Different Types of Aluminum Surface Treatments

Aluminum, while being a versatile material, is also very durable in nature. It possesses different qualities that makes it one of the commonly used materials for a variety of construction projects. From being lightweight, low-maintenance, and corrosion-resistant, people prefer to choose this material over others that do not match the overall quality of aluminum. Not only that, its properties can still be built up and make it a more effective material to be used in construction. The aluminum can go through a series of aluminum surface treatments, as a means of improving the material to give the final product a more optimal protection against corrosion. 

As mentioned, aluminum is definitely a durable material primarily because of its ability to form a protective layer of oxide once it has been in contact with air. And apart from this, the coating can be further strengthened by letting the material go through aluminum surface treatments. An application of a coating-on or incorporation of a coating into the material constitutes a surface treatment. Aluminum is capable of having a variety of surface treatments, each with specific uses and functions. As a result, the treatments can be utilized to decorate the material’s surface or to enable greater adhesion if gluing or painting is required.

Thus, in order to improve surface properties of final products, such as wear resistance, corrosion resistance, reflectivity, and the like, different types of surface treatment were designed. The most common and popularly integrated ones include the process of anodizing, analoc, powder-coating, the usage of wet paint, and wood finish. And once you have understood how each of these aluminum surface treatments work and benefit the aluminum material in general, you will definitely opt to let the materials you will be using for your project go through a specific surface treatment. And this being said, it proves that there are many great reasons to choose aluminum for your project.

Anodizing

Aluminum profiles are anodized by soaking them in an acid electrolyte bath of chemicals and then applying an electric current. For surface corrosion protection and aesthetic finishes, an oxide layer is electrochemically formed on top of the metal. Also, in addition to the naturally occurring oxide film, this electrochemical procedure offers extra protection. On the aluminum’s surface, an anodic oxide layer that is strong and porous develops.

It also seems to be interesting that no additional coating is put on the aluminum during the anodizing process. This is so that anodizing can create a protective coating from the aluminum that is already present. A strong molecular bond allows the oxide coating to be completely incorporated into the aluminum.

The primary goal of anodizing is to protect aluminum. Corrosion resistance is improved and the material keeps its beauty longer thanks to the anodizing process. The resulting thick, wear-resistant anodizing layer shields the underlying aluminum, enhancing the final product’s durability. Additionally, the oxide coating may be very ornamental. Aluminum may acquire a variety of lovely colors thanks to anodization. While maintaining its distinctive metal aspect, it also gets a pleasant aesthetic. As a result, the aluminum is not just better protected, but embellished as well.

Analoc

One of the most popular aluminum surface treatments in residential construction would be analoc. Many people actually find the black-brown finish produced by this anodizing technique to be attractive. Even so, this shade is regarded as the most common in the local doors and window market. And although it is a well-known color in certain countries such as the Philippines, it is not advised because of its negative effects on the environment. 

Powder-Coating

Unlike analoc, which has the high possibility of polluting the air and the environment, powder-coating uses a high-tech funnel spray booth to apply a coating to aluminum after it has undergone chemical treatment. It offers a more even color finish and is more resilient to weather.

Additionally, powder coatings leave a film behind that can adhere to strict performance standards. They do not, however, contain VOCs. This is the best way to satisfy VOC environmental laws. On the extrusion, the product is applied as a solid. Solid particles fuse with one another in the oven to create the film.

Moreover, powder-coating is an option that can provide aluminum a decorative and protective covering in addition to being an environmentally safe method of surface treatments. An electrostatic technique is used to apply the powder coating after a number of pre-treatments, such as degreasing and rinsing. Here, the powder that is negatively charged is placed on the positively charged aluminum item. The coating adheres briefly due to the electrical effect that follows. The item is then heated in a cure oven to melt and flow the coating, creating a continuous liquid sheet. A strong bond is created between the coating and the aluminum once it has dried.

Wet Paint

Where aesthetics are important, wet paint is a fascinating alternative. It results in the best final outcome because the process is considerably smoother. Wet paint can also be used to apply some ornamental elements that are not possible with powder-coating.

Another benefit of this surface treatment is that there is no maximum size to consider. This is the case with powder coating, as a spray booth is used. Maximum dimensions of the aluminum to be coated do not need to be taken into mind as well because this is not necessary for wet paint. Thus, wet paint is a suitable option for coloring large aluminum objects because of this.

Also, these coatings offer a consistent film thickness and a variety of colors. Typically, liquid coatings contain volatile organic chemicals. During baking or curing, they are pushed away. The volume solids create a film on the extrusion after the VOCs have been eliminated.

Wood Finish

Have you ever seen an aluminum that resembled wood? The wood finish procedure has treated the surface of the aluminum. Actually, there are only two easy steps in this type of procedure. The aluminum is first given a base coat of powder coating using the same powder coating method of electrostatically charged adhesion. The wood pattern film is then wrapped around the aluminum and subjected to a sublimation process before being hardened in a high temperature furnace.

Key Takeaway

Aluminum surface treatments can certainly play a significant role in your project, regardless of whether you are developing a new building or the interior of a train. By selecting the suitable finish, you can guarantee that your extrusions will have the desired appearance and corrosion resistance. It actually does not matter if you choose anodizing, analoc, powder coating, wet painting, or wood finishing. The only critical step in the process will always entail a proper pre-treatment. Without the pre-treatment, the aluminum surface treatments you opt to apply on your material may not cling to it well or integrate into it, resulting in it peeling off too easily or not being applied evenly.