Choosing the Right Finish for Your Aluminum Extrusion ...

Aluminum is a remarkable material. Its unique combination of properties makes it suitable for many different applications. When exposed to air, aluminum instantly forms a natural, thin, and transparent oxide film on the metal’s surface. This film provides a corrosion-resistant barrier, which instantly re-forms whenever the metal is cut or abraded. For many applications, this glass-hard protective layer is all the surface finishing aluminum needs.

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There are circumstances where it may be necessary to add a protective or decorative finish to your aluminum extrusion profile. Choosing the correct finish is a crucial step in this process. The wrong surface finish can look aesthetically off or fail to protect the metal, which results in accelerated corrosion and possible structural issues. Working closely with your aluminum extrusion manufacturer for the best advice on choosing the ideal surface finish for your particular needs is essential.

Why Add a Finish to Your Aluminum Extrusion?

There are three main reasons for applying an additional finish to your aluminum extrusion:

• Adding extra protection for harsh environments
• Preparing the surface for coating or paint
• Enhancing the appearance of the aluminum

Environmental Protection: The natural oxide film on the aluminum serves to protect it from corrosion, but in extreme environments, extra protection may be needed. Extremes variations of moisture, humidity, and temperature can accelerate deterioration, as can use near ocean environments. In these instances, an added finish can help mitigate these environmental effects on the metal.

Metal Preparation: An additional finish may also be needed to prepare the metal surface for coating or paint. Anodizing is an electrical process used to increase the thickness of the natural oxide layer on the surface of metal parts. Anodizing increases aluminum’s natural resistance to corrosion and increases the wear protection of the aluminum.

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Enhanced Appearance: Finishing may be required for aesthetic reasons, particularly in consumer products where appearance is often the first requirement. Depending on the look you are trying to achieve—you may want a brightly colored finished product, a mirror finish, or a textured look—different techniques can be applied.

What Types of Finishing Techniques are Available for Aluminum?

It is important to remember that the choice of surfacing affects the price of the finished product. The finer the surface, the higher the production cost. While there are hundreds of different kinds of surface finishing, here are five of the most popular techniques:

1. Mechanical finishes add texture to a surface or polish it to a chrome finish. Techniques include sanding, polishing, grinding, buffing, or blasting.
2. Chemical finishes are applied by dipping the profile in a chemical mixture. The most popular chemical finishes include etching, which yields a frosted surface appearance, and bright-dipping, which produces a very shiny, specular (mirror) finish.
3. Anodizing is when the aluminum profile is immersed in a tank of acid-based electrolytes. The anodizing process allows aluminum profiles to retain their metallic luster while accepting durable and vibrant color.
4. Liquid coatings are available in various paints, such as polyesters, acrylics, siliconized polyesters, and fluoropolymers. These applications are available in nearly unlimited colors, allowing for finishes that please every taste.
5. Powder coating applies a decorative finish similar to paint but with more durability. The process involves melting dry plastic powder onto the metal to produce a textured, matte, or glossy coating that is long-lasting and highly durable. Unlike liquid paint, no solvents are used, so only negligible amounts of VOCs are released into the air, making it virtually pollution free. In addition, the unused or over-sprayed powder can be recovered so waste is minimal and can be disposed of easily and safely.

Powder coating is baked onto the extrusion to provide a long-lasting, highly durable finish.

Whatever result you seek, your aluminum extrusion manufacturer can help you choose the proper technique so your finished product is durable and visually pleasing.

Contact us to discuss your requirements of aluminium extrusions technology. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.