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10th Sept 07 Surface world Exhibition 2007 Powdertech Architectural and automotive finishing will be highlighting its Chromate-Free, environmentally friendly powder coating solutions at this years Surface world exhibition at the Birmingham NEC during November. Highlighting coating solutions for Syntha Pulvin guarantees of up to 40 years, over 200 stock colours, large capacity automated processing plant, a range of high technology and bespoke finishes all new for 2008. The company has responded to market demand with a range of eco friendly solutions to meet the growth in sustainability through research and investment. With legislation, public awareness, financial constraints and a growing desire for both improved quality and lifespan, solutions for Aluminium, steel, zinc and magnesium are now all available. Powdertech is Keronite’s UK Architectural partner having the world’s largest production plant. Product development and technical research are key to this partnership and applications are constantly reviewed in other sectors such as general industrial and Automotive. Having such high capacity and being totally heavy metal free the company is working toward attaining ISO 14001 to expand the range of benefits provided too its already lucrative client list. Companies working on development with powdertech include Aston Martin, Jaguar and Fosters Architects to name but a few. Visit the company at Surface world between the 6th to 8th November on stand 208 and see what answers we can provide for your next project challenge.
2nd Oct 2007
40 year guarantees and reductions in environmental impact
The bright future of powder coating in architecture
With the future welfare of our planet and sustainable technology ever more in the forefront of our minds, it’s increasingly important morally and socially to build into our designs and products ecological safeguards for future generations. No subject is affecting industry and architecture more.
From initial concept, environmental factors need to be balanced along with functionality and aesthetics in the way that we shape the modern world. We strive to reduce our carbon footprint by more efficient use of energy, we recycle products to avoid landfill and ground contamination, and we build better and ever more durable products with longer life cycles to increase efficiency. All of this so that we can reduce the damage caused and extend the life of our limited natural resources.
Architecture has an important role to play with all of these aspects along with other industries that are taking up the challenge. July 2007 was the deadline in the UK for the automotive industry to remove certain chromates from its products as part of the end of life vehicle directive. Over 85% of Aluminium is now recycled and heavy metals when a vehicle is scrapped and recycled were causing contamination of the food chain and ultimately reaching humans. This has been a main focus of the industry for a number of years and is set to achieve ever more rigid controls and regulations in the future.
Worryingly the very same contamination issues are faced in the architectural sector but little has been done or publicised about the issues. Chrome metal pre-treatments are still used in the vast majority of architectural aluminium coating preparation and these are similar to the treatments now banned by the automotive industry.
Pre-treatments are used in the preparation for coatings to metal, these serve to clean, protect and improve bonding of the final layer improving lifespan and aesthetics. Chromates have been used for decades as part of this process. Those early buildings with chromate covered aluminium are now of an age that requires regeneration and restoration. This is the legacy now facing the industry and the point at which environmental damage is happening.
With guarantees being available for up to 30 years in the past for coated products used in architecture along with the high volume of aluminium used over the decades we are now facing the chromate recycling issue and its lasting legacy. Products produced now may not be recycled until decades later so acting sooner to reduce the effect is critical.
In the last few years scientists at Chemetall have been developing advanced processes to overcome the problems associated with chromates in pre-treatment for the automotive industry. These same chemical processes have been extensively tested and proven to be effective for architectural use and have been Syntha Pulvin approved for several years. Having no heavy metal content but offering similar corrosion protection levels at a comparable cost effective price we have the ability to specify at design stage the removal of chromates in future builds, refurbishments and associated products.
Powdertech based in the midlands has been using Chromium free pre-treatment in architecture for the past six years with TGIC free powders. Working closely with Chemetall and Syntha Pulvin to provide the exacting standards required to allow a clean solution that can offer a massive 40 year warranty on coating of architectural grade aluminium for architects.
Fact files
Chromium
Chromium has the potential to cause cancer if consumed.
Applicators risk contamination of the environment and staff if overflows occur and the process needs to be regulated to avoid spillages into the water system.
The chromium layer can be released when the product is smelted in the recycling process.
Released chromates can enter the human food chain.
Chromium is being banned across Europe as a dangerous metal and companies are moving away from its use.
Chromium Free
Chemetall’s Gardobond X4707 Chromium-free pre-treatment systems for architectural aluminium meets the performance requirements of international standards for the powder coating of aluminium.
X4707 offers excellent adhesive properties and provides a protective layer ensuring the final coating has a very long life.
Syntha Pulvin guarantees are now available for up to 40 years with the X4707 pre-treatment system as well as having GSB and Qualicote approval.
Meeting the EN12206 specification as well as BS6496 performance standards of 1000 hour acetic acid salt spray and 1000 hours cyclic humidity tests.
An automated pre-treatment line is required for application so consistent results are achieved without variation in quality or application. Applicators undertake strict lab controls of the process on a daily basis to ensure stability.
Overflows of X4707 can go directly into the drain – The process meets Thames Water requirements so it’s safe.
Chrome free projects completed