Vitreous Enamelled Steel a natural material born from

Vitreous Enamelled Steel a natural material born from fire Presentation to Specifying Dynamics September 2009

Overview of Presentation • Vitrex (Pty) Ltd - Company Background • Vitreous Enamelled (VE) Steel • Vitrex Architectural Products - General • What’s New?

Vitrex (Pty) Ltd Background Information • Premises are situated in Jet Park, Boksburg (Gauteng). • Vitrex is housed in self-owned offices of 1000 m 2 and a factory of 6000 m 2 • Staffed by a total complement of 120 dedicated people. • The plant includes specialised enamelling furnaces and an in-house facility for quality control and test purposes. • Design and drawing facilities are housed within the offices and provide the relevant technical assistance. • Vitrex is a member of the Institute of Vitreous Enamellers (IVE) in the U. K. • ISO 9001: 2000 Quality Assurance Systems (Dekra certified). • BBBEE Certification = Category 3 (March 2009)

Vitrex Factory and Offices

Institute of Vitreous Enamellers U. K. Member

ISO 9001: 2000 Dekra Certified Quality Management System

The Vitrex Service Single Source Responsibility • • • Technical and costing expertise. Advice at early design stage on details, feasibility and product specifications. Design office and drawing facilities. Fabrication, enamelling and assembly. Testing of vitreous enamelled steel surfaces. Installation. Contract management of own scope of works. ISO 9001: 2000 certified Quality Management Assurance system. Countrywide representation in South Africa. Representation in BLSN countries. Representation in the United Kingdom, Europe, the Middle East, Indonesia, Vietnam, Singapore, Hong Kong, India and Australia.

Vitreous Enamelled Steel • Vitreous Enamelled Steel combines the traditional properties and attributes of glass with the strength and fabrication flexibility of steel. • A vitreous enamelled steel surface is created when an application of an inorganic coating consisting of silica (glass), oxides, clay and various minerals found in nature is fused to a steel base. • The inorganic coating is formulated and milled on the Vitrex premises and is then applied to the steel through a wet spray process.

Vitreous Enamel Raw Materials Black Frit Transparent Frit Oxide White Frit Clay Oxide

Vitreous Enamelled Steel • Enamelling quality steel is used, after it has been chemically pre -treated through a series of acid and alkaline baths, followed by washing in hot and cold water and final drying. • The type of steel used for enamelling applications must have a specific chemical composition, mass and distribution of carbides and other precipitates, carbon content (low or zero) and mechanical characteristics to allow for fabrication or pressing of the piece to be enamelled. • The chemical fusion of the relatively thin inorganic coating to the steel is carried out in a special furnace (radiant heat) at controlled temperatures of around 820 O C.

Vitreous Enamelled Steel • The chemical fusion gives rise to an indeterminate boundary layer between the hard, compact non-porous vitreous enamel surface and the steel base. Chemical fusion process: - Oxidization of metal. - Enamel becomes liquid and dissolves ferrous oxide. - Ferrous oxide saturates enamel and reacts with other oxides. - Steel surface develops rough features. - Enamel penetrates features whilst still in liquid form. - Enamel hardens during the subsequent cooling process. • For architectural applications, a ground coat is combined with two cover coats to achieve an overall enamel thickness of 300 -400 microns.

Vitrex Furnace Each coat of enamel is individually fired at approximately 820°C

Properties of Vitreous Enamel • Versatile: Provides an ideal medium with which to solve most design conditions, both internal and external. • Variety of Colours and Finishes: Vitreous enamels can be coloured in a vast range of hues and shades. In most applications the surface generally has a high gloss finish, however semi-gloss, silky matt or matt finishes can be produced. A large range of standard colours is complemented by the possibility of creating special colours for specific applications and the possibility also exists of permanently incorporating logos, designs, patterns and signage into the surface. • Colour Fastness: Enamel colours are unique in appearance (brilliance), fade proof, resistant to light, ultra violet (UV) radiation, industrial pollutants, salt sea air and hail.

Properties of Vitreous Enamel • Resistance to Corrosion: The absence of a finite boundary layer between the vitreous enamel coating and the steel base and the fact that the steel is encapsulated in glass, ensure that the structural integrity of the steel is maintained and potential damage to the substrate is avoided. Enamelled elements cannot rust even in extreme marine conditions. • Hygienic: Due to the absence of pores the smooth, hard enamel surface eliminates the absorption of dirt and grease, reduces the presence and growth of bacteria and mould, therefore creating a more hygienic and healthy environment. Independent comparative studies (copy attached) have shown that in this respect enamel outperforms other materials and coatings, including stainless steel. Enamel does not absorb or transmit odours or flavours.

Properties of Vitreous Enamel • Resistance to Abrasion: The surface hardness is very similar to that of glass. On the MOH scale vitreous enamel has a rating of approximately 5 degrees (apatite) to 7 degrees (quartz). On the same scale marble has a rating of 3 and diamonds of 10. This property allows the surface to resist mechanical abrasion and prevent scratching, either accidental or intentional. • Resistance to Vandalism, Impacts and Chemicals: The extreme hardness of the surface makes it very difficult to mark permanently with knives, keys, screwdrivers. Enamel is resistant to most alkali, all acids (at room temperature) except hydrofluoric acid, all organic solvents, normal detergents (p. H > 7), all neutral saline solutions (p. H = 7) and is unaffected by kerosene. Graffiti applied by means of markers and pens can be cleaned off with the use of an appropriate detergent and water. Only impacts of a certain force will chip the enamel.

Properties of Vitreous Enamel • Heat and Fire Resistance: Resistant to heat, naked flames or fire up to 650 O C and continuous temperatures up to 400 O C, vitreous enamel does not support the spread of flames or smoke (incombustible) and does not give off any toxic gasses. • Resistance to Thermal Shock: Resistant to extreme temperature differentials of between 450° C to - 40° C, vitreous enamel can withstand rapid cooling, when drenched with water spray, from 400° C to room temperature over a 30 second period. • Vermin-proof: The surface is impervious to attack and damage by rodents and insects.

Properties of Vitreous Enamel • Acoustic and Thermal Insulation: Acoustic and thermal characteristic are dependant on both the type and nature of the core materials used. Specific performance requirements can be accommodated and should be addressed at design stage. • Dielectric Properties: Enamel has a high degree of electrical resistance and acts as an excellent insulator, especially at room temperature. The ability to prevent or block stray currents enhances the ability of the enamel coating to protect the steel from corrosion.

Properties of Vitreous Enamel • Low Maintenance: The surface requires very simple and periodical maintenance. Enamel is extremely easy to clean. Increases in the cost of labour make it a sound approach to make a slightly higher initial investment and then benefit from lower maintenance and refurbishment costs. • Environmental Issues: Both the elements that are used to produce enamel and the steel base are recyclable as they contain no polluting substances. • Testing: Refer to the attached Test Report from the South African Bureau of Standards.

Vitrex Product Range • Chalk Boards, White Boards, Pin Boards and Audio Visual Equipment: System 1000, System 2000, Execuboard and Writing Walls. • Cloakroom Cubicle and Vanity Top Systems. • Cladding: Vitraclad. • Baths and Shower Trays: Euro. San Range. • Signage: Vitra. Sign.

What’s New !

Fire Test Certificate (Vitraclad) August 2009 Web Site October 2009 Project Photographic Portfolio (Vitraflex and Vitraclad) November 2009

Vitrex Writing Walls 1. Vitreous Enamel Steel Surface. 2. Writing Area Increased. 3. Custom Made to Suit Room. 4. Screening Option. 5. Ideal for Meeting Rooms, Board Rooms, Laboratories and “Think-Tanks”.

Vitraflex Cubicles Floor Mounting Details 1. Stainless Steel. 2. Drilling Area into Floor Minimized. 3. Integrated Height Adjustment. 4. Stylish Design. New Stainless Steel Telescopic Leg Anchors

Vitraflex Bathroom Signs 1. Vitreous Enamel Steel Surface. 2. Custom Made to Suit. 3. Unlimited Design and Colour Options.

Recent Contracts

Northbury School - London

Northbury School London

Other Vitraclad Contracts: MTN Billboard - Centurion. Soccer City - Johannesburg. Terminal A Arrivals, Terminal A Departures Upgrade and Central Terminal Building OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg. Notting Hill Gate Station - London (UK) Victoria Station - London (UK)

Green Point Stadium - Cape Town

Other Vitraflex Contracts: Soccer City - Johannesburg. New Vanity Design Royal Bafokeng Sports Palace - Rustenburg. Mbombela Stadium - Nelspruit. King Shaka International Airport - Durban. Terminal A Arrivals, Terminal A Departures Upgrade and Central Terminal Building -OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg.

Vitrex Contact Details Head Office • Cristian F. G. Cottino • Chrisna Wilcoks Director - Sales and Marketing Assistant to Sales and Marketing Director New Appointment • 9 Jansen Road, Jet Park, Boksburg, Gauteng, South Africa. • P. O. Box 13101, Witfield 1467, South Africa • Telephone (011) 826 -6057 / 8 / 9 • Facsimile (011) 823 -1641 • Mobile (082) 412 -3054 • Email cristian@vitrex. co. za, vitrex@vitrex. co. za or chrisna@vitrex. co. za. • Web Site www. vitrex. co. za