Schlüter-DILEX-AKWS  Movement joint profile made of aluminium

Schlüter-DILEX-AKWS is a maintenance free movement profile for ceramic tile and natural stone coverings subjected to moderate mechanical stresses.

DILEX-AKWS provides secure edge protection in coverings with heavy foot traffic or used by lightweight conveyor vehicles. The trapezoid perforated lateral anchoring legs of aluminium are connected with a 6 mm soft movement zone of thermoplastic elastomer. The side sections of the profile provide effective edge protection for the surface covering.

Consequently, the smaller width absorbs relatively limited movements; this should be taken into account when evaluating the requirements for a specific application.

DILEX-AKWS assists in reducing the transmission of impact sound in coverings.

1. Select the profile according to the tile thickness and the method of installation. 
2. Apply tile adhesive to the area where the profile is to be installed, using a notched trowel. 
3. Firmly press the trapezoid-perforated anchoring leg of the DILEX-AKWS into the adhesive and align it. The profile must align directly with expansion and movement joints in the substrate below.
4. Trowel additional tile adhesive over the trapezoidal perforated anchoring leg to ensure full coverage. Trowel tile adhesive against the vertical anchoring legs at an angle.
5. Firmly press the adjoining tiles into the tile adhesive without a joint to the vertical profile leg in such a way that the upper profile edge is flush with the tile (the profile should not protrude over the surface of the covering, preferably, it should be approx. 1 mm below the top level of the covering). Full coverage must be obtained at the profile area. Always adjoin the uncut tile edge to the profile.
6. The tile is set laterally to the profile, which creates an evenly spaced joint of 1.5 mm.
7. Completely fill the space between the profile and tile with suitable jointing material.

Schlüter-DILEX-AKWS comprises two lateral aluminium carrier profiles with perforated anchoring legs. The movement zone consists of soft thermoplastic rubber with inserts made of a harder material.

Material properties and areas of application

The suitability of a proposed profile type must be verified based on the anticipated chemical, mechanical and/or other stresses.

The lateral aluminium anchoring legs are sensitive to alkaline media. Cementitious materials, in conjunction with moisture, become alkaline. Since aluminium is sensitive to alkaline substances, exposure to the alkali (depending on the concentration and time of exposure) may result in corrosion (aluminium hydroxide formation). In addition, ensure that the profile is solidly embedded in the setting material.