The British Standard applicable for the last 26 years for the powder coating of architectural aluminium [BS 6496: 1984] is due to be withdrawn [or made obsolete]. A decision by BSI has been awaited since December 2004. A new, harmonised European Standard has already been issued.

BS EN 12206-1 introduces some welcome improvements to BS 6496: 1984. However, in most areas, there has been a significant reduction in the properties required to be displayed by batches of finished components.

BS EN 12206-1 substantially reduces the application standard for architectural powder coating. The new Standard lowers the minimum requirements below that necessary to ensure 'fitness for purpose'.

These problems have arisen due to the very poor drafting of BS EN 12206-1. 

Given the current state of the UK powder coating industry, it is inevitable that some applicators will take advantage of the significant relaxations afforded by the new Standard.

The introduction of this new Standard has wide ranging implications for specifiers, fabricators and applicators.

Purchasers of architectural powder coatings may be at considerable commercial risk if orders are limited to a mere reference to the new Standard.

The new Standard offers the choice of standard or 'enhanced' durability powders and permits parties to agree additional requirements.

I have undertaken a detailed comparison which compares the requirements contained within the two Standards.

Advice is available as to the areas of the new Standard which will be required to be augmented with additional clauses.

Until BS EN 12206-1 is significantly revised, I strongly recommend that BS 6496 continues to be specified in preference to BS EN 12206-1.  

© Clive Plant & Associates 2010