The Pier Review
Hi there!
Welcome to the May edition of our newsletter! I hope the spring months are treating you well, and your business is blooming during this season of growth and renewal. This newsletter promises to be concise but informative, as always. You can expect to find a packed product highlight, industry news, and other useful information.
As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please contact us at sales@usfutaba.com or me at elizaveta@usfutaba.com. You will find all our contact information at the end of this newsletter if you would like to call us instead.
Product Highlight
Barn Door Hardware
Barn door hardware is the backbone of the iconic sliding door system, providing both functional support and aesthetic appeal. The technical features of our barn door hardware ensure ease of installation and stability, allowing for seamless operation.
Please find below our wide selection and note that every item comes in a set.
Round Rail Barn Door Hardware
Both Surface Mount and Top Mount options are available with the soft close feature. Rails are made of stainless steel, have a length of 6’5”, and can handle doors weighing up to 260 lbs (120 kg).
Flat Rail Barn Door Hardware
Both options come with a powder coat or stainless steel finish. The rails are available in 6.5’ and 8’ lengths. The 4-foot rail extension comes pre-drilled for soft close mechanism, and is sold separately.
Flat Rail Bypass Barn Door Hardware – Surface Mount
Made of steel with a powder-coated matte black finish. The rails are available in lengths of 6.5 and 8 feet.
Flat Rail Mini-Barn Door Hardware
Our Mini-Barn Door Hardware is also available for both Surface Mount and Top Mount and is perfect for smaller spaces. Made of steel with a powder coat finish in matte black, and the rail length is 5’10”.
Further down in this newsletter, you will find more information about powder coating.
To check availability or for any other questions, please visit our contact page or send an email to sales@usfutaba.com.
Industry News
No More Aluminum, Nickel, or Copper?
Recently, the U.S. and Britain collaboratively banned Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME) and London Metal Exchange (LME) from accepting Russian aluminum, copper, and nickel. The bans imposed by these countries on Russian metal stem from the geopolitical tensions between Russia and the Western world, particularly following the conflict in Ukraine.
This embargo on Russian metals can significantly impact the furniture hardware industry. It heavily relies on aluminum, copper, and nickel for manufacturing various components such as handles, hinges, knobs, and decorative fittings.
One immediate consequence is the potential for supply chain disruptions, as manufacturers scramble to find alternative sources for these essential metals. This could lead to delays in production and fulfillment, impacting timelines and delivery schedules for furniture companies. Moreover, the increased costs associated with sourcing alternative materials may be passed on to consumers in the form of higher prices for furniture products, potentially dampening consumer demand and affecting sales.
However, amidst these challenges, there may also be opportunities for innovation and adaptation within the furniture hardware industry. Manufacturers may explore alternative materials or design strategies to reduce reliance on aluminum, copper, and nickel, such as utilizing recycled or sustainable materials. Additionally, there may be increased investment in domestic metal production and refining capabilities, as furniture companies seek to secure a stable and reliable supply chain in the face of geopolitical uncertainties.
Powder Coating
Powder coating is a process of spraying electrically charged powder that consists of ground particles of pigment and resin over a part to improve its quality and overall look.
The application process of powder coating consists of three main steps. First, all the parts should go through pre-treatment. This means they should be well cleaned and degreased. After that, the parts are dried at a low temperature. Then, the parts are rinsed again to make sure all chemicals and dirt are gone.
The second step is powder application. The electrostatic spray gun is used to spray dry powder onto a surface. The tip of it ionizes an electrostatic field which charges the powder particles as they are sprayed out of the gun. Once charged, the powder particles are attracted to the grounded surface of the part and wrap around it.
Finally, the parts are placed in the oven where powder particles melt to form a film that hardens upon cooling.
Powder coating is a popular finishing process that comes with many benefits, such as high resistance to wear and tear, durability, and longevity. It is also resistant to scratching, chipping, and fading. Additionally, powder coating provides a wide range of colors, textures, and finishes, including high gloss, sand texture, matte, and wrinkles.
Like nothing is perfect in this world, powder coating has its drawbacks too. The biggest challenge is controlling the layer thickness and surface evenness, which can be difficult to manage.
Elizaveta Ukolova
Email: elizaveta@usfutaba.com
Work: (877) 293-0584