Last week was glass. This week is metal. MetalCon 2016, an annual exhibition for the metal construction industry, is rolling along at the Baltimore Convention Center, and many exhibitors are showcasing offerings that correspond with the glass and glazing industry.
Axalta, which traditionally focused primarily on coatings for the automotive and transportation sectors, is exhibiting, having acquired Dura Coat in August. Dura Coat manufactures specialty coatings for construction and other aluminum extrusion applications.
Axalta president of industrial coatings Michael Cash said he’s visited with multiple curtainwall companies and other manufacturers of glazing systems at the show.
“They’re looking for durability and scratch-resistance during transport and installation,” he said, noting that attendees have also been inquiring about Dura Coat’s color and texture capabilities.
Cash added that visitors to the booth have been interested in the company’s use of water borne chemicals. “The industry is very environmentally conscious, and this allows for flexibility to earn LEED points and in general meet customers’ green demands,” he said.
The focus on green products is evident elsewhere at the show. Valspar is showcasing its recently developed Fluropon Pure coating.
The Pure product was created to address the need for reduced hazardous materials and compliance with LEED v4, as well as the Living Building Challenge. Applicable for curtainwall, wall panels and door and window frames, “it’s ideal for buildings with extreme environmental requirements or anywhere you may desire a greener product,” according to the company. The product is formulated without the use of PFOA, hexavalent chromium, lead and phthalates.
Valspar is also featuring its new Fluropon Extreme coating, which was formulated to withstand potential damage during panel fabrication, transport and installation, according to Robyn Ommen, marketing representative for coil and extrusion.
Meanwhile, Linetec is showing its new wood grain finishes, which it developed to meet demand from the fenestration industry. “We’re seeing door and window manufacturers seeking the look of wood,” says Scott Spaid of Linetec.
The decorative finishes for architectural aluminum products allow architects and owners to achieve “the beauty of wood without the maintenance,” according to the company.
Arkema, the manufacturer of Kynar 500, is exhibiting. Marketing manager of architectural coatings Vincent Casmirri says that while his company isn’t showcasing any brand new developments, it is maintaining brand awareness and supporting the coatings companies it licenses Kynar to.
Other companies familiar to the glass industry are also present. Wood’s Powr-Grip (WPG) is focusing on the different types of pads it offers for varying applications. For example, its stone pads include a removable ring to better attach to uneven textures.
Barry Wood, vice president of marking and commercial development for WPG, says the company is also focusing on its lifters for insulating metal panels. Additionally, WPG is displaying its vacuum simulator, which Wood said demonstrates the product’s many safety features.
Accurate Perforating is also on the show floor, showcasing its metal fabrication, perforating and finishing offerings. The company is demonstrating its capabilities in a variety of architectural applications, including facades, sunscreens and railings.
MetalCon continues through Friday. Stay tuned to USGNN.com™ in early November for our monthly newscast, with more coverage from the show.
