The following instructions are intended to save you time, effort and money when it comes to installing plastic laminate or Formica on countertops.

Laminated plastics are available in many hardware and home improvement stores in a wide variety of colors, designs and patterns, and they have many applications, such as for countertops, tabletops and flooring among others. Sheets of laminated plastic are available both in dull or gloss finish, so you have a choice when preparing for a project. Laminated plastic is made from layers of paper that are injected with resin and bonded together under with a great deal of pressure and high temperature in order to form a strong, rigid sheet.

When preparing the surface- Laminated plastic sheets of 1/16 thickness are usually recommended when working on a flat surface. On vertical surfaces you should use 1/32 thickness sheets. Thoroughly sand and clean the surface where you plan to apply the plastic laminate, removing any paint, varnish, dirt or imperfections in the surface. Although many manufactured countertops utilize high-density particle board for their surfaces, regular particle board or plywood may be more ideal bases for plastic laminates.

When cutting laminated plastics- You can use a circular saw, saber saw, backsaw or utility knife to cut through plastic laminate. If you plan on using a saw, make sure that the saw blade is a fine-tooth blade. If you use a strip of masking tape along the cut line, it will help prevent chipping and make the line much easier to see while cutting. If you're using a power circular saw, or a table saw, cut on the back side of the laminate to prevent chipping. Cut at a low angle from the front side if you're using a hand saw to cut the laminated plastic. In order to allow for trimming, make sure to cut the sheet of laminated plastic slightly larger than what you will need. You may also consider using a straightedge or a steel square in order to create a smoother and even cut. You can use a utility knife to score the laminated plastic, then lift the shorter end and apply a slight pressure to snap the scored line. Make sure to choose the proper cutting implement based on the size of the job.

When Applying Laminated Plastics- You can usually use contact cement to apply laminated plastic. Epoxy adhesives can also be used but in general, contact cements are recommended. You should first roughen the surface using coarse grit sandpaper, but make sure to clean the sanding residue away with compressed air or a light brush to ensure that the surface is as clean as possible. Next, you will want to brush on the contact cement, applying it to both the counter surface and the back of the clean laminate sheet. After both surfaces have dried, you can lay the sheets of laminate down.

To finish Off the Job- Use a roller to apply pressure to the newly applied sheets of plastic laminate. Make sure to roll the entire surface thoroughly in order to eliminate any trapped air pockets, and to be sure that the plastic is attached firmly at all points. You can also use a wooden block and mallet in order to assure proper adhesion on the newly laid surface, by working out any trapped bubbles and pressing both contact cement layers together as much as possible. If there is any extra contact cement where it should not be, you can remove it with a special solvent, or with nail polish remover.

Range hoods are a necessity in any kitchen. A properly installed kitchen range hood improve the cooking experience by venting hot air and cooking odors outside as well as help keep kitchen surfaces free of grease. A kitchen range hoods can also help to remove other pollutants from your kitchen air.

A good kitchen range hood is an important kitchen tool for both safety and comfort. Hood choices can range from basic ductless wall-mount units, to systems with lights, timers, and easy-clean surfaces.

Hoods come in many styles, stainless steel, tile, or paneling that matches the cabinetry in your kitchen.

An important thing to consider when choosing the right kind of kitchen range hood for your kitchen is your current ventilation system. Next would be the size, location, and the quality of the range hood that you are looking for. High tech fans are used for outsourcing fumes. Some range hoods offer great charcoal filtration others have more cost efficient have fans built in to push hot air towards your ceilings.

There are two main types of range hoods - venting and recirculating (or non-venting). A venting range hood is a bit more complicated to install in that it requires a connection to an exhaust duct. The non-venting range hood simply blows the air back into the room, and all it requires is an electrical connection. It is considered to be the most basic system but also the least efficient.

Slim-line hood designs are available which are concealed under cabinets which slide out when in use. Another kind of kitchen hood can be used as a shelf for microwaves with the venting fans underneath.

Another kind of hood design can incorporate a wall-mounted microwave above the range.

Whether it is performance or design that matters to you for the serious cook it is important to make the correct choice of kitchen range hood. Other types of hood systems include updraft and downdraft systems. Updraft systems pull the air through a filter then vent it along ductwork to the outside. Downdraft systems are usually located on the stove top near the burners. Downdraft units use one or more fans, pulling the air through a filter into ductwork.

The hood or vent should be at least as wide as the range top. If you are designing a kitchen range hood you should select the ventilator unit first. The range hood should be designed to permit enough room for the ventilator and ductwork required to vent to the outside.

Because kitchen range hoods collect grease and filter smoke from the air, the range hoods should be cleaned frequently. Any exposed portions, including the blades and internal filters may be cleaned with sponges and soapy water and wiped dry. You should never clean with abrasive clothes or pads however. You can clean the exposed metal with an ammonia/water mixture if necessary. Metal mesh filters can be removed and soaked in a washing solution for a few minutes, then sponged, rinsed, and dried before replacing in the hood.

The type of strings used on a violin has a great effect on the sound of the instrument. Different kinds of strings can have different tones and sound quality. Also, strings made of some materials stay in tune longer and often last longer than others. The three most common types of violin strings are all metal strings, synthetic core strings, and gut strings.

All metal, or steel core strings are known for their volume and their pure, clear tone. They have great pitch stability and stay in tune even after they are first put on the violin. Many country, bluegrass, and jazz players prefer to use steel core violin strings because their simple and direct sound does not have the complex overtones found on some other sets of strings. Steel core strings are the easiest to play and are popular among beginning and intermediate level players. One criticism of steel core violin strings is that they can have a slightly thin or metallic sound that is not well suited to classical music.

Synthetic core strings are usually made of a type of nylon called perlon. They have a thick, rich sound that is subtler than steel core strings. New synthetic core strings have less pitch stability than steel core strings and take a day or two to properly stretch out and stay in tune. Once they have stabilized, they do not need to be tuned often and have a good, consistent tone.

Gut core strings are known for having the warmest, most complex sound of any violin strings. Most classical players and soloists prefer gut core strings for their rich overtones. Gut core strings are not recommended for beginners or intermediate players because they are much harder to keep in tune and can have an instable pitch.

Each type of violin string has its own advantages and disadvantages. On kind of string is not necessarily better than the others, people who play different types of music on the violin prefer different strings.

Shark cage diving has become a permanent fixture on most adrenalin-junkies’ must-do lists, along with bungee jumping, paragliding, sand-boarding and the like.

What makes this experience unique is that it involves a close encounter with one of the most-feared creatures on our planet – the great white shark. The rush comes not from speed or height but from being inches away from the snapping jaws of, well, Jaws – the monster from the horror movie that gave children and adults of the 1970’s nightmares and kept them from the ocean waves in droves.

Of course today we know that while certainly dangerous, sharks are incredible and beautiful creatures which have a bad reputation and are more than a little misunderstood. Part of the experience of shark cage diving is to learn more about these incredible beasts, and if you go with a reputable company they are sure to educate you in this regard while teaching you about the safety aspects of the cage dive itself.

The coastal region off Cape Town, South Africa, offers some of the best shark sightings available in the world. 8kms off the southernmost tip of Africa at Gansbaai lies a stretch of water known as Shark Alley. This channel between Dyer Island and Geyser Rock provides a sheltered hunting ground for the great white shark community. On the menu are Cape fur seals and Jackass penguins, both of which the waters here are full. This is one of the best locations for experiencing shark cage diving in Cape Town as you are almost certain to enjoy great viewing opportunities.

Other popular locations for shark cage diving around the Cape include picturesque Hermanus (also great for whale watching in season) and the Mediterranean-style town of Mossel Bay, further up the Garden Route. So what does the experience involve?

First off, no scuba-diving experience or training is required. You do need to be brave and to stay calm! Reputable shark cage diving companies will run you through the basics before you head out on the boat. Expect to be out for at least two hours - maybe up to six depending on your tour guides and the weather conditions.

Once anchor has been dropped, bait is set out and then you need to wait for the big boys to show up. The sharks are lured close to the boat to give everyone on board the chance to view these magnificent animals. Then it’s time for the first cager to enter the water. The strong metal cages are moored to the side of the craft and are generally custom-made either with steel bars or with galvanized steel mesh, providing a totally safe environment. The tops of the cages float 23cm above the water. Once inside the cage you will be able to share the watery environment with the shark – a thrilling, heart-stopping and often emotional experience.

For the less-adventurous even viewing the sharks from the boat is a fantastic experience – one you’ll love sharing with friend and families back home time and again.

Shark cage diving is an experience of a lifetime and those who have done it are full of praise for the experience.

When it comes to hosting a lavish wedding party, a grand banquet, a fundraiser, a quiet barbecue or any other such inviting event, a party tent is often a sound choice. Party tents can be found readymade and fully customized for most outdoor events. These tents, available in a wide range of colors and sizes, are suitable for both city and country-side locales. They are not only used by individuals, but are widely seen in hotel lawns, club premises, resorts and other such public spaces.

Party tents are much more expensive than most other varieties of tents. Their prices usually vary according to their sizes. However, party tents are normally not owned but are available for rent. Thus, tent renting has gradually become an extremely lucrative business proposition over the past few years. Adding a quaint and classic look to the organized event, party tents are warranted against water, sun and mildew. Most are manufactured to weather the elements. But if the host or the organizer anticipates windy weather, it is always advisable to use tents made of heavy material. Party tents mostly have very fashionable interiors and some luxury tents may also provide air conditioning during summers and heaters during the winter months.

Party tents usually come in two broad categories. One is the pole tent which is essentially a pole covered with canvas (there are no other concrete structures to support the cloth). The other variety is the frame tent, which is a huge aluminum or steel structure on which the cloth is placed.

Party tents are mostly quite easy to install. However a few things should always be kept in mind before taking such a thing on rent. The host should first consider the particular occasion he is hiring the tent for. For example, if the occasion is a grand wedding, decorated tents may be brought in, which are usually available with a whole lot of fancy accessories. On the other hand, if it is just a simple Saturday night barbecue, the tent does not have to look lavish at all. The size of the tent is another significant issue that should be carefully dealt with. Money should not be a big constraint, since party tents are all generally high-end tents. If the host is looking to provide both shade and a view, then going in for a canopy tent (it is open on all sides, with just a shade on top) would be a very feasible option. When the occasion is that of a wedding or a dance party, tents with cumbersome poles should be avoided, since the poles tend to become a huge obstruction for most guests. The accessories that are usually available on rent should also be evaluated. These vary from expensive chandeliers to quartz lighting, search lights to popcorn machines. The host should keep in mind the particular age group he would be entertaining and choose his accessories accordingly. There are a number of floor options ranging from carpeting to plain plywood flooring readily available. This may also be decided according to the occasion and the budget of the organizer.

Party tents are a wonderful choice when one decides to host either a formal or an informal gathering. Not only do tents provide basic shelter, but also speak volumes for the host's impeccable taste and sense of aesthetics.

The principal function of a foundation of a home is to transfer the weight of a structure to its underlying soil and rocks. One of the factors that bring about the need for foundation repairs is improper foundation settling. Foundation settlement can devalue structures and also render them unsafe. Building on expansive clay, compressive or improperly contracted fill soils and improper maintenance in and around foundations are some of the major reasons of improper foundation settling. Another reason for improper foundation settlement is undetected or unsuspected air pockets in the ground below the area of construction. These may cave in and cause the integrity of the foundation to be compromised.

General symptoms of a structure needing foundation repairs are bulging or cracked walls and doors that don't close properly. Building on expansive soils is the main culprit for foundation settlement. When only one part of the foundation either settles or heaves, cracks are formed in the foundation. The exterior warning signs of improper floor settling are rotation of walls, displaced moldings, cracked bricks and foundation and separation around doors and windows from the walls. Interior warning signs of improper floor settling are cracks on the floor, sheet rock and misalignment in doors and windows.

There are many ways of doing foundation repair. Cement, stone, steel or wood were used extensively in past techniques. They would be forced into the ground in a bid to salvage the strength of these foundations. However, this type of repair work has been known to be futile. Two of the most successful ways of foundation repairs are slab jacking and the Piering method. Piering is also known as hydraulic jacking.

Slab jacking is the process of adding grout beneath a slab or beam. This produces a lifting force and restores the said beam or slab to almost its original elevation and adds to its strength. Care should be taken that the amount of sand should be perfect while adding grout.

During Piering, steel posts are driven through unstable soil. Hydraulic jacks are used to stabilize concrete slabs which are weakened due to the changes taking place in the underlying soil. Steel beams are used in the Piering method because concrete has great compressive strength. Though Piers are able to transfer huge downward loads without the help of reinforcing steel, steel is used in the piers for prevention of the pier from being pulled apart or sheared by forces of the expansive soils. The repairs normally take 21 to 30 days, however this time frame can vary depending on soil conditions and weather delays.

Black pearls belong to the black group. Legends tracked black pearls of the South Pacific regions and to the wide stretch of Cook Islands, Tahiti, Tuamotu Archipelago and in French Polynesia, specifically the Gambier Islands. Cook Islands are the area producing almost 38% of the world’s supply of pearls at present.

The most common black pearl is the Tahitian black pearl which is acquired through grafting. Pictada Margaritifera is the term used to denote those skilled technicians who cultured black pearls in Tahiti.Tahitian pearls carry a metallic steel gray color; naturally these color is produced from the secretions from multi colored mother of pearl.

Black Pearls also called black lipped pearls have variety of colors such as black, dark grey and dark green. Quite famous and expensive are “peacock green” pearls. There are also black dyed pearls and these are synthetically made. These dyed pearls usually lose their color overtime.

Black pearls are naturally bigger than white pearls because the mollusks producing them are generally larger. The black pearls’ mollusks can grow as large as 12 inches and can weigh up to 10 lbs. White pearls are cultures for only a period of 5 to 6 months, thus the growth is inhibited.

There are two classifications of black pearls:

1. Natural Black pearls which is rare. These pearls are found only in one every ten thousand mollusks. Diving the mollusks are illegal because endangering these pieces of natural pearls are being avoided.

2. Cultured Black Pearls are grafted from 18 to 24 months and harvested when the mother of pearl have produced the necessary thickness needed for the pearl’s durability.

Black pearls are alluring and can be valued from A-D grade using the following criterion:

1. Color or Hue. The brilliance or luster a pearl carries is usually a striking characteristic and catches the eye. The lustrous effect is not only brought about by reflection but also refraction of light. The mirror like brilliance in black pearls is the highest quality it carries.

2. Shape. 1 to 2% of pearls in the South Seas have perfectly round shapes. Round pearls are the most precious pearls with regards to shape categories. Drop or the pear shaped pearls can also be expensive when transformed into a highly priced necklaces, earrings or pendants. Some oysters which are organically produced pearls used in buttons, necklaces and bracelets are rated for the uniqueness they have. Flat pearls are commonly used for earrings and means accessories such as rings, tie tacks or tuxedo sets.

3. Size. Black pearls’ diameter can be measured by its millimeter. Polynesian pearls measure 8 to 12 mm; some large pearls found there can measure 13 to 18 mm. The largest pearls are the ones found in South Seas. Size can be a category in rating pearls although it does not increase the value they possess.

4. Surface. Pearls’ surface is another factor in grading a black pearl. Jewelry appraiser examines a pearl on its outer layer. Those pearls with markings (2 to 3 pin pricks) can still belong to A rating as long as its surface is clean. Those perfect pearls with flawless surface are rarely found although available and thus highly priced. Any spots and marks in the nacre reduce the rating of pearls to B C or D.

When buying black pearls, a lifetime guarantee must always accompany any purchase.

Certain stores offer black pearls such as Black Pearl Aspen which is situated in Aspen Colorado, the Black Pearl Hanalei in the Kauai Island of South Sea and Black Pearl Poipu in Hawaii. They offer different kinds of black pearls accessories and jewelries. You can have a relaxation over their scenic views while purchasing for your pearls.

Online stores also offer black pearls examples are overstock.com, blunile.com, and anandiapearls.com. The prices range from $219.99, $350.00 to as high as $1,500 depending on the set and kind of jewelries you want to purchase.

Black pearls can really be a misnomer. It doesn’t particularly refer to black gems but ranges in light to dark silver. Black pearls whether natural or cultured are alluring and incomparable. Buying for these items can be quite costly so the categories regarded to them must be completely observed. Collecting them can be a passion and can really be quite an investment for future.


Black pearls belong to the black group. Legends tracked black pearls of the South Pacific regions and to the wide stretch of Cook Islands, Tahiti, Tuamotu Archipelago and in French Polynesia, specifically the Gambier Islands. Cook Islands are the area producing almost 38% of the world’s supply of pearls at present.

The most common black pearl is the Tahitian black pearl which is acquired through grafting. Pictada Margaritifera is the term used to denote those skilled technicians who cultured black pearls in Tahiti.Tahitian pearls carry a metallic steel gray color; naturally these color is produced from the secretions from multi colored mother of pearl.

Black Pearls also called black lipped pearls have variety of colors such as black, dark grey and dark green. Quite famous and expensive are “peacock green” pearls. There are also black dyed pearls and these are synthetically made. These dyed pearls usually lose their color overtime.

Black pearls are naturally bigger than white pearls because the mollusks producing them are generally larger. The black pearls’ mollusks can grow as large as 12 inches and can weigh up to 10 lbs. White pearls are cultures for only a period of 5 to 6 months, thus the growth is inhibited.

There are two classifications of black pearls:

1. Natural Black pearls which is rare. These pearls are found only in one every ten thousand mollusks. Diving the mollusks are illegal because endangering these pieces of natural pearls are being avoided.

2. Cultured Black Pearls are grafted from 18 to 24 months and harvested when the mother of pearl have produced the necessary thickness needed for the pearl’s durability.

Black pearls are alluring and can be valued from A-D grade using the following criterion:

1. Color or Hue. The brilliance or luster a pearl carries is usually a striking characteristic and catches the eye. The lustrous effect is not only brought about by reflection but also refraction of light. The mirror like brilliance in black pearls is the highest quality it carries.

2. Shape. 1 to 2% of pearls in the South Seas have perfectly round shapes. Round pearls are the most precious pearls with regards to shape categories. Drop or the pear shaped pearls can also be expensive when transformed into a highly priced necklaces, earrings or pendants. Some oysters which are organically produced pearls used in buttons, necklaces and bracelets are rated for the uniqueness they have. Flat pearls are commonly used for earrings and means accessories such as rings, tie tacks or tuxedo sets.

3. Size. Black pearls’ diameter can be measured by its millimeter. Polynesian pearls measure 8 to 12 mm; some large pearls found there can measure 13 to 18 mm. The largest pearls are the ones found in South Seas. Size can be a category in rating pearls although it does not increase the value they possess.

4. Surface. Pearls’ surface is another factor in grading a black pearl. Jewelry appraiser examines a pearl on its outer layer. Those pearls with markings (2 to 3 pin pricks) can still belong to A rating as long as its surface is clean. Those perfect pearls with flawless surface are rarely found although available and thus highly priced. Any spots and marks in the nacre reduce the rating of pearls to B C or D.

When buying black pearls, a lifetime guarantee must always accompany any purchase.

Certain stores offer black pearls such as Black Pearl Aspen which is situated in Aspen Colorado, the Black Pearl Hanalei in the Kauai Island of South Sea and Black Pearl Poipu in Hawaii. They offer different kinds of black pearls accessories and jewelries. You can have a relaxation over their scenic views while purchasing for your pearls.

Online stores also offer black pearls examples are overstock.com, blunile.com, and anandiapearls.com. The prices range from $219.99, $350.00 to as high as $1,500 depending on the set and kind of jewelries you want to purchase.

Black pearls can really be a misnomer. It doesn’t particularly refer to black gems but ranges in light to dark silver. Black pearls whether natural or cultured are alluring and incomparable. Buying for these items can be quite costly so the categories regarded to them must be completely observed. Collecting them can be a passion and can really be quite an investment for future.

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, especially when it comes to garden art. It all boils down to finding pieces that are unique and special to you and that make you feel good.

Many homeowners wouldn’t dream of putting any kind of garden art in their backyard unless it was very traditional. They like formal garden art like stone or concrete statuary of angels, gargoyles and goddesses. Formal garden art also includes ornate birdbaths and heavy classical water fountains.

Others take their garden art far less seriously and want unique outdoor yard art with a more modern look and feel. This group of backyard lovers enjoy nostalgic and fun resin or bronze sculptures of children and animals of every kind. I’ve even seen alligator statuary yard art!

Other examples of this semi-formal garden art include copper art for patio and yard, stainless steel yard art, topiary wire garden sculptures, as well as handcrafted items like one-of- a- kind birdhouses, stain glass stepping stones, pottery, and other unique outdoor yard art.

Then there’s the crowd who declare that art should be just plain fun and crazy. They like informal garden art. Their taste is off the wall. They love to shake things up with a few pink flamingos, or to decorate their gardens with unusual household objects like broken china plates, a dressmaker’s dummy, even an old toilet seat lid.

They like to transform old junk into beautiful works of art. No need to waste anything. Try placing recycled metal garden art in your backyard or use architectural salvage to create garden art from old windows.

Whatever you consider garden art, here are 10 places to display it to bring out its full charm.

• In a boring, bare part of the yard to add interest and stimulate conversation.

• At the end of a path to add drama.

• In any area to add comic relief. How about some playful topiary wire garden sculptures of your favourite animal like a lion or a dinosaur?

• In front of an ugly spot to hide dead patch.

• Directly in line with an unwanted view of the neighbour’s yard to create privacy.

• On a wall or fence to visually break up the long monotonous line. I have a beautiful concrete painted face hanging on one part of my fence and a mirror hanging on another to add interest. Any garden wall art sculpture will do.

• In front of a colorful burst of foliage to punctuate the space. My classical white bird bath looks gorgeous just in front of my huge pink rose bush.

• Hidden behind some greenery so it just peeks out a little to create a feeling of antiquity. This will put plants in the spotlight.

• Within the frame of a beautiful view to enhance the view even more. My backyard is on the lake and the view is made even more beautiful by a piece of unique outdoor yard art --A fountain of Poseidon the sea God that we have made part of the view.

• In a rock garden to create feeling of garden gallery. The rocks are natural pedestals for the art and create a wonderful playground for eye to bounce around in and land on art.

The Timken Company, probably best known for it bearings, have also been actively researching and developing lubricants for the last 70 years.

Work from this division has yielded a calcium sulfonate complex grease specifically formulated for protecting steel and aluminium mills under intense operating environments. The premium mill grease is available in three grades, NLGI grades 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0. They have been designed to provide a barrier to protect from water and hence oxidation and corrosion, while maintaining optimal lubricating properties.

Properties of these products include:

· Strong anti-wear properties

· High oxidation resistance

· Excellent load-bearing properties

This range of products is suited to anti-friction bearings, roll necks, drive shafts, vertical edgers, liners and other grease requiring applications.

A new stainless steel alloy for wirelines has been developed by Swedish steel maker Sandvik Steel for use in highly corrosive oil and gas well environments. Already established as a leading supplier of wirelines in a range of material qualities, Sandvik has developed the new steel to meet the needs of well service companies operating sour wells at ever greater depths.

Designated Sanicro 26Mo (UNS N08926), the new wireline contains high levels of alloying elements molybdenum and nitrogen. It has exceptional tensile strength (1585 MPa minimum/230 ksi minimum), very good corrosion resistance in chloride-bearing environments and very good resistance against stress corrosion cracking. The new wirelines are available in weld-free lengths up to 30,000 feet and in the recognised industry diameters of 0.082, 0.092, 0.108 and 0.125 inches.

LNP Engineering Plastics have produced a range of stainless steel fibre filled compounds for electrostatic discharge (ESD) applications. These materials can be made in virtually any base polymer including PEEK, PPS and other high temperature resins.

The new stainless steel fibre filled products are marketed under the name Stat-Kon electrically active compounds. Use of these compounds is expected to yield significant performance benefits in applications requiring non-sloughing electrostatic discharge protection and high temperature performance.

This new range of compounds extends the range of previously available stainless fibre filled compounds which could only be made from base resins compatible with commercially available stainless steel concentrates.

Where electrostatic discharge, high temperature performance and non-sloughing are required, the Stat-Kon range of compounds are the materials of choice. Compared to carbon filled compounds for electrostatic discharge applications, the stainless steel fibre filled compounds can be produced in nearly any colour and offer superior dimensional stability.

The Stat-Kon range also incorporates:

· Impact modifiers

· Internal lubricants

· Other performance enhancing additives

They can also be moulded using almost any injection moulding machine.

Potential applications for these materials include hard disk drive components and applications where FDA approval is required.

Nullifire S609 is a thin film intumescent coating for the passive protection of structural and interior steelwork and provides up to 2 hours fire protection.

The coating is fast drying and provides a durable robust finish that is resistant to damage and wear from transport and service. It can be applied by airless spry techniques or other automated processes.

In a fire, the coating expands to several times its original thickness, producing a foam-like insulating layer or ‘char’ to protect the underlying steel from the effect of the heat.

The coating comprises three layers. A primer which serves to protect against corrosion and provide a key for the base coat. The base coat which provides the intumescent properties and a top coat to which protects the base coat from mechanical damage and provides a decorative finish.

Nullifire S609 has been evaluated in accordance with BS476:Part 21 using a range of substrates and profiles.

The Altim TD aluminium surface treatment process patented by French company Mofratech has huge application potential. Developed from a micro-arc oxidation process, it offers improved performance with regard to hardness, substrate adherence, wear and corrosion resistance and electrical and thermal insulation. Unlike thermal powder projection techniques, it can be used on the inside and the outside of parts and unlike rival chrome processes, the new process is non-polluting.

The numerous applications for the Altim TD process include lubricated and non-lubricated friction parts, high surface hard­ness parts, and parts for pneumatic and hydraulic systems. Aluminium treated using this process will often prove to be a good replacement for other materials including steel, bronze and solid ceramics. Application areas including automotive engineering, electronics, ships building and aerospace.

AK Steels has recently introduces AgION, an antimicrobial coating for carbon and stainless steels. The product was developed in response to an increasing demand for microbe resistant materials over the last few years.

The AgION coating is going to be available from AK Coatings, a spin off from AK Steel. The will also be making a limited number of agreements available so that the coatings can be sourced from other shop coaters, paint manufacturers and coil coaters.

The coatings consist of an inorganic silver ion based material incorporating zeolite. In the presence of moisture, the zeolite behaves as an ion pump releasing silver ions at a controlled rate.

The AgION compound is combined with a paint system and can be applied to steel in a conventional manner. As such it is available as a clear, tinted or pigmented paint.

Applications for AgION are wide ranging and include things such as heating and ventilation ducts, food processing equipment and medical applications.