Aluminum Extrusion Finishes
We start with the finest aluminum and the best press practices in the industry. We continue to manufacture your quality extrusions by maintaining tight chemical and electrical control. Metal finishing at Alexandria Extrusion Company allows for reduced quality issues, reduced relationship management issues, reduced opportunity of freight damage, and reduced shipping charges. From hard anodizing aluminum to black anodizing, to anodized blue, we are here to help.
10 Reasons to Anodize Aluminum Extrusions
• Improved overall appearance
• Corrosion resistance
• Abrasion resistance
• Wear resistance
• Enhanced heat dissipation
• Increased lubricity
• Dielectric strength
• Color stability
• Ease of maintenance
• Aesthetics and appearance
Anodizing Aluminum
Anodizing is an electro-chemical process that forms a durable, porous oxide film on the surface of the aluminum extrusions, adding to the protection provided by its natural oxide layer. Anodizing is a process in which the aluminum extruded profile is immersed in a tank containing an acid-based electrolyte; a current is passed through the solution, carefully controlling the temperature of the electrolyte. The aluminum extruded profile serves as the anode, so the electrolyte releases oxygen ions at the surface of the profile. The oxygen immediately combines with the surface aluminum to form a hard aluminum oxide film.
Anodizing Solutions
Anodizing (Sulfuric -the most common process) produces comparatively thick, transparent and absorptive oxide films, suitable for receiving both organic and inorganic dyes and metal oxides for electrolytic color.
Hardcoat Anodize produces a much thicker film. Functional hardcoating, or hard anodizing, is a modification of sulfuric anodizing, performed at high current densities and low temperatures. Sometimes additives are mixed into the electrolyte to produce a denser, more abrasion-resistant oxide film, imparting high wear resistance to the product.
Anodizing Colors Available: Black, Clear, Blue, Pewter, Red*, Gold*, Purple*, Grey*, Green*
*Supplier Base
ExtremEtch produces an evenly distributed matte coating, without sacrificing the high tolerance features needed to meet our customers’ extrusion requirements. Some of the great benefits of this process include ability to hold the tightest tolerances, and the distinct matte finish.
Mechanical finishing, bright dipping, aluminum paint and powder coating options are also available.
If you’re not sure of the correct finish needed for your extrusions, please give us a call. We have over 40 years of experience in providing solutions for our customers. We would be happy to assist you in making that decision. For additional information on finishing options please review our white papers on this topic and many others.
