Introduction to powder coating
When aluminum surfaces are powder coated, polyester powders are generally used to provide the appropriate quality suitable for external use. The electrostatic application of particles ensures that an even film of powder is applied both to the main visible surface and, thanks to the wraparound, the secondary visible surfaces too. The electrical charge endows the powder with good adhesive properties and it may be cross-linked at temperatures between 160° and 200° C.
The appearance of this coating depends on the:
- flow of the powder (from smooth to textured)
- pigments contained by the powder (color and effect)
- degree of gloss for the powder (using additives)
- stoving conditions
Special powders such as metallic powders, highly weather resistant powders and powders with special attributes may require slightly different conditions to ensure the desired effect or function.
View the Powder Coated colors in PDF format
View the Powder Coated colors w/wood grains in PDF format
Introduction to Anodizing
The electrochemical oxidation of aluminum (anodizing) is a procedure whereby a current is applied under controlled conditions to aluminum immersed in an electrolytic bath. The aluminum reacts with the solution to produce a coating of hard aluminum oxide across the entire surface of the metal. Approximately one third of this coating grows into the aluminum itself and the remainder grows out of it, meaning that it has excellent protective qualities. If no special chemicals are deposited in this layer then the aluminum oxide layer is transparent once it has formed. If certain chemicals are added to the bath and the immersion time is varied, this aluminum oxide layer can be given a bronze hue (light or dark bronze and black). With the Sandalor® procedure, the aluminum oxide layer is colored using stable organic colors which are stored permanently when the layer is closed and which extend the range of anodized colors to include yellow, green and blue hues.
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Introduction to wet coating
Wet coating is applied using liquid, colored paint. This layer is sprayed on to the aluminum surface (protected by a conversion film) to ensure the paint is applied evenly to give highly uniform appearance. Depending on the bonding agent, the coating film is first dried in the oven at a temperature of 160 to 240 and then cured permanently. Depending on the binding agent, wet coating products and divided into PUR (polyurethane), fluoropolymer (DURAFLON, PVDF) and functional lacquers (NanoLine Selfclean). PUR is used where appearance is paramount; fluoropolymer films where, in addition to appearance, dirt resistant and high stability against environmental influences are required; NanoLine Selfclean has active self cleaning properties.
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Colors for Vinyl