Surfaces | Colours

Anodization

Through an electrochemical process, known as anodization, the aluminium surface is transformed into an extremely hard and scratch-resistant aluminium oxide layer. This oxide layer protects the aluminium from direct mechanical impact, in addition to being weather and corrosion resistant. Vibrant colours, solidity, long durability and excellent environmental protection are just some of this surface’s advantages. The range of use for this product are very broad: from architecture, to superstructure work or automotive engineering.

Anodized surfaces

Aluminium surfaces can be pre-treated either chemically or mechanically before an anodizing treatment. This changes the structure, reflection properties and optical effect of the surface. The condition of the base material created by the pre-treatment remains visible on the finished surface.

Pre-treatment processes offered:

E0       = no pretreatment
E1        = sanded (for profiles only)
E2       = brushed (for profiles only)
E4       = sanded, micro-polished (for profiles only)
E6       = chemically pre-treated (pickled)

Combining anodizing and colour

Different colour tones can be produced by different colouring processes. We use tailored anodizing inks, which are customised towards the anodized layer, producing a characteristic appearance.

The colour effect and the overall impact is dependent on the alloy used, the method of mechanical pre-treatment, and the surface coating method used. Upon appointment of the contract, it is our company requirement to produce samples showing the limitations within a certain colour range of the application.

SANDALOR^® – Anodization colouring

The SANDALOR^® colouring procedure describes a colouring process used on anodized aluminium. This process combines the benefits of anodized aluminium oxide coatings with a broad colour palette. By preserving the original aluminium character, the light-resistant and colourful shades are suitable for outdoor use, allowing for beautiful, metallic and coloured surfaces. This colour treatment has been proven to be extremely resistant in long-term outdoor-exposure settings. Additionally, SANDALOR^® is produced with mature process technology and superior quality.

Liquid coating

During liquid coating processes, the aluminium components are coated, and subsequently, the enamel will be burnt-in by the stoving oven. In comparison to general powder-coatings, a liquid lacquer will be used. The range of design options (such as metallic or iron mica effects) is enormous during this process. Almost any surface can be designed individually, in every possible shade. Additionally, liquid-coating systems present a visibly greater depth effects, especially with a metallic effect application.

In contrast to powder coatings, building components are coated with a coloured liquid lacquer, and are then burnt using our state-of-the-art plants.

Pre-treatment

Standardised pre-treatments:
Chromate coating – the surface is coated with an aluminium chromate layer to ensure perfect lacquer adhesion and corrosion resistance.

Chromate-free pre-treatment or in the anticipation of filiform-corrosion:
Pre-anodization – Pre-anodization pre-treatment results in the best aluminium corrosion protection. For constructions in industrial environments, coastal locations or other expected exposure to chlorides, pre-anodisation must be performed in order to avoid possible filiform-corrosion.

Many different colour possibilities

DURAFLON^® can be produced in almost any colour. The evaluation of the colour is usually based on standard colour charts (RAL, NCS, Sikkens, and others). The technology enables brilliant metallic and depth effects with various gloss grades from matte to glossy.

DURAFLON^® colour coating

DURAFLON^® is a liquid paint-based enamel finish. It is an extremely weather-resistant, effectively maintenance-free, high-performance surface. Unlike other lacquer-systems, DURAFLON^® retains its optical and technical functions throughout its entire lifespan. Longer cleaning intervals, easy-to-clean technology, high quality and durability are just of the advantages of this system, which in turn minimise the long-term maintenance costs of the DURAFLON^® façade.

A selection of our DURAFLON^® colours: