vitreous enamelled steel a natural material born from fire presentation to specifying dynamics...

Vitreous Enamelled Steela natural material born from fire

Presentation to Specifying DynamicsSeptember 2009

Overview of Presentation

• Vitrex (Pty) Ltd - Company Background

• Vitreous Enamelled (VE) Steel

• Vitrex Architectural Products - General

• What’s New?

Vitrex (Pty) LtdBackground Information

• Premises are situated in Jet Park, Boksburg (Gauteng).

• Vitrex is housed in self-owned offices of 1000 m2 and a factory of 6000 m2

• Staffed by a total complement of 120 dedicated people.

• The plant includes specialised enamelling furnaces and an in-house facility for quality control and test purposes.

• Design and drawing facilities are housed within the offices and provide the relevant technical assistance.

• Vitrex is a member of the Institute of Vitreous Enamellers (IVE) in the U.K.

• ISO 9001:2000 Quality Assurance Systems (Dekra certified).

• BBBEE Certification = Category 3 (March 2009)

Vitrex Factory and Offices

Institute of Vitreous Enamellers U.K.Member

ISO 9001:2000 Dekra CertifiedQuality Management System

The Vitrex ServiceSingle Source Responsibility

• Technical and costing expertise.• Advice at early design stage on details, feasibility and product

specifications.• Design office and drawing facilities.• Fabrication, enamelling and assembly.• Testing of vitreous enamelled steel surfaces.• Installation.• Contract management of own scope of works.• ISO 9001:2000 certified Quality Management Assurance system.• Countrywide representation in South Africa.• Representation in BLSN countries.• Representation in the United Kingdom, Europe, the Middle East,

Indonesia, Vietnam, Singapore, Hong Kong, India and Australia.

Vitreous Enamelled Steel

• Vitreous Enamelled Steel combines the traditional properties and attributes of glass with the strength and fabrication flexibility of steel.

• A vitreous enamelled steel surface is created when an application of an inorganic coating consisting of silica (glass), oxides, clay and various minerals found in nature is fused to a steel base.

• The inorganic coating is formulated and milled on the Vitrex premises and is then applied to the steel through a wet spray process.

Vitreous EnamelRaw Materials

Black Frit Transparent Frit

White FritOxide

Oxide

Oxide

Oxide

Oxide

Clay


• Enamelling quality steel is used, after it has been chemically pre-treated through a series of acid and alkaline baths, followed by washing in hot and cold water and final drying.

• The type of steel used for enamelling applications must have a specific chemical composition, mass and distribution of carbides and other precipitates, carbon content (low or zero) and mechanical characteristics to allow for fabrication or pressing of the piece to be enamelled.

• The chemical fusion of the relatively thin inorganic coating to the steel is carried out in a special furnace (radiant heat) at controlled temperatures of around 820O C.


• The chemical fusion gives rise to an indeterminate boundary layer between the hard, compact non-porous vitreous enamel surface and the steel base. Chemical fusion process:

- Oxidization of metal.- Enamel becomes liquid and dissolves ferrous

oxide. - Ferrous oxide saturates enamel and reacts with other oxides. - Steel surface develops rough features.

- Enamel penetrates features whilst still in liquid form. - Enamel hardens during the subsequent cooling process.

• For architectural applications, a ground coat is combined with two cover coats to achieve an overall enamel thickness of 300-400 microns.

Vitrex Furnace

Each coat of enamel is individually fired at approximately 820°C

Properties of Vitreous Enamel

• Versatile: Provides an ideal medium with which to solve most design conditions, both internal and external.

• Variety of Colours and Finishes: Vitreous enamels can be

coloured in a vast range of hues and shades. In most applications the

surface generally has a high gloss finish, however semi-gloss, silky

matt or matt finishes can be produced. A large range of standard

colours is complemented by the possibility of creating special colours

for specific applications and the possibility also exists of permanently

incorporating logos, designs, patterns and signage into the surface.

• Colour Fastness: Enamel colours are unique in appearance (brilliance), fade proof, resistant to light, ultra violet (UV) radiation, industrial pollutants, salt sea air and hail.


• Resistance to Corrosion: The absence of a finite boundary layer between the vitreous enamel coating and the steel base and the fact that the steel is encapsulated in glass, ensure that the structural integrity of the steel is maintained and potential damage to the substrate is avoided. Enamelled elements cannot rust even in extreme marine conditions.

• Hygienic: Due to the absence of pores the smooth, hard enamel surface eliminates the absorption of dirt and grease, reduces the presence and growth of bacteria and mould, therefore creating a more hygienic and healthy environment. Independent comparative studies (copy attached) have shown that in this respect enamel outperforms other materials and coatings, including stainless steel. Enamel does not absorb or transmit odours or flavours.


• Resistance to Abrasion: The surface hardness is very similar to that of glass. On the MOH scale vitreous enamel has a rating of approximately 5 degrees (apatite) to 7 degrees (quartz). On the same scale marble has a rating of 3 and diamonds of 10. This property allows the surface to resist mechanical abrasion and prevent scratching, either accidental or intentional.

• Resistance to Vandalism, Impacts and Chemicals: The extreme hardness of the surface makes it very difficult to mark permanently with knives, keys, screwdrivers. Enamel is resistant to most alkali, all acids (at room temperature) except hydrofluoric acid, all organic solvents, normal detergents (pH > 7), all neutral saline solutions (pH = 7) and is unaffected by kerosene. Graffiti applied by means of markers and pens can be cleaned off with the use of an appropriate detergent and water. Only impacts of a certain force will chip the enamel.


• Heat and Fire Resistance: Resistant to heat, naked flames or fire up to 650O C and continuous temperatures up to 400O C, vitreous enamel does not support the spread of flames or smoke (incombustible) and does not give off any toxic gasses.

• Resistance to Thermal Shock: Resistant to extreme temperature differentials of between 450° C to - 40° C, vitreous enamel can withstand rapid cooling, when drenched with water spray, from 400° C to room temperature over a 30 second period.

• Vermin-proof: The surface is impervious to attack and damage by rodents and insects.


• Acoustic and Thermal Insulation: Acoustic and thermal

characteristic are dependant on both the type and nature of the core

materials used. Specific performance requirements can be

accommodated and should be addressed at design stage.

• Dielectric Properties: Enamel has a high degree of electrical

resistance and acts as an excellent insulator, especially at room

temperature. The ability to prevent or block stray currents enhances

the ability of the enamel coating to protect the steel from corrosion.


• Low Maintenance: The surface requires very simple and periodical

maintenance. Enamel is extremely easy to clean. Increases in the

cost of labour make it a sound approach to make a slightly higher

initial investment and then benefit from lower maintenance and

refurbishment costs.

• Environmental Issues: Both the elements that are used to produce

enamel and the steel base are recyclable as they contain no polluting

substances.

• Testing: Refer to the attached Test Report from the South African Bureau of

Standards.

Vitrex Product Range

• Chalk Boards, White Boards, Pin Boards and Audio Visual Equipment: System 1000, System 2000, Execuboard and

Writing Walls.

• Cloakroom Cubicle and Vanity Top Systems.

• Cladding: Vitraclad.

• Baths and Shower Trays: EuroSan Range.

• Signage: VitraSign.

What’s New !

Web SiteOctober 2009

Fire Test Certificate (Vitraclad)

August 2009

Project Photographic Portfolio

(Vitraflex and Vitraclad)November 2009

Vitrex Writing Walls

1. Vitreous Enamel Steel Surface.

2. Writing Area Increased.

3. Custom Made to Suit Room.

4. Screening Option.

5. Ideal for Meeting Rooms, Board Rooms, Laboratories and “Think-Tanks”.

Vitraflex CubiclesFloor Mounting Details

New Stainless Steel Telescopic Leg Anchors

1. Stainless Steel.

2. Drilling Area into Floor Minimized.

3. Integrated Height Adjustment.

4. Stylish Design.

Vitraflex Bathroom Signs

1. Vitreous Enamel Steel Surface.

2. Custom Made to Suit.

3. Unlimited Design and Colour Options.

Recent Contracts

Northbury School - London

Other Vitraclad Contracts:

MTN Billboard - Centurion.

Soccer City - Johannesburg.

Terminal A Arrivals, Terminal A Departures Upgrade and Central Terminal Building -OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg.

Notting Hill Gate Station - London (UK)

Victoria Station - London (UK)

Green Point Stadium - Cape Town

Other Vitraflex Contracts:

Soccer City - Johannesburg. New Vanity Design

Royal Bafokeng Sports Palace - Rustenburg.

Mbombela Stadium - Nelspruit.

King Shaka International Airport - Durban.

Terminal A Arrivals, Terminal A Departures Upgrade and Central Terminal Building -OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg.

Vitrex Contact DetailsHead Office

• Cristian F.G. Cottino Director - Sales and Marketing

• Chrisna WilcoksAssistant to Sales and

Marketing Director New Appointment

• 9 Jansen Road, Jet Park, Boksburg, Gauteng, South Africa.

• P.O. Box 13101, Witfield 1467, South Africa

• Telephone (011) 826-6057 / 8 / 9

• Facsimile (011) 823-1641

• Mobile (082) 412-3054

• Email [email protected], [email protected] or [email protected].

• Web Site www.vitrex.co.za

Unique Products, Passionate People

Visit our Website on: www.vitrex.co.za

Designed by C2 Copyright© Vitrex (Pty) Ltd 2009Details remain subject to change

without any prior notification.

vitreous enamelled steel a natural material born from fire presentation to specifying dynamics...

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