Surface World February 2020 Surface World February 2020 | Page 8

QUALICOAT UK & IRELAND QUALICOAT’s Global Influence Across the globe, QUALICOAT continues to increase in membership as the independent QUALICOAT standard is clearly one of the most successful global standards available when specifying architectural aluminium coatings. As London is seen as the global architectural hub, the QUALICOAT standard is widely specifi ed and provides architectural powder coating to the same standard and quality virtually anywhere across the globe. So who is QUALICOAT? The standard, now in its 16th Edition, is produced by a member association which is located in Zurich. Not under the influence of any country or government, the independent association draws it membership mainly from powder manufacturers, metal pretreatment LIVE 2020 6 systems companies and architectural powder coating applicators located worldwide. These members work closely together in working groups, in conjunction with independent test houses, to continually develop and push the boundaries of quality finishes for architectural aluminium. As a result, the various working groups produce research papers are then updated into the current QUALICOAT Standard, the standard is then freely distributed and available on the QUALICOAT website. Membership of the association is limited to companies who can demonstrate that they possess the necessary equipment and testing regimes that allow them to produce a quality product which meets the current QUALICOAT Standard. Independent test houses are appointed to undertake audits of potential members who wish to demonstrate compliance. All QUALICOAT Members are Licenced Once licenced it is crucial for the maintenance of the standard that all members of the association are independently inspected on a regular basis to ensure that they continue to meet the requirement of the current standard. Furthermore, a powder coat applicator will need to demonstrate that they are using powders and pretreatment systems from licenced QUALICOAT suppliers. QUALICOAT - A simple specifi cation As a specifier, to ensure that the coatings on your project are provided to the highest standard, simply specify QUALICOAT, state the location of the project and the supplier of the coatings will then ensure the correct system is supplied for the project. Powder classes can also be specified for prestigious projects, typically Class 1 powders are used in the UK but we are seeing more robust powders being specified for longer life expectancies and now often see Class 2 powders widely specified. Aluminium pretreatment systems are equally as important and their quality of application is crucial to the longevity of the applied powder coating. To expand on the specification speak to your licenced applicator who can be found on the QUALICOAT website. Copies of the sixteenth edition of the QUALICOAT Standard, is available through the UK Association website, www.qualicoatuki.org together with an up-to-date list of licenced Powder Suppliers, licenced Pretreatment Suppliers and licensed Applicators. Printed literature and telephone support is available from QUALICOAT UK & Ireland Head Offi ce in Birmingham on 0330 236 2800 or email [email protected]. The Association can also be followed on Twitter @Qualicoatuki Surface World Live 2020 is being held in Hall 9 at the NEC in Birmingham on the 18th & 19th March 2020. We look forward to seeing you at the show! - we have everything covered SHOW GUIDE 2020 Your industry under one roof over two days. twitter: @surfaceworldmag