Global Building Elements (Pty) Ltd

Explanation
Aluminium is the most common metal in the Earth’s crust (8 %). It occurs widely in feldspar, mica, and clay materials and is mainly extracted from bauxite. Aluminium is a light metal (relative density 2.699 g/cu.m) with a melting point of 660 degrees Celsius. Its natural colour is silvery white. It can be cast or rolled into virtually any shape, including foil.

Aluminium is extracted from bauxite in two separate stages. Pure aluminium oxide (alumina)
is generated, and this is then broken down into aluminium and oxygen by a process of
electrolysis in fused cryolite solution.

Despite the high energy cost of the initial extraction process, aluminium is environmentally
sound. Being a lightweight amongst metals, it saves energy when used. It can also be
fully recycled at a fraction of the cost involved in its manufacture.

FSB processes only pure smelting alloys, as follows:
AlMg3: Mat.-No. 3.3541.02 DIN 1725
AlMg1: Mat.-No. 3.3315 DIN 1725
AlMgSi0,5: Mat.-No. 3.3206 DIN 1725

After machining, the surface is anodised. This is an electrochemical process which transforms
the surface of the metal into a given thickness of aluminium oxide.

FSB uses the standard GS process to form its anodised coatings. GS are the German initials for direct-current sulphuric acid electrolysis, which produces an oxidised layer approx. 10 µm thick.

Coating hardness is between 250 and 350 kp/sq.mm (Vkckers), equivalent to 2,500 - 3,500 N/sq.mm. The silvery oxidised layer can be stained to extend the range of possible finishes.

FSB makes use of two methods:
1. Surface and penetrating staining by immersion and absorption The silvery white anodised aluminium is chemically stained in organic and inorganic dye solutions. The non-fade factor is between 6 and 7:

2. Deep staining of the oxidised coating Metals and metal compounds are electrolytically implanted into the silvery oxidised layer using an alternating current. This is also known as the twostep method. Non-fade factors range between 7 and 8:

Once colouration is complete, the surface is sealed. This ensures abrasion strength as well as colour and weather fastness.

Aluminium essentially needs no looking after. The surface is protected by natural or artificial anodisation. Marks can be removed with water and a soft cloth.

Harder materials can gouge or abrade an aluminium surface. The scratches left by rings are
a typical example. Though such blemishes may be a visual nuisance, they in no way impair the functional properties of the product. There are many users who view the impact of time on the objects of everyday use as an ennobling process.

We would also like to say a clear word on the subject of surface hygiene as it affects levers, handles and knobs.

FSB is not in the game of playing one material off against another. Whether a given surface destroys bacteria in 24 hours or 72 is a bit academic really, since people are using doors all the time in practice. You’d have to get out a disinfectant every time a handle were touched if you wished to eliminate germs altogether.