Architectural Metals Australia

Pre-painted aluminium paint compositions

admin — Wed, 24 Aug 2016 04:06:21 +0000

Vestis products are coated using a specialist polyester paint.

When it comes to pre-painted aluminium, there are four coat application methods, each comprising of four main components.

More than 90 per cent of pre-finished metals are made with liquid paint. The remaining 10 per cent use laminate film. Our range of pre-painted aluminium finishes, Vestis, from Mazzonetto, uses liquid paint. Wet coatings have four main components:

Binders
Solvents
Pigments
Additives

Binders

Binders characterises different paint methods. Often pre-coated aluminium and steel will be refereed to, or classified by its binder. Binders give paint structure and there are four varieties; polyester, polyurethane, polyvinylidene fluoride (PVdF), and plastisol (PVC). Each type has its own sub-classes, where different chemical compositions create various levels of quality and durability.

Vestis is considered a polyester product. Traditionally polyester paint was believed to limit material flexibility and durability. Vestis differs from standard polyester coatings, as it sits within a sub-section, called high durability polyester paint. This specialist coating provides Vestis with a 35 micron layer finish, instead of polyester paint’s standard offering of 20-25 microns. High durability polyester paints create improved surface performance, flexibility, and exceptional UV resistance.

Solvents

Solvents help paint achieve a reliable smooth film across a product’s base material, prior to curing. Solvent are added to ensure the paint will flow well onto raw metal. Without reliable paint flow, achieving a smooth, consistent finish is near impossible.

Pigments

Pigments create paint colour. In addition to colouring raw metal coil, pigments also determine some physical performance properties; such as corrosion resilience. Even coated aluminium is prone to corrosion. No mater how many layers of paint are applied, the product is still metal at its core. Deterioration can occur during coil storage, and after installation. The pigment used in Vestis pre-painted aluminium provides a 40 year corrosion warranty, on applications located more than 1 km from the coast. For information on coastal warranties, please contact us to discuss your options.

Additives

Additives give pre-painted products their point of difference. These supplements can benefit production speed, UV stability, surface lustre and scratch, chemical and salt resistance.

For more information on Vestis pre-painted aluminium, visit our homepage, by clicking here. Or contact us at info@architecturalmetalsaustralia.com.au.

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Say “hello” to Vestis Black Graphite

admin — Mon, 22 Aug 2016 04:37:36 +0000

Something big has landed. Say “hello” to Vestis Black Graphite; the cladding and roofing game changer.

Vestis is our range of imported Italian pre-painted aluminium. The AMA collection offers Australian and New Zealand architects, builders, manufacturers and installers, unique metal finishes, unlike anything else in our market. Black Graphite launched towards the end of 2015. The past nine months has seen an incredible shift in specifications and end users product selection. Black Graphite is triumphing by offering a smooth matte black finish. Where dark zinc was dominant, Vestis’ black aluminium now stands proud as a legitimate alternative.

Vestis Black Graphite in an interlocking cladding profile on Price Street House.

Vestis Black Graphite offers the look of black titanium zinc, but with the advantages of coated aluminium. Along with Italian design prestige, our material also offers the following project benefits:

H41 material hardness for easier manufacturing and installation.
Artificial coil-coating paint processes for colour consistency. This is particularly helpful when working on large developments with multiple construction phases
A true black hue
Depending on the installation complexity, a more cost effective option, compared to some zincs
40 year anti-corrosion product warranty*
100 per cent recyclable
UV resistant
A spectacular matte facade finish, sure to impress

For more information, visit our main website by clicking here. To order samples, or request technical assistance, feel free to contact us at info@architecturalmetalsaustralia.com.au.

*Vestis 40 year warranty is subject to project location and will not be offered if installed less than 1km from the ocean.

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An introduction to Zintek® zinc

admin — Wed, 17 Aug 2016 01:08:02 +0000

Zintek® zinc, beauty, long life and authenticity.

Zinc has been used in architectural applications since the 17th century. Today, zinc remains the most widely used, non-ferrous roofing and cladding material in Europe. Locally, as sheet metal cladding and roofing systems continue to gain popularity, zinc is fast becoming a favourite among architects, builders and homeowners.

In 2012, Architectural Metals Australia (AMA) forged an official relationship with Zintek®; becoming their Australia and New Zealand distribution partner. Zintek® is a market leader in Italy, specialising in boutique zinc manufacturing. It was Zintek’s® focus on environmental practices, innovation, and long lasting, aesthetically pleasing materials that attracted AMA’s leadership team.

As the first material in AMA’s collection, Zintek® set a quality and aesthetic precedent for future material selection. Considered an artisan product, Zintek® is capable of offering each project application its own unique aesthetic. Depending on material direction, and cladding profile, Zintek® will look different from one installation to another. At first, Zintek® presents a gloss surface. Over time, due to the material’s oxidisation process, it’s surface will become more matte.

Zintek® Specs

Coil width: 1100 mm
Thickness: 0.80 mm
Base material hardness: HV45
Composition: Zinc, titanium, copper
Environmental durability: Rural 100 years, urban industrial 60 years, industrial 40 years, marine 40 to 60 years

Zintek’s® unique etched appearance and mild grey colour, offers an unexpected aesthetic. In Europe Zintek’s® subtle, yet visually stimulating surface has enjoyed success in historic towns where new architectural forms must compliment traditional buildings. In Australia, Zintek’s® soft appearance has enjoyed successful applications on modern additions to heritage homes.

In addition to good looks, Zintek’s® chemical properties make it a flexible and durable specification option. As an alloy of zinc, Zintek® has a minimum fineness of 98.78 and a maximum of 99.86. Copper and titanium appear in Zintek® zinc. Copper increases tensile strength and titanium improves resistance. Together, they provide improved resistance to atmospheric corrosion and increase material workability – making Zintek® ideal for cladding and roofing manufacturing. In Australia, Zintek® has been specified in standing seam and interlocking systems, as well as some custom profile applications. Its flexibility and properties make Zintek® suitable for all sheet metal cladding and roofing systems.

For more information on Zintek®, or to speak with an AMA product specialist, contact us at info@architecturalmetalsaustralia.com.au.

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Pre-painted coil coating

admin — Wed, 10 Aug 2016 04:21:27 +0000

The Coil Coating method is used to apply Vestis’ high durability polyester reinforced finish.

Coil Coating, is a continual, automated paint application process, commonly used on aluminium and steel. It’s fast, reliable, and capable of creating exceptionally durable, colour accurate, construction products. Purpose-built machinery, operated in purpose-built facilities, completes the coating process. On average a standard paint line is capable of coating around 200 meters of coil per minute. Unique coil stitching technology allows for continual production; minimising downtime between different coils. Pre-painted treatments follow strict and controlled manufacturing processes to ensure consistency and quality.

There are two main factors that set pre-coated metals apart from traditional paint coatings. The first, is uniformity of cleaning. Pre-treatment and coating and conducted are controlled in purpose built manufacturing environments. The second, is layer synergy. From pre-treatment to finished topcoats, each layer compliments and enhances another. While pre-painted metals are often identified by their topcoat, when looking at Coil Coating as a method, it’s important to remember each layer contributes to a product’s success.

A typical pre-coated metal composition. Image source: ECCA

Taking a closer look: the production line

It takes 12 steps to transform each Vestis coil from raw aluminium, into a 35 micron, high durability reinforced polyester pre-painted architectural product. The list and diagram below represent a typical Coil Coating production line.

Coil stitching of the previous coil to the next coil strip in the line
Strip cleaning
Power brushing
Chemical pre-treatment
Drying
Dual primer application (applied to both sides of the material)
15 to 60 seconds in the first curing oven
Cooling
Paint application to both or one side of the material
15 to 60 seconds in the second curing oven
Cooling (to room temperature)
Re-coiled for sale and distribution

Coil coating process, image source, NCCA.

For more information on Coil Coating, visit Europe’s leading body for pre-painted metals, the ECCA, by clicking here.

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Natural copper vs Vestis Copper

admin — Wed, 03 Aug 2016 01:23:19 +0000

To copper or to Vestis Copper?

Material selection is personal and subjective. It’s difficult to say one metal is clearly better or worse than another. When it comes to metal cladding and roofing, different materials will suit different applications. There are multiple variables to consider; such as overall design vision, personal taste, project location, cladding or roofing profile, adjacent materials, long-term building maintenance, and durability requirements.

Architectural Metals Australia (AMA), focuses on offering better material options for specifiers, installers and end users. Mazzonetto’s Vestis Copper provides a legitimate pre-painted aluminium specification alternative for those considering Natural copper.

Natural copper produces a spectacular and romantic aesthetic and its ageing process is inherit to its character; in some cases its captivating appearance is the main reason for specification. If aged copper is the look you seek, there’s nothing more beautiful than the real thing. However falling in love with the material’s original orange hue can be dangerous if you’re not prepared to also love how the metal will look in years to come. Copper can change from golden tones, to green, into deep browns, and eventually it can appear almost black. In addition to being aware of the metal’s colour evolution, one must also remember the ageing process won’t occur evenly across the materials surface. In some cases, this is the desired effect and it’s stunning. But if a rustic look wasn’t intended, copper applications can quickly become disappointing.

Natural copper cladding in a standing seam profile.

Vestis Copper offers a preserved version of natural copper’s original orange appearance. Providing a slightly patina surface, Vestis Copper duplicates the look of recently installed natural copper. However unlike natural copper, its appearance won’t alter over time.

Another key difference between natural copper and Vestis pre-painted aluminium, is base material cost. Large amounts of natural copper can become expensive. Vestis Copper is a cost savvy material solution (depending on project complexity), providing opportunity for budget conscious projects to enjoy the prestigious look of copper metal cladding.

For more information on Vestis pre-painted aluminium, visit the AMA homepage by clicking here.

Vestis Copper in an interlocking profile

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Vestis fan-decks now available!

admin — Wed, 27 Jul 2016 01:34:50 +0000

You want them, and we’ve got them! New Vestis fan-decks have arrived.

A new shipment of Vestis samples and fan-decks has arrived. Each deck contains one swatch of Vestis Copper, Verde, Grigio and Black Graphite. In addition to our stocked range, samples include Testa DiMoro, RAL 7037, RAL 7016, RAL 9006, and wait for it … each colour is also show in stucco! Stucco is a fantastic option if you’re looking for an aluminium with real surface texture, and it’s an option available on all Vestis pre-painted aluminium finishes. While Stucco is currently not a stocked coil, if you like the look, let us know, and we can import product as you need it – remember to allow for international sea freight lead times.

At AMA we aim to manage stock levels as efficiently as possible. We hold coils in our Melbourne warehouse of our main and most popular finishes. Stocked coils include, Vestis Copper, Verde, Grigio and Black Graphite. Upon request, we are able to import all Mazzonetto Vestis pre-painted aluminium finishes.

Manufacturers, installers, developers, builders, and architects; contact us to request your own Vestis fan-deck. They’re the perfect size for onsite meetings and customer references. Discover the complete Vestis range and enjoy increased creative freedom in your designs. Vestis pre-painted aluminium offers totally unique surface finishes, unlike anything else in our market.

Request your fan-deck by emailing info@architecturalmetalsaustralia.com.au.

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Park Street House, Zintek®

admin — Mon, 04 Jul 2016 05:19:43 +0000

Zintek®, the perfect architectural accent on Park Street.

Park Street, uses two different cladding metals to create an impressive and dynamic residential facade. Dark coated steel decorates the home’s main structure and Architectural Metals Australia’s (AMA) Zintek® zinc, completes the garage door. Both materials have been folded into an interlocking system, creating a sense of continuity across the design. Identical cladding profiles enhance the obvious colour contrast between Zintek® and the steel, while still allowing materials to compliment each other.

In addition to light and dark contrast, the two cladding systems also generate an interesting visual texture contrast. The dark steel is smooth and sleek, while Zintek’s® etched surface appears rough by comparison. Working with different visual textures is an effective way of identifying, or isolating spaces and locations across a facade, without needing to introduce new materials or wall systems.

Park Street is an exciting example of how effective combining different metal cladding finishes within the one project can be. The two materials provide clear division of space, a dynamic palette, and enhance architectural form and shape.

Material Specifications

Material: Zintek® zinc
Profile: Interlocking cladding profile
Thickness: 0.8 mm
Base material: HV 45
Coil width: 1100 mm

Download data sheet

Gallery

Cladding installer Elite Cladding and Roofing
Architectural Metals Australia product Zintek® zinc

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Charman Road House

admin — Mon, 04 Jul 2016 05:18:58 +0000

Charming Charman Road

Located in Melbourne’s prestigious Bayside area, Charman Road encapsulates the modern Australian family home. Angular and interesting, the architectural facade uses contrasting materials to create a layered street view. The home’s colour palette creatively pulls inspiration from the nearby beach; timber, render, white cladding panels and the upper level’s copper box, mimic a sandy beach’s golden sunset.

The second storey copper metal cladding is undoubtedly the home’s focal point. This feature was created with Architectural Metals Australia’s (AMA) pre-painted Vestis Copper aluminium, folded into an interlocking cladding profile. Vestis Copper’s patina pattern provides a dynamic, visually textured finish.

Working with Vestis Copper, a pre-painted aluminium product, instead of natural copper, means the cladding system will not age, or alter in appearance. Natural copper experiences significant aesthetic evolution as it reacts to atmospheric conditions. Vestis Copper offers an even, exact and ever lasting, copper look – the perfect solution for projects seeking to maintain copper’s original orange appearance.

Material Specifications

Material: Vestis pre-painted aluminium, Copper
Profile/application: Interlocking cladding profile
Thickness: 0.8 mm
Hardness: H41
Coating: 35 micron coil coating
Coil width: 1200 mm

Download data sheet

Gallery

Cladding installer S & D Roofing
Architectural Metals Australia product Vestis Copper

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Price Street Townhouses

admin — Mon, 04 Jul 2016 05:18:29 +0000

Price Street townhouses, perfect suburban sophistication.

There’s a certain level of truth to the old saying, “black is the new black”. Dark and mysterious, black never goes out of fashion – making it an ideal architectural shade.

Price Street, by David Watson Architects, uses Architectural Metals Australia’s (AMA) Vestis Black Graphite, in a random pattern, interlocking cladding system. Black Graphite offers projects a durable, matte finish, unlike any other coated cladding material available in Australia and New Zealand. Flexible and easy to work with, Vestis Black Graphite has fast become a favourite among specifiers and installers.

AMA’s leadership team worked with Mazzonetto Spa to bring Black Graphite to market. The past twelve months have seen Black Graphite grow to be the most popular Vestis swatch, and one of Australia’s most popular cladding materials.

On Price Street, Black Graphite effectively contrasts the rendered facade, and compliments the dark coloured horizontal Venetian blinds. The random pattern interlocking system, evokes a sense of fun linear excitement, while also pulling focus to the feature garage doors.

Material Specifications

Material: Vestis pre-painted aluminium, Black Graphite
Profile/application: Interlocking cladding profile
Thickness: 0.8 mm
Hardness: H41
Coating: 35 micron coil coating
Coil width: 1200 mm

Download data sheet

Gallery

Architect David Watson Architects
Builder Agushi
Cladding Installer Advanced Metal Cladding
Architectural Metals Australia Product Vestis Black Graphite

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Eastern Road Townhouse

admin — Mon, 04 Jul 2016 05:17:54 +0000

Eastern Road Townhouse, the power of detail.

Located in Melbourne’s historic suburb of South Melbourne, Eastern Road masterfully present a contemporary facade, with aspects of traditional Victorian residential design. The overall shape of the home symbolically reflects Melbourne’s iconic terrace houses; while material specification and architectural details communicate modern style.

Black zinc, in a standing seam cladding system covers most of the structure. Architectural Metals Australia’s (AMA) Zintek® zinc forms feature beams, highlighting the balcony. The two zinc surfaces compliment each other perfectly and offer a classic light and dark contrast.

Eastern Road is an example of the design flexibility and creative opportunities AMA enjoys being involved with. While sheet metal is ideal for cladding and roofing applications, it also makes impressive architectural accents and quirky textured features. Our material range is well suited to privacy screens, decorative screens, interior feature walls, landscaping structures, artistic developments and so much more.

If you have a non-standard, or creative application in mind, contact AMA to discuss your material scope and the solutions we can offer your project.

Material Specifications

Material: Zintek® zinc
Profile/application: Custom beam cladding
Thickness: 0.8 mm
Hardness: HV 45
Coil width: 1100 mm

Download data sheet

Gallery

Cladding installer Architectural Metal Precision
Architectural Metals Australia product Zintek® zinc

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