HEWI MAG / Knowledge
The design icon System 111
System 111 from HEWI is a design icon among lever handles - the company from Bad Arolsen has written design history with it. The ergonomic shape and characteristic colours make System 111 a classic in architecture.
Long-lasting quality is ensured by the steel core inside as well as the sophisticated technology. Another characteristic feature is the glossy polyamide surface, which is still highly valued for its excellent properties. It makes every door a visual eye-catcher.
THE LEVER HANDLE SYSTEM 111: ADVANTAGES OF POLYAMIDE
It has been typical to use the plastic polyamide for building hardware since 1957. The great advantage is that both the material and the end product can be produced in just one working step. This takes the form of the polymerisation of granules, which are placed in a hollow mould. The System 111 lever handle has interesting features: Thanks to the polyamide, it is abrasion-resistant, chemically resistant, antistatic and easy to clean. The latter is particularly important for hygiene benefits. Polyamide is also available in many different colour variants; HEWI produces the 111 in a total of 16 colours. This means that you can always find the right colour to match the existing interior. If desired, the colour selection can also be used to deliberately set accents on the door.
The manufacturing process of the lever handle
Polyamide lever handles such as System 111 are usually cast at approx. 200 bar pressure. Unlike steel fittings, for example, the shiny surface is not created by polishing and grinding, but already by the manufacturing process. Polyamides are processed between 230 and 280 degrees. Combustible gases are only produced from about 450 degrees. This is why polyamide pushers are often used in places where there are high requirements for the fire resistance of products. Polyamide is not only a popular material for lever handles, but is also processed into fibres in large quantities. Polyamides are also among the most important engineering thermoplastics.
The manufacturing process of the lever handle
Polyamide pushers such as System 111 are usually cast at approx. 200 bar pressure. Unlike steel fittings, for example, the shiny surface is not created by polishing and grinding, but already by the manufacturing process. Polyamides are processed between 230 and 280 degrees. Combustible gases are only produced from about 450 degrees. This is why polyamide pushers are often used in places where there are high requirements for the fire resistance of products. Polyamide is not only a popular material for door handles, but is also processed into fibres in large quantities. Polyamides are also among the most important engineering thermoplastics.
Influence of the Bauhaus style
The 111 is still very popular today - over 50 years after its development. Almost everyone will have held a System 111 lever handle in their hand at some point. Its high popularity is due to its contemporary, timeless design and its formal language reduced to the essentials. The conscious handling of colour connects System 111 strongly with the Bauhaus. Bauhaus stands for vision and free spirit. Art and technology form a unity in the Bauhaus philosophy. Initially influenced by Expressionism and the De Stijl movement, the Bauhaus designers sought new techniques and forms. New production methods were developed and new materials were used. With the 111, HEWI has written a piece of architectural history: Designed by Rudolf Wilke in 1969, System 111 still convinces numerous architects and planners today. It has been copied many times and yet the original - especially in terms of quality - has never been equalled. Those who know System 111 also know about its quality differences compared to other products. An unmistakable feature of System 111 is the hidden HEWI embossing. This is found at the end of the lever handle facing the door panel. The embossing is easy to feel with the fingers. The number below the hidden HEWI lettering indicates the diameter of the lever handle.
System 111 stands out due to its variety of materials
In 2019 - 50 years after its development - HEWI dedicated a re-edition to System 111. Since then 111 has been available in the matt edition with two different fastening techniques. On the one hand the mini rosette and the flat rosette in bicolour version. In addition, System 111 is also available in the matt stainless steel variant. The different material options, high functionality and selected colours make System 111 a design icon among lever handles. The comprehensive range allows you to use the 111 in a variety of ways.
