Aluminium window and door manufacturer Origin, has been awarded the internationally renowned Qualicoat accreditation for its state-of-the-art, in-house powder coating facility.
The Qualicoat accreditation is a globally recognised quality standard for powder coating aluminium. Designed to ensure that the powder coatings used in the construction industry meet the highest standards of quality, durability, and environmental sustainability, a set of lengthy and rigorous steps must be passed to become certified.
To achieve Qualicoat approval, Origin had to meet strict criteria for its pre-treatment and powder coating processes, including performance, durability, and resistance to weathering. The accreditation process also includes regular surprise on-site inspections to ensure that the facility continues to meet the required standards.
Origin’s approach begins with a meticulous four-stage mechanical cleaning process. Starting with the company’s unique linishing machine, the only one of its kind in the UK, air, water, and adjustable brushes are used to eliminate even the slightest imperfections from the aluminium profile. This process increases the quality of the material and ensures a pristine surface, ready for the 10-stage, chrome-free, pre-treatment process, which exceeds the industry standard of five to seven stages.
For the powder coating, Origin uses Class 1, 2 and 3 powders to ensure a superior finish that is corrosion-resistant, durable, and looks impeccable.
To ensure continued quality, Origin’s in-house laboratory continuously conducts tests to ensure the powder coating’s integrity. The testing includes adhesion, colour, resistance to cracking, and film thickness to ensure market-leading products every time.
This level of dedication to providing the best quality for its customers is what allowed Origin to achieve Qualicoat status.
David Bunker, Operational Risk and Supply Chain Director at Origin, comments: “Achieving Qualicoat accreditation is a significant milestone for Origin, and one we are incredibly proud of. To achieve it, our in-house powder coating facility was subject to rigorous independent audits and over 1,000 hours of corrosion resistance testing. It was no mean feat, but the commitment validates our relentless pursuit of excellence and reinforces our position as a leader in the industry. This achievement underscores our dedication to delivering exceptional products that not only look great but also provide unparalleled quality.”
