Spec Finish

Materials Aluminium is a popular choice of material for fit-out specialists involved in the installation of drylining, suspended ceilings and partitioning systems. WHY ALUMINIUM IS A PRECIOUS METAL FOR THE FIT-OUT SECTOR 24 www.thefis.org T HERE is a good reason why aluminium is favoured by specialist installers tasked with the fitting of refurbishment of commercial and public buildings – it takes comparatively little energy to produce, is adaptable and easily recyclable. Neil Miller, Sales and Marketing Director at FIS supplier member, QIC Trims, a UK supplier of aluminium trims and associated products, considers some of the other benefits of this increasingly precious metal for the fit-out sector. The trims supplied by QIC provide a smart, durable finish for a range of fit-out applications including drylining, suspended ceilings and glass partitioning systems. The lightweight material allows for the trims’ easy handling and transportation, resulting in a cost-effective installation that will supply any office or interior commercial space with a sleek, contemporary look that will stand the test of time. Recycle and repeat QICTrims is committed to reducing its impact on the environment, and aluminiumwith its superb recyclability, is key to these sustainable ambitions. Recycling thematerial saves 95%of the energy required tomanufacture aluminium from rawmaterials. Furthermore, material left over from the aluminium production process can bemelted down and used repeatedly. Aluminium’s adaptability is another of its properties – it enables QIC Trims tomanufacture its standard products and bespoke curved trims to suit a particular radius or design. This benefit comes into its own in the production of transition trims for ceilings, with their aluminium composition allowing themanufacturer to incorporate a reveal detail between ceilingmembranes. This provides the ceiling with clean lines and a finish befitting an interior requiring a contemporary, corporate look. Manufacturing supplies which meet demand QIC Trims are pre-formed using the extrusion process to produce trim to required lengths and shapes. This process is ideal for a material such as aluminium; it involves channelling heated aluminium through a die at partner extrusion mills, which gives QIC control over when and where the trims are manufactured and howmuch is produced. One third the density of steel, post- manufacture aluminium is easy to cut onsite and mitre. It means any last-minute design alterations can be incorporated without causing significant impact to the works programme in terms of delay and cost. Another of aluminium’s credentials as an ideal material for the fit-out sector is its resistance to rust and other corrosive elements. This is due to its natural formation of a thin oxide layer, which counteracts the threat of further, damaging oxidation. Aluminiumhas no rivals as a suitablemetal for awide-range of interior commercial applications. Its compatibilitywith the extruded manufacturing process should see its use increase, rather than diminish in the years to come. And that can only be considered a good thing. Because in terms of its sustainability, cost-effectivity, design and usability, aluminium is pure gold for thefit-out industry. www.qic-trims.com QICTrims are pre-formed using the extrusion process to produce trim to required lengths and shapes QIC Trims’ project at Sunderland City Hall