Working group for aluminium coating companies

HISTORY

Signals from the market and the need for a network around aluminium prompted the creation of a working group around the aluminium substrate. After all, we note that certain (environmental) technical questions recur regularly or are a challenge for a large group of companies. Without trying to be exhaustive, we are thinking mainly of new sustainable pre-treatments, dealing with recycled aluminium, powder coating trends, colour deviations, improving the energy balance in curing and drying furnaces. For this reason, numerous alu-coating companies have grouped together in a technical working group.

TARGET AUDIENCE

Initially, we are targeting both jobcoaters and integrated companies that apply wet paint or powder to aluminium end products. Expansion to other surface techniques (such as pre-anodisation, passivation, ed) is possible.

OBJECTIVE

We aim to be an active and goal-oriented platform where exchange of experiences and transfer of knowledge are central. In this way, we strengthen the position of our companies and contribute to market renewal and making production processes more sustainable.

NEWS

Lacquered aluminium: no worries with our valuable advice!

The ALUMINIUM working group is planning to update a draft document aimed at providing users of lacquered aluminium with an overview of the different lacquering grades for this material. Preparations began in 2019, but were interrupted due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This document is of informative importance in the process of purchasing painted aluminium and can be appended to the general terms and conditions of sale of a company specialising in lacquering. The group intends to test the document with stakeholders such as applicators, chemical and powder suppliers, and repair shops. To join the ALUMINIUM working group, please contact Ludo Appels (ludo.appels@compri.eu) or Veerle Fincken (v.fincken@vom.be).

PARTICIPANTS

The platform consists of a core group of promoters active in the coatings industry. The current members are:

  • Ludo Appels, Compri Coating Services
  • Christian Callens, Sherwin Williams
  • Marc Ceuleers, HAROL
  • Philip Hilven, Alural Group
  • Luc Jans, Profel - Protec
  • Chris Pauwels, Eurocoating
  • René Smeulders, Chemetall

The VOM team is responsible for implementing and monitoring the activities.

For more information about this working group, please contact Veerle Fincken (T. +32(0)16 40 14 20 or v.fincken@vom.be).

REALISATIONS

In June 2013, the ALUMINIUM working group published the brochure "quality is not a coincidence: practical guide to quality powder coating on aluminium". This guide is still up to date and collects tips and recommendations to inform users of powdercoated aluminium (client, architect, builder, system supplier, constructor, ed.) about the various aspects in the paint shop that contribute to quality and sustainable powder coating of aluminium alloys. This guide is available free of charge at this link.

In 2014, the working group conducted an inventory of chromium-free conversion coatings on aluminium. A handy table provides an overview of the performances of the alternatives discussed.

On 23 March 2017, some 90 architects, study firms and clients gathered at the Port House in Antwerp to scrutinise sustainable and high-quality paintwork.

In 2022, the focus went to surface finishing of recycled aluminium.

COORDINATOR

Would you like more information about working group Alumium? Please contact Veerle: v.fincken@vom.be