september 2011
Qualicoat is the worlds largest quality management label for architectural powder coating. Being specified on projects around the globe, the quality label is now 25 years old and celebrates its Jubilee year with a world congress in Munich this October.
The key to any quality management system is the independent inspection of products and processes. So it was with pleasure that Qualicoat UK & Ireland members, who recently held their regional meeting in Dublin, welcomed on board a new independent testing body for manufacturing members.
IFO are based in Germany and have agreed to inspect the quality of polyester powders being manufactured in the UK and Ireland. Virtually all powder manufacturers produce polyester powder systems that meet the Qualicoat standard and IFO will now independently test the powders against the standards laid down by Qualicoat.
In order for a completed project to be powder coated to meet the standard, a Qualicoat approved applicator must be specified. Qualicoat applicators are independently expected by Exova, based in Manchester, and members are subject to unannounced inspections a least twice a year.
The resulting architectural finish offers a high standard with traceable quality, and long life expectancy. Specifiers can rest in the knowledge that the standard is well respected in many countries and therefore available for a wide range of projects overseas.
Copies of the Qualicoat standard are available through the UK associations website together with an up to date list of manufacturers and applicators at www.qualicoatuki.org. Printed literature and telephone support is available from Qualicoat UK & Ireland’s Head Office in Birmingham on 0121 601 6746.