ALUM*A*STAR™50: Akzo Nobel Extrusion Coating for Aluminum Parts, Factory-Applied by Superior Metals Technologies

ALUM*A*STAR™ 50 is the newest of Akzo Nobel's extrusion coatings. As its name indicates, ALUM*A*STAR®™ 50 contains 50% of the same PVDF KYNAR® or HYLAR® polyvinylidine fluoride resin used in Akzo Nobel's TRINAR® line of finishes.

Their chemists have developed a truly unique system known for its ability to meet and exceed the new AAMA 2604-98 Specification for High Performance Organic Coatings on Aluminum Extrusions and Panels. Some of the beneficial and desirable features of this new system include:

Application excellence
Flexibility
Adhesion to properly prepared aluminum
Hardness characteristics.

These features, coupled with the extraordinary weathering and durability in the field, make ALUM*A*STAR™50 not only an excellent choice for many outdoor applications, but a great alternative to some of the currently offered interior finishes on large curtain wall projects. ALUM*A*STAR™50 is available in a non-exotic color palette.

If you want a great High Performance PVDF-containing coating but wish to reduce your cost from the 70% systems for an AAMA 2604-98 (PDF opens in new window) product application, this is THE product to use.

End Use Description

ALUM*A*STAR™ 50 is a Fluoropolymer (PVDF) system that contains 50% KYNAR® or HYLAR® resin. This exciting new technology was designed to offer a less costly alternative to 70% PVDF systems for application on aluminum for low-rise and mid to light commercial curtainwall and storefront construction, high-end clad window systems, transportation products and other miscellaneous "High Performance" construction products. See ALUM*A*STAR™ 50 Performance Properties (opens in new window) specification for more information.

Features

ALUM*A*STAR™50 has the following beneficial features:

High Performance in a variety of normal climatic conditions
Ceramic/Inorganic pigmentation for superior color and gloss retention
Cost Advantages
Batch-to-batch consistency
Beautiful color selection
Long-life durability

Application

ALUM*A*STAR™ 50 is strictly spray-painted because the intricate profiles of extruded aluminum require spray application. This ensures that the proper thickness of the coating is evenly applied to the channels and recessed areas of the extrusions.

The coating is applied only after the metal substrate is properly cleaned and chemically prepared in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. The coating is then applied to the metal and baked.

ALUM*A*STAR™ 50 is a two-coat system baked to manufacturer's specified peak metal temperature. Color, gloss, hardness, cure, flexibility, adhesion and other checks are conducted during on-line Quality Control.

Test Specifications

Test methods are established by ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials). The most recognized specification for "High Performance" is the American Architectural Manufacturers Association "AAMA 2604-98." It is a FIVE-year specification called Voluntary Specification, Performance Requirements and Test Procedures for "High Performing Organic Coatings on Aluminum Extrusions and Panels." See AAMA 2604-98 Performance Properties (PDF opens in new window) for more information.

Specified Parameters

Physical Properties of the Coating:

TEST	Performance
Film Thickness (ASTM D1005)	1.20+mil (30µ)
Specular Gloss (ASTM D523)	±5% per manipulation specifications
Hardness (ASTM D3363)	Hardness (ASTM D3363)
Cross-Hatch Adhesion (ASTM D3359)	No Removal
Bend Adhesion (ASTM D4145)	No loss of adhesion
Humidity Resistance (ASTM D2247)	3000 hours: No more than few #8 blisters
Salt Spray Resistance (ASTM B117)	Few #7 blisters along scribe, few #8 blisters in field
Color Change (ASTM D2244)	Color change not to exceed 5 Hunter units
Chalking Resistance (ASTM D4214, Method A)	No chalking > #8 rating
Exterior Weathering ( ASTM D4141)	Five years, 45° South Florida Not to exceed 5ΔE

Product Composition

ALUM*A*STAR™ 50 is made with a licensed fluoropolymer resin technology and a proprietary acrylic co-polymer in a 50/50 blend. This resin combination forms the strongest molecular bond in the coatings industry. The PVDF resin is manufactured by two companies; ATO-Fina Chemicals (KYNAR®) and Ausimont USA (HYLAR®). Only the finest quality ceramic/inorganic pigments for a wide range of colors and superior color retention are used in concert with this unique resin combination.

Maintenance

Proper maintenance is vital for any coating to achieve maximum installed life performance. Contact Akzo Nobel and ask for a copy of our "Care and Maintenance" Guide for recommended methods and procedures. Color matched air-dry coatings for post-construction touch-up and scratch repair are available for all Akzo Nobel building products finishes through Superior Metal Technologies (SMT). These repair kits should be specified in the architect's project documentation.

Costing and Warranty

Expert information regarding Warranty policies will be provided by contacting Akzo Nobel Coatings' Marketing and Sales department. For accurate installed costing information, contact SMT (form below), or submit an online project quote request.

For more information about ALUM*A*STAR 50 and other coating technologies, call 1-800-654-9850, send us an email, or submit this short form: