Aluminum, more than most metals, accepts a varied range of finishes.
We offer our aluminum profiles in several types of finishes including
chemical, anodized, mechanical and painted. These finishes are available
in both long and short lengths.
Chemical coatings may be several processes. Bright
dipping requires the application of a special solution to the aluminum profile resulting in a mirror-like finish. Typically, this process is followed
by anodizing to protect the surface or to introduce a special color to the profile. The etching process
requires that the aluminum profile be passed through a caustic solution which will result in a frosted
finish on the profile.
Anodizing is a process where the aluminum profile is immersed in a tank containing an acid solution.
An electric current is then passed through it. The combination of oxygen and the surface aluminum forms a hard film of aluminum oxide on the profile.
This film serves to increase the resistance to corrosion and abrasions.
Anodizing is available in both clear and colored coatings. In preparation for clear anodizing, which is a frosted finish, a profile is usually etched
first to conceal surface blemishes found in the mill finish condition. Additionally, as in bright dipping, color can also be introduced to the process.
Painting, like chemical coatings and anodizing, can be divided into several different processes.
Electrostatic spraying is a process where the paint droplets receive a static electric charge and an
opposite charge is applied to the profile being sprayed. This creates an attraction between the profile and the paint.
Powder coating results after a thin layer of fine powder is applied to the surface of the profile and is then heated,
causing the powder to form a coating over the profile.
Mechanical finishes are generally used to alter the texture of the profile. Often, they are used to improve
the surface quality by taking the material from a rough texture to a mirror-like surface finish. Polishing, grinding, tumbling and burnishing are examples of
different types of mechanical finishes.
The above secondary finishes are the most common finishes ordered by our customers. However, we would gladly consider any special request by a customer. |
