One of the benefits of using custom aluminum extrusions in manufacturing is the natural anti-corrosion layer that forms on the surface of the material, protecting it from damage in a wide range of environments. However, custom aluminum coating solutions can be used as post-extrusion aluminum surface treatments to increase that protection even further. Depending on the predicted use of the finished piece, additional secondary operations and services may be recommended to improve the performance of the part, product, or component. Silver City Aluminum offers a wide range of finishing solutions at our Southeastern Massachusetts facility.
Why Increase Corrosion Protection?
Certain industries and environments require extra protection to increase the function and longevity of the product. The marine industry is one example where the corrosive nature of water and salt can deteriorate many different materials much faster than what would be expected in another environment. Other sectors may have more exposure to chemicals or contact with abrasive working conditions that require additional protection. In addition, some products may benefit from the aesthetic effects of coating solutions, which is why we offer a wide range of options concerning colors and styles. Textures can also be added, which can further increase the functional advantages associated with adding aluminum surface treatments to your project.
Some of the environments and uses that benefit from custom finishing include:
- marine – salt and freshwater
- commercial and residential construction
- transportation
- industrial
- extreme temperature
- abrasion and chemical exposure
- aerospace and aviation
- consumer products
Professional Painting Services
One of the most widely used custom aluminum coating solutions at Silver City Aluminum is provided immediately after extrusion, fabrication, and secondary operations. Our paint line runs nearly non-stop. In our mission to ensure perfection in our painting services and achieve a consistent color application with top-rated adhesion, we successfully meet or exceed the requirements of every industry that we serve. The maximum length of materials that can be finished in our paint line is twenty feet. Our standard approach is to offer a four-stage pre-wash system to guarantee excellent adhesion and a polycron application that exceeds the industry’s basic requirements.
Some things to know about our painting services include:
- our four-step pre-treat process consists of an etch, a clean wash, a neutralizing wash, and then the industry standard pre-wash to improve adhesion and protection
- we apply our paint at approximately 2ml’s wet in thickness
- passing parts are continuously monitored by our staff and high-tech system for consistent, high-quality results
- we use special custom ovens to cure all painted parts
- each item is taken off the line by hand and inspected by our technicians before they go on to the shipping department
- once the parts arrive at shipping, they are inspected again for quality assurance
Powder-Coating and Anodizing Services
Similar to the painting services in that powder-coating and anodizing offers a protective coating against corrosive and abrasive environments, there are many aesthetic benefits to choosing these custom aluminum coating solutions as well. We work with several different powder coaters and anodizers to provide our clients with the look, texture, and finish that they require for their products. The lead time necessary to complete the process will depend on the part itself and the aluminum surface treatments chosen by the client. This process involves the dyeing of short or long pieces and can be applied with either small or big runs after the extrusion and fabrication process has been completed.
Some of the options available for powder-coating and anodizing include:
- clear anodizing
- black anodizing
- multi-color anodizing
- custom anodizing by request
- textured anodizing
Contact Our Team
When you place your order for standard or custom aluminum extrusions, be sure to speak with one of our engineers, designers, or technicians about your needs for aluminum surface treatments. Like many other secondary operations, these finishes can be crucial to the performance and function of your finished aluminum extrusion parts, products, and components.
Give us a call at 508-824-8631 or use our online contact form to reach out to one of our team members about your needs. We can answer any questions you might have about painting, powder-coating, and anodizing solutions, as well as offer advice and suggestions on how to best use these services to your advantage.