While aluminum has a natural protective coating that works to prevent corrosion and rust, there are even more options that can be used to protect aluminum products. Extrusion and fabrication are just the beginning. At Silver City Aluminum, we have a wide range of custom aluminum coating solutions that can be applied after the extrusion process. Our in-house paint line runs nearly non-stop. Painting aluminum products and anodized aluminum extrusion are both very effective methods for protecting your important parts, products, and components. In addition to providing protection, our finishing solutions also provide the aesthetic and textural benefits that can further enhance the finished product.
Painting Perfection
Our goal at Silver City Aluminum is to strive for perfection in all of the painting services that we provide to our clients. We have worked hard to achieve consistent color application and a top-rated adhesion designed to meet the requirements of every industry that we serve. Our paint line can accommodate extruded aluminum up to twenty feet in length. One of the reasons why our services for painting aluminum products are better than our competitors is that we do it all in-house and use our four-stage pre-wash system for better adhesion and long-lasting results. The four-stages include an etch, a clean wash, a neutralizing wash, and then a standard pre-wash of all aluminum materials. Our clients can also choose a standard or custom Polycron application after the pre-treat process.
Custom aluminum coating solutions help to achieve a specific result, whether to meet a particular color requirement or to increase protection of the product. We use a vertical electrostatic Polycron line that is designed to provide a very smooth and clean result. Exceeding the industry standard, we apply our paint at approximately 2 ml’s wet in thickness. We constantly monitor the passing parts, which are also hand-checked by our staff to ensure quality results and consistent color from ceiling to floor. After the paint is applied, the aluminum materials get cured through a baking process in our custom ovens. Our team of highly trained technicians inspects each part after curing to ensure quality control. Then each piece is taken to our shipping department, where they are inspected once again before they are packed up for delivery. Silver City Aluminum works diligently to provide consistency and quality control for every single order that we fill.
Anodized Aluminum Extrusion
In addition to painting aluminum products, we also provide other custom aluminum coating solutions. Anodized aluminum extrusion is a popular secondary finishing option for our clients. Not only will this provide an additional protective coating after extrusion and fabrication, but it can also provide an aesthetic finish for the final product. Powder coating and anodizing are available for our clients in a variety of textures, colors, and finishes, depending on their needs. Both short and long pieces can be anodized using either a small or a big run once the fabrication process is complete. Clients can choose from black or clear anodizing, as well as multiple color options, depending on their needs.
Powder coating is also a popular option. Silver City Aluminum works with several different powder coaters and anodizers to provide our clients with custom aluminum coating solutions that meet their unique needs and specifications. Depending on the options they choose, it might increase lead time. We make sure to go over all of the options for each order to ensure customer satisfaction. The actual lead time of the additional finishing application will depend significantly on the part, as well as the powder coating options and anodizers used in the process. Our technicians can explain the process and options available at length to ensure that our clients understand what can be done.
Which Solution is Best?
When it comes time to decide which custom aluminum coating solutions are best for your project, it pays to have an understanding of the strengths and weaknesses associated with each method. Every option has pros and cons. The type of industry that you serve, where the parts or products will be used, and even your budget or time frame could affect which option is best for your unique situation. For example, some clients choose powder coating, as it is thought to be more environmentally friendly than traditional liquid paint. However, for a large order, the required curing process can slow down the process and increase the lead time.
Another example would be anodizing, which is often a preferred choice, as it does not chip, peel or flake like paint and other organic coatings. However, paint and powder coating will usually have more options with regard to color, which can be important for companies that are working to achieve a specific hue or signature shade. In the end, it depends on the requirements of each client for each particular part, component, or product. Painting aluminum products or using andozied aluminum extrusion can help to improve the durability and aesthetic appeal of your custom extrusion and fabrication.
Consult with a Silver City Aluminum technician for more insight into the benefits of each coating solution. Give us a call at 508-824-8631 or visit our website to use our online contact form to reach out to one of our engineers or consultants direct.