When it comes to the benefits of aluminum products, the natural ability of this metal to prevent corrosion is definitely at the top of the list. However, the aluminum extrusion industry utilizes various finishing processes to help increase corrosion prevention and protect parts, pieces, and products to extend their lifetime use. Extruded aluminum can also be designed to prevent corrosion through the use of specific shapes, reduction of angles that can hold moisture, and other custom solutions. Anodizing aluminum is another crucial step used by engineers and designers to increase durability and longevity of the finish.
What is Anodizing?
The process of anodizing is relatively simple. It is used to protect the extruded aluminum surface from untimely damage and excessive wear. The anodizing process adds a protective coating of aluminum oxide to the metal. The amount of protection depends upon the thickness of the layer applied by the aluminum extrusion industry to the metal piece. Aluminum oxide naturally occurs due to exposure of raw aluminum to oxygen. Anodizing aluminum simply increases this natural layer, providing effective protection against weathering over time.
In addition to providing protection and taking advantage of the benefits of aluminum products, anodizing aluminum also allows the manufacturer in the aluminum extrusion industry to color the metal and enhance the texture of the product. Because the color and texture are applied using an electrochemical bonding process, it won’t flake, peel, or fall off like other types of finishing methods might. This is why painting, powder-coating, and other finishing methods are not as popular with manufacturers as anodizing aluminum.
The Benefits of Anodizing
Of course, the primary benefit is increasing the lifespan and durability of extruded aluminum. However, another huge advantage is reduced maintenance. Some anodized surfaces will take on dirt and stains, depending on how and where they are used, but a basic cleaning with a mild detergent will usually help to restore the finish completely. If damage does occur, another one of the many benefits of aluminum products is that the anodized surface can be completely restored. This can provide an extended lifetime of as much as 20 years. Anodizing aluminum offers a longer lifespan than powder-coating or painting, which makes it ideal for areas where there is substantial or high use.
Anodizing aluminum protects it from:
- UV sunlight damage
- physical contact, abrasions, and heavy use
- harsh chemicals
For best results, it is essential to seek out an aluminum extrusion industry professional to provide you with services for every step of the process, from design to extrusion, and secondary operations to anodizing aluminum, to ensure the quality of the part, piece, component, or product. The thickness of the coating, as well as the process itself, play a role in protecting the extruded aluminum. The better the coating used for anodizing, the longer the components will last and the longer your products will be protected from wear and tear. This is definitely one of the most important things to consider when working with the aluminum extrusion industry. It pays to work with a reputable service that has many years of experience, industry knowledge, proper equipment, and high standards.
What to Expect at Silver City Aluminum
When you trust the team of engineers and technicians at Silver City Aluminum to assist with custom and standard aluminum projects, you can count on us to get the job done according to your specifications. It is our goal to meet or exceed the expectations of every client we serve and to be a positive representative of the aluminum extrusion industry. There are many benefits of aluminum products, and our team can help you to take advantage of them all. We offer a variety of secondary finishings, including powder-coating, painting, and anodizing aluminum. While some are designed to add to the aesthetic appeal of a finished product, others are added to provide an even stronger protective coating.
The process that we use for anodizing aluminum parts and components involves the dyeing of short or long pieces, according to the client’s needs. Anodizing for extruded aluminum can be applied in small runs or big runs, as soon as the fabrication process is complete. Choose from a variety of colors and options, including clear anodizing, black anodizing, multi-color anodizing, and custom anodizing, depending on your project’s requirements. If you would like more information on anodizing aluminum or the benefits of aluminum products, give us a call at 508-824-8631. Our team can answer any questions that you might have and help you get started with the design and manufacture of custom aluminum extrusion or standard aluminum extrusion parts, pieces, components, and products.