A handle on a door isn’t a mere object, it’s a significant part of our everyday lives. The first and last point of touch to any room, a handle connects us with our home through our hands. Door handles are also one of the most well-used pieces of hardware in a building and as such, a key factor of success for a handle is its durability.
That’s exactly what’s been under the spotlight recently and an area of research and innovation for the team at Mardeco over the last 12 months, Mark Rich says. This has included securing the New Zealand agency for Spanish company Groël and the range extension of Portuguese manufacturer JNF, which opens the doors to previously unimagined possibilities.
What is the most durable coating for solid brass door handles?
PVD technology has offered an unrivalled solution for durability, even in New Zealand’s environment where harsh UV rays and salt spray are just two of many combining factors that can lead to reduced product lifetimes.
Groël provides the solution with cutting-edge production processes including robotic polishing and PVD (physical vapour deposition) machinery, which allows many of their handles to be sold with a lifetime guarantee - including for use in New Zealand.
What is physical vapour deposition (PVD) coating?
“Physical vapour deposition is a thin-film coating process that is vapourised in a vacuum chamber and deposited on the surface of the product - in this case a handle. The film bonds to the metal surface and can cover many types of metals including stainless steel, brass and zinc and is available in a range of colours,” Mark says.
Key points about PVD coating:
Compared to standard electroplating, PVD has improved scratch and wear resistance and a wider variety of colour options;
The production process is clean and safer than standard electroplating, with no gases, water waste or other residues released during production; and,
PVD will not chip, tarnish or fade with time and comes with a lifetime guarantee.
“PVD coating is the future of hardware finishing, and although not a new process, advances in technology have made it possible for many European hardware companies to invest in this technology,” Mark says. “It’s also ideal for the New Zealand harsh coastal environment because it is resistant to our high levels of UV that often break down less superior coatings.”
Another European brand represented in New Zealand exclusively by Mardeco, JNF, has also recently purchased their own PVD machine. “This has allowed us to offer a huge selection of incredible hardware in many colour options. The 2019/2020 JNF catalogue includes over 2,000 product lines.”
