The Association for Quality Control in the Anodizing Industry (Qualanod) stands for controlled, quality-assured anodized aluminium on the global market. The aim of the Zurich-based organization, which was founded 50 years ago, is to fully meet the high quality requirements of international customers for anodized aluminium. Surface finishing is carried out in accordance with the so-called Qualanod specifications. The latest technical findings are regularly incorporated here, while current environmental requirements are also taken into account and incorporated. The standards are binding for all anodizing companies that carry the Qualanod mark and are therefore licensees. The Verband für die Oberflächenveredelung von Aluminium e. V. (VOA), which awards the quality mark as a general licensee in Germany, congratulated Qualanod on its 50th anniversary at the Qualanod members' meeting on 24 April 2024 in Munich.
History of the Qualanod quality association
On such a milestone birthday, it is worth taking a look back in history to appreciate the high-quality work that the association has carried out at international level over the years. In 1974, various national associations comprising anodizers in the architectural sector, the European Association of Anodizers (EURAS) and the European Aluminium Semi-Finished Products Association (EWAA) founded the Qualanod quality association. With foresight, because right from the start the founding members set up the association internationally in order to be able to serve all markets worldwide and to make it clear that they took the needs of customers seriously. Finally, in 1982, the European Aluminum Association (EAA) - now European Aluminium - succeeded the EWAA, while the European Association for Surface Treatment on Aluminium (ESTAL) followed EURAS in 1994. From the very beginning, synergy effects were exploited through the cooperation of delegates from the aluminium industry as well as delegates from the anodizing sector and their suppliers in the numerous committees of the quality organization. The specifications developed in this way sensibly combined all aspects of the surface finishing industry - right up to the present day. They are regularly updated in line with the latest scientific and research findings. Today, 18 general licensees, mostly national associations, issue licenses in over 40 countries worldwide. The VOA has been involved as a general licensee in Germany for the international quality mark since 1975, acting as a point of contact for all questions and actively participating in the international committees of the quality mark.
More than 200 companies have a Qualanod license
At Qualanod, multi-professional work across continental borders ensures an optimal exchange of information at all levels, which is not only reflected in the specifications but also benefits customers. Since 2017, the quality mark has been available in four different areas from which customers can choose depending on the area of application: "Architectural", "Industrial", "Decorative" and "Hard Anodizing". Each area has its own requirements in order to satisfy international customer wishes, whether in London, Paris or Delhi, for example. The anodized surfaces on the aluminium products impress with their durability and quality, even when different geographical and meteorological parameters are taken into account. More than 200 companies worldwide currently hold a Qualanod license and, as part of an international network with global supply chains, their products meet the clearly defined quality and performance criteria of the general licensor. What they all have in common are twice-yearly inspections at the anodizing plants, which are unannounced and thus make it clear that Qualanod-approved quality is produced equally at all times and at every licensed location. Licensees who do not meet the requirements will lose their license. Architects, planners and customers can contractually agree and know Qualanod quality for their projects in any country: Qualanod-licensed anodizing companies stand for high-quality products with clearly defined quality and long-term value.
Qualanod gives customers of anodized products security
In summary, Qualanod stands for a genuine, international success story with good prospects for the future: As quality awareness and the demands placed on anodized products increase - particularly with regard to sustainable production, product longevity and the circular economy - the international Qualanod quality mark is becoming increasingly important. "Thanks to the unannounced inspections twice a year, our licensees produce consistently high quality in series. This gives them a clear competitive advantage over other suppliers worldwide - Qualanod stands for quality in practice, which gives customers of anodized products peace of mind," says VOA Managing Director Dr Alexa A. Becker sums up the benefits for everyone involved. On behalf of the VOA members, she surprised Qualanod President Peter Watts and Vice President Ernst Weigl with a birthday cake at the general licensor's general meeting in Munich - naturally with anodized aluminium tiles and the words "Happy Birthday". The VOA would like to thank all those involved and wishes them all the best for this special anniversary, as well as continued enthusiasm and professional cooperation for the international Qualanod quality mark. (OM-5/24)
Contact
Verband für die Oberflächenveredelung von Aluminium e. V. (VOA)
Haus der Bayerischen Wirtschaft
Max-Joseph-Str. 5
80333 München (Germany)
Phone: +49 89 / 5517 8670
Email: info@voa.de
www.voa.de
About the VOA
As a trade association, the Verband für die Oberflächenveredelung von Aluminium e. V. (VOA) forms the industry network of companies in the surface finishing of aluminum and other materials and promotes the economic, political and technical interests of its members at national and international level.