QUARTZ-ZINC is Natural Zinc that is treated to visually mimic the beauty of naturally-aged patina. Recommended in situations where natural patina may not form consistently or evenly, QUARTZ-ZINC is pre-weathered and when new, offers a color similar to that of Natural Zinc’s naturally-achieved matt-grey patina.
This pre-weathering process involves a surface treatment of Natural Zinc. This process is closely controlled to ensure a minimal range of color variances. The zinc’s natural beauty is maintained without disrupting the zinc surface’s aesthetic and functional integrity is minimized.
A unique matt-gray texture
The resulting subtle, yet intricately textured matt-gray color allows QUARTZ-ZINC to either stand out on its own, or to blend in with other natural materials such as stone, wood, terracotta, or slates.
A special patina
As with Natural Zinc, based on the type of installation, surface exposure to weather, and geographical conditions, QUARTZ-ZINC can naturally develop a patina that may gradually and slightly darken the zinc’s surface over time. This patina enforces zinc’s long-lasting reputation by ensuring low-maintenance durability while protecting the material’s surface from environmental forces.
VMZINC, a leading specialist in innovative zinc solutions for building envelopes
VMZINC is the international brand name of rolled zinc products manufactured and sold by VM Building Solutions, which is specialized in materials technology. The products are quite exclusively produced in France, except some accessories which are produced in Germany, Slovakia and Switzerland.
Process
The first stage consists of melting the pure metal deposited on the cathodes during the electrolysis process and adding a controlled amount of copper and titanium in a series of induction furnaces to produce a liquid alloy.
The liquid metal is then transferred to a continuous casting machine for solidification into a continuous slab, about twelve millimetres thick and approximately a metre wide. The controlled cooling process within the machine produces a fine, homogenous grain structure.
Three to five rolling operations are performed to reduce the slab to the required thickness. Throughout this process, temperature, rolling speed and reduction rate are closely monitored and adjusted to obtain the required mechanical and dimensional characteristics.
VMZINC has been the world leader in innovation and production of pre-weathered zinc since 1978 when the world`s first pre-weathered zinc was produced. 10 standard pre-weathered zinc finishes are now available.
One of the final steps involves cutting the rolled zinc into sheets or coils of the required weight, width and thickness on specialized finishing lines.
