6 major processes for aluminum alloy surface treatment
Metal materials are increasingly used in various existing products because they can better reflect product quality and highlight brand value. Among the many metal materials, aluminum is the first to be adopted by various manufacturers because of its easy processing, good visual effects, and rich surface treatment methods. The surface treatment of aluminum profiles is mainly divided into: sandblasting (forming a matte pearl silver surface), polishing (forming a mirror surface), brushing (forming a satin-like effect), electroplating (covering a layer of other metals), and spraying (covering other non-metallic coatings)
1. Sandblasting aluminum alloy
The process of cleaning and roughening the metal surface using the impact of high-speed sand flow. This method of aluminum surface treatment can make the surface of the workpiece obtain a certain degree of cleanliness and different roughness, so that the mechanical properties of the workpiece surface are improved, thereby improving the fatigue resistance of the workpiece, increasing the adhesion between it and the coating, extending the durability of the coating, and also facilitating the leveling and decoration of the coating. We often see this process in various products of Apple, and it is also increasingly adopted by existing TV shells or middle frames.
2. Polishing
Using mechanical, chemical or electrochemical methods to reduce the surface roughness of the workpiece to obtain a bright and smooth surface. The polishing process is mainly divided into: mechanical polishing, chemical polishing, and electrolytic polishing. Aluminum parts can be close to the mirror effect of stainless steel after mechanical polishing + electrolytic polishing, giving people a high-end, simple, fashionable and futuristic feeling (of course, it is easy to leave fingerprints and need more care).
3. Wire drawing
Metal wire drawing is a manufacturing process in which aluminum plates are repeatedly scraped out of lines with sandpaper. Wire drawing can be divided into straight wire drawing, random wire drawing, spiral wire drawing, and thread wire drawing. The aluminum metal wire drawing process can clearly show every fine silk mark, so that the metal matte has a fine hair luster, and the product has both fashion and technology.
4. High-gloss cutting
Use a precision engraving machine to reinforce the diamond knife on the high-speed rotating (generally 20,000 rpm) precision engraving machine spindle to cut parts, and produce local highlight areas on the surface of the aluminum plate. The brightness of the cutting highlight is affected by the speed of the milling drill. The faster the drill speed, the brighter the cutting highlight, and vice versa, the darker it is and the easier it is to produce knife marks. High-gloss cutting is particularly common in mobile phones, such as the iPhone 5. In recent years, some high-end TV metal frames have adopted high-gloss milling technology, and the anodizing and wire drawing processes make the TV full of fashion and technological sharpness.
5. Anodizing
Anodizing refers to the electrochemical oxidation of aluminum alloys. Aluminum The process of forming an oxide film on aluminum products (anodes) under the action of an external current under the corresponding electrolyte and specific process conditions. Anodizing can not only solve the defects of aluminum surface hardness and wear resistance, but also prolong the service life of aluminum and enhance its aesthetics. It has become an indispensable part of aluminum surface treatment and is currently the most widely used and very successful process.
6. Two-color anodizing
Two-color anodizing refers to anodizing on an aluminum product and giving different colors to specific areas. Two-color anodizing has a complex process and high cost; but through the contrast between the two colors, it can better reflect the high-end and unique appearance of the product.
