Lectrapearl solves Chinese puzzle
Lectrapearl solves Chinese puzzle
Keywords: Coatings, Building, Finishing
A company, based near Hong Kong, had problems meeting the required appearance, performance and application efficiency when using conventional paints on aluminium cladding, destined for high-rise and other large buildings.
LVH Coatings Limited, Birmingham, UK, is reported to have solved many problems of this application by providing a package that included the finish,plant design, pre-treatment expertise and technical support during installation and commissioning.
The finish selected was Lectrapearl, an electrophoretic pearl effect coating, manufactured by LVH.
Supplied through LVH’s Chinese distributor, Hawking International,Lectrapearl had to pass a number of stringent tests, including long term weathering, corrosion resistance and UV resistance before being approved by the company.
In addition, Lectrapearl had to meet performance demands over and above the tough weathering properties required for this type of application.
These included the ability to withstand post-forming operations and to resist heat discolouration where attachment studs are welded to the back of the panels after electrocoating.
A further problem stemmed from the aluminium alloy used to manufacture the 1.2 × 2.4 m cladding panels. This alloy has a high magnesium content and needed a special pre-treatment process to ensure maximum performance and visual integrity.
LVH reports that this was successfully developed, using expertise acquired by the company through its many years of experience with aluminium coatings and pre-treatments.
Commissioning of the application plant – built to LVH specifications– was successfully carried out with the assistance of the company’s technical director, Peter Hope, who remained on site until production commenced.
A high standard of finish is now claimed to be achieved, with atleast 98 per cent of the electrophoretic coating being utilised, providing maximum quality and economy.
Details available from LVH Coatings Ltd. Tel: +44 (0)1675 466888; Fax: +44(0)1675 466260.
