BlueScope Steel’s Next Generation ZINCALUME^® steel featuring Activate™ technology will enter production in the second quarter of 2013, bringing to fruition almost 20 years of efforts by BlueScope Steel to develop a longer-lasting metallic-coated building product.

BlueScope Steel market manager – commercial and industrial – Manu Siitonen, said BlueScope Steel has invested over $100 million in perfecting a better ZINCALUME^® steel product.

BlueScope Steel manufacturing and product leader, Jason Hodges (left) and market manager, Manu Siitonen, at Port Kembla’s Spring Hill Metal Coating Lines

He said the breakthrough metal coating formulation of Next Generation ZINCALUME^® steel improves the already high corrosion performance of the current product.

“ZINCALUME^® steel is renowned in Australian building and architectural circles for the galvanic action of the zinc in its coating, which gives it a self-sealing property and increases its lifespan,” said Mr Siitonen.

“With Next Generation ZINCALUME^® steel, we have perfected a new formula that improves the galvanic action of the zinc. With the addition of a new magnesium compound, it activates the aluminium in the coating composition to provide even more effective corrosion resistance.

The result is a product that is more resilient when drilled, cut or scratched.

Hero Image: BlueScope Steel product durability team leader Tahnee Lowe has been monitoring Next Generation ZINCALUME^® steel in real-world conditions for six years

Next Generation ZINCALUME^®

nextgenzincalume.com.au