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Anodizing
Anodizing
The classic
What is an anodized surface?
In the anodizing process, also called anodization, the building up of a very hard and scratch-resistant aluminium oxide layer in an electrochemical process is facilitated. It protects the aluminium from direct mechanical influences and is resistant to weathering and corrosion.
Advantages of anodising
Metal optics
High durability
Scratch resistant
Weatherproof
Corrosion resistant
UV-resistant
The pre-treatment has an influence on the appearance of the anodised surface
Aluminium surfaces can optionally be chemically or mechanically pre-treated before anodising. This changes the structure, reflective properties and effect of the surface.
For metal sheets, we offer the pre-treatment options degreasing and deoxidising (E0) and the most common chemical pre-treatment pickling (E6).
Profiles can be degreased and deoxidised (E0), ground (E1), brushed (E2), ground and micro-polished (E4) or pickled (E6).
Anodizing and colouring
We use various colouring processes to create different colour impressions. In addition to the silver and bronze tones typical for anodised surfaces, we offer anodised surfaces in a wide range of colours with SANDALOR® colouring.
We offer:
Anodized finishes in silver and bronze tones
The timeless surfaces have been popular with planners and architects for decades. From silver to black, we offer all common colours.
SANDALOR® coloured anodizing
SANDALOR® surfaces are colourful and weather-resistant. Due to their lightfastness, the colourful shades are equally suitable for exterior and interior use.
Structural Glazing Anodizing
If required, we anodise in accordance with the guidelines of ETAG 002. The anodized layer then fulfils special requirements, so that for example glass might safely and permanently be attached and bonded.
Anodizing according to British Standard
We also anodize in accordance with British Standard (BS 3987) which is traditionally required for many façades in the UK.
We’ll be happy to advise you personally.
Different colouring processes in detail:
Starting point before the colouring process:
Cross-section of anodised aluminium surface
During anodic oxidation, the surface of the aluminium is transformed into a colourless, crystal-clear and thus transparent aluminium oxide layer. The surface retains the metallic character of the aluminium.
Electrolytic colouring
The transparent anodised layer can be coloured with the help of metal salt solutions. The colour effect is not created on the surface of the anodised layer, but at the base of the pores.
Adsorptive colouring
The transparent anodised layer can also be coloured with the help of lightfast dyes. In this process, the dyes attach themselves to the pore walls. The colour effect is extremely lively and gets a strong metallic sheen.
SANDALOR® colouring process
By combining electrolytic colouring and adsorptive colouring, additional weather-resistant and more muted colours can be produced in various tints and shades.
Finishing after the colouring process:
Cross-section of compacted aluminium surface
Compaction is the final step of the anodising process, which ultimately leads to the required weathering/corrosion resistance.
