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Architecture is the learned game, correct and magnificent, of forms assembled in the light.
-- Le Corbusier |
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or Double Glazing is described as two or more lites of glass spaced apart and hermetically sealed to form a single glazed unit with an air gap between each lite.
As the name suggests, the most important function of and IGU is to improve the thermal performance of glass when used in architectural applications. It is common to find two panel of glass and they are therefore also referred to as double glazing units. Triple glazing are rare but serve their owners well in very cold climates. Insulated glazing may be framed in a sash or frame. IGU made of glass is called insulated glass.
A more technically correct term, though, is insulating glass, since the glass itself has no insulative properties. It is actually the air space between the glass layers (lites) that provides the insulative qualities. The air space between the lites may be filled with air or an inert gas like argon or krypton which would provide better insulating performance.
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Typically the spacer is filled with Desiccant to prevent condensation and improve insulating performance. (Desiccant is a hygroscopic substance that induces or sustains a state of dryness (desiccation) in its local vicinity in a well sealed container.) Less commonly, most of the air is removed, leaving a partial vacuum, which drastically reduces heat transfer through convection and conduction. This is called evacuated glazing. Often the insulating quality is used in reference to heat flow where the gap between glazed sheets is the insulating medium. The air gap between the panes is generally between 8mm to 22mm thick. |
The thickness has a substantial impact on the insulating properties. A 16mm air gap is considered the optimum thickness and is usually recommended by most users. Insulated glass may not be cut to size in the field like plate glass but must be manufactured to the proper size in a shop equipped with special equipment.
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- Spacer performs the role of keeping the glass panes apart as well acts as a housing for the desiccant.
- Desiccant or the drying agent performs the most important role in an IGU; that of absorbing the moisture from the hermetically sealed space.
- Silicon Sealant is applied on the outside of the unit. It performs several roles, chief among them of providing structural strength.
- Butyl Sealant is the first line of defence for the hermetic seal.
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There are many benefits of utilizing insulated window and door products in your home. They not only lower one’s energy costs, but also make homes cozier by improving comfort, decreasing condensation, as well as, diminish the effects of fading. Insulated units are also highly effective in reducing unwanted sound transmission.
In the summer, heat is transmitted through the glass and is absorbed by the walls, furniture, floors, etc. By using window and door products with a low solar heat gain coefficient, the solar radiation coming into one’s home is decreased. This reduces the amount of heat entering the home, thereby improving one’s homes’ comfort level and lessening the amount of energy needed for cooling during warm weather months. Moreover, during the cooler seasons, or in mountain climates insulated products create warmer interior glass surfaces, reducing frost and condensation from forming.
Another benefit is that during daylight hours, sunlight is transmitted through the glass and is absorbed by the walls, furniture and flooring. Many materials, such as carpet, curtains, upholstery, artwork and wood may fade upon exposure to sunlight. Window glass selection influences the type and intensity of ultraviolet (UV) rays, which causes fading and degradation.
The heat and sound insulation of glazing may also be improved through the use of a film or coating applied to its surface. This film is typically made of polyester or metal, and may give a reflective appearance and one-way mirror effect to the window, and may improve both heat and sound insulation. This may be used on single-glazed windows as an alternative to insulated glazing, or on the outside layer of insulated glazing to further improve its effectiveness. Such coatings may reduce fading of fabric and improve safety in the case of breakage.
Secondary glazing is sometimes used as a cheaper alternative. This consists of a layer of glazing placed retrofitted inside the window, to provide sound and heat insulation. Plastic sheet may be used for heat insulation, but may only last for one season.
Key Performance Requirements
Thermal Insulation: The primary reason for using IGUs is to cut down on thermal heat coming from outside. Thermal insulation primarily depends upon the dryness of the air inside the IGU, as well as the quality of the hermetic seal. Working Principle: IGUs work on the principle of reducing conduction and convection heat transfer across the unit. Dry air is a poor conductor of heat. Due to the air-gap, the conducted heat through glass is reduced significantly as it reaches the second pane.
Structural Strength: IGUs are typically extremely heavy. For example a 2m x 1m IGU using 6mm +4 mm glass weighs around 60 kg. Additionally in certain applications like structural glazing, IGUs often act as structural members of the building. It is paramount that the strength (direct and shear strength) of IGUs is maintained. This strength is primarily a function of the type of spacers, number of spacer joints, type of spacer joints (corner joints Vs side joints), type & quality of the secondary sealant, and adequate quantity of the secondary sealant.
Fogging IGU’s: Provide better protection against fogging than a single pane of glass. However, IGU’s made without proper quality control, poor desiccant filling practices, inadequate quantities or incorrect type of desiccants, or a poor hermetic seal are more prone to fogging.
Key quality areas
Appropriate Type & Quantity of desiccant: Desiccants perform the most important role of absorbing moisture and keeping the air inside the IGU’s dry. The glass processor must use the correct type and quantity of drying agent inside the IGU. Not using the correct quantity or type of desiccant is one of the ways for a glass processor to significantly cut costs by cutting corners.
Appropriate Type & Quantity of Desiccant: The main issue is that the drying agent should never make contact with ambient air during the process of filling the desiccant inside the spacers. As soon as the desiccant makes contact with air, it starts absorbing moisture reducing life cycle performance.
Number of joints in the Spacers: Ideally the spacer should have no joints. Joint-less spacers are structurally stronger. However, cost & performance tradeoffs require that an automatically bent spacer system in a single piece assembly with one side joint be used. Many processors use 4 corner joints for the spacers. This reduces the structural shear strength of IGU’s. The practice is not allowed by many European standards.
Enclosed Environment: IGU’s should be made in an enclosed & conditioned environment; ideally at a relative humidity of less than 62% and an ambient temperature of less than 24 C. This prevents excess moisture being absorbed by the IGU’s during production, as well as prevents dust from entering the units.
Secondary Sealant Quantity: The secondary sealant along with the spacer provides the unit with rigidity. The gap between the spacer and the edge of the glass pane that controls the amount of secondary sealant to be filled should be appropriate for the size of the insulated glass unit.
Equipment: IGUs should be made using the proper IGU manufacturing line. A manually made IGU by sticking 2-panes together will not perform over the lifecycle of glazing.
Spacer Thickness: All our IGUs are made in accordance with local requirements and exceed the expectations of our customers and specifiers. 6, 8, 10, 12, 15, 18, 24mm available in stock.
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Float Glass |
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Is the most cost effective option because the features of this type of glass are rather basic. Float glass refers to a completely flat plane of clear glass. The term float is derived from the production method, and this type of glass is also often referred to as flat glass.
More info on double glazed float glass
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Toughened Glass |
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Also known as tempered glass, it is a type of safety glass that has increased strength and will usually shatter in small, square pieces when broken. It is used when strength, thermal resistance and safety are important considerations. At home you are likely to find toughened glass in the shower and sliding glass patio doors. For commercial structures, it is used in unframed assemblies such as frameless doors, structurally loaded applications and where there is a danger of human impact. Toughened glass is typically four to six times the strength of annealed glass.
Get the answers on your questions on double glazed toughened glass on this page
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Laminated Glass |
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Is a sandwich made of one thin layer of plastic Poly Vinyl Butyral between two or more sheets of glass. The PVB sticks with the glass, forms chemical as well as mechanical bonds. When laminated with annealed glass, the layer maintains the geometric integrity of the pane in case of breakage.
Also, it gives acoustic insulation as well as providing protection against damage caused due to UV radiation because it cuts almost 99% of UV radiation present in the sunlight.
Read more on double glazed laminated glass
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Tinted Glass |
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Ordinary tinted glass is popular because it reduces heat gain and carbon emmissions, although it also marginally reduces visible light transmission. High Performance or Low-e tinted glass or spectrally selective tinted glass reduces solar heat gain to below that of ordinary bronze/ gray tint but has a visible transmittance closer to clear glass. The tint has little effect on the U-factor but reduces solar gain considerably, which can reduce the need for air conditioning in the summer. Tinted glass is useful in controlling glare - especially for those windows facing east or north east. Return the sunlight not glare into your home.
Continued on the double glazed tinted glass page
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Low E Glass |
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Low-e glass brings out the best that technology has to offer for improving your views and comfort! A cool, metal oxide coating is applied to clear or tinted glass, so that the appearance and performance are the same regardless of glass thickness. Low-e glass is recommended by many energy efficiency experts as a result of high performance combined with aesthetics. Low-E glass typically cost about 15% more than ordinary glass, but they reduce energy use by as much as 30-50%, by using most of the heat gain in winter but keep the harmful UV rays out during the summer, and when used in insulated glass units - can have even better benefits.
For hot climates, low-E coating should be applied to the outside pane of glass. If the windows are designed to provide heat energy in the winter and keep heat inside the house typical of cold climates, the Low-E coating will maximise benefit by being on the inside pane of glass.
A complete guide for double glazed low e glass can be found here
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Glass Warranty |
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Irrespective of the type of glass you choose for your windows and doors, you will be reassured of high quality through our warranty committment to you. All the glass we use in our windows and doors comply with Australian standards. We will repair or replace the insulated glass unit found to be defective within the applicable period and in accordance with the purchase contract.
A complete guide for double glazed glass warranty can be found here
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Double Glazed Windows in Sydney |
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Awning Window |
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Double Glazed Awning Windows allow the window sash to swing outward rather than inward or up and down, so they can be located in may places around the home and easily arranged next to other window types. The awning window is the ideal window type for homes in the temperate climate zone, or homes that are positioned to take advantage of natural ventilation or breeze. Double Glazed Awning windows are made with compression and weather seal and provide higher air-tightness, energy-efficiency and acoustic insulation than other window types such as sliding and double-hung windows. Double Glazed Awning windows have a variety of applications due to their versatility and durability, and are particularly attractive option for contemporary homes because our Awning windows are manufactured locally to an indisputably imposing standard, impressing even the most discerning clientele.
Extra information about double glazed awning window can be found here
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Sliding Window |
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Our Double Glazed Windows are more than just apertures for light and ventilation - they can be a major spectacle offering a connection to heaven and earth. Functional, intelligent and convenient are the defining characteristics of our Double Glazed Sliding Windows. All our windows are quipped with high quality hardware for effortless opening and closing enhance all these aspects. We combine efficient technology for Double Glazed Sliding Windows with sophisticated design creating that indispensable convenience for your home. Popular with contemporary homes, our Sliding system offers additional benefit of saving space and when used with mirrored glass, can even serve as a room divider for guest privacy.
Read more on double glazed sliding window
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Casement Window |
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Casement windows are an excellent choice for consumers concerned with acoustic, thermal and safety performance. The difference is obvious at a glance - the frame and sash look sturdy and substantial when compared to ordinary aluminium and wooden windows. You can have a beautifull home, but if you install inexpensive windows, the strucure of the home can feel cheaply built.
Extra information about double glazed casement window can be found here
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Tilt & Slide Door |
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Our Double Glazed Doors are more than just apertures for light and ventilation - they can be a major spectacle offering a connection to heaven and earth. With the right advice about placement and size, our Double Glazed Tilt and Slide Doors can improve comfort, utilize daylight and natural ventilation for improvement in overall health and well being. Window Factory Tilt and Slide Doors are the most innovative and attractive deck/ garden or balcony doors available. Not only do they boast the tilt option of other popular styles, but the Tilt and Slide Doors were also designed to maintain our reputation for high performance.
Extra information about double glazed tilt & slide door can be found here
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Bifold Door |
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Embrace the beauty and sophistication of our Bifold Double Glazed Door carefully crafted with uncompromising expertise and unsurpassed quality The Double Glazed Doors are the ideal choice for the aspiring or an expert entertainer, offering an awe inspiring effect of an unobstructed opening onto a pool deck, garden, private beach, bushland or conservatory. The superior performance features are maintained in this style, offering acoustic insulation of upto 40 dB, with excellent energy efficiency rating measured by a u-value of 1.8, all while being corrosion resistant and environmentally friendly.
For a detailed discussion on the subject of double glazed bifold door click here
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Tilt & Turn Window |
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Every day we face tough new challenges and innovate according to our clients' needs and desires, leaving a lasting impression on everyone with our Double Glazed Windows. The most versatile and flexible window that retains its popularity through the changing trends in architecture and interior design is the Double Glazed Tilt & Turn window, which adapts to the users intention to ventilate, clean or insulate through unique hardware and security features. As well as the possibility of opening inwards or outwards, by turning the handle, clients will have the option to tilt the window inside slightly and ventilate or clean the window easily. And of course, for extraordinary performance in acoustic and thermal insulation for full control of the environment inside your home, you will be close it shut and lock it indefinitely for extra security.
For more information double glazed tilt & turn window
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French Door |
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Make a grand entrance to your outdoor living area and impress your family and friends with our traditional and carefully crafted Double Glazed French Doors that add charm and elegance to any home! Double Glazed French Doors open and close like conventional doors, and with an outswing design can save interior space, where it is limited. Combine with a wheelchair accessible threshold, a sidelight/ fixed panel or colonial bars that add the classic look of divided light, and Double Glazed French Doors will become a stunning feature of your home!
Supplementary advice on double glazed french door
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Composite Door |
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The Composite Door is gaining in popularity with great speed for clients wanting noise insulation, strength, durability and security. All our Composite Doors contain a solid interior, which is made with reinforced materials, allowing our clients to gain increased security over even a solid wooden door, and will no doubt keep the insurance provider pleased. Composite doors are extremely strong, so they don't buckle, dent or warp, because they are designed to look better and provide more security for a longer period, than wooden or glass alternatives, yet they are very price competitive. The surface contains a glass reinforced polymer material and will not fade or lose colour. Additional feature includes advanced properties that shield from the weather, to ensure you have value for money in a door that lasts for decades, not just a few years.
Get all the facts on double glazed composite door
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Fixed Window |
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Continuity, refinement and reflection of light will bring out the many benefits by the use of our Double Glazed Fixed Panels. They are cost efficient and offer the ultimum level of high performance in acoustic and noise insulation, since they are non-openable. Our approach deals with important aspects of architecture - the cultural and the natural environment. Combine together with other window and door types to allow the play of light and shadow in your home, or for breathtaking surrounding view, and improve the energy efficiency, sound insulation and comfort qualities in your home. Fixed panels have universal appeal and can be used in any style of home! They are environmentally friendly since they are recyclable and contribute to reduction in carbon emissions.
Get all the facts on double glazed fixed window
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Casement Door |
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The Casement Double Glazed Door is essentially a single panel double glazed hinged door that has one panel swinging in or out. This style is our best performing Double Glazed Door against wind, rain, fire, and even snow, the casement style is energy efficient and practical, which will have an instant impact on your home. This product is suitable for both internal and external uses and is also available for specialised commercial and architectural applications.
Greater detail on double glazed casement door can be found here
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Double Brick |
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Awning windows have both federation and contemporary architecture applications. Our windows are more than just apertures for light and ventilation - they can be a major spectacle offering a connection to heaven and earth. With the right advice about placement and size, our windows can improve comfort, utilize daylight and natural ventilation for improvement in overall health and well being.
Get the answers on your questions on double glazed double brick on this page
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Climate Control |
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The power of the sun is generally underestimated. In one home, we measured 7kW of solar energy per hour on a sunny day in January, which is enough to some of your home appliances including air conditioners and heaters. This means that the same amount of energy is heating your home as you are using on an appliance to cool it! Upto 40% of heat or cold, depending on the season, can be escaping your home through badly insulated windows. Would you buy an appliance if you were told it could only operate at 60% capacity? And yet if your windows and doors have an inadequate u value score, you could be undermining your efforts to cool/ heat your home. Double Glazed Windows and Doors offer full control of your surroundings through a tight weather seal to insulate your home and make it energy efficient.
Extra information about double glazed climate control can be found here
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Chemical Compatibility |
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Chemical stability is very common among substances containing halogens such as chlorine and fluorine. This applies to PVC resins, which also possess fire retarding properties, durability, and oil/chemical resistance. Plastic double glazed windows and doors have a versatility that helps people meet the various needs of modern architecture. In addition to new projects, vinyl double glazed windows and doors are also widely used in refurbishment where it often replaces traditional materials such as metals and wood. Examine all the facts on double glazed chemical compatibility page.
To obtain additional information on double glazed chemical compatibility
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Replacement |
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Installation of replacement double glazed windows and doors or for new constructions includes removal but not disposal of existing windows, and includes glazing, which involves fitting glass into the frame.
If you hired a builder to manage the installation, but they are unfamiliar with upvc, we provide consulting services to ensure the windows installation is trouble free.
To obtain additional information on double glazed replacement
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Hardware |
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Double Glazed Windows and Doors uses only quality hardware. Maco Secure guarantees the performance of their double glazed upvc window and door hardware against break-in through failure of their products. Should in the unlikely event of a break-in through the double glazed window hardware Maco Secure will re-imburse any insurance excesses up to a maximum. Get the answers on your questions on double glazed hardware on this page.
Examine all the facts on double glazed hardware page
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Delivery Areas |
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Delivery of double glazed windows, doors and products within 100km of the Sydney Metropolitan Region does not attract a fuel surcharge. If your order is comprised of only a few double glazing items, we can operate a multi drop delivery system to save you money. This method allows us to service multiple customers in the same area who share the truck and the delivery cost. This is optional and customers who have urgent needs for delivery of their double glazed upvc windows and doors can always opt for a direct delivery. Check the Delivery Schedule page for more information.
Get the answers on your questions on double glazed delivery areas on this page
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Stress Free Installation |
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Your satisfaction is of paramount importance to us and we do all we can to ensure a trouble free installation and operation for many years to come. It is easy for us because we are supremely confident that our windows and doors will withstand the test of time even in a harsh environment because we use materials of unsurpassed quality. Knowledge, experience and ingenuity identify our technicians who are experts in their field. We constantly serve customers whose problems were rejected by our competitors due to being 'too hard' or 'impossible'! Whether it is a new construction or a renovation, you can expect the windows and doors to be designed, manufactured and installed in a timely, efficient and clean manner.
Extra information about double glazed stress free installation can be found here
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BASIX Compliance |
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With greater concerns about the environmentally detrimental methods and materials of traditional building practices, the government introduced special measures to minimise the long term impact on the environment. By using our products in your home, you will improve the rating of your home, because double glazing rates higher than single glazing in analysis and pvc rates higher than aluminium in terms of thermal performance. In addtion, consider strategic placement of windows and doors to maximise natural light but limit the exposure to midday summer sun, by utilising shade from nearby trees, other buidings, orientation, area and other factors.
More info on double glazed basix compliance
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Delivery Schedule |
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Double Glazed Windows and Doors strive to deliver your order of double glazed pvc products in the shortest possible time to maintain high standards of service and efficiency. Normally delivery occurs 2-6 weeks after order, at an agreed date, however delivery times are dependent on size & complexity of your order as well as your location. Customers are also welcome to make their own arrangements to pick up the double-glazed windows and doors from our pvc window and door manufacturing facility.
Supplementary advice on double glazed delivery schedule
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Supplementary |
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Rehau double glazed window and door systems are enhanced by a large range of ancillary profiles including sills, and angled head drips, square baypoles and couplers as well as frame extensions, ensuring a fully compatible and integrated solution and an easier fit for any double glazing applications. The features built into the double glazed window and door profiles will not only guarantee many years of high performance, but each system has been engineered to ensure maximum efficiency, thus providing you with considerable energy savings and a total peace of mind.
Get all the facts on double glazed supplementary
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