Celebrate 2000! - Gruber Systems

December 1999
A Newsletter Serving The Cast Polymer Industry
1999 Reflections… The
Future Is Yours!
We continue the countdown toward a new millenium…
and it’s almost here! People have been speculating for
many years about what life will be
like in the year 2000… and we’re
about to face it head-on and find
out firsthand. Barring any major
glitches due to Y2K problems, our
immediate future looks pretty
bright. Cast polymer manufacturing technology has taken great
strides during the past half a century… and Gruber Systems is
geared up to keep the industry
ahead of the pack.
It might be interesting if we
were all able to look through a
crystal ball and find out just where
our industry will be in, say, the
year 2050… but where would the
challenge be? As it is, we are not
limited by what we might see in
that crystal ball, but instead are
able to make the future for ourselves. Gruber Systems challenges our customers to
continue to grow with the times. Together we can continue
to update our product lines and manufacturing technology… and in the process ensure the cast polymer industry will still be a profitable one (for our ancestors!) in the
year 2100!
So much for the future… now for a look back into the
recent past. As is our custom, the December Issue of the
GruberInk is dedicated to a review of the new products
introduced by Gruber Systems during the past year. We
invite you to join us for a journey through 1999… It was
another great year!
can creatively block down the deck in a design complementary to both the tub and the customer’s bathroom layout.
The deck and tub can be skin cast, then a standard female
set in place and the tub backfilled. Alternatively, the manufacturer can opt to fiberglass behind the skin cast to further
reduce the weight of the finished
part.
The majority of our Gruber
Tub designs can be ordered as
floating tubs… just specify when
you place your order.
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Our new shroud for the Fleur
de Lis Pedestal provides a “solid”
look to one of the most beautiful
and elegant sink designs available to the industry. The lines of
the shroud mimic the dramatic
design of the Fleur de Lis bowl,
but widen to “capture” the bowl
just under its rim, providing a
broad support structure.
The Fleur de Lis Pedestal is
December
1999 Washbasins from Gruber Systems,
but one
of eight Pedestal
all of which offer a unique solution for small spaces.
Innovations in Mold Design:
Floating Tubs:
Our Floating Tubs, like floating bowls, appeal to many
manufacturers due to the flexibility they allow when creating the surrounding deck. A floating tub can be placed on
a large deck mold, then a radius is run around the tub to
create a smooth, clean transition. Next, the manufacturer
Fleur de Lis Pedestal
Shroud:
Fleur de Lis
Pedestal
Shroud.
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Solid Surface Vanities (VSS):
Of particular interest to solid surface manufacturers is our line of Solid Surface Vanities. Our VSS line
features large softly ovalized modular bowls. Since the
bowls are an integral part of the deck, your installation
time is drastically reduced. The VSS is available in deck
widths of 25”, 27”, 31”, 49” and 61”. The finished units all
measure 22.5” from front to back , and all the bowls, with
the exception of that found within the 25” deck , are a
generous 21” wide. (The bowl in the 25” deck has been
reduced to 19” in order to allow it to fit within the smaller
deck.) Since the backsplash is also included in these
one-piece designs, installation couldn’t be simpler.
Humpback Tub.
The Mark 17 and the Mark 21 are oval tubs with flared
rims. The basic difference between the two is that the
Mark 17 sits in a 42” x 73” rectangular deck and the Mark
21 rests in a 42” x 60” rectangular deck. Both tubs feature
a drain at one end and a slanted backrest at the other.
Our only change is in the design traditionally available on
both tubs’ textured bottoms.
The Traditional Mark 17 and Mark 21 Tub designs feature
a raised dot pattern on the bottom of the tub. This design will
remain available to our customers. However, for those who
prefer it, we’ve created new masters for each of the popular
tubs that feature the modified leaf pattern as seen in many
of our newer tub designs. Now your customers can decide
which one they prefer for their new installation.
Solid Surface Vanity.
Humpback Tub:
If you’ve been searching for the Humpback Tub, formerly a design from American Molds, look no further. Since
Gruber Systems acquired American Molds this year, this
popular tub, as well as many other designs, are available
through Gruber Systems.
The Humpback is a wide oval tub in a large rectangular
deck. The 61” x 32” oval tub sits within a 96.5” x 48.5” deck.
The feature from which the tub gets its name is the deep
“hump” or contoured slanted backrest which allows the
bather to lay back and relax in the warm water. Add a
GruberHydro Whirlpool System to this 17.5” deep tub and
the bather can really soak away the stresses of the day!
New Textured Bottom For Mark 17 and Mark
21:
Two of Gruber’s most timeless and popular tub designs
are now available with an optional different look.
Mark 17 Tub with Leaf Textured Bottom.
Fireplace Mantle and Legs:
Our new Fireplace Surround is the perfect way to really
dress up your customers’ fireplace installations. The 3-piece
mold includes a 73” sculpted mantle and two 43” fluted legs.
The “legs” of the fireplace can be trimmed as necessary to
fit the height of the fireplace installation. Inserts are avail-
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the tub deck or window sill. The effect is dazzling! Your
installation will receive rave reviews with no extra work
on your part!
The new ¾” Roundover Edge design combines the
bullnose edge treatment with the bluntnose edge. The
deck edge gently curves as it comes over the top of the
deck but transitions into a flat face (bluntnose) on the
underside of the front edge.
The 1 ½” Stepdown Bullnose features a drop front
edge of about 1/8” before it transitions into the bullnose
shape.
These two new edge treatments join our other nobowl decks with edge treatments: the Bullnose, Chamfered, Bluntnose, and Texas OG designs creating decks
with an almost “hand-carved” look. All of the above decks
are available in 146” lengths and can be blocked down
with special dividers into a variety of sizes. All of the
Fireplace Mantle and Legs.
able for the Fireplace molds to lighten the weight of the
finished parts.
The Fireplace Molds are a perfect example of a set of
molds which can bring profits above and beyond the amount
of matrix and labor required. This is due to the enhanced
value associated with the appearance of the finished product. Fireplace Surrounds made of alternate materials such
as polymer concrete, natural marble, natural granite, or wood
can be seen in fireplace stores for as much as $8000 and
up. The Fireplace Surround is a product, much like our Lotus Bowl, which carries tremendous appeal to high end customers and the profits you can realize will reflect that fact.
New Edge Treatments:
Decorative treatments on the leading edge of your customers’ vanity decks really go a long way toward customizing an installation. Two new edge treatments have been
added to our line of no-bowl decks with edge treatments:
the ¾ Roundover and the 1 ½” Stepdown Bullnose. These
molds can be used to create the same edge treatment on
Chamfer Front Edge Treatment.
decks accommodate installation on a standard 21” cabinet.
No-Bowl Modular Decks with Chamfered
Edge:
Creating a Chamfered Edge has never been easier
than with our line of No-Bowl Modular Decks with this
edge as an integral feature. The decks, available in a
wide variety of widths provide for easy casting without
the need to even block the deck down to the size you
need. The Chamfer Deck comes in 25”, 31”, 37”, 43”,
49”, 61”, and 73” widths.
3/4 Roundover Front Edge.
1 1/2” Stepdown
Bullnose Front Edge.
Lotus Bowl.
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Cultured Marble Lotus Bowl:
The Lotus Bowl, the popular oval bowl that can be installed at three possible elevations in relation to your
customer’s deck, is now available to cultured marble manufacturers. The original design was geared toward the solid
surface manufacturer, since the underside of the bowl requires
as finished a look as the topside. We were able to make a
separate set of molds for the cultured manufacturer by moving the “parting line” to the bottom of the thickness at the rim.
(Be sure to specify which process you will be using when
ordering.)
The Lotus Bowl, as we noted above can be installed at
three different levels, each of which results in a very different
visual effect. It can be installed like a typical drop-in bowl
with a ¼” protrusion above the deck, or it can take on more of
a “bowl” effect when installed with the rim 2” or 3.5” above the
countertop. Any of these installation levels can be accomplished on standard cabinetry.
The Lotus Bowl transforms an ordinary bowl into a design
element. Today’s high-arcing faucetry is a perfect match for
these higher sitting bowls.
Panel Molds:
Gruber Systems provides our customers with a full line of
panel molds… virtually a size for every occasion! When you
have the correct size for a job and don’t have to block a mold
down or create a seam, a considerable amount of time-saving is the result! New to our line in 1999 were the following
sizes:
63 x 60 x 3/8 Panel
63 x 34 x 3/8 Panel + 2 Cavity 4 x 20 x 3/8
American Molds 4 x 44 ¾ x ¾ 4 Cavity
38 x 76 x 5/16 Panel
50 x 76 x 5/16 Panel
62 x 76 x 5/16 Panel
38 x 85 x 5/16 Panel
60 x 120 x ¾ Slate Panel Mold
66 x 72 x ¾
36 x 80 x 3/8 Panel
Innovations in Molds:
New Shower Pan Combo Insert and Turtle:
Our new one-piece Shower Pan Insert and Turtle will help
you “lighten your load” when manufacturing, transporting, and
installing shower pans. The insert combines our old system
of turtles and inserts into one easy-to-use unit. The system
displaces matrix during casting, resulting in the use of less
raw material. Less matrix means less weight for the finished
shower pan, making it easier to maneuver during installation…
and lowering your production costs. The new one-piece Shower
One-piece Shower Pan Insert and Turtle.
Pan Insert and Turtle is available for approximately the same
cost as our previous insert alone… without the additional
cost of the turtle.
The conversion of our entire line of 1051 Shower Pan
Inserts is currently in process.
Aluminum Ogee and Bullnose Dividers:
Casting an Ogee or Bullnose edge on the front, inside or
outside corner of a deck can be accomplished easily with the
use of our Aluminum Dividers. The manufacturer simply uses
double stick tape to block down the deck to the desired width
and secure the divider. Then he runs a radius between the
divider and the deck and casts the part as usual. The result
is an attractive “custom” edge that is sure to please any customer.
The 9’ divider is available to create the treatment on the
front edge of the deck. Inside and outside corners are also
available to allow the treatment to be carried onto any side
edge that will visible after installation.
Note: Chamfer and Bluntnose aluminum dividers are also
available from GruberEast.
Innovations in Manufacturing
Equipment:
Hi-Rider:
Multi-level storage racks are a godsend to manufacturers
trying to free up floor space and provide a safe, secure place
for their molds when they are not being used. They have also,
however, presented a challenge when moving heavy molds to
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Variable Speed Gelcoat Tunnel:
Hi-Rider.
and from storage. Positioning anything heavy and cumbersome over one’s head is a difficult task.
Hi-Rider provides an excellent… and safe….solution to
the problem. Hi-Rider is our new hydraulically-powered lift
system which includes an integrated platform. The operator travels up and down with the molds for easier positioning. The unit is self-propelled with control totally in the
hands of the operator. Drive and Lift controls are located
on both sides of the operator platform. A passageway between the two sides of the platform gives the operator room
to move from one side to the other while the unit is raised.
Hi-Rider can lift a mold to the height of 12 feet with the
simple push of a button.
Hi-Rider includes a motorized drive unit which allows the
cart to move along a “V” -groove track for positioning along
the storage racks. The unit is available with an optional variable speed control for both lift and track drive.
Hi-Rider reduces the time needed to move stored molds,
increasing the safety of the operation in the process. By
putting the operator at the proper height for retrieving or storing molds, the dangerous temptation for workers to climb the
storage racks or to use poles to shove molds on and off storage racks is removed. Hi-Rider allows the operator to move
the cart to the correct height for mold movement by simply
pushing a button on his control unit. In addition, the motorized drive eliminates the strenuous labor associated with
moving the scissor lift from rack to rack.
Safety features built into our new Hi-Rider include an operator cage, warning lights, a horn, and e-stop circuits.
Leaning into a gelcoat tunnel to either pull or shove a
heavy mold down the line will become a “task from the
past” with our Variable Speed Gelcoat Tunnel (VSGT). The
VSGT provides automatic movement of molds through the
gelcoat curing process. Manufacturers can choose speeds
from 6” per minute to 10’ per minute, with the appropriate
speed determined by the temperature setting and ambient
plant conditions. Since even the heaviest molds move automatically through the tunnel, you don’t need to expend
your employees (or their backs) to physically shove the
molds through to the other side. In addition, precise gelcoat
times can be obtained once proper timing is established.
Once the molds have reached the end of the gelcoat tunnel, an alarm sounds, alerting an employee that the mold is
ready for transfer to the casting area.
The VSGT system utilizes a special roller chain so that
existing mold tracks need not be modified. The VSGT can
be used in new installations or can be added to an existing
gelcoat tunnel by replacing the conveyors in the tunnel.
The unit is available in the customer’s choice of three conveyor systems: a double wide, dual drive conveyor with
separate speed controls for each conveyor; a double wide,
single drive conveyor which drives both lines of conveyor
Variable Speed Gelcoat Tunnel.
simultaneously; and a single drive conveyor for small tunnel applications.
The VSGT can further offer manufacturers peace of mind
with their manufacturing schedules as well as workers’ compensation worries.
Integrated Batchmaster:
The Integrated Batchmaster combines the arduous and
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Electric Vibrating Tables from GruberTech are greatly
reducing the noise level associated with the vibration process, largely due to the 220v/3-phase electric vibrator used
on our units. Because these vibrators are only set at a
fraction of their capacity, they will remain in operation almost indefinitely, cutting down on maintenance associated
with pneumatic motors. Their use also saves manufacturers from the necessity of beefing up their air compressor
capacity (an expensive proposition that can run up to $20,000
a compressor!). In addition, since the vibrators require
only 1.5 amps per unit, 11 tables can operate off a single
Integrated Batchmaster shown with Power Bin.
cumbersome tasks of measuring and metering both resin
and filler in one efficient, easy-to-use operation. Because
our new Batchmaster allows the operator to preset possible ratios of filler and resin used in your plant, the potential for employee error is almost nonexistent.
When an employee needs filler or resin for a job, he
simply enters the batch size he needs on the control panel.
Batchmaster then does all the calculations for him, removing the chance of a mathematical error. The exact amounts
of resin and filler are then dispensed into the waiting vessel
for mixing.
Another exciting feature of our Integrated Batchmaster is
that it can also automatically display the amount of catalyst
necessary for the batch being mixed. Alternatively, this field
could also be programmed to indicate to the operator just how
much pigment or lightweight filler to add.
Batchmaster’s resin heating system has always been a
“big draw” and is a feature of our integrated unit as well. By
heating the resin, manufacturers find that they can use much
less in their formulations. Since resin is probably the most
expensive raw material associated with cast polymer production, this reduction directly affects your bottom line.
A slight change was made this year in the Integrated
Batchmaster’s display panel. The new display features a single
display for both resin and filler instead of having two separate
displays. The new LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) also makes
the numbers appear brighter and easier to read.
Electric Vibrating Table:
Electric Vibrating Table.
15 amp circuit.
Units equipped with our Quiet Wheel Systems even further reduce the noise level. Gruber’s standard Electric Vibrating Tables are available in 10-12 ft. lengths. Custom lengths
are available. In addition, retrofit kits are available for adapting our electric vibrators to existing pneumatic tables.
Innovations in Granatex:
New Granatex Colors:
Customers are constantly requesting either custom colors or matches to other granite surfacing materials on the
market that have caught their eye. As a result, our Granatex
line continues to expand by leaps and bounds!
Several new colors were added this year to both our
Granatex 400 (Builder’s) Series and the Granatex 500 (Premium) Series. These include:
Granatex 400 (Builder’s) Series
Adobe Brown — Spring Ice — Teal Classic — Slate
Blue — Oceanic
Granatex 500 (Premium) Series
Himalayan — Nutty Gold — Pyrenees — Florentine —
Tanzanite — Smarg Green — Mediterranean — Sarita —
Blue Mountain — Pacific — Mardi Gras — Black Pearl
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Color Fans:
With the number of colors in our Granatex line now
totaling over 80, manufacturers as well as our sales personnel needed a more convenient way to show our color patterns than our color chips. Our Color Fans have proved to
be a popular solution to this “weighty” problem. The Color
Fans provide samples printed in full, life-size color on 6” x 2
½” cards. Because the colors and patterns have been replicated on paper rather than manufactured from real material, we have been able to drastically cut both the weight
and cost of providing color samples. In addition, because
the new samples are larger than our color chips, they offer
your customers a better representation of the finished product.
Granatex is available in over 80 colors and textures.
Color Base:
Even though our entire Granatex line now boasts over
80 color patterns, some builders prefer to develop their own
exclusive color patterns. To help them do this, Gruber Systems offers Granatex Color Base which consists of single
color chips that can be blended with other color chips and
Alumina Trihydrate to create individual granite color patterns. Granatex Color Base is available in fine or medium
mesh particles in the following colors:
White — Black — Rose — Almond — Red
Brown — Green — Brown — Gold — Sandalwood —
Concord — Dark Brown ! Blue — Teal — Bright Red —
Natural — Smarg Green — Honeydew Whisper — Light
Gray — Navy Blue — Pearl — Peach — Terracotta —
Burgundy — Turquoise — Rust Red — Vanilla —
Cobalt (24 mesh only)
Gruber Seaming Adhesive.
Four separate fans are available, one for each of our
Granatex lines: Granatex 350 (Designers’ Series), Granatex
400 (Builders’ Series), and Granatex 500 (Premium Series),
as well as a fourth entitled “Your Guide to Color” which displays all of the colors in one fan.
Innovations in Gruber Seaming
Adhesive:
Gruber Seaming Adhesive:
Granatex Color Fans.
One of the many advantages that solid surface material
has to offer customers over natural products is the ability of
manufacturers to make the entire surface appear to be “seamless.” Plexus MA600, the solid surface adhesive available
from Gruber Systems, offers manufacturers a distinct advantage in attaining the “invisible” seam. Gruber Seaming Adhesive combines the bonding strength of epoxies with the flexibility of urethanes, making it ideal for solid surface fabrication.
Gruber Seaming Adhesive is available in a variety of
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Innovations in Supplies:
The Universal Shower Pan from Gruber Systems is used
by many manufacturers to create custom-sized shower pans.
Many such situations require the use of a rubber bladder which
is placed into the shower opening before the shower base is
installed. This drain fitting is approximately ¼” deeper than
the standard fitting and sticks up in the shower, providing an
opportunity for water entrapment.
Gruber Systems has developed an easy way to make this
drain fit… our new flexible Universal Drain Collar. The collar
is fit over the existing drain boss before casting. Simply fit
the collar in place, run a radius around the perimeter of the
collar, then gelcoat as usual and cast the shower pan. The
collar creates a drain with a slightly larger diameter and greater
depth which allows the deeper, thicker drain bladder to fit perfectly.
Innovations in Hydro Systems:
Econo Pak:
Our 6-Jet Econo Pak, with a reduced price in 1999, is an
economical way for manufacturers to introduce customers to
the “joys of whirlpool bathing.” Our Econo Pak comes with
everything you need to plumb a tub with a 6-jet system: 6
jets, suction, air control, fittings, pneumatic sender, and stan-
" Gruber Systems, Inc.
Universal Drain Collar:
which can be removed by the owner prior to use.
Gruber Systems offers Protective Film in two thicknesses,
3 mils and 5 mils. The 3 mil film comes in widths of 6”, 12”,
21”, 24”, 36”, and 48”, while the 5 mil film is available in widths
of 12”, 21”, and 24”. Both the 3 mil film and the 5 mil film
come in 600 ft. rolls. This is less than the industry standard of 1000 ft., in order to make the rolls lighter and easier
to handle.
Copyright 1999
colors which further helps hide seams by blending into its
surrounding material. Many customers also take advantage of the custom color matching available with Plexus.
18 standard colors are currently available. A new color,
Puddin’ Brown was recently added to the line.
Gruber Seaming Adhesive is conveniently packaged in
75 gram bags, 250 ml cartridges, and five gallon buckets.
GruberHydro
6-Jet
Econo-Pak.
Gruber Holiday
Closing Schedule
Universal Drain Collar.
The Universal Drain Collar is also effective when dealing
with some newer type drains that are sometimes deeper and
thicker than traditional drains. Such drains require a larger
recess which use of our drain collar during casting can provide.
Protective Film:
Once a product leaves your plant, you have no control
over how it is treated. Parts can be scratched during transit
or damaged after installation by a careless contractor. It is
wise, therefore, to protect your products with protective film
Gruber West:
The last day for shipping will be
December 23rd. Shipping will resume on
January 3rd.
GruberEast and Gruber Dallas
Both facilities will be closed on
December 24th and December 31st. They will
ship on December 27th only. Regular shipping will
resume on January 3rd.
25636 Avenue Stanford " Valencia, CA 91355
dard pump for one low price.
GruberHydro provides a high quality whirlpool system
that you customers will enjoy for many years to come at a
lower price and with its outstanding upgrade options (polished brass, digital controls, heaters, etc.).
That was 1999! Now we move on to a new millenium…
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GruberNetwork.
Gruber Regional Offices:
GruberWest # (800) 257-4070
GruberDallas # (800) 257-4070
GruberEast # (800) 257-4070
Gruber Distributor List:
Advanced Plastics
Nashville, TN # (615) 350-6500 / (800) 321-0365
Knoxville, TN # (423) 690-0915 / (888) 690-0915
Pelham, AL # (205) 664-1429 / (888) 664-1429
Memphis, TN # (901) 365-4848 / (888) 387-4848
St. Louis, MO # (314) 725-0207
Ooltewah, TN # (423) 238-9303
Ashland FRP
Burnaby, BC # Canada # (604) 438-1341
Progress Plastics
Mississauga, Ontario # Canada # (905) 670-9490
Drummondville, Quebec # Canada
(819) 477-4516 # (800) 363-2000
Ribelin Sales
Tempe, AZ # (602) 894-9761
Seeman Fiberglass, Inc.
Harahan, LA # (504) 738-6035
Shreveport, LA # (318) 424-3081
Theodore, AL # (334) 653-5066
Gruber Systems, Inc.
25636 Avenue Stanford
Valencia, CA 91355
www.gruber-systems.com
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