Opening systems.

Comfortable access supporting safe object handling is a key function of a display case impacting areas as security, preventive conservation and handling.

The necessity for airtight and secure closing are further parameter which influence the choice of the specific opening system. Stress caused by different opening systems on the display case structures affect durability and can cause the need for maintenance. Spatial impediment of certain door movements restricts further the choice of an opening system in specific situations. Museum display case access systems are truly the functional heart of a display case.

Our range

Glasbau Hahn invented in the second half of the last century all major opening systems and refined them constantly. Our clients can choose between different systems which start with manual operated access reaching up to fully motorized solutions. Rotating, sliding, lifting and combined systems for glass hoods and single pane doors are covering the complete range of access possibilities.

Glasbau Hahn produces its own opening hardware and guarantees a life expectance of 25 years of basically maintenance free opening systems.

Interchangeability of systems

Our Museum consultants and our engineering team support you in the definition of the most adapted system for each display case and its specific needs as unrestricted access to the case interior for delicate exhibit insertion. Therefor most of our opening systems share the same technical compartment which allows interchangeability without affecting the look of the construction.

Special constructions.

The above makes it obvious that Glasbau Hahn with his engineering team is the specialist for custom-made/tailormade constructions including their opening systems.

Please feel free to contact us – we will be happy to advise you.

Display opening types.

Glasbau Hahn offers the following types from a standard solution till the specific application to special constructions caused by dimension, performance needs or by formal requests by our Clients.

All systems can be operated by one person only.

Ah1 mini standard

Articulated hinge glass top

Especially suitable for vertical-format doors or where is no space for a sliding door. The glass panel is normally supplied with concealed pivot hinges behind the top and bottom frames. These hinges enable the door to first open by moving forward and then turning to the side.

Ah2 standard

Articulated hinge light hood

Especially suitable for narrow doors or where there is no space for a sliding door. The glass panel is normally supplied with concealed articulated hinges behind the top and bottom frames. These hinges enable the door to first open by moving forward and then turning to the side.

M1 standard

Monorail system for glass tops

The 3-way glass door covers the opening of the full width of the display case. When open the door extends up to 60% (special 90%) of its length to the right or left. For interior access sufficient clear space is needed at least to one side of the case. Upon removing a safety stop, the door can be completely removed for the installation of large exhibits.

D1 standard

Duorail system with integrated light hood

Each sliding door comes forward at the top and bottom and can slide in front of adjacent glass doors or panels up to approximately 70% (special 90%) of its length. In the closed position all glass panels are in one plane. Glass edges between panels are protected with an unobtrusive seal.

Dt1 standard

Duotrack system where one glasses slides behind the other

Especially suitable for long, high or angled display case fronts requiring full access to the interior but with limited space at both sides. Here the glass doors slide one behind the other without side extension. In the closed position all the glass doors are under contact pressure in one plane. Glass edges between panels are protected with an unobtrusive seal.

L1 standard

Leporello system

VL1 standard

Vertical lifting system for glass hoods

The glass hood is lifted as a whole driven piston, one at each corner. This is a convenient solution for all glass hoods, allowing free access at all four sides.

S1 DIAG. standard

Split system for glass hoods

Designed for delicate and large exhibits which need maximum access. The display case is split vertically and diagonally in two parts. The glass corner elements move apart dividing the glass panels, while the base and light hood remain in place. The same system allows to open cases of two glass hoods joint vertically. The open case offers easy access to the interior from all sides.

PP1 standard

Pull and Push System

Designed for fragile, heavy and large exhibits that require maximum access. The display case is vertically divided into two glass hoods. Both glass hoods are pulled and slide horizontally away from the internal base, which remains in place.

DL1 standard

Horizontal “Drawer-like” pull and push system

Designed for delicate, heavy and large exhibits which need maximum access. The display case is split vertically in two parts. A glass pane with the object base which stays and a vertical glass hood which slides horizontally.

ST1 standard

Slide and turn system

For large free-standing display cases to be opened in one move with less stress on the statics of the case construction. The opening mechanism is based on the 3-way sliding door system, moving half way either to the right or the left. It then can pivot 90° around its own vertical axis, resulting in the glass panel being positioned parallel to the side of the case.

GR1 standard

Vertically or horizontally Gas strut supported rotation

This is the most common type for wall-hanging and table top cases available with a wide range of detailing. The hood is supported in the open position with a pair of gas struts and secured with a lid stay.

M standard

Manual opening system

A glass pane is only positioned by inserting it into a groove at the top and then lowering it into a recess in the base. The weight of the insertion glass pane limits the degree of application.