ArcelorMittal Europe – Flat Products has created a new product designed for use in extreme climates. Granite® HDXtreme is the latest prepainted steel in ArcelorMittal’s organic coated Granite® range. Granite® HDXtreme is uniquely beautiful, resilient against corrosion, sustainable, and can be used in both indoor and outdoor applications. A three-layer coating system provides high levels of protection against UV and corrosion. This enables ArcelorMittal to guarantee the steel’s performance. Granite® HDXtreme comes in a vast palette of colours and three different finishes to make any project unique.

Three-layer coating system

The strength of Granite® HDXtreme comes from its three-layer coating system which ranges from 70 to 75 microns (µm) depending on the finish. Each layer performs a different but integral function.

The primer layer plays a key role in corrosion protection by ensuring the top coat adheres tightly to the underlying steel. On top of that is a polyurethane basecoat which ensures the steel’s durability and provides the final colour. The coating is finished with a layer of varnish which adds texture to the coating, increases durability and surface robustness, and enhances the UV weathering potential of Granite® HDXtreme.

Weathering resistance

Granite® HDXtreme already meets the requirements of the updated EN 10169 standard for continuously organic coated flat steels. Its exceptional UV resistance offers colour stability for many years. Granite® HDXtreme is also ready to pass the upcoming new RUV5 UV resistance standard when it is published later in 2021.

The coating has also been evaluated by exposing prepainted samples of Granite® HDXtreme to accelerated UV, humidity, and temperature variations for up to 4000 hours. Natural outdoor exposure tests have also been carried out at locations around the world.

Automatic guarantees

ArcelorMittal’s extensive experience and testing, including in highly corrosive seafront locations, translates into a long-term guarantee of up to 40 years for Granite® HDXtreme. The guarantee is applicable to roofs and facades as well as the installation of rooftop photovoltaic modules.

Samples

Samples of Granite® HDXtreme are available through our online sample shop.

Three finishes, almost 50 colours

Created in consultation with architects and designers, Granite® HDXtreme is available in a huge palette of colours and three different finishes: satin, matt, and sparkling.

The satin finish is available in either 15 or 30 gloss units (GU) and has a grained texture. The matt (<10GU) finely wrinkled finish is available in four colours, and a sparkling, grained 30 GU finish is available in five colours. The latter are amongst the most attractive and sparkly steel finishes available on the market. More colours may be added depending on demand. The low gloss, matt finish is ideal for large flat panels and cassettes, while the standard and sparkling finishes are more suited to small panels.

9 solano colours have been added to the colour palette. Click on the image below to view.

Highly sustainable

The steel is designed for roofs and facades on buildings near the sea, and its performance is guaranteed for up to 40 years. Free of hexavalent chromium and heavy metals plus 100% recyclable, Granite® HDXtreme is highly sustainable: it has a lower CO2 footprint compared with alternative solutions such as aluminium.

The first building with Granite® HDXtreme

ArcelorMittal Ghent’s Indi building in Belgium is the first building to be clad with Granite® HDXtreme. Located close to the industrial environment of the mill and the sea, Granite® HDXtreme was the ideal choice.

Text:
ArcelorMittal Europe Communications
Constructalia

Images:
Jeroen Op de Beeck and Philippe Vandenameele
ArcelorMittal

ArcelorMittal Construction Sweden has completed its deal with Llentab, a manufacturer and contractor for steel buildings, to acquire its Kungshamn panel production line in Sweden.

Successful teamwork

News of the deal was first announced in December 2020 and since then, intensive work has been underway to prepare for the takeover on 1 April 2021. On this day, the takeover was celebrated with a ceremony in the production premises in Kungshamn.

Speaking on-site, ArcelorMittal Construction Scandinavia CEO Van Hoa Nguyen said: "We are very happy to be celebrating the completion of the deal today and the start of ArcelorMittal operating here in Kungshamn. There is a lot involved in a successful takeover of an industrial asset such as this panel production line in terms of both people and technology. I am extremely proud of everyone in the team who has put their soul into getting everything in place."

Developing and expanding production

The line, which produces mineral wool (MiWo) panels for steel buildings, adds to the existing profile production lines in ArcelorMittal Construction’s Swedish business and will boost the company’s competitiveness in the Scandinavian market by giving it its first panel production manufacturing capability in the region.

“This acquisition will allow us to further develop ArcelorMittal Construction’s business in a very dynamic market by developing and expanding production of MiWo panels in Kungshamn to its full potential and becoming the first-choice supplier of panels in Scandinavia. We will continue to invest in the business here in Kungshamn and hope to create more job opportunities in the area" Van Hoa Nguyen continued.

Production in Kungshamn will be run in close cooperation with Llentab. "We welcome ArcelorMittal as a ‘neighbour’ here in Kungshamn and look forward to continued cooperation with them," said Stefan Eklund, CEO of Llentab Group.

ArcelorMittal Construction

ArcelorMittal Construction creates innovative building systems for a broad range of buildings and has a presence in 15 countries with around 2000 employees.

Text:
ArcelorMittal Europe Communications
Constructalia

Images:
ArcelorMittal

Steel roofing is a popular choice in the construction and renovation market. The numerous advantages of steel roofing are what make it so convincing.

The advantages of steel roofing

The roof is one of the most visible, eye-catching elements of a house. If you are looking for an aesthetic, light, and easy-to-install roof with convenient options, all at an affordable price, then you should definitely consider steel roof tiles. It is a solution that has been successfully used for years for roofing in millions of homes and other types of buildings.

A wide range of organic coated steels for roofing applications

ArcelorMittal's range of organic coated Granite® steel for roofing offers a combination of a variety of textures and rich colours. For example: Granite® Storm works impeccably in demanding conditions, Granite® Ultramat offers a distinctive texture and matt finish, and Granite® Impression Cloudy is a steel with unique aesthetics including an appearance resembling natural materials such as clay or terracotta. These coatings are extremely durable and are corrosion and UV resistant.

Challenges in the creation of steel roof tiles

It would seem that there is nothing more pleasant when creating a steel roof tile than inventing its shape - a bend that will enhance the colour or reflect light in a unique way. However, not everyone is aware of the technical and material requirements that should or have to be met. Forming complex shapes on curved, convex, and concave surfaces in addition to the required flexibility of the varnish coat are challenging factors in the creation of steel roof tiles.

A partner in testing ArcelorMittal coatings

To ensure even longer use and greater durability of ArcelorMittal steel roofing, we began working with DACHPOLL to test Granite® Ultramat. Additionally, different tile shapes were tested by analysing bend radii. Thanks to our partner, the shape of the steel roof tiles have been adjusted in such a way so as not to exceed the required parameters for the varnish coat and to offer patterns of roof tiles that meet customers’ expectations.

About DACHPOLL

DACHPOLL have 40 years of experience in profiling roofing sheets and is a manufacturer of sheet metal profiling machines. DACHPOLL have also been conducting research in the field of profiling and sheet metal pressing for many years. A qualified team of engineers and specialists are constantly working to develop even better technological solutions in order to improve the quality of devices and products. As a result, their profiling machines are used by leaders in the roofing industry in Poland and abroad. The dynamic development of the company is also evident via the registration of several hundred industrial designs in patent offices in Poland, the European Union, Russia, and Ukraine. The patented industrial designs of DACHPOLL roofing sheets are currently setting trends in the roofing industry, and ArcelorMittal ensures that our Granite® Ultramat coating is being used at its best.

Text: Constructalia
Images: DACHPOLL

Metallic colours are evermore appreciated by architects – especially in combination with organic coated steels to provide long term durability and aesthetic facades.

For the first time, ArcelorMittal has published a fire certificate for prepainted steel in metallic colours: Granite® HDX in metallic shades has successfully been certified as A1!

In Classification Report No RA20-0231, the French Centre Scientifique et Technique du Bâtiment (CSTB) has certified that the metallic colour range of ArcelorMittal's prepainted Granite® HDX steel has been classified as A1 'non-combustible'. Testing was conducted according to European standard EN 13501-1:2018.

Download the entire Reaction to Fire European Classification Report from our Document library.

Related link(s)

Granite® HDX metallic: Fire certificate

Last year, the German city of Mülsen - just a few kilometres from the birthplace of legendary car brands Horch, Audi, and Trabant - became home to the country’s most modern kart racing track, Arena E. Built using ArcelorMittal steel, the track is operated by the Allgemeiner Deutscher Automobil Club (ADAC) with former kart racer Kevin Illgen as managing director.

Multiple uses

The 18-hectare site offers motorsport enthusiasts a place to do laps with karts and pocket- and mini-bikes. ADAC also envisages the racetrack being used by the Zwickau University of Technology for research driving and testing.

High visibility for our steel

ArcelorMittal Construction Deutschland supplied various products for the construction of the complex:

• 1003BM sandwich panels in the colours AM 7016 (anthracite) and AM 9006 (white aluminium)
• flat sheets (in the same colours)
• 135/310 supporting shells

Our sandwich panels were used to build the facade of the indoor karting hall; the start-finish tower, which meets the most modern requirements and houses the race office, speakers, and timekeeping system; and the central building complex, comprised of reception and conference rooms, catering, and the race hall. Our flat sheets were used to build the folded parts, and our supporting shells - supplied by our Brehna plant - were used in the roof construction.

Overall, the functional units, cladded with anthracite panels and separated by silver sandwich panels, match perfectly with the colour of the track creating a coherent visual environment.

Arena E will host up to 18 racing events a year, helping to showcase our steel to international audiences.

Text:
ArcelorMittal Europe Communications
Constructalia

Images:
ArcelorMittal

Related link(s)

Arena E

Despite the challenges of COVID-19 on our daily and professional lives, some projects have continued and have even been successfully completed these past months. Since March 2020, Industeel's site in Charleroi, Belgium has been equipped with 1512 photovoltaic panels on its roof. The green electricity generated will allow Industeel to produce cost-efficient steel while reducing its CO2 footprint. The panels have been fixed on a steel structure coated with Magnelis®.

A strong illustration of sustainability

With this project, ArcelorMittal reinforces its commitment to energy efficiency, renewable energy, and CO2 emissions reduction across all facilities. This project represents one more step towards sustainability and a cleaner future while reducing expense and generating positive EBITDA savings.

Throughout the 20 years of the contract life, the supplier PERPETUM will take on the full maintenance and operations of the panels and will guarantee both the performance and the output of the panels. After 20 years, the panels will belong to Industeel Belgium and will continue to produce energy. The electrical power of each panel is 320 Wp (watt-peak). This corresponds, with southern exposure, to an expected annual global electricity production of 500 MWh, which is equivalent to the energy consumption of 120 households.

Protected by Magnelis®

Industeel worked with Green4Power, who invested in the project, and entrusted the supply, assembly, and commissioning to PERPETUM. The structure supporting the 1512 solar panels was entirely built with Magnelis® - a product of ArcelorMittal Europe – Flat Products - in grade ZM310 and produced in Liège.

Magnelis® is an exceptional metallic coating with a chemical composition including zinc, 3.5% aluminium, and 3% magnesium. This unique composition allows Magnelis® to provide an unprecedented level of surface and cut-edge protection against corrosion even in the most hostile environments.

This project was successfully completed thanks to the excellent teamwork between Industeel and the European Procurement Organisation's energy efficiency projects team, who implement various energy efficiency projects including on-site solar photovoltaic projects on the roofs and land of ArcelorMittal sites.

"The renewable energy generated by these 1500 solar panels supports us in achieving ArcelorMittal's ambition to be CO2 neutral by 2050," concludes Alex Nick, CEO Industeel.

Text: ArcelorMittal Europe Communications
Images: Marc Burton, Energy Management and Optimisation, Industeel Belgium

Related link(s)

Solar panels for Industeel Charleroi roof with Magnelis®