Vitreous Enamel Cladding Systems

At A.J Wells & Sons Limited we design, manufacture and install our non-flammable, zero-smoke Wellsclad vitreous enamel cladding system for many clients throughout the UK and beyond. WELLSCLAD VE Cladding Systems have been developed to suit an extensive range of environments, such as sub-surface railway stations, road tunnels, retail areas, lift shafts, building exteriors etc.

Our varied choice of cladding systems are designed to cater for a wide range of technical requirements such as:

• Flat, curved or bespoke shape panel application.
• Incorporation of mechanical and electrical services.
• Adaptation to include access panels and doors.
• Easy removal of VE panels even if they have not been specifically designed as access panels.
• Variety of backing types such as fibre cement board, aluminium, honeycomb, sound dampening material etc.

Using both our vitreous enamel cladding panels and choice of framing systems, clients can be assured that the products that are being used in their project are always to the highest standard with both products strictly conforming to all British and European standards. Also, much of our system components are readily available from many different suppliers thus making our cladding products future proof, as sub-structure can be replaced or if necessary, a cladding scheme can be modified to future requirements without having to re-design specific bespoke framing structures, which may be difficult to obtain from other specialist manufacturers.

All our cladding panels are produced using 1.5 mm thick low carbon mild steel. The enamelled surface provides a vibrant low maintenance finish, which benefits from a range of useful properties. Our vitreous enamelling is done at our state-of-the-art enamelling plant on the Isle of Wight, which includes colour matching laboratory, glass milling facility, spray shop, screen making facility, printing facility and high-end furnaces for fusing the vitreous enamel to the steel. We also have a highly experienced team of staff (project managers, designers, etc.) who are committed to delivering all our projects to the highest standards, to budget and on time.

WELLSCLAD framing and fix solutions

Variable Frame Fix: Cladding panels are fixed to a fully adjustable aluminium frame using an adjustable bracket system.
Frame Fix: Cladding panels are fixed to a steel ‘U’ channel structure using our cleat system.
Direct Wall Fix: A cleat system that allows cladding panels to be fixed directly to the wall.
Curved Cladding: Curved cladding panels for column casings and wall and ceilings with radius bends.
– our cleat system fixes panels directly to the face of the wall.

Vitreous Enamel Cladding Panel Types

This is our most widely used cladding panel type and combines a good balance between visual appearance, robustness, and cost. The panels are secured to the required frame system using stainless steel cleats and each panel can be individually removed for maintenance purposes. Different cleats are available depending on the application; a minimum 15mm shadow gap is required between each panel. Suitable for installation on underground stations. 

Flat Panel 

A simple low profile and low-cost cladding panel that can be installed on a variety of different frame systems. Ideal for locations where curved cladding is required such as tunnel walls. For best results this cladding requires a trim to cover the edges of the panels. 

Horizontal Hook-on Panel 

The Hook-on panel is based around a tray panel similar to those used on our cleated panel systems however the fitment of the panels relies instead on a hook system that allows the shadow gap between each panel to be reduced to as little as 3mm. The panels are installed in stacks with the lowest panel being fitted first and the uppermost panel being anchored with an additional cleat fixing. This system is best suited to environments where vibrations from passing vehicles are at a minimum. 

Vertical Hook-on Panel 

The Hook-on panel is based around a tray panel similar to those used on our cleated panel systems however the fitment of the panels relies instead on a hook system that allows the shadow gap between each panel to be reduced to as little as 3mm. The panels are installed in stacks with the lowest panel being fitted first and the uppermost panel being anchored with an additional cleat fixing. This system is best suited to environments where vibrations from passing vehicles are at a minimum. 

Peg Panel 

This is a variation of the Hook-on panel however each panel is mechanically fixed to its framing system while still allowing for a minimum gap of 3mm between each panel. This system can be used on underground stations. 

Versatile Panel 

This cladding type is combined with the rail based framing system which allows each row of panels to be installed with a high degree of accuracy.  

A.J Wells benefits from an experienced in-house design team, skilled craftsmen and technicians that have worked on a wide range of unique and challenging projects spanning 50 years of business. This wealth of experience coupled with state-of-the-art laser profiling and a high precision metal workshop gives us the capacity to also take on a wide range of bespoke projects. 

Contact the team to discuss your project or click the link to view our extensive portfolio.