces the area's industrial past. Locker Group have a range of products to suit, blending visual appeal with industrial durability. If you have an architectural project with a similar specification, speak to our friendly team today and we can figure out what's best for you.

in Architecture 0 comments

The mining job boom means new workers will need the best products possible.

July 27, 2017 by Cassandra

How Locker Group’s range is kind to new mining workers

As activity and commodity prices continue to surge across the mining industry, so too has the availability in employment. The number of vacancies listed on job site Seek rose by 70 per cent in the three months from February 2017, according to a press release from the company, suggesting the approaching expansion of new mining operations across the country and the rapid induction of novice workers into the industry.

While these newer workers are learning the ropes, mining operations will struggle to maintain optimal productivity without compromising worker safety due to inexperience. Luckily, Locker Group's range of mining products are custom designed to meet industry standards, making your operations safer and more efficient.

New miners in the industry should be working with the best equipment possible.

Poly

Polyurethane screening comes in modular tiles for open cast or cross tensioned mats, as well as for fixing systems and trommel screen panels. Our poly products are precisely tailored to your specifications, with technicians analysing your screening process to assess the required aperture dimensions and the polyurethane mixture that will work to maximum efficiency and durability. Injection moulds are then used to ensure the consistent construction of each item.

This technology means that surface features can be incorporated into the tiles' design rather than attached later, giving a stronger product. These individual parts can be removed with ease, with like-for-like replacements manufactured to order.

Tufflex

Tufflex poly-coated screens are our latest innovation in screening. Made from incredibly durable polyurethane coated wire and synthetic rope, they are welded at every fifth crosspoint to provide industry-leading flexibility. The strands are also maneuverable during screening, to ensure consistent flow and to avoid pegging issues. Light and easy to remove, the screens aid in improving workplace health and safety compliance, and have formidable wear life if used correctly.

They are ideal in maintaining productivity, with their flexibility and abrasion-resistance essential in minimising equipment down time and maintenance. Now widely used in our poly screening range, Tufflex can be customisable to a variety of dimensions and aperture sizes to suit customer specifications.

Mining operations require products that can deliver durability and do the job.

Industry Accessories

Mining operations require hundreds of pieces of equipment, all with unique and important functions. From the largest piece of machinery to the smallest rubber capping, each item is needed for success. Locker Group manufacture a range of Extractive screening accessories to cover an operator's smallest problems, so that managers and workers can focus on the big things.

From capping rubber to poly spray nozzles, our range of durable and abrasion-resistant products will ensure your screening operations can work to full capacity without the need for constant replacement and renewal. These accessories are designed to specification, and can be made from a choice of materials to best suit the operation.

Mining operations will struggle to maintain productivity without compromising health and safety due to worker inexperience.

Going forward

More immediate employment opportunities in mining means an expansion in operations to match ambitious federal and state support. Over $75 billion was invested in mining in 2015-2016 according to the Department of Industry, Innovation and Science, showing a real desire to encourage new workers to continue to join. An expansion means new industry products are needed that are safe, functional and easy to operate, especially as they come into the hands of novice workers.

Locker Group has a storied reputation for bringing the best to the industry since 1956, and are still proud to work with operators and managers in delivering simple solutions to improve enterprise. Contact our team today for more information on our mining and quarrying products.

in Mining 0 comments

Faulty construction products can be dangerous. Use Locker Group solutions instead!

July 13, 2017July 14, 2017 by Cassandra

Why cheap construction materials can be deadly

There is now an increasing tendency to forgo using quality construction products in order to save money and time. This may reflect well on a budget sheet, but the consequences can be deadly. Last month, the tragic Grenfell Tower fire in the U.K claimed the lives of dozens of people, with cheap, combustible building cladding the culprit.

Cutting corners also extends to Australia, with a series of spontaneously exploding glass balconies in Melbourne apartments highlighting the rising tide of cheap imported construction materials. In an effort to address this, the Australian Building Codes Board recently launch a new website to help people understand the building code and the importance of product safety, according to a Housing Industry Association release.

”A national webpage like this is important for everyone in the building product supply chain,” said HIA Chief Executive of Industry Policy Kristin Brookfield.

”It is vital, now more than ever, to take action and ensure that builders are not the only people responsible for checking product quality.”

It is important to ensure that builders are not the only people responsible for checking product quality.

At Locker Group, we create architectural solutions that are carefully designed, rigorously tested and meet stringent Australian safety and quality standards. The cost of using inferior products in your next construction project could prove calamitous, so have a look at why Locker Group products are the way to go.

Architectural

Locker Group’s architectural solutions have been widely used in installations and buildings nationwide, notably at the Float Art Project in Sydney and the La Trobe University Dining Hall in Melbourne. Our designs combine innovative visual appeal with unrivaled architectural functionality.

Our variety of metal facade sheets are ideal in making your building exterior striking while also providing screening from the sun and maintaining air flow. The internal facade options are custom designed and easily installable to enhance visual appeal while creating spaces you can re-design endlessly. All products are made from strengthened steel, copper and aluminum substrates, coupling beauty with brawn – and all are meticulously tested to meet Australian standards.

The effects of poor construction materials can be deadly.

Industrial

Working in heavy industry throws up the threat of numerous costly breakdowns and worker injuries as a result of substandard materials. Locker Group’s industrial range is one of the largest in Australia, with everything from grip-designed and durable metal flooring to robust conveyor belts and roof walkway kits for safety working at heights.

Our products, including the characteristic variety of metal sheets and wire meshes definitive of Locker Group, can be custom designed to user specifications and are able to resist the extreme temperatures of industry, meaning your production will be able for full efficiency in no time.

It is important to factor in the cost of replacing inferior building products later on.

Mining & Quarrying

Locker Group have been supporting Australian mines and quarrying for years with quality products that are rigorously tested to meet extreme conditions. Roaring heat, high pressure and constant abrasion are just some of the tests that construction products face here, so we have designed ours to be as strong as they are functional.

Our screen meshes and machine accessories are made from a variety of materials, including mild steel, rubber and other durable materials requiring minimal need for maintenance or cleaning. Failure to meet safety standards for equipment and products in mining and quarrying can be catastrophic and deadly, so make sure you use reputable products with a history of supporting the industry.

Using construction products that meet Australian standards will be less costly in the long run, after considering the time-consuming maintenance and repair of inferior construction products. Locker Group are industry-certified and Standards compliant, and have been since 1956. For more information on any of our construction solutions, or for assistance picking out the superior Australian-made product you need for your next project, contact the team.

in Architecture / General Industrial / Mining / Quarrying 0 comments

Winter blues can lower work productivity. But architectural materials could have a solution.

July 11, 2017July 14, 2017 by Cassandra

How Locker Group’s architectural solutions can help winter blues

Winter has arrived, meaning the days are growing darker earlier and more people are feeling the effects of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). SAD is a widespread condition in which mentally-healthy people experience mild depressive symptoms over winter due to less daily sunlight, having some negative effect on workforce productivity and social interaction.

A July 2015 McCrindle survey of 1,000 people indicated 33 per cent felt under-motivated at their workplace during winter, while 27 per cent felt generally less productive. Many commercial buildings exacerbate this problem with closed-off office spaces and dark decor, ill-fitting to capture the natural sunlight needed to boost our mood during the dark winter months.

Locker Group are leaders in introducing innovative architecture materials to enhance the visual appeal of commercial buildings to suit any concept or conditions. Below, we explore how three of our architectural products can help banish those winter blues by adding more sunlight to your office space.

Woven Wire

Woven Wire can be used on building facades for a sun-streaming effect, allowing maximum sunlight exposure. It is built in a variety of durable metal substrates to resist harsh winter weather and wearing, and are customisable to exact client specifications.

Woven Wire can also be used internally for a delicate textural finish over light shades, lowering the harsh artificial glare of lights. This function is particularly important, as the increased use of artificial light to compensate for shorter daylight hours during winter contributes to SAD symptoms.

Woven Wire can also be used internally for a delicate textural finish over light shades.

Perforated Metal

One of our most popular and enduring items, Perforated Metal is typically used on building facades to add visual texture without sacrificing function – indeed, sporadic facade installations around a building result in little loss of warmth insulation, keeping your building warm and dry. It also contributes to encouraging natural sunlight flow through the metal sheet’s holes.

We are able to perforate a range of of materials, and would recommend darker-coloured metals like copper and brass, rather than cold grey and silver metals, to give your office visual warmth during winter months. These sheets can also be customised with an imprinted image in the perforation pattern, displaying a company’s logo or as an architecturally-integrated alternative to an art piece.

Perforated Metal helped Porsche achieve their distinct brand look, while keeping the building sunny.

Curtains

Locker Group’s Transit Curtains are the ideal solution for office spaces that you want to customise and re-shape easily. These wire mesh screens are widely used in modern commercial and retail spaces for their ability to allow light and airflow through seamlessly while still maintaining privacy between separate areas.

Attach the Curtains to tracks to effortlessly change the layout of your office whenever you want, or drape them from the ceiling to cover unsightly appliances – they have endless potential for a chic way of increasing natural light and breaking down stern dividing walls in office spaces. This is particularly helpful in addressing lowered levels of collaboration with work colleagues in winter months, a problem highlighted by 28 per cent of polled Australians in the McCrindle study.

Transit Curtains are used in retail to maintain lots of natural light and airflow.

Our range of architectural building solutions are built towards creating visually stunning and innovative spaces, designed to get the most from your environment. In the cold winter months, social isolation and depression in the workforce is going untreated, with dull commercial spaces dividing colleagues from one another and leaving them with little exposure to natural sunlight. Contact our friendly team today so we can shed a little light on how our simple architectural solutions could brighten up your winter blues.

in Architecture 0 comments