Aluminum vs. Steel Performance Tests

PVDF finishes will meet the following performance criteria:

Property Result – AluminumResult – SteelTest Designation
60° Specular Gloss:25-40
25-40ASTM D 523
Pencil Hardness:HB-2HHB-2HASTM D 3363
NCCA 11-12
Flexibilty:T-Bend2-T (1)2-T (1)ASTM D 4145, (NCCA 11-19)
No cracking or tape removal of film
MandrelNo crackingNo crackingASTM D 522
180 bend around 1/8″ mandrel
Adhesion:ImpactAcceptable (2)Acceptable (2)ASTM D 3359, (NCCA 11-5)
Reverse ImpactAcceptable (2)Acceptable (2)ASTM D 2794, (NCCA 11-6)
Abrasion:Falling Sand50 liters minimum50 liters minimumASTM D 968
TransitNo disfigurementNo disfigurementMethod A
Acid Pollutants:No effectNo effectASTM D 1308, Proc. 6.2
10% Muriatic acid, 15 min.
No effectNo effectASTM D 1308, Proc. 6.2 
20% sulfuric acid, 18 hrs.
<5 u. color change Hunger ΔE units<5 u. color change Hunger ΔE unitsAAMA 2605, TEST # 7.7.3.3
70 nitric acid vapors, 30 min.
Acid Rain Test:10 cycles minimum 
No objectionable color change
10 cycles minimum 
No objectionable color change
KESTERNICH
Sulfur dioxide cyclic test
Accelerated Tests:
Weatherometer, 3000 hrs. exposureAcceptable (3)Acceptable (3)ASTM D 822, G 155
Weatherometer
Dew Cycle Weatherometer, 500 hrs. exposureAcceptable (3)Acceptable (3)ASTM D 3361
Humidity, 100% relative humidity @ 95°F.Passes 3000 hrs. (4)Passes 3000 hrs. (4)ASTM D 2247
Salt Spray, 5% salt fog @ 95°F.Passes 3000 hrs. (5)Passes 3000 hrs. (5)ASTM B 117 (NCCA 111-2)
Cyclic Salt Fog/UV Exposure TestPasses 2016 hrs. (6)Passes 2016 hrs. (6)ASTM D 5894
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ATAS Expands its Portfolio with Metalwërks Architectural Plate Systems

On Tuesday, March 18, 2025, ATAS International, Inc., a recognized leader in the metal panel industry, expanded its portfolio by acquiring the assets of Metal Sales & Service, Inc., including the Metalwërks® line of architectural metal plate systems. Metalwërks is recognized industry-wide for high performance metal plate exterior facade systems, integrated curtain wall components, and custom architectural features, including column covers and engineered screen wall systems. They have offices in Kennett Square, PA and manufacturing in Elkton, MD.