Crystal Extrusion Systems in the News

Our news releases:
Crystal Extrusion Systems Upgrades With Hot Log Saw
Crystal Extrusion Systems named approved applicator by Sherwin-Williams
Crystal Extrusion Introduces New Metal Paint Finish
Verical Integration Leads to Horizontal Expansion
CES Celebrates 5 Year Milestone
CES Achieves Architectural Metal Finishing Certification
Crystal Extrusion Introduces New Metal Paint Finish
Union, Missouri
December 29th, 2008

Crystal Extrusion Systems recently introduced a new finish option for its aluminum extrusions as an alternative to traditional anodization. The new finish is a state-of-the-art powder coat paint that offers the appearance of clear anodized aluminum, with environmental, cost and other benefits.

"Anodization gives a very special high-tech look with the durability and surface properties that many fabricators of aluminum products seek," said Tom Ziegler, Vice President at Crystal. "However, for applications where these characteristics may not be of paramount importance, we encourage our customers to consider our new alternative finish that replicates the appearance of clear anodized aluminum and offers many advantages." Crystal Extrusion continues to offer traditional aluminum anodization for customer orders that require that exact finish.

The aluminum anodization process, compared to powder coat paint finishing, is more energy intensive, uses environmentally harmful chemicals, necessitates hazardous waste disposal, is limited in color selection and does not guarantee color matching and consistency between components. It frequently has a longer lead-time and especially with small order quantities is more expensive. Anodized aluminum is traditionally used in architectural applications such as glass doors, curtain wall systems, storefronts, windows, and interior decorative metal surfaces.

Crystal's powder coat paint finishing process is much more environmentally benign, offers a wider array of colors, assures color consistency, facilitates field touchup painting of damages, and yields a strong, long-lasting coating. Crystal Extrusion Systems, certified by world leader PPG as a powder coat finish applicator, uses PPG powder paint products to achieve the anodized look for its aluminum extrusions. The finish meets American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA) Specifications for Performance Requirements for Organic Coatings on Aluminum Extrusions and Panels: AAMA 2603-Pigmented Coatings; AAMA 2604-High Performance Organic Coatings; and AAMA 2605-Superior Performing Organic Coatings.