What is the best material for anodized aluminum panels?

Anodized Aluminum Panels: High-End Metal Decorative Material

Anodized aluminum panels, as a high-end metal decorative material, are gradually being promoted and applied. To showcase their uniqueness and creativity, some landmark buildings select anodized aluminum panels in their decoration planning to enhance the decorative effect. The rapid rise of anodized aluminum panels is primarily due to their ability to ensure bright and aesthetically pleasing colors while also being lightweight and easy to install, creating a safer decorative style.

Materials Used for Anodized Aluminum Panels:

The primary materials used for anodized aluminum panels are aluminum alloy sheets such as AA1100, AA3003, AA5005, and AA5052. Typically, the thickness of the anodized film on domestically produced anodized aluminum panels ranges from 3-15μm, or 0.03-0.15mm. For non-special applications and requirements, the thickness rarely exceeds 12μm due to the increased cost and resulting high price.

I. Anodized Aluminum Panel Processing Workflow

De-oiling → Etching → Neutralization → Anodizing → Coloring → Sealing

1. Mechanical Polishing

Aluminum alloy sheets need to undergo mechanical polishing on the surface to become anodized aluminum panels. Specialized polishing equipment ensures the polishing effect.

2. Chemical Copper Removal

The surface of the aluminum sheet may have some attached impurities, notably copper, which is prone to rusting. Chemical methods are used to remove these impurities.

3. Cleaning and De-oiling

There are oily substances on the surface of the aluminum sheet, residues from the production and processing process. Before anodizing, alkaline substances or special agents are used to clean them off.

4. Electrolytic Formation

The treated aluminum alloy sheets are placed in a dilute sulfuric acid bath, and electrodes are introduced to initiate an electrochemical reaction. After a while, a white, semi-transparent thin oxide film, which is porous, forms on the surface of the aluminum sheet.

5. Coloring and Sealing

After successful anodization, the aluminum sheet undergoes coloring. The color can be tailored to customer requirements. The sheets are then heated or soaked in a chromate solution to seal the pores, fixing the color and creating a perfect anodized layer on the surface.

II. Performance Characteristics of Anodized Aluminum Panels

1. Good Workability

Anodized aluminum panels are highly decorative and moderately hard, easily bendable and formable, and can be continuously high-speed stamped. This allows direct processing into products without complex surface treatment, significantly shortening production cycles and reducing costs.

2. Excellent Weather Resistance

Anodized aluminum panels with a standard oxide film thickness of 3μm can be used indoors long-term without discoloration, corrosion, oxidation, or rust. Panels with a 10μm thick oxide film are suitable for outdoor use, maintaining their color even when exposed to sunlight for extended periods.

3. Strong Metallic Texture

The surface of anodized aluminum panels has a high hardness, comparable to gemstones, and good scratch resistance. Without paint covering the surface, the natural metallic color of the aluminum is preserved, enhancing the modern metallic feel and adding value to the product.

4. High Fire Resistance

Being pure metal products, anodized aluminum panels contain no paint or chemical substances. They do not burn at high temperatures (up to 600 degrees Celsius) and do not produce toxic gases, meeting fire safety and environmental protection requirements.

5. Strong Stain Resistance

Anodized aluminum panels do not retain fingerprints and are easy to clean, without developing corrosion spots even if they become dirty.

6. Wide Range of Applications

Anodized aluminum panels are widely used in aluminum curtain walls, ceiling panels, honeycomb aluminum panels, aluminum single panels, electrical appliance panels, cabinet panels, furniture panels, and more.

By leveraging the superior properties of anodized aluminum panels, buildings can achieve a distinct and high-quality appearance while benefiting from the functional advantages these materials offer.

Company Details：

Company: Foshan Qi Aluminum Decorative Materials Co.,Ltd

website: www.aluminum-panel.com

Whatsapp: +86 13542961174

Email: [email protected]