Qualicoat starts looking at the alloy structure itself and introduces the Qualicoat 3.0 project
The use of recycled aluminium is increasing all over the planet as it holds an important benefit for
the environment and minimizes energy consumption at the production stage. However the quality
of the recycled alloy or the lack thereof, holds specific risks for the durability of the coated end
product.
Extensive research completed by the QUALICOAT membership has shown that the alloy requires an
aluminum grade AA 6060 or AA 6063 where the relationship between alloying elements, extrusion
quality, microstructure and corrosion potential meet the details laid down in the appendix of the
latest QUALICOAT Standard.
With the extra tests developed in this project, Qualicoat 3.0 allows for the use of both primary and
recycled aluminium and is to be awarded to the aluminum extruder that passes the following tests:
an Optical Emission Spectroscopy test, an Anodic Cyclic Polarisation test and a Metallographic
Study.
A QUALICOAT 3.0 specification will require a coating member to carry the ‘Seaside’ class
membership as this is a prerequisite coating procedure for QUALICOAT 3.0.
QUALICOAT 3.0 is already available for specific projects. Please contact us.
