2 Big Reasons Vinyl Railings May Not Be an Ideal Choice for Your Multi-Story Application

Most would agree that vinyl railings are aesthetically pleasing and look great on a variety of applications, whether commercial or residential.

Although vinyl certainly does have its benefits, there are some points a building designer must consider prior to specifying this type of railing system on a multi-story structure.

Sublimation Powder Coating: Decorative "Tattoos" for Metal Products

A leopard-print, dye sublimated, aluminum top rail

"A leopard print handrail?!" 

As wild as it sounds, this pattern and many others are easy to achieve thanks to a finishing technique called "dye sublimation".

Dye sublimation is a coating process that transfers printed, high-resolution images or wood grain designs to metals such as aluminum and steel, using heat and pressure.  This process allows inks to be permanently embedded, resulting in the display of an eye-catching image on the final product.

Some popular metal products that typically undergo this finishing process are aluminum railings, window frames, appliances, patio furniture, bathroom fixtures and doors.

The Dye Sublimation Process:

1.  The metal is cleaned to be sure there is no dirt or oil present.
2.  A base powder coat is applied to the metal in a light color.
3.  The non-porous sublimation film transfer is wrapped around the metal.
4.  Air is removed; heat and pressure are applied to create a perfect print.
5.  The film is removed once cooled.

To learn more, search the web for dye sublimation companies near you, or CLICK HERE for additional info on metal building products with solid-color powder coat finishes. 

Public School Safety Series (PART 1: SECURITY LEVELS)

Kane Security Screens on a public school building

From vandalism and forced entry, to bullying and violence, public school personnel agree that student safety as a whole is the number one concern at their facility(ies).

The frequency and severity of criminal activity such as window break-ins are dependent upon the location of the school and the type of security measures that have been put in place.  Most inner-city schools aware of these problems will take action by installing perimeter fencing & new outdoor lighting, creating guarded entrances, and adding security screens to ground floor windows.

Stainless Steel Polish Options: A Glossary

Brushed, or #4 polish, will hide
fingerprints & smudges

From consumer products like sinks and refrigerators, to industrial elements such as piping systems and chemical production materials, our lives just wouldn't be the same without stainless steel.

In the manufacturing world, this corrosion-resistant alloy is able to take on many different appearances. Below is a brief overview of the variety of stainless steel polishes that many metal fabricators offer.

4 Facts About Aluminum Railings

Aluminum Sterling Dula Custom Raiilng 

A common question asked within the architecture, engineering and construction field is:

"Why should we use aluminum railings on this project in lieu of another metal, such as steel?"

There are several reasons why aluminum is superior, for both new and retrofit projects. 

Below are four key facts about aluminum railings that every design-build firm, concrete restoration company and consulting engineering group needs to know: