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» VE Prints
Vitreous enamel pastes are silkscreened or masked to create high resolution multicolored graphics which are fired and fused to the panel at 800⁰ Celsius. Images and graphics are vitreous enamel and therefore have the same durability as any VE plain color. Excellent for including station names, emergency signage, art and maps.
» Versatile
Cladding can be customized to meet the needs of any project. Choices in shape, color or gloss level. Variety of different backing options. Inclusive signage. Secure VE doors and emergency fire cabinets can be included. Cut outs for lighting, emergency plungers, cameras and speakers are custom ordered for each project.
» Fireproof
Vitreous enameled steel is totally incombustible, will neither ignite nor burn and will withstand continuous temperatures of up to +400°C. Architectural VE panels will, depending on the design and the nature of the backing materials, provide fire ratings of a min. of two hours. Higher fire ratings can be achieved. No toxic fumes are released when exposed to fire.
» Appearance
No peeling, cracking or loss in gloss level vitreous enamel panels maintain the appearance of the station for the lifetime of the panel which is a warranty of up to 50 years. Wide range of color options or printing if desired.
» Grafitti Proof
Non stick, non porous, chemical resistant, extremely hard and color fast. This combination of qualities is unique to vitreous enamel and enables complete removal of paint or permanent markers using solvents without damaging the VE color or surface.
» Quick Installation
Various fixing systems are available and can be customized to suit each project. Typical heavy gauge VE panels for the Hong Kong MTR are fixed using a uni-strut and top hat system requiring no drilling and very basic tools for installation or panel replacement. Light gauge panels are supplied with fixing extrusions that make installation extremely simple.
» High Impact Resistance
The physical strength of the steel, coating and panel backing enable vitreous enameled panels to withstand deformation and damage due to impact. Typical CERATEC panels designed for underground rail use are 1.6mm steel thickness with 12mm calcium silicate backing. These offer excellent impact resistance to extreme pressures from commuters in Hong Kong and Singapore mass transit rail systems.
» High Sound Absorption
VE Panels offer excellent sound absorption with variety of backing materials available.
» Environmental Safety
The production of VE panels is an ecologically friendly process that does not involve harmful substances.  The panels are made from non toxic materials including glass, steel and calcium silicate.  All materials are not harmful to the environment and are recyclable. The VE coating increases the lifespan of the original steel many times thereby reducing waste and the number of times the steel needs to be reprocessed.  VE Panels release no toxic fumes in the event of a fire.
» High Abrasion Resistance
A combination of very high lubricity and extreme surface hardness gives vitreous enamel unusually high abrasive resistance when compared to other cladding surfaces. On the Moh Hardness Scale : Diamond =10, Aluminium or Sheet Steel=3, Fibre Cement Board Painted = 2.5 Vitreous Enamel = 5.5 to 6). This makes VE an ideal durable finish for use in buildings or areas that are used by to large numbers of people and where machine cleaning can damage gloss levels such as in tunnels. Use a metal key and try to scratch a vitreous enamel coating then do it to any other cladding coating and you will see that there is a significant difference.
» Lowest Maintenance Cost
Vitreous enamel has high lubricity, is non stick, non static and non porous. These qualities make it hard for dust and grime to cling to panels and very easy to clean off with a mild soap solution. VE panels have the highest abrasion resistance, retaining reflective qualities and provide significant savings on lighting and electricity while keeping stations looking clean and new.
» High Salt Air & Chemical Resistance
Vitreous enamel is highly resistant to corrosion from salt air. Also highly resistant to corrosion from both acids and alkalis. VE panels are therefore suited to tunnel, underground and seaside port environments.
» FULL LIST OF VE QUALITIES
» click here for full list
Tough. Durable. Versatile.
The performance characteristics of vitreous enamel result in a material that will not rust, is resistant to chemical attack, abrasion and fire as well as being more durable than any other architectural cladding material. In addition its versatility enables custom designs of all shapes and dimensions, the use of graphics and logos as well as a virtually unlimited colour range.

Durability
Vitreous enameled steel panels are extremely durable and need very little maintenance and cleaning. They will retain their original colour throughout the normal expected life of a building. Exposure to extreme weather conditions and coastal environments does not affect their performance or appearance.

Chemical Resistance
Vitreous enameled steel is resistant to all organic solvents and has excellent resistance to atmospheric pollution, corrosion and degradation by the great majority of chemicals. It will not rust and is 100% water resistant.

Abrasion Resistance
Vitreous enameled steel is extremely abrasion resistant withstanding cleaning and most abrasive materials without affecting the coating. It will meet scratch resistance to Moh Scale 6.

Fire Proof
Vitreous enameled steel is totally incombustible, will neither ignite nor burn and will withstand continuous temperatures of up to +400°C. Architectural VE panels will, depending on the design and the nature of the backing materials, provide fire ratings of a min. of two hours. Higher fire ratings can be achieved.

Graffiti Resistance
Vitreous enamel panels have a non porous and solvent resistant surface making them ideal for use in public areas where unwanted graffiti, markers and sprayed paints can be easily removed.

NO FADING - UV Light Resistance
Vitreous enameled steel is completely resistant to ultra violet light and the original colours and surface finish will not deteriorate under continuous exposure to sunlight.

Impact Resistance
The physical strength of the steel, coating and panel backing enable vitreous enameled panels to withstand deformation and damage due to impact, chipping and surface damage. This is provided they have been correctly designed, manufactured and installed.

Thermal Shock Resistance
Vitreous enameled steel will withstand rapid cooling by water spray from +400°C to normal room temperatures over a 30 second period.

Safety
The resistance of vitreous enameled steel to impact and distortion under extreme temperatures provide further significant safety advantages in applications such as tunnels and claddings in public areas.

Colour Range
The range of colours for vitreous enamel is virtually unlimited. Existing colours can be matched which makes it ideal for refurbishment or replacement panel. If a hard sample cannot be supplied for matching we can reference the RAL Design or Pantone color ranges.

Appearance
Vitreous enameled steel is sterile, germ free, odorless and easy to clean. Combined with its other characteristics and a smooth colour fast surface, vitreous enameled panels provide unmatched visual appearance.

Hygienic
Non porous finish that doesn’t absorb bacteria and or allergens. Non stick, high gloss surface is very easy to clean. High resistance to cleaning chemicals and high abrasive resistance withstanding very intense regular cleaning with no loss in performance qualities.

Custom Designs
Vitreous enameled panels can be made in various shapes, sizes and configurations. Contact our Technical Advisory Service for further information.

Signage & Graphics
Logos, names and selected graphics can be fired onto the panels – these will have the same characteristics mentioned above and will maintain their appearance throughout their life.

Secure
VE Doors create lockable compartments for services, utilities, cleaning or tool storage as part of the cladding layout.

Sustainability
VE Coating increases the lifespan of the original steel many times over reducing the need to produce replacements. Both the VE steel and the vitreous enamel coating can be recycled and re-used to make VE panels again.

Economical
VE has a lifespan at least 4 times that of most other cladding products. It is the most durable and longest lasting surface coating. It is also non fading and has the highest abrasive resistance making it not only cheaper but looking better over its lifespan.

For any queries or more information please contact us at info@ceratec.com.hk

» click here for test reports
ITEM TEST STANDARD DESCRIPTION TEST RESULT
1 BS 476: Part 4: 1970 Non Combustibility Test Classification: Non Combustible
2 BS 476: Part 6: 1989 Fire Propagation Test Fire Propagation Index I = 0; Subindices i1, i2, i3 = 0
3 BS 476: Part 7: 1997 Surface Spread of Flame Test Classification: Class 1
4 BS 1344 Part 1 Resistance to Thermal Shock of Coating Satisfactory
5 BS 1344: Part 2; ISO 2722:1973 Resistance to Citric Acid at room temperature Class AA
6 BS 1344 Part 3 Resistance to Sulphuric Acid Class AA (white panels)
7 BS 1344:1968: Part 4 Resistance to Abrasion Rate of mass loss = 0.00963 g/min
8 BS 1344: Part 5: 1984 Resistance to Hot Detergent Solutions used for Washing Textiles Test Satisfactory
9 BS 1344: Part 6: 1988 Resistance to Alkali Satisfactory
10 BS 1344 Part 7: 1984 Resistance to Heat No cracking, flaking or blistering or other surface damage
11 BS 1344: Part 8: 1984; ISO 2742:1983 Resistance to Boiling Citric Acid Rate of mass loss = 15.1g/m2 for 2.5 hrs testing time
12 BS 1344: Part 9: 1987 Resistance to Boiling Water Satisfactory
13 BS 1344: Part 10: 1987 Resistance to Condensing Hydrochloric Acid Vapour Test Satisfactory
14 BS 1344: Part 17: 1975; ISO 2745: 1998 Resistance to Hot Sodium Hydroxide Solution Test Satisfactory
15 BS 1344: Part 21: 1993 Resistance to Impact Pistol Test Some powdering, but no spalling or chipping
16 ASTM B117 - 97 Salt Spray Test for 1000 hours No discernible change
17 ASTM E350-95 and Laboratory In house Method Carbon, Manganese, Phosphorous and Sulphur Content of VE Steel Carbon < 0.01%; Manganese: 0.24%; Phosphorous: 0.009%; Sulphur: 0.008%
18 BS 4360:1986 Tensile Strength Test of Weldable Structural Steel Grade 43A Complies
19 BS 1449: Part1: 1983 Tensile Strength Test of Low Carbon Steel Plate Complies with Grade CR4 of BS1449
20   Moh's Hardness Scale Result = 6
21 BS EN 10209:1996 Determination of Adherence Level of Enamel Adherence Level 1
22 BS 3900:D5:1997; BS EN ISO 2813:2000 Specular Gloss (60 degrees) Mean 95%
23 ASTM C 423 - 02 Sound Absorption Complies
 
First choice worldwide for the underground rail and subway environment.
Vitreous enamel coating is naturally reflective and extremely durable. VE panels are unrivalled for use in the low light underground rail environments. Available in custom shapes and sizes, VE Panels are resilient and environmentally very safe. Ceratec has extensive experience in the design, manufacture and installation of vitreous enamel panels for the MTR Corporation in Hong Kong as well as for mass transit railway authorities in Singapore, Australia and United Kingdom.
 
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