Aluminum that has been treated to provide an incredibly durable coating is known as anodizing aluminum. Anodized aluminum is made using an electrochemical process in which the metal is submerged in a sequence of tanks, one of which is used to generate the anodic layer from the metal.
This anodized metal is far more durable than any other comparable material available on the market since it is made from the aluminum itself, not painted on or applied. As a result, it will never crack, flake, or peel. Compared to other competitive metals like copper and stainless steel, anodized aluminum is 60% lighter and three times tougher than the raw material.
What Makes Coil Anodized Aluminum Unique?
Runsom uses a well regulated coil anodizing method to create anodized aluminum, which results in a better product at a reduced cost of processing.
In a single, continuous motion, coiled raw aluminum is unwound and dragged through a sequence of tanks that clean, anodize, color, seal, and then unwind the coil. We are left with superb anodized coil aluminum at the conclusion of the process, which is strong, adaptable, and consistently matches in color to our client’s exact specifications. The anodized metal has already been rolled and is prepared for shipment.
Several stages in the more conventional batch aluminum anodizing process that increase expense and result in inconsistent finishes are eliminated in the coil anodized aluminum process. In order for the electrical current to aid in the growth of the anodic layer during the batch anodized process, an electrical contact point needs to be established. This is accomplished by fastening each anodized piece with a metal hook, or rack. This frequently results in burn markings, also called rack marks, on the material, which need to be removed, adding to the waste and expense.
You can be confident that the color will be constant since each square inch of the coil-formed material spends the same amount of time in each step of the process. The aluminum panels or pieces are individually dipped into each tank during batch processing, as opposed to coil anodizing, which results in uneven anodized layer thickness and color with certain areas of the metal spending more time in each step of the process. Furthermore, there may be handling damage that raises the cost because each piece of metal needs to be installed separately into the racks in order to be dipped into the tanks. Because coil anodizing is an ongoing process that involves little to no handling, it lowers the risk of damage and saves money.
Find out more about each step of the coil anodizing procedure here. Coil anodized aluminum transforms ordinary metal into a remarkably functional product with a uniform color and quality.
What Advantages Does Anodized Aluminum Offer?
Sturdiness
Although aluminum is already a strong material, the anodization process makes the surface even more resilient than the original metal. Even when treated to add color, anodized aluminum produces a surface that is three times tougher than regular metal and won’t crack, flake, or peel. The result will also never weather, corrode, or patina since the anodization process involves a controlled oxidation of the aluminum. One of the strongest and most adaptable metals available is anodized aluminum.
Look
Any object is made more beautiful by the look of anodized metal. Anodized aluminum can be anodized to give a matte or brilliant surface, and when left natural, it is a dazzling new silver hue. To add a distinctive appearance and feel to your product, you may also select a custom texture, such as pebble tone, brushed, or stucco.
Personalized Color Selections
Anodized aluminum may be polished to match almost any brand color or Pantone swatch you can think of because of the anodic layer’s open pore structure before sealing. Because of the material’s adaptability, it may be manufactured to mimic the appearance of other metals, including brass, copper, bronze, stainless steel, gold, and more, without running the danger of deteriorating. Runsom offers a variety of weathered appearance finish choices, nevertheless, if you like a worn appearance. Any color you pick will not flake, chip, or peel due to the nature of anodized aluminum, and it will stay that way for the duration of the product’s life. Additionally, you may rely on colors that are UV stable if you select those from Runsom.
Light in weight
Anodized aluminum weighs around 60% less than copper, brass, or stainless steel, making it a lightweight metal. This can resolve a variety of design problems and greatly reduce the cost of delivering the material. Anodized aluminum is a flexible material that may be used whenever a lightweight, strong, and visually appealing material is required, from consumer products design to building.
The price
Anodized aluminum is significantly less expensive to ship to a construction site or industrial plant since it is far lighter than other metal goods. Anodized aluminum has the same visual appearance as materials like steel, zinc, bronze, brass, and copper, but it is less expensive per square foot for projects because of its excellent strength to weight ratio. Aluminum has a far less environmental impact than other items since it is renewable, abundant, and the only metal that is 100% recyclable. Additionally, the method used to make anodized aluminum is extremely eco-friendly. Together, these elements create a product that is more adaptable, strong, and long-lasting than other materials available on the market.