DECORATIVE ANODISING
As the name suggests the main purpose of this process is to provide a pleasing aesthetic appearance of components and covers a wide range of products of differing levels of integrity from publicity gimmicks to high quality instrument panels. As the natural colour is silver or light grey, dyestuffs may be used as coloring dyes. Prior to anodising the aluminium may be brightened or dulled chemically to achieve a required texture.
ARCHITECTURAL ANODISING
This is a specialized area aimed toward components used for external architectural applications where designs dictate a combination of aesthetic appearance, corrosion resistance and mechanical performance. Very attractive effects can be obtained by choosing the correct alloys and mechanical finishes prior to anodising. These films are often colored using integral colour anodising or dyes that are plated in after anodising. Sealing is therefore very critical to ensure good corrosion resistance.
Advantages
Durability - Most anodised products have an extremely long life span and offer significant economic advantages through maintenance and operating savings. Anodising is a reacted finish that is integrated with the underlying aluminium for total bonding and unmatched adhesion.
Colour Stability - Exterior anodic coatings provide good stability to ultraviolet rays, do not chip or peel, and are easily repeatable.
Ease of Maintenance - Scars and wear from fabrication, handling, installation, frequent surface dirt cleaning and usage are virtually non-existent. Rinsing or mild soap and water cleaning usually will restore an anodised surface to its original appearance. Mild abrasive cleaners can be used for more difficult deposits.
Aesthetics - Anodising offers a large increasing number of gloss and colour alternatives and minimizes or eliminates colour variations. Unlike other finishes, anodising allows the aluminium to maintain its metallic appearance. Since the anodising process is a reinforcement of a naturally occurring oxide process, it is non-hazardous and produces no harmful or dangerous by-products.
Range of Colours in Architectural Anodising
• Silver (matt / Glossy)
• Dark / Medium Bronze (matt / Glossy)
• Dark / Medium Copper (matt / Glossy)
• Blue (matt / Glossy)
• Gold (matt / Glossy)
• Champagne (matt / Glossy)
• Black (matt / Glossy)
• Various other new shades
Applications :
Architectural aluminium profiles, Industrial profiles, furniture profiles, Transport extrusions for Bus & Trains, Heat Sinks ETC.
