Plastic systems with Schüco AutomotiveFinish surface treatment received metallic colors known from the automotive industry

Nearly three years of development preceded the introduction of a new surface treatment technology for Schüco plastic window and door systems, Schüco AutomotiveFinish, which was first presented by the company Schüco at the fensterbau/frontale trade fair in Nuremberg in March. The unique AutomotiveFinish technology was created in collaboration between Schüco engineers and representatives of a leading paint supplier for the automotive industry. The benefit is the possibility of applying high-quality and striking metallic colors, known from the automotive industry, to plastic profiles. With constant color stability, a high degree of gloss is achieved while meeting the technical requirements for chemical resistance, abrasion resistance, and weather resistance. There is also an emphasis on cost-effectiveness and ecology. At first glance, plastic profiles with the Schüco AutomotiveFinish treatment are difficult to distinguish from aluminum ones.

"In recent years, we have observed an increased demand for metallic colors from designers and architects. With aluminum window, door, and facade profiles, these shades can be achieved through powder coating. However, in the range of plastic systems, it has not yet been possible to apply metallic colors industrially and thus economically," explains the situation Ing. Petr Evan, Sales Director of the plastics division in the Czech Republic. The company Schüco responded to this market gap by establishing a partnership with a renowned paint supplier for the automotive industry. The goal of the mutual cooperation was to transfer the successful and proven surface treatment method from plastic castings in the automotive industry to plastic window and door profiles in the construction industry. This has been achieved, and plastic profiles with premium color solutions are now coming to market. Schüco plastic profiles with AutomotiveFinish treatment exhibit similar properties regarding color stability and weather resistance compared to aluminum covering strips, but at more attractive prices. Evidence of the successful cooperation so far includes the first completed projects.

In addition to pilot orders, long-term tests have also been completed, and contracts have been signed with suppliers with the aim of offering related accessories for windows and doors in equally high-quality metallic shades, i.e., tone-to-tone. Apart from economic characteristics, the new AutomotiveFinish technology also meets high standards from an ecological perspective. The environmentally friendly manufacturing process allows for the application of coated surface treatments on profiles without the actual painting process, while consuming low energy and producing minimal waste. Environmental pollution from contaminated air and water or hazardous waste is thus eliminated.

The foundation of the Schüco AutomotiveFinish technology consists not only of the color layer but also of a special protective layer. This determines the surface's durability (among other things, it protects the surface from heating) and can be structured at the customer's request. The palette of color shades currently includes, apart from popular gray shades DB 703, RAL 9007, RAL 9006, six other colors (RAL 450-M, RAL 630-M, RAL 750-M, RAL 350-M, RAL 140-M, and the shade "White Line") applicable on both the exterior and interior sides and two special colors intended only for the interior side.

For more information not only about the AutomotiveFinish technology, visit www.schueco.cz.