resistance tests
anodized aluminium - tests of resistance
Currently, in the era of balanced development of industrial technology, putting a particular emphasis on improving living conditions and preserving the environment, industry is reaching more frequently for the raw materials, which both at the stage of processing as well as at the end of product life cycle, ensure minimum interference with the environment. One of such materials is undoubtedly aluminium, which in recent years experienced an absolute renaissance by becoming more widely used in almost every area of our lives.
Aluminium has been recognized by a number of beneficial characteristics, such as:
- low specific gravity of 2.7 g/cm3 - (compared to steel, 7.85 g/cm3) - an item made of aluminium is only 1/3 the weight of the same element which is made of steel - much easier transportation and installation, especially large aluminium structures,
- high mechanical strength (high strength ratio of density to weight) - after rolling, aluminium parameters correspond to steel - an alternative of lightweight constructions while maintaining comparable strength parameters, - plastic rolling susceptibility - easy to form in various manufacturing processes,
- aesthetic surface structure - decorative value,
- total recycling - material for multiple processing,
- possibility of anodizing and colouring in different colours - easy to adjust to a particular vision of design, significantly lower environmental interference compared with galvanic or painting processes.
Striving for continuous improvement of our products, in 2008, we launched our own anodizing plant. Anodizing is now one of the best methods for treatment of aluminium surface. In addition to an extremely effective corrosion protection, especially against such oppressive climatic factors as heavily industrialized areas or coastal areas, it allows, above all, to obtain good aesthetic and decorative values.
Most of all, anodized aluminium surfaces:
- are free from atmospheric corrosion,
- make it possible to use in coastal areas with high salinity,
- have a protective coating, integrally connected to the surface - does not peel or crack,
- allow to achieve high aesthetic finish,
- provide high resistance to UV radiation,
- guarantee long life with no need for periodic renewal of the surface,
- improve the surface properties of aluminium, such as: thermal resistance, hardness (anodic coating is characterized by the hardness of corundum - 9 in 10-degree Mohs’ scale, where diamond is 10),
- have a smooth surface, which minimizes the deposition of dirt,
- characterized by a wide range of anodizing colours.
To confirm the positive protective characteristics of our coatings, we have performed several tests of resistance of aluminium anodized in our plant. We followed the recommendations of the quality specification requirements QUALANOD. This system has over 30 years of tradition. Developed over years of industrial experience and the results of many researches, QUALANOD mark is acknowledged not only in Europe but also worldwide. It concerns the quality of anodic oxidation coatings on aluminium parts for architectural applications.
Confirmation of the high quality of our coatings are carried out by accredited research centres, specialized tests, covering the overall area of qualitative research, such as: measuring the thickness and coating distribution uniformity - (according to PN-EN ISO 2360:2006), quality of sealing methods : chemical absorption of anodic coatings, , measuring the weight loss, corrosion resistance test in acid mist - (according to ISO 9227:2007), and corrosion damage assessment - (according to PN-EN 12373-18:2004 “Aluminium and aluminium alloys. Anodic oxidation”). Test result was positive and rendered to meet the requirements for protective coatings designed for corrosion protection of architectural elements used in external atmosphere. The tests proved that the anodic coatings were characterized by a good quality of the seal surface and the high efficiency of substrate protection against corrosion.
We have also performed the so-called sea breeze tests on two samples of aluminium, placed in a specially prepared chamber with the conditions approximate to the Mediterranean climate. The samples examined wereof: raw aluminium and anodized aluminium. Exposure time was 1500h.
RAW ALUMINIUM - SEA BREEZE TEST
BEFORE TEST AFTER TEST
ANODIZED ALUMINIUM - SEA BREEZE TEST
BEFORE TEST AFTER TEST
As you can see, the raw aluminium (unsecured) in an aggressive environment, in a fairly short period of time is subject to intensely apparent atmospheric corrosion (surface). The surface was covered with a natural, very thin layer of oxide which does not protect it adequately against severe corrosive agents such as acid rain or road salt and the accompanying changes in temperature with high humidity. In the case of anodized aluminium, the sample remained intact. This confirmed the thesis that the protection of aluminium surface with anodic coating guarantees long service life with an unchanged functionality. Anodized aluminium is especially recommended for exterior usages, and certainly, for all coastal areas and highly industrialized ones, where there maintains a large condensation of impurities. From an economic standpoint, the use of raw metal in external conditions is extremely risky - the material would quickly corrode and lose its decorative qualities.
RAW ALUMINIUM ANODIZED ALUMINIUM
We currently offer columns anodized in 12 colors, with the possibility of co-packing and customizing our products in any configuration of colours. We also provide anodizing services for external customers, ranging from standard extruded products to heavy structural systems - to familiarize with the offer of anodizing services please visit www.anodownia-rosa.pl .
