The intimate combination of steel and enamel has delighted artists for millennia. With enamelling steels architects and designers also have their chance to create enduring colourful designs for contemporary architectural projects. ArcelorMittal has now developed HC300EK, a new steel grade which is specifically adapted for enamelled architectural projects.

Architecture with enamelled steels - why?

The combination of 100% recyclable steel and enamel (made from glass and pigments) can fulfil both the aesthetic and sustainability aspirations of modern architecture. Furthermore, steel provides mechanical strength and formability, while enamel adds durability and a unique glossy finish.

ArcelorMittal’s enamelled steel grades are already adapted to the various processes used in enamelling. For example, one or more layers of enamel can be fired at high temperature (between 780 and 850°C) on the steel substrate.

HC300EK – the new enamelling steel grade

HC300EK is specifically adapted for enamelled architectural projects and offers:

• Perfect flatness of the facade envelope thanks to its guaranteed minimum yield strength after enamel firing
• Cost savings of up to 30% due to the reduced thickness of the steel substrate (for example, existing 1.5 mm panels can be produced in 1 mm). The mechanical properties of the steel remain the same after 5% deformation and enamel firing
• Easy handling of the panels and cassettes on site thanks to the lower weight

HC300EK is available in the following dimensions:

• standard thicknesses range from 0.5 to 2 mm. Thinner panels (to 0.32 mm) can be produced in consultation with ArcelorMittal
• standard widths range from 1,250 to 1,500 mm

Solfer® range meets all architectural requirements

ArcelorMittal’s Solfer® steels are the best solution for enamelled architectural projects. Solfer® grades provide:

• Perfect flatness of the facade envelope thanks to its limited deformation, even after multiple enamel firings
• A surface free of any defects after enamel firing

Solfer® grades are available in the following dimensions:

• Standard thicknesses range from 0.5 to 2 mm
• Standard widths range from 1,250 to 1,500 mm

Enamelled steels and their unique properties

• A wide array of colours and finishes
• Excellent resistance to abrasion and scratching
• Outstanding resistance to corrosion and ultraviolet (UV) light
• Resistance to the effects of atmospheric pollution

No other material on the market today can match the quality of ArcelorMittal’s enamelling steels for both indoor and outdoor applications.

Colours & Finishes

Enamelled steels are available in an almost infinite range of long-lasting colours, patterns and textures with a gloss, semi-matt or matt finish. Colour stability can be kept up to 50 years, ensuring the panel will remain as vivid for decades, even in the harshest environments.

Artistic decoration of the enamelled panels is also possible. Almost any creative idea can be reproduced on the panels with extreme accuracy using serigraphy (silkscreen printing) or decalcomania (transfer of engravings or prints). Four-colour CMYK printing can also be used to create wave forms, curved profiles and other special shapes.

Excellent resistance to abrasions and scratches

With almost the same hardness as a diamond, enamelled surfaces are able to resist extremely abrasive conditions including sandstorms. Scratches, impacts and wear have no influence on enamelled steels.

Enamelled steels are also resistant to damage from flames or other sources of heat and have an A1 fire resistance rating. Even when heated, enamelled steels do not release any toxic fumes.

Outstanding resistance to corrosion and UV

As well as providing a range of colour and finish options, enamelled steel panels will resist:

• Atmospheric pollution (including sulphur dioxide and nitric oxide)
• Rain
• Salt-laden marine atmospheres
• Sudden changes in temperature
• Ultraviolet radiation
• Weather – enamelled panels are insensitive to extreme cold (-50°C)  and very hot temperatures (above 50°C)

Pollution-resistant

Modern-built environments are extremely susceptible to the effects of corrosive atmospheric pollution. However, enamelled steels have no pores or cracks. This stops bacteria, dust and pollution from gaining a foothold in the enamel.

Enamelled surfaces are very easy to clean. Most commercially available solvents can be used without affecting the colour or finish. Even graffiti can be easily removed from the enamelled surface.

Recommendations for use

Deformed parts such as profiles and cassettes can be made with ArcelorMittal’s adapted steel grades including Solfer®. As well as being ready for enamelling, these grades can be assembled like other facade products.

The long-term maintenance of enamelled panels is simple. During renovations it is easy to perfectly colour-match panels as there should be no noticeable differences between old and new panels.

Other applications for enamelled panels include:

• Facade envelopes
• Interior design
• Public transport buildings such as airport terminals, railway and subway stations
• Sunscreens
• Tunnels
• Special projects

ArcelorMittal can advise you on the most suitable grade to fit your project budget and the level of quality required.

ArcelorMittal has developed powerful computational tools which can simulate the vitreous enamelling process and help you to design your facade elements. Computational simulation techniques are especially useful for defining the right shape and thickness of panels. Do not hesitate to consult our technical or R&D experts for more information.

From January 2014, two new finishes will be added to ArcelorMittal’s Granite® range of organic coated products for outdoor building applications: Granite® Silky Mat and Granite® Impression. Designed for use in prestigious architectural facades, they offer unique patterns and textures which will add drama, character and excitement to any exterior.

“These new aesthetics allow architects to reinforce the personality of their designs, whatever the type of building,” said André Lavaud, product lead, coated products for ArcelorMittal Flat Carbon Europe.

Like all Granite® products, Granite® Silky Mat and Granite® Impression are part of the ArcelorMittal Nature range of organic coated steels, free from heavy metals and chromates.

Sparkling matt finish adds glamour

Granite® Silky Mat, which is available in 11 natural colours, is a highly durable finish in two different textures: smooth or rough. The smooth option is extremely fine, giving a completely flat matt finish which will last for years. The coarser texture of the rough finish has a slight sparkle. A rigorous quality assurance system is in place at all our mills to ensure that colours produced on any line conform to the ArcelorMittal standard.

New textures leave an impression

Granite® Impression is available in four options: snake, elephant and green and brown agate. The ‘snake’ texture offers irregular scales of various hues and longitudinal forms. By contrast, the elephant finish is very tough and wrinkled in appearance. Granite® Impression agate finish is available in natural green or brown. Both colours add a polished natural effect to a project.

Robust and flexible solutions

Granite® Impression and Granite® Silky Mat have been subjected to a series of tests in the laboratory and outdoors sites to ensure the best possible product performance. They feature a robust but flexible paint system which is scratch resistant, durable and formable and are guaranteed for up to 15 years. They are ideal for cladding applications such as sandwich panels, profiled sheets and cassettes.

To answer the needs of specific construction projects, both products are available in small quantities. “As ArcelorMittal Flat Carbon Europe’s ‘small lots’ service applies to the whole Granite® range, our customers can fully benefit from this new offer,” explains André Lavaud.

For more information on Granite® Impression and Granite® Silky Mat and the associated services, please contact your nearest agency (find list of agencies in the right column) or send an email to fce.technical.assistance(at)arcelormittal.com.