In this article we take a look at the composition of MB-86 EI. The MB-86 EI is a high-performance aluminium system engineered for external windows, doors, and partitions, offering versatile fire protection ranging from EI15 to EI60. Its robust three-chambered profile incorporates 42 or 43 mm thermal breaks and advanced EPDM gaskets for superior thermal insulation, while specialised GKF fire insulation inserts ensure rigorous fire safety. Additionally, the system provides enhanced security with RC2 burglary resistance, making it a comprehensive solution for demanding architectural requirements.
When it comes to modern architecture and construction, fire resistance is a critical consideration. MB-86 EI, a state-of-the-art fire rated aluminium system, when we look at the composition of MB-86 EI, it combines innovation and performance to meet stringent safety standards. It is designed to deliver exceptional fire resistance while maintaining the aesthetic and functional qualities demanded in contemporary building design for fire rated doors, fire rated aluminium windows, and fire rated glass partitions. In this blog post, we’ll delve into what makes up the MB-86 EI system, focusing on its key components: aluminium, insulation materials, and glass.
1. Aluminium Profiles: The Structural Backbone
The MB-86 EI system is built around aluminium profiles, which form the primary structural framework. Aluminium is widely favoured in construction for its lightweight properties, durability, and resistance to corrosion. In the case of MB-86 EI, these profiles are specially engineered to provide stability and support under high temperatures during a fire.
The composition of MB-86 EI: Key features of the aluminium profiles include:
- Thermal Breaks: These are integrated into the profiles to enhance energy efficiency and reduce thermal bridging.
- Strength: The aluminium framework is designed to resist deformation during exposure to high heat, ensuring the integrity of the system in fire situations.
- Customisation: The profiles are available in various sizes and shapes, allowing architects to achieve desired aesthetic and structural outcomes.
The precision-engineered aluminium profiles are anodized or powder-coated for additional durability and to match aesthetic preferences.
2. Insulation Materials: Fire Protection at Its Core
A defining feature of MB-86 EI is its use of advanced insulation materials that provide exceptional fire resistance. The insulation is integrated within the aluminium profiles and contributes to the system’s ability to contain and delay the spread of fire.
Key aspects of the insulation materials include:
- Fire-Resistant Fillers: High-performance intumescent materials are incorporated within the profiles. These fillers expand when exposed to high temperatures, creating a barrier that prevents the spread of flames and smoke.
- Thermal Insulation: Beyond fire resistance, the insulation improves the thermal efficiency of the system, making it suitable for energy-efficient buildings.
- Sealing Components: Specialised gaskets and seals enhance the fireproofing capabilities by maintaining airtight and watertight integrity even during extreme conditions.
The insulation materials are rigorously tested to comply with international fire safety standards, ensuring their reliability and performance under real-world conditions.
3. Glass: Strength, Clarity, and Protection
The glass used in MB-86 EI systems is another critical component that contributes to its fire-resistant properties. It combines advanced technology with high-grade materials to provide transparency, safety, and performance.
Key characteristics of the glass include:
- Fire Rated Glass: This specialised glass can withstand high temperatures for extended periods, providing critical time for building occupants to evacuate safely. It is often multilayered, incorporating a combination of tempered glass and fire-resistant interlayers.
- Impact Resistance: In addition to fire resistance, the glass offers enhanced strength to resist impacts and prevent shattering.
- UV and Thermal Control: Some variants include coatings to reduce UV radiation and improve energy efficiency without compromising fire resistance.
The glass is often framed within the aluminium profiles, creating a seamless and secure integration that balances safety with modern design aesthetics.
Advantages of MB-86 EI Components
By combining aluminium, insulation materials and glass, the composition of MB-86 EI provides a comprehensive solution for fire-resistant structures. Its advantages include:
- High Fire Resistance Ratings: The system can achieve fire resistance ratings of up to EI120, meaning it can maintain its integrity and insulation for up to 120 minutes in a fire.
- Energy Efficiency: The integration of thermal breaks and insulating materials enhances the overall energy performance of the system.
- Design Flexibility: The composition of MB-86 EI system means it is versatile, allowing for various configurations to suit different architectural requirements.
- Durability: The materials used in MB-86 EI are built to withstand not only fire but also everyday wear and tear, ensuring long-term reliability.
Conclusion
The Aluprof MB-86 EI system exemplifies the perfect blend of safety, performance, and design. Its aluminium profiles, advanced insulation materials, and fire rated glass work together to provide a robust solution for fire resistant construction. Whether for commercial, residential, or public buildings, MB-86 EI delivers the peace of mind that comes with knowing safety isn’t compromised.
Investing in high-quality, fire rated systems like MB-86 EI is not just about compliance – it’s about creating spaces that protect lives and property while embracing the aesthetics of modern architecture.
Understanding the Composition of MB-86 EI FAQs
What is the MB-86 EI system?
The MB-86 EI is a high-performance fire rated aluminium system engineered for external windows, doors, and glass partitions. It features a three-chambered profile with integrated thermal breaks and advanced insulation materials, delivering fire resistance classifications from EI15 to EI60. The system is fully compliant with EN 13501-2+A1 and is classified as non-fire spreading (NRO), making it a trusted choice for architects and contractors working on both commercial and residential projects.
What are the main components that make up the MB-86 EI system?
The MB-86 EI system is made up of three core components: precision-engineered aluminium profiles, advanced insulation materials and fire rated glass. The aluminium profiles form the structural backbone of the system, the insulation materials (including intumescent fillers and GKF fire insulation inserts) provide the fire barrier and the multi-layered fire rated glass ensures both integrity and heat insulation on the protected side.
What fire resistance ratings does the MB-86 EI achieve?
The MB-86 EI system can achieve fire resistance ratings ranging from EI15 up to EI60, depending on the configuration and glass specification selected. The “EI” classification means the system provides both Integrity (preventing flames and smoke from passing through) and Insulation (limiting heat transfer to the non-fire side), offering a higher level of protection than basic E-rated systems.
Read more on: Types of fire rated glass: E vs EI
What role do intumescent materials play in the MB-86 EI system?
Intumescent materials are a critical element of the MB-86 EI’s fire protection. When exposed to high temperatures, these fire-resistant fillers expand rapidly, creating a dense barrier that seals gaps and prevents flames, smoke and hot gases from breaching the protected side. This expansion is what allows the system to maintain its integrity rating throughout the duration of a fire event.
Why is aluminium used in the MB-86 EI rather than steel or uPVC?
Aluminium is used in the MB-86 EI because it maintains its structural shape under intense thermal stress, which is essential for keeping fire rated glass securely in place during a fire. Unlike uPVC, which lacks the stability required in flashover conditions and unlike steel, which is heavier and offers poorer thermal performance, aluminium provides the ideal combination of lightweight strength, corrosion resistance and slim sight lines without compromising fire safety performance.
What type of glass is used in the MB-86 EI system?
The MB-86 EI uses specialist fire rated glass, typically a multi-layered configuration combining tempered glass with an intumescent interlayer. When exposed to heat, this interlayer activates and turns into a solid opaque barrier, blocking both flames and radiant heat. This is what enables the system to achieve a full EI classification rather than a basic integrity (E) rating. Some glass variants also include UV and thermal control coatings to improve the overall energy efficiency of the window or door assembly.
How does the MB-86 EI compare to the MB-78 EI system?
The MB-86 EI is primarily designed for openable windows and external facade applications, whereas the MB-78 EI is the preferred system for our fire rated doors, fixed screens and internal or external partitions.
The MB-78 EI offers higher fire resistance ratings up to EI90 and is manufactured in the UK, which means faster lead times and tighter quality control. For most commercial and residential projects, the MB-78 EI is the recommended choice. However, where an openable fire rated window is specifically required as part of a smoke evacuation strategy, the MB-86 EI remains a viable option.