CLADDING SOLUTIONS TO LAUNCH A UNIQUE COLOURED SAFETY GLASS FOR FACADES AT ECOBUILD
Cladding Solutions Ltd (CSL) has launched Chromatics RS, a revolutionary opaque glass cladding that is available in any RAL colour or digital image of any size. The material is to be showcased at Ecobuild, the biggest sustainable construction fair in the world, held at Earl's Court, London, between the 2nd and 4th of March 2010.
Chromatics RS is the result of 15 years of research and development. CSL will supply Chromatics RS specifically for use in rainscreen cladding applications. It will grant the exterior facades of structures outstanding aesthetics and the immaculate reproduction of corporate imagery.
For coloured or digitally printed glass cladding, aesthetic quality is of the utmost importance. The Chromatics RS process does not cause any roller wave distortions, pinholes, or transparency variation in the finished product. As the organic pigments are processed at low temperatures, they retain their tone without discolouring or burning. This ensures high grade and design faithful cladding can be installed every time.
Chromatics RS will be supplied cut to size and edge finished. It can be cut after processing, unlike toughened glass. This eases installation and offers considerable time and cost savings when closing the building envelope.
Owing to its unique molecular makeup, a result of the laminate of float glass, colour layer and metal foil that distinguishes it from toughened glass, Chromatics RS is astonishingly durable.
With a considerably greater resistance to thermal fracture than conventional products, making it thermally safe in almost any external application, Chromatics RS is classed as a safety glass (BSEN 12600). Even if fractured by a significant point impact, the panel remains intact, water proof and functional until replaced. The material has been fully tested at Taywood Vinci.
The high visual standard is not diminished over time either. The colour layer in Chromatics RS uses pigmentation originally designed for use as a first surface coating. These are UV stable for over a decade (CIELab standard). UV degradation is further negated by encapsulating the colouring under glass, guaranteeing that Chromatics looks as good as the day it rolled off the production line years into the future.
With weight a key consideration in any cladding system, Chromatics RS' revolutionary production method and resulting impact resistance gives it the advantage of being exceptionally lightweight (15 kg / m2). This reduces material costs and the weight burden on cladding support systems. It offers superb economies in maintenance.
The performance advantages offered by Chromatics RS do not come at the cost of the environment. Made wholly from renewable resources and needing far less energy to produce than toughened glass, the pioneering cladding is also 100% recyclable. Heavy metals such as lead and cadmium are not used in its production and it does not need to be disposed of through incineration.
For support systems and fixing, CSL has teamed up with Eurofox Engineering Ltd, and Sika UK. The three companies have frequently worked together in the past to deliver structural bonded secret fixes between cladding and supports for flowing exteriors free of unsightly mechanical elements. With Chromatics RS offering such an unparalleled aesthetic, it is the perfect collaboration for a secret fix method of application with Eurofox Engineering's cladding support system and Sika's innovative SikaTack Panel Adhesive. Both Eurofox and Sika are BBA certified.
With Chromatics RS, the challenge of applying pristine - yet durable and cost effective - exterior coloured glass facades to buildings is now met. CSL invites specifiers and designers to visit Ecobuild to see the product first hand and stretch their imaginations with the potential of this revolutionary technology.
To find out more about Chromatics RS, visit www.claddingsolutions.com or CSL on stand number 2564 at Ecobuild between the 2nd and 4th of March 2010. With 850 exhibitors, more than 100 free conference and seminar events and dozens of educational attractions, it's a must for anyone with an interest in green construction. Visit www.ecobuild.co.uk to book your free tickets.
