What is a KD frame?

Knock Down (KD) frames: KD frames are designed, manufactured and supplied with integral miters which include all notches, interlocking corner tabs and slots to allow for field assembly and do not require corer welding prior to installation. When KD frames are used, corner welding is optional and when specified. The terms KD and Knock Down are used interchangeably. Frame series which are available as KD are:

1. DW and K-Series
2. F and FN-Series
3. FE-Series
4. MU-Series

Welded (SUA) frames: Welded frames are designed, manufactured and supplied with either square cut/notched corners or with (saw or die) miters and may or may not have connection tabs and slots. These frame designs must be welded (at the factory or by a distributor) prior to installation. The term SUA (Setup and Arc Welded) is a Steelcraft acronym and is interchangeable with welded. Frame series which are available as Welded are:

1. F and FN-Series
2. FE and DE-Series
3. MU-Series

KD versus Welded options: General guidelines in which frames are supplied KD or welded are as follows:

1. Three (3) sided frames - generally supplied from the factory as KD. Exceptions:
• Frame size or profile, hardware, opening configurations and applications
• Specifications or POs requiring factory welding
2. Elevation (transom and/or side light) frames - generally supplied unassembled for assembly and welding by a distributor.
• Refer to the solution on KD or Welded transom and/or Side Light or Panel frames found here.