Demand for aluminium surface treatments is on the rise worldwide, with market forecasts pointing to an upward trend that will last until at least 2030.
Unsurprisingly, the demand for a combination of refined aesthetics, improved performance, and durability is also rising. Here’s how the aluminium surface treatments industry is keeping up with this increasing demand.
What are aluminium surface treatments?
Surface treatments make the aluminium surfaces of everyday appliances and fixtures more attractive and durable. They also improve adhesion, conductivity insulation, and resistance to different environmental conditions. Regardless of their methods, these treatments can create an exterior protective layer that strengthens the material.
Types of aluminium surface treatments
There are many ways to improve aluminium surfaces and pieces. Better still, you don’t need to sacrifice beauty or style with different colours and textures. Here are the most common methods in use today.
Anodising
The anodising process enhances corrosion resistance and heat diss by creating a thicker exterior layer of aluminium oxide. This layer helps protect an aluminium piece against exterior conditions. The process is carried out galvanically, and there are a few aluminium colour options.
Galvanising and zinc plating
The galvanisation process adds zinc or nickel to aluminium surface, creating a strong protective layer against rust and corrosion. Zinc plating and zinc nickel plating are very similar processes, with aluminium pieces bathed in one or the other. The exterior layers are called “sacrificial coatings,” which considerably extend the lifespan of any metal part.
Decorative treatments for aluminium
There are also aluminium surface treatments created for decorative purposes. These treatments can be found in furniture, household appliances, decorations, cars, and more. Options include:
- Sanding treatments apply air and sand jets to smooth and even out surfaces, also removing impurities.
- Wet paint is an excellent option for decorative solutions where powder coating isn’t possible. It results in a smooth finish with virtually endless colour options.
How do aluminium surface treatments increase durability?
Metal surface treatments can greatly increase the durability of metal items by shielding them against wear and environment. Unprotected aluminium surfaces are more likely to suffer from corrosion, rust, harmful environmental conditions, and chemical degradation. All methods aim to create this protective layer, though with different features and results.
How to choose the right aluminium surface treatment for your project?
The options for colours, textures, and finishes on metal surfaces are virtually endless. However, if you want to combine those options with taste and style, there are some issues to bear in mind.
First, you need to decide whether it's an indoor or outdoor project, as wear and tear requirements may vary greatly. Additionally, you must consider the aesthetic result you want to achieve. Features like textures, colours, and gloss require different processes. Finally, you’ll need to define a budget for your project. Anodising is usually cheaper than electropainting, powder coating, or spraying, but options for colours are quite limited.
To ensure the best aluminium surface treatments for your project, contact us today and learn more about our services.