The vega is Almeco’s (www.almecogroup.com) range of highly reflective aluminium with up to 98% or more total reflectance (DIN 5036?3 Integrating sphere).

It is the result of a major technical development and investment project carried out by Almeco in 2006, which combines the proven quality of the bright anodizing processes and the latest technology of surface coating in vacuum.

Key products in the vega range are the reflector products vega 95, with 95% reflectance, and the silver based vega 98 with 98% reflectance.

The coating systems are applied to an electrochemically brightened high purity aluminium substrate coil, and start with an anodized base coat which gives a hard support to minimize abrasion damage.

The strip is then treated under vacuum with specially developed processes to maximize coating adhesion and, depending on product type, is vacuum coated with a super pure reflection layer of either 99.99% pure aluminium (vega 95) or 99.99% pure silver (vega 98). These reflection layers are overlaid with a dual layer oxide system tuned for maximum visible reflection enhancement.

This serves to increase the overall reflectivity provided by the metallic layers and adds protection against damage and degradation.  The new PVD (Physical Vapour Deposition) treatment line is located in Bernburg, Germany, close to one of the most important research & development hubs for vacuum coating of materials.

The plant has been designed and equipped with the most recent systems for roll-to-roll metal surface treatment by PVD processes and profits from upgrading from Almeco’s policy of continuous improvement and development of the product range.