ANODIZED ALUMINUM APPLICATIONS
Anodizing is an environmentally safe electrochemical process
that converts the aluminum metal surface into a porous aluminum oxide, ultimately creating an end product whose finish is more durable and weather-resistant. This beneficial result combined with the array of aesthetically
pleasing color finishes opens up endless application possibilities for products and components in commercial, industrial, and consumer applications, even jewelry and artwork.
Anodizing Application Highlights
Product: Anodized Art
Designer: Naim Akhtar
Company: Gulf Extrusions Co, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Medium : 5xxx-series aluminum alloy panels
To achieve the desirable artistic results, Naim Akhtar starts with unsealed aluminum on which he sketches the initial image in a light gray tone using a soft watercolor brush to avoid gouging the microstructural honeycomb-like surface of the soft metal. Using watercolor painting techniques, Akhtar applies color with a variety of tools from brushes to sponges to spray techniques. After sealing his aluminum canvas, the art ultimately resides within the metal with a diamond-hard protective coating.
For more information, visit www.anoexpressions.com.
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| Cells | Naim Akhtar, AAC Member | Trees |
Product: NASA Space Station trusses and handrails
Designer/Company: Boeing
Medium: Aluminum extrusions with anodized finishes
Trusses: During truss component assembly in space, the on-orbit thermal environment's effects are challenging. According to Boeing's Manager of Outboard Truss Elements at Boeing Canoga Park who worked on the project, direct sunlight and shadowing cause wide swings in temperature; the anodized surface finish of the extruded aluminum trusses provides superior optical properties and, because anodized aluminum doesn't get as hot, allows for better overall thermal control.
Handrails: Extruded aluminum handrails are both anchors and lifelines for every ISS astronaut--keeping them from floating off into outer space when they venture outside on a space walk. Handrails are anodized in a bright gold finish to stand out visually against the clear silver truss structures.
For more information, see the International Space Station Aluminum Extrusion Showcase in the Extrusion Applications section of the Aluminum Extruders Council's website at aec.org.
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| Photo courtesy NASA |
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Anodized ceiling curtainwall |
Common applications for anodized finishes:
- Structures and architectural categories of all types
- Appliances
- Commercial and residential building products
- Food preparation equipment
- Furniture
- Sporting goods and boats
- Motor vehicle components
- Jewelry and artwork
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Photo courtesy Pioneer Metal Finishing |
Examples of end products using anodized aluminum:
- Building exteriors, such as storefronts, curtain walls and roofing systems.
- Appliances such as refrigerators, dryers, coffee brewers, ranges, televisions, microwave equipment.
- Vents, awnings, dust covers, light fixtures, storm doors, window frames, mailboxes, bathroom accessories, patio covers, and wall switch plates for buildings.
- Display cases, pans, coolers, and grills for the food industry.
- Tables, beds, files and storage chests for homes and offices.
- Golf carts, boats, and camping/fishing equipment for the leisure industry.
- Hundreds of components for motor vehicles of all kinds such as trim parts, wheel covers, control panels, and name plates.
- Exterior panels for aerospace vehicles, clocks and electronic products, fire extinguishers, photo equipment, solar panels, telephones, picture frames, and bathroom accessories.
- Interior decoration and trim.
The aesthetically pleasing results of anodizing combined with the functional benefits of increased durability offer numerous design opportunities for architects, builders, product designers and specifiers, as well as artists.
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Photo courtesy Southern Aluminum Finishing Company |
