The revolutionary Q&E Shrink Fit plumbing system from Uponor has picked up one of Europe’s most prestigious design awards, beating over 4,500 products from 55 countries in the process.
Uponor’s Q&E unique design won the 2014 iF Design award for ‘Product Design – Buildings’, which was judged by a panel of 49 industry experts and designers from around the world, at BMW World, Munich.
Uponor’s Q&E Shrink Fit system is a revolutionary new jointing method, which was launched in the UK in 2013. The system, which is already the plumbing system of choice for the majority of European installers, has enjoyed a successful first year in the UK, with over 1,000 kits sold.
It relies on the shrink back effect of Uponor’s PEX pipe and fittings using a specialist Milwaukee tool to rapidly expand the diameter of the pipe and ring, which in turn shrinks back to secure the fitting. The subsequent joint becomes watertight within seconds.
The Q&E Shrink Fit system offers all the cost and installation benefits of push-fit in terms of speed of installation, as well as a new ergonomic design for easier handling, and easier identification with clear branding and dimension marking.
Mark Dowdeswell, Applications Manager – Plumbing at Uponor UK, comments: “The UK plumbing industry has often stuck to tried and tested jointing methods, such as copper or push-fit. Whilst there is no shame in being cautious, with Q&E we have introduced a third option which addresses the common pitfalls associated with traditional jointing methods, to allow the UK market to keep pace with its European counterparts.
“We have already received some great feedback from UK tradesmen, and to receive such an accolade at the iF Design Awards ahead of so many other products is a massive step forward in continuing our plumbing revolution.”
Uponor’s Q&E Shrink Fit system is suitable for a wide range of domestic and commercial applications. It can also be adapted to fit other heating systems.
Q&E is a comprehensive all-plastic plumbing system which includes a wide range of products such as couplings, reducers, elbows, tees, tap connectors and M/F threaded adaptors. It is also Water Regulations Advisory Scheme (WRAS) approved, ensuring it meets all criteria set out by UK water companies to provide peace of mind and confidence to installers, specifiers and end-users.
The iF Design Awards were founded in 1953 and are among the largest and most important international design awards. The iF label is recognised as a seal of quality known all over the world.
