Metalco Aster Planter
ASTER PLANTER
ASTER PLANTER
Planters, with simple cylindrical or square shape, available in various sizes, entirely made from steel sheet, with a circular or squared lower base support with fixings to regulate its slant.
Each planter can be accessorised with two stainless steel plates which can be used to attach name-plates or labels.
DESGINER
METALCO DESIGN DEPARTMENT R&D
The Design Department, born from the mind of Alfredo Tasca, was established with the aim of becoming the research centre and creative centre of the company.
Analysis is the first step in Metalco’s planning phase, making use of the internal materials library and market research to kick off the process of choosing the best materials and the most advanced technologies in order to achieve outstanding quality in the result.
Within the department, through collaborations with designers and architects or through a workshop at the planning phase, the “concept”, is the cornerstone in the development of new products, which sees its strong motivation in the formal technical severity and precision.
Thanks to Metalco’s consolidated company structure and highly professional production branch, the project is closely followed through to the realisation phase; following the production of the prototype, step by step, to improve the engineering and to find technical solutions as agreed between the client and the designers.
INFORMATION
FIXING
- Free Standing
SITE
Spain
DESGIN MUSEUM
Israel
SIZE
- Big - Small
DIMENSIONS
BIG
- Height: 1430, 980, 730cm
- Diameter: 550, 950, 750cm
SMALL
- Height: 580
- Diameter: 1200, 950, 550cm
MATERIAL AND FINSH
- Powder Coated Steel
- Corten Steel
- Stainless Steel
MATERIAL AND CARE
CORTEN STEEL
In order to initiate corten steel maturation process, Metalco uses an oxidation process trough weathering. This type of system lends to corten a specific non-uniform aspect and different shades of color are particularly visible in welding areas depending on the fact that in such areas patina process is slower. Shades of colors, indeed, are not a defect.
Corten steel, thanks to the process of maturation/oxidation that characterizes it, is considered a “live” material, which may vary over time, in shades and hues, depending on the shape of the object, the position in which it is installed and according to the cycles of weathering which the object undergoes.
WARNING
The average period of “stabilization” of corten maturation process, giving to the material a “testa di moro” (“brown”) color typical of the oxidized corten, is approximately 12/18 months with adequate weathering. During this stage of maturation, the corten may leak oxide (“washout”), which may stain surfaces where the products are located. For corten, this is considered a natural and physiological behavior of the material. To reduce wash-out above, Metalco has developed a specific treatment “ANTI-WASHOUT” the client may request, an extracost will be applied: this treatment does not completely stop the losses, but they will be significantly decreased, and will provide to the product a darker and “refinished” aspect. For the reasons above, the installation of corten products on fine and/or porous surfaces (e.g. marble, granites, etc.) must be accurately considered, even in case of Anti-washout treatment: in such events it may be recommendable to use, as alternative, the painted steel “corten colored” developed by Metalco. Also, in the vicinity of the sea, the violent assault of salty air, can lead to the formation of oxides on the surfaces that result in the appearance/colour looking different to normal. This does not affect good mechanical strength of the material.
MAINTENANCE
You can repair minor surface defects (smears, dents, stains). If the corten is natural/raw (without Antiwashout), rub down the surface with a piece of steel wool ( like Scotch Brite) on the surface, to eliminate the defect. Then, moisten with water and place the product on the outside, until the part returns to the surface characteristics of the rest of the piece. If the corten is treated with Anti-washout, repeat the previous step, by first removing the treatment left with steel wool (e.g. Scotch Brite). After the area has re-oxidized after exposure to the environment, re-apply with a brush two coats of Anti-washout treatment (purchased from Metalco). If the Anti-washout degrades over time, due to weather or mechanical agents, it is possible to renew the txreatment according to the procedure described above (removing residues – oxidation – applying treatment). After complete maturation (average 12/18 months), corten is considered stable and you can suspend the application of Anti-washout treatment, unless you want to use it in order to revive the surface, making it more shiny and smooth. In case of any doubt about the proper maintenance procedure, please contact the Metalco Quality Department for advice.
POWEDER COATED STEEL
For coated steel urban furniture products, Metalco alternatively uses three galvanizing systems:
TRAETMENT GALVANIZATION ON STEEL
- Hot-dip galvanizing
- Sendzimir galvanization
- Cold galvanization
Metalco selects, each time, the galvanizing system most suitable for the thickness and/or shape and/or manufacturing process of each article.
COATING ON STEEL AND ALUMINIUM
- Preparation (sandblasting automatic or manual sanding)
- Alkaline degreasing - Rinsing with water system - Rinsing with demineralized water - Passivation film-forming - Drying with hot air 160°C - Application of epoxy primer zinc* - Polymerization in the oven 185°C* - Cooling* - Application of electrostatic pure powder polyester - Polymerization in the oven 185°C - Cooling - Final test (*) only on request and/or on cast iron components
WARNING
Please remember that not all steel coated products are recommended for placing in areas where there is salty air (e.g. near the sea) or heavy air pollution. Metalco recommends asking for TRIPLEX treatment, which needs the application of zinc primer before coating. This treatment improves the corrosion resistance of coated steel. The treatment is subject to additional charge. Please contact the Metalco Sales Office for more information or advice.
COLORS
STAINLESS STEEL
Metalco Normally Uses Stainless Steel Aisi 304 Or 304l.
TREATMENTS
- Satinizing (standard)
- Electropolishing (on request and with price surcharge)
MAINTENANCE
Metalco recommends that you periodically clean the products made of stainless steel to eliminate salt, dust and other debris, which may alter the protective layer of the material. Washing, as well as making the product clean, reduces the risk of corrosion. Normally it’s sufficient to simply wash the stainless steel with water, detergent and a soft cloth. In the case of lime scale deposits, use a cream-purpose cleaner with a soft cloth; while in the case of thicker deposits, very hot water with 1/4 of vinegar is necessary. For grease and oil stains, use a mild liquid dishwashing product. For rust stains, use a mild cream using a soft damp cloth. For an optimal cleaning of stainless steel, Metalco uses a specific cleaner to remove dirt, stains and processing residues, which can be provided on request.
WARNING
In the case of installation of stainless steel products in areas with salty air (e.g. in the vicinity of the sea) or from heavy air pollution, Metalco recommends to always ask for the ELECTROPOLISHING treatment.This treatment improves the corrosion resistance of products manufactured in stainless steel.The treatment is subject to surcharge.
