PPC Aluminium Column Casings Technical Information and Product Maintenance Product Description The Contour Aluminium column casing range is an aesthetically pleasing and robust solution to the problem of unsightly building structures. Available in almost any diameter, with diameters above 1000mm supplied in more than 2 halves, the Contour Aluminium encasement range can be supplied in sections which can be stacked to achieve any height, and in a variety of shapes. Contour Aluminium columns are flexible enough to yield a product suitable for almost any application and any environment, not only enhancing the aesthetic of a building, but also with the capacity to incorporate building services. Composition & Manufacture Contour pressed Aluminium column casings are formed using high- strength Aluminium sheet grade 1050AH14. Contour recommend casings be supplied in 3mm thick sheet, however bespoke products can be developed to suit your precise requirements. Finish Aluminium column casings are available in a wide variety of finishes to compliment traditional or contemporary building styles, including brushed/polished, polyester powder coated (PPC), perforated sheet and shot peen. PPC casings can be supplied in any RAL or BS colour, and in a gloss, matt or satin finish. PPC casings can also be finished in BioCote anti- microbial finish for areas where bacteria and infection are an issue, such as hospitals or food preparation areas. Handing & Storage Care must be taken during storage in order to avoid splaying, do not stack casings inside of each other. All lengths are supplied in protective cardboard wrapping and bubble wrap, these should preferably be stored undercover and on racks to avoid scratching to any PPC surface. Please refer to manual handling directives when moving. Health & Safety The relevant safety guidelines are outlined in the Health & Safety at Work Act 1974 and should be adhered to. Refer to CDM regulations (Code of Practice and Design for Health and Safety in Construction 1995). Always wear PPE when handling Aluminium products. Avoid ingestion/inhalation of any dust or fumes arising from cutting or welding. Always check for overhead power cables. These products generally do not aid combustion.
Product Care & Maintenance Coating/painting casings enhances appearance and renders the surface more resistant to various forms of attack, as well as facilitating cleaning and maintenance. Cleaning reasonably frequently with mild detergents will produce satisfactory results. For coated/painted products, base Aluminium is likely to be a different colour. Take care to avoid abrasion, which will reveal original colour or alter finish of product. Take care to use a neutral detergent. For brushed/mill finish, use a lint free cloth. Use water or mild detergent, removing any pooled water and drying with a dry cloth. To maintain the original finish, for example gloss, polishing may be required. When a reduction in gloss is observed, then a renovating cream such as T- cut may be applied with a non- abrasive cloth. If located in a hostile environment, cleaning frequencies should be increased.
Manufacturing Tolerances All column casings are prepared from blanks cut to tight tolerances. Precise measurements are assured at the point of manufacture. However, due to the malleable nature of the material, splaying may occur as a result of external factors. This can be remedied during assembly, with column casings pulling in / out to within a tolerance of 10mm. Model Specification Manufacturer: Contour Casings Ltd Type: PPC Aluminium Column Casings Shape: Circular, Square, Rectangular, Lozenge, Bullet, Elipse Standard Thickness: 3mm Standard Length: Up to 4000mm Internal Diameter: 250mm 1000mm Finish: Mill Finish or Polyester Powder Coated (PPC) Joint Detail: Shadow Gap Accessories: Optional top and bottom collars, acoustic / thermal foam, access panel, decorative outer rings, male / female assembly joints, integrated signage, DDA options
Installation 1. Install full length wooden batten vertically along the centre- line on the face of the steel/concrete structure, fixing through the batten and into the structure itself, or cut several smaller battens to fit tightly within the void of an I section, spacing these out equally before fixing the full length vertical batten to these. 2. Attach channel section vertically along the centre of the length of vertical timber on both sides of the building structure, screw securely into place. 3. Fix column collar/s into channel section, ensuring both halves of collar meet in the middle of the channel section and are pressed firmly against the back face, screw securely into place. 4. Position the legs of one half of the casing into the recess of the channel section. Ensuring casing legs are pressed tightly against inside of channel section, fix securely with screws. Repeat with second half of casing. Legs of both casings should sit flat against back face of channel section and butt- up to each other. N.B Casings may flex on the finished size, this will pull in/open out when casing is fixed to vertical channel section. An internal strap will be added on multiple section columns 5. Adjust body of casing to reveal desired amount of top/bottom collar and fix. 6. Run bead of silicone into internal corners of column legs and push cover strip into position. Secure strip with cable tie until silicone has cured.
Trouble Shooting Problem Solution Comments Splaying of casings Ensure correct storage. Casings will pull in/open out upon fixing. Joint alignment Scuffs and scratches Dirt, stains and marks Ensure setting out/bracket system correctly fixed. Ensure product is stored correctly, surfaces are protected and care is taken during install. Use paint repair specialist for re- touching. Clean using appropriate method. Refer to section on handling & storage. Refer to manufacturing tolerances for what is achievable. Refer to sections on handling & storage and product care & maintenance. Refer to section on care & maintenance.