Working in cooperation with VMZINC, in its Reynobond® Zinc solution Alcoa Architectural Products has produced a lightweight but robust composite panel of completely uniform and level design, which can be worked into any shape. The panel consists of two pre-weathered zinc sheets surrounding a fire-resistant core (FR).

What is unique about the fully recyclable Reynobond® Zinc is that it is produced from a rolled zinc alloy which is stronger than pure zinc. Its stainless surface has been pre-weathered. It is available firstly in QUARTZ-ZINC®, a matt grey, warm patina. Then there is the ANTHRA-ZINC® version; the first composite panel on the market to have an elegant anthracite patina, reminiscent of natural slate. Reynobond® Zinc composite panels are available on request with the QUARTZ-ZINC® finish on the front and ANTHRA-ZINC® on the rear. Under the influence of the ambient air, the patina of the two surfaces naturally ages to form a zinc carbonate patina, which protects the surface, covering any scratches.

The new Reynobond® Zinc combines the natural beauty of zinc with the advantages of a composite panel; evenness of surface, long life, ease of processing and cost-effectiveness. Instead of being attached as before to angled or horizontal surfaces, the use of zinc on rear-ventilated cladding gives buildings an individual and imposing character with their own natural and exclusive aura.

“We are very pleased that our cooperation with VMZINC has meant that we have been able to launch our very first zinc composite panel”, says Guy Scheidecker, Marketing and Distribution Manager for Alcoa Architectural Products. “From the very beginning, VMZINC was the partner of choice for Reynobond® Architecture; it is a brand of comparable strength which develops innovative high-value products.”

The interest Reynobond® Zinc holds for architects and façade constructors is not limited to its mechanical characteristics or natural and vivid looks – its all-round versatility also speaks volumes. With a thickness of 4 mm, the composite panel weighs just 12.2 kg/m² and is also available in large format sizes. The panel comes at a maximum width of 1,000 mm in standard lengths of 2,000 mm, 3,000 mm and 4,000 mm. Panels to a width of 1,250 mm with a metal thickness of 0.7 mm and in lengths of up to 6,050 mm can also be supplied on request.

The many technical fixing solutions allow a wide range of façade designs involving all kinds of shapes and effects. So, for instance, Reynobond® Zinc allows the production of curves, angles and other design elements that cannot be achieved using heavier materials. In addition, zinc goes beautifully with other materials such as wood, render or slate, which also makes it ideal for a transitional link between the roof and façade proper.