Sapa’s design manual keeps lead

Sapa has updated and published the fifth edition of its aluminium extrusion Design Manual. While the paper version remains the most popular in the industry, interest in the new electronic “app” is growing.

Since Sapa added its Design Manual in Apple’s app store and on Google Play in February 2014, nearly 1,300 users have followed up and downloaded the app. The company’s aim has been to develop a new channel to reach customers, architects, designers, engineers and the students who are eager to learn more about aluminium and aluminium profiles.

The Design Manual also is available in a “light” version on Sapa’s extrusion-specific web sites. This version has proven popular as well, with 7,500 unique users recorded through the end of October.

Sapa updates Design ManualThe app is accessible in nine languages: English, Danish, Dutch, French, German, Italian, Polish, Swedish and Spanish. Most downloads have originated from countries in the European Union and North America. In addition, downloads from new users in Asia and Africa have been registered.

Industry bible
The Design Manual has been a strong tool in communicating the possibilities in using aluminium profiles. Initially published in 1980, the manual underlines Sapa’s commitment to innovative aluminium solutions and to raising the knowledge level about extruded aluminium within the industry.

“Our Design Manual has become the ‘bible’ in the extrusion industry – even our competitors use it – because the information covers the most important topics and because it is current,” says Executive Vice President John Thuestad, responsible for Sapa’s European extrusion organization.

“More industries and applications are substituting materials like steel and copper with aluminium, and this kind of information supports the trend. We want to be the best aluminium solutions company in the world. Offering tools like Sapa’s Design Manual is one of the ways we can succeed.”

Technical training
The company provided more than 15,000 hours of technical training last year alone to participants worldwide. Most is offered free of charge to designers, technicians, engineers, product developers and architects across all industries. Only in a handful of countries in Europe are participants required to pay a small fee according to government regulations.

The tutoring takes place in Sapa’s Profile Academy. The events typically last two full days and have been organized in more than 20 countries in Asia, the Americas and Europe. This year’s program has included more tailored sessions than in previous years.