A useful feature of aluminum is also one hundred percent recyclable. When re-processing of aluminum uses only 5% of the energy needed to produce primary metal. Even multiple recycling while no substantial influence on the quality of the material.
Aluminium is often used in various alloys. More than 80% of aluminum profiles in the world is made of an alloy of ENAW6000 groups that contain silicon and magnesium. For use in civil engineering is best suited alloy ENAW6063, known as AlMgSi0.5.
Pressing (extrusion) of aluminum profiles
The production process is based on the plasticity of the metal in the solid state at temperatures approaching the melting temperature. The piston aluminum literally pushes through the form (matrix) material that gives the desired shape. For pressing of metals such as aluminum, is determining in particular the quality of starting material and the parameters of the actual pressing, such as speed, pressure, or temperature.
Extrusion is carried out using a hydraulic press, the size of which may vary according to the desired aluminum. Aluminum ingot is first heated to 460-500 ° C and subsequently passed through a tool heated to the same temperature as the ingot. The temperature of the material is increased by forcing slightly above 540 ° C.
Subsequently profiles cooled at 50 ° C / min. Cooling is effected by forced air or water at 40 ° C. If the cooling air is used, the result is aluminum condition T5, T6 in the case of water. The second method gives better mechanical properties of the material. On cooling profiles are subjected to low strength, which removes any curvature.
Then, the aluminum sections is reduced to the desired length, usually 6 m, and is folded into a pallet. In the then goes into an oven where the temperature of 175 ° C still another eight hours. This is ready for further finishing or sale.
Powder coating – quality cast down your aluminum profile
Finish powder-coated aluminum profiles allows unlimited tone colors. The surface is first thoroughly cleaned by immersion in acid and alkaline degreased bath. Subsequently, the profile is covered with a layer of chromium oxide. The so-called. chromate significantly increases the resistance of the material against corrosion and improves the adhesion of the coating in the paint booth. As the coating material used powder polyester resins. Finally profiles migrate to a polymerization oven, where cure at temperatures above 200 ° C.
The technology of powder coating aluminum profile allows you to use a wide range of colors in gloss and matt finish or a special surface treatment with a rough texture. New is powder coating, imitation precious materials such as wood – pine, oak, walnut, etc.
Anodizing – Anodizing of aluminum profiles
Anodizing, or anodising greatly increases the strength and durability of aluminum profiles. Therefore, is used especially in coastal areas and in extreme weather conditions. Thanks to the many variations of colors and finishes are also suitable for a variety of design applications.
After cleaning the surface with acid and alkaline bath profile immersed in the electrolytic solution which serves as the anode. This on the surface of aluminum creates a glossy transparent layer of aluminum oxide (Al2O3), which lasts longer and is much better than the natural oxide layer.
Different colors can be achieved by adding different metal salts in the electrolyte. Each of them corresponds to a different color tone. In the final stage of the process of anodizing the surface is closed. This means that the profiles are immersed in a deionized water bath at 100 ° C.
Result anodizing is very dependent on the time of immersion bath composition, current that flows through the electrolyte, but also the quality of stamping. This process increases up to a thousand times the thickness of the layer of natural aluminum oxide, resulting in greater protection against corrosion and abrasion.
Aluminium profiles can be anodised in a variety of colors (bordeaux red, blue, ivory, black, gray, bronze, stainless steel, champagne, gold, natural, copper, etc.) and different types of finishes such as matt, polished, brushed, polished, or combinations thereof.