ALUPROF
Powders also come in various grades , all offer a long-life expectancy , but higher grades , or classes of powder offer greater colour fastness when subject to UV light and better gloss retention . Gloss can be lost as a result of airborne abrasion as well as UV degradation . Typically , we see Class 1 powders used in the UK with some high rise and prestigious projects opting for more resilient Class 2 powders . Class 3 powders are generally not used in the UK and are specified in harsher environments such as in the equatorial regions .
Powder coating can also be specified to accurately replicate anodised finishes . This option is more cost effective than anodising and offers a consistent shade across all profiles . Powder coating can also be supplied using a sublimation process which offers wood grain , stone or concrete effects , in fact virtually any texture can be created . The sublimation process is covered by a QUALIDECO licence which is part of the QUALICOAT label for special finishing .
finishes so are able to advise on the correct specification . By being aware of the potential issues that could be raised on what is the most visible aspect of an aluminium facade , the finish specification is crucial to a project being completed on time and in the right quality .
On a final point , it has been proven that not all aluminium composition is the same , especially as we begin to use more recycled content in our aluminium extrusions and this can effect the long term stability of the substrate . Trace and tramp elements present in alloys need to be carefully monitored as these can have an effect on the sustainability of the final coating . Fortunately , with today ’ s modern and accurate spectrometers the materials present in any alloy can be determined as well as the percentage of each material ’ s occurrence in the alloy as every type of alloy element has its own colour . Aluprof have very tight specifications as to what is acceptable in the bulk billet prior to extrusion to maximise a powder coated products life expectancy .
So , the answer certainly is a yes , on any project , the architectural powder coating needs to be specified clearly , not only for the visual aspect of the finish looking correct , but for the finishes ability to offer a long and sustainable life . Aluminium surface pretreatment or conversion coatings are crucial to this long-life expectancy . It is important to note that all powder coatings are porous and do let air and water vapour permeate through them , if a pretreatment process is poor or worse nonexistent , in time the aluminium substrate will oxidise and the powder coating will simply flake off .
Since setting up the Aluprof Office at the Business Design Centre in London , the company has rapidly grown their specification influence in the UK with their high-performance architectural aluminium systems . Further expansion of the company ’ s headquarters in Altrincham now provides specifiers with meeting facilities and an extensive showroom of commercial systems to view . With overseas growth across Europe spreading into the Middle East and firm roots already in the East of the USA , the company is becoming a global player in facade supply .
As a specifier , it is important to take advice , especially when powder coated items are being source from different manufacturers and suppliers . At Aluprof all our architectural advisors are experienced in both powder coating and anodised
Further information is available on the company ’ s website at aluprof . co . uk or direct from their UK head office in Altrincham on 0161 941 4005 .
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