Different Kinds of Aluminium Finishes That Enhance Extrusions

by Alfie Davies Financial Manager

There are several reasons for selecting aluminium extrusions for different projects. One of the main reasons is the versatility of the metal and its low cost. Besides this, aluminium is known for its non-corrosive properties and its great performance. When you have already decided to use aluminium extrusions, you need to make a few choices in terms of aluminium finishes.

The kind of aluminium finish you choose is also quite important. There are two basic reasons why finishing choice is of prime importance:

·         Finishes help in improving corrosion resistance – Though the oxide film is enough in many situations, in extreme weather conditions, some extra protection is needed.

·         Finishes help in improving the appearance of aluminium. You need to select an appropriate finish. It might happen that you need something which is really bright, or you might like to have a mirror finish. In such a case you need to choose a finish which will help in achieving what you need.

There are 6 types of finishes which are used for extruded aluminium:

·         Mechanical Finishes – Aluminium can be in different forms. It can be polished, grinded, sanded, blasted or buffed. Such finishes help in improving the surface quality of aluminium. It also helps aluminium in preparing for various cosmetic finishes.

·         Pre-treatment – Aluminium can be cleaned or etched. It can be easily cleaned with the use of acidic or alkaline materials. Often an application is given a form of pre-treatment. This coating helps in enhancing the paint adhesion and improves powder. It also offers resistance against corrosion.

·         Bright Dipping – If the extrusion is bright dipped, the aluminium can be easily given a mirror finish. For this purpose, the technicians usually offer a special dip solution which is a unique combination of nitric acids and hot phosphoric acid. Once bright dipping is offered, profiles can be easily anodized. The outer layer of the metal is thickened which makes it quite resistant.

·         Anodizing – This is a superior electrochemical process which offers extra protection from the natural oxide film. There is a porous anodic oxide layer which is usually formed just on the aluminium surface. The anodized aluminium also accepts many bright colours. It is actually possible to anodize any type of aluminium alloy.

·         Liquid Paint – This is a kind of coating which is available in many different colours. This coating offers a uniform coating and a thick film. Liquid coatings usually contain some organic compounds which is volatile in nature. This provides a uniform finish to the aluminium.

·         Powder Coating – This coating is usually applied as a solid. Solid particles usually fuse and form a neat film. The finish is ideal and suitable for a number of environments.

No matter what your requirement is, aluminium finishes are an important part of the project. Selecting the right finish will help in ensuring that the extrusions end up having the right appearance and have good corrosion resistance.

Sponsor Ads

• Ad Space Available - Rent it Now!

Created on Jul 17th 2018 06:38. Viewed 283 times.

Comments