What does it mean to be a Grad® partner?
Being a Grad® partner means joining a network of manufacturers capable of producing a groove on their Boards that complies with the technical requirements of the Grad® system.
To meet these requirements, several methods of creating the groove are available, depending on each partner’s equipment and manufacturing processes.
To guarantee the compatibility and quality of the system, the Boards as well as the grooves produced are inspected according to criteria defined by Grad®. Following these inspections, a certificate is issued to the partner, attesting to compliance with Grad® requirements. This certificate is valid for 1 year and can be renewed through a simple inspection.
This partnership makes it possible to offer Boards compatible with the Grad® invisible fastening system, while ensuring consistent quality and reliability.
How to become a partner?
Would you like to offer decking or cladding Boards compatible with the Grad® system? Contact our team! Depending on your material (wood or composite), production volumes, and manufacturing process, we will direct you to the most suitable grooving solution among the four options. Once the solution is defined, our teams support you through the various adjustments and fine-tuning steps to achieve a grooved Board that meets the requirements of the Grad® system. Upon validation, we issue you the Grad® certificate of compliance, allowing you to market your Boards as compatible with our system.
3 ways to make the groove
Depending on the material and the manufacturing process of the Boards, three methods make it possible to obtain a groove complying with Grad® requirements.
Two solutions are suitable for wooden Boards, while a specific method is used for composite Boards. Each process meets the same precision and quality requirements to guarantee perfect compatibility with the Grad® system.
Gipi
The GIPI is a profiling machine specifically designed to create the Grad® groove in wooden Boards. The Board is mechanically fed through the machine, where milling tools precisely machine the groove along its entire length, according to the dimensions and geometry required by the Grad® system. This process ensures a consistent and fully compliant groove while guaranteeing fast and repeatable production.
- High precision
- Production consistency
- Productivity
- Dedicated solution
- Integration into industrial production
Obtaining certification with the Gipi
Initial contact
Contact our Design Office to discuss your project to become a Grad® partner
Pre-feasibility study
Our Design Office will examine the feasibility of the groove on your Boards.
Manufacturer connection
The feasibility of the groove on your Boards is approved, we put you in touch with the machine manufacturer.
Order and design
Your Gipi order has been placed; the machine will be manufactured and then delivered to your company, where it will be configured.
Configuration and certification
Your new Gipi is configured and operational for creating Grad® grooves. The certificate of compliance will then be issued to you.
Promotion
Now that you are certified, Grad® will be able to refer its customers to you, and you will also have a presence on our website.
Milling
Milling makes it possible to create the Grad® groove directly in decking or cladding Boards using a milling machine equipped with a suitable tool. This method offers high flexibility and is particularly suited to small production runs or manufacturers who already have machining equipment. Tool settings make it possible to obtain a groove compliant with Grad® system requirements, provided that the defined dimensions and tolerances are strictly observed.
- Suitable for small and medium production runs
- Relatively simple implementation
- Accessible solution
- Lower productivity
Obtaining certification with milling
Initial contact
Contact our Design Office to discuss your project to become a Grad® partner
Pre-feasibility study
Our Design Office will examine the feasibility of the groove on your Boards.
Sending the kit
The feasibility of the groove on your Boards is approved. A milling kit and a quality control guide will be sent to you.
Certification
The grooved Board is validated. The certificate of compliance is issued to you.
Promotion
Now that you are certified, Grad® will be able to refer its customers to you, and you will also have a presence on our website.
Extrusion
The extrusion process allows the Grad® groove to be integrated directly into the profile of composite or aluminium Boards right from manufacturing. The material is heated and then pushed through a die that gives it its final shape, with the groove and other profile features directly integrated. This solution offers high precision and excellent consistency, while being particularly well suited for large-scale industrial production.
- Groove integrated directly into the profile
- Excellent precision
- High consistency
- Time savings
Obtaining certification with extrusion
Initial contact
Contact our Design Office to discuss your project to become a Grad® partner
Board design
The die is created with the integrated groove. A Board is sent back to Grad® for examination.
Certification
The grooved Board is validated. The certificate of compliance is issued to you.
Promotion
Now that you are certified, Grad® will be able to refer its customers to you, and you will also have a presence on our website.
Documentation
The commercial benefits of being a Grad® partner
Becoming a Grad® partner allows Board manufacturers to add value to their product range by offering products compatible with a recognized and proven fastening system. This compatibility is a strong selling point for distributors, installers, and customers seeking invisible fastening solutions for decking or cladding. Becoming a partner also allows companies to differentiate themselves from competitors, expand their product range, and access new business opportunities by meeting the needs of projects requiring Boards compliant with Grad® system standards. Technical support and Board certification ultimately provide a guarantee of compatibility and quality, building trust with both clients and professionals.
