The Optimal Surfaces Treatment for Architectural Aluminum

What is Anodizing?

Anodizing is a simple electrochemical process that forms a protective coating of aluminum oxide on the aluminum surface. The finish is very durable; however, the finish lifetime is proportional to the thickness and density of the anodic coating, as well as the seal consistency.

Aluminum oxide is a weather resistant, hard, durable coating which protects the base metal. Using different techniques, the coating may be transparent or painted. The coating itself grows the base aluminum metal by way of the electrochemical process, so the coating is integral to the metal and cannot peel or flake. The structure of the coating is composed of several small pores that can be used to paint the aluminum. Those pores are sealed to provide durability once color is added.

Anodizing's Benefits

• Anodizing can be less costly to manufacture and retain.
• Anodic coatings are highly abrasion-resistant and durable. It is particularly durable in high-traffic areas where the coating is subject to physical abuse and abrasive cleaning.
• Anodic coatings do not peel, chip, flake, or chalk.
• Anodic coatings are translucent, resulting in a deep, rich metallic appearance.
• Sunlight barely affects the anodic coatings.
• Anodic coatings are perfect finishes for areas subject to filiform corrosion, in particular the coastal structures.
• The anodizing process uses chemicals without VOCs, and aluminum itself is recyclable.
• Anodized aluminum can be colored in a full spectrum of shades.
• Several coloring techniques offer weather fastness suitable for architectural applications.

The Renewable Finish

A thicker and denser anodic coating carries the benefits of durability and longer life. An anodized surface after many years can accumulate dirt and stains that look similar to chalking paint. This film can be removed with a mild detergent applied with an abrasive cleaning technique. A small amount of the anodic coating can actually be removed, leaving behind a renewed anodized finish, preserving the original appearance.

When a paint film fails, the usual options are to recoat the surface with another paint or replace the metal. Scrubbing can damage a painted finish. When an anodized coating appears to have failed, cleaning often results in a renewed appearance. Anodized surfaces, like other building components, must be protected chemical attack after installation.

Eco-friendly

The use of anodizing as an architectural finish provides environmental advantages. The process does not require the use of solvents that contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and no heavy metals are involved.

Chemical wastes anodizing are used by many municipal wastewater treatment facilities to balance pH levels of treated water. The aluminum hydroxide the effluent of anodizing plants improves the separation of solids in wastewater treatment plants. If local wastewater treatment plants cannot handle the solids generated in the anodizing process, equipment is available that enables anodizes to remove aluminum hydroxide solids the effluent.

Color Options

Anodized coatings show excellent color quality in most cases, but this does not mean that anodizing yields perfectly consistent paint. Customers must be cautious when selecting the colors to be used, and the metal should be handled concurrently and in the same place wherever possible to reduce the probability of color variance.

A "range" implies a two-dimensional axis, for example, a range light to dark. The word range is discouraged when describing color. It is better to focus on scientific color measurement systems that include color, lightness, and gloss. With scientific color measurement techniques, a production run can be compared objectively to an approved standard.

Durability

Most anodized products have an extremely long life span and offer considerable economic benefits through maintenance and operating savings. Anodizing is a reacted finish that is integrated with the underlying aluminum for total bonding and unmatched adhesion. Coating thickness for architectural use can be specified as either Class 1 (0.7 mil) or Class 2 (0.4 mil) per Aluminum Association DAF 45. However, oftentimes there is no specification. When there is no specification, the least expensive option is usually used, and in a few years the finish is pitted, stained, and eroded. Another important determinant of coating life is its density. The denser the coating, the longer it will last.

KIMSEN is proud to bring high quality aluminum extrusion, components & modules which meet international standards.

For more information, please contact us via Hotline +84 93 867 6005 or email info@kimsen.vn

KIMSEN INDUSTRIAL CORPORATION

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Hotline: +84 93 867 6005

Email: info@kimsen.vn

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Reference: https://www.anodizing.org/page/finish-architectural-aluminum