What is anodizing?
Anodizing is a process of electrolytic passivation, greatly increasing and enhancing the oxide layer that naturally forms on aluminum.
What are the advantages of anodized aluminum?
An anodized surface actually improves the natural aluminum surface, making it more attractive, scratch resistant, corrosion resistant, and giving it the ability to add color the natural aluminum surface.
What applications utilize anodized aluminum?
The number of applications is virtually unlimited. Some applications are: reflectors, appliance and automotive trim, decorative trim, signage, cookware, interior architectural, ceiling panels, nameplates, and electronic uses.
Why would someone choose anodized aluminum?
Anodized aluminum is chosen for its decorative and functional properties, when bare or coated aluminum is doesn’t have sufficient performance, doesn’t provide sufficient protection, or doesn’t have the desired aesthetic properties.
Are there other metals besides aluminum that can be anodized?
Metals like magnesium and titanium can be anodized, but they do not have the same advantages found in anodized aluminum.
Is the anodizing process/product environmentally friendly?
The anodizing process is very environmentally friendly. Unlike other metal treatments, there are heavy metals, halogens, or volatile chemicals used in the process. The anodized aluminum itself is 100% recyclable.
Does anodizing affect the mechanical properties of the aluminum substrate?
Generally speaking, anodizing has no effect on the mechanical properties of the aluminum substrate.
What aluminum alloys are recommended for anodizing?
ACA stocks high-purity alloys for the best anodized results. Typical alloys are 1090, 5657, 5005, and 5205.
Is an anodized surface easy to clean?
Anodized aluminum can be easily cleaned with most common cleaning solutions, or even just water. Caustic solutions should be avoided.
Can anodized aluminum be easily formed?
Anodized aluminum can be easily formed. Severe forming can cause crazing, a whitening of the anodized layer as it is stretched that can be visually objectonable.
Does ACA only sell anodized coil and sheets?
While virtually any aluminum shape can be anodized, ACA is a continuous coil anodizer, which means we anodize only coiled aluminum. ACA sells coils, sheets, and blanks.
Bright Dipping or chemical brightening, is an electrochemical process that smooths and brightens the suface of the aluminum sheet.
Is anodized a superior surface for bonding/laminating?
Conventional anodize aluminum is an excellent substrate for coating, bonding, or laminating. In addition, ACA manufactures UltraBond, a very special anodized surface that provides the ultimate in adhesion.
Where is anodized aluminum used for architectural applications?
Anodized aluminum is unmatched for the durable, elegant look of real metal. Available is a variety of surfaces and colors, anodized aluminum is a smart choice for interior architectural applications.
Can it be used for exterior applications?
Anodized aluminum can be used for exterior applications, but the heavy anodic layer required for corrosion resistance can detract from the attractive metal look. The best choice for exterior architectural is ACA’s exclusive ProtectAL.
Can ACA’s new ProtectAL be used for exterior applications?
ProtectAL is a revolutionary product that is incredibly corrosion resistant without compromising on beauty. ProtectAL’s nano-thin glass-infused surface will resist most outdoor weather, while still retaining the natural beauty of the anodized surface.
Does ACA have a product with unique bonding properties?
ACA’s Ultrabond is the ultimate surface for coating, laminating, or bonding. UltraBond provides fantastic adhesion without sacrificing the decorative metal look.
Automotive Trim (Interior & Exterior)
Nameplates (L&F)
Composite Panels
Ceiling Tile
Signs
Cosmetic & Pharmaceutical Packaging
Mailboxes, Kickplates...
| Description |
ACA Product Code |
| Specular Black |
004OB |
| Specular Clear |
900OB |
| Specular Brass |
749OB |
| Champagne Gold |
734AD |
| Specular Smoked Chrome |
812OB |
| Medium Satin Bronze |
165MM |
| Natural |
900MH |
| Brushed Natural |
900YD |
| Brushed Gold |
749YX |
| Brushed ”Stainless steel” |
817VB |
| Brushed Chrome Tint |
820VB |
