Anodization or powder coating ?

Surface treatment, anodization or powder coating, is an essential step that is inseparable from the chain of quality for developing the final product. These treatments are controlled and certified by a seal.

The following seals are concerned :
– QUALANOD for anodization,
– QUALICOAT for powder coating,
– QUALIMARINE for the complete product (alloy + strengthened treatment and coating),
– QUALIDECO for the decorative coating,

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Electrostatic powder coating

A technical process for a beautiful result…

Color makes your joinery truly yours, allowing it to fit perfectly into its environment and increasing its value. With a wide range of colors and finishes on offer, powder coating aluminum joinery unleashes a range of effects for an astonishing result.

There are three stages to the process :

Electrostatic powder coating is a process that paints the profile for life. Once pickled, cleaned of impurities, and pretreated to allow the coating to adhere perfectly, a polyester paint powder is applied via an electrostatic process to deposit colored particles. In an oven heated to 200°C, the polymerization hardens it all to stabilize the coating chosen from among a range of mattness and appearances.

Color and finishes for an attractive result

The powder coating process results in aluminum products with exceptional durability and an irreproachable appearance, where color combines with new textures. Metallic, matte, satin, scratched, hammered, glossy or wood-toned finishes mingle with sandy textured ranges offer additional design alternatives that give color a third dimension. Coated aluminum is a response to the architectural and regional diversity such as the indigo blue of Southern France and the green of Provence.
Thanks to the Qualicoat®, Qualideco®, et Qualimarine® seals granted by ADAL, the Cofrac-accredited certifying organization, the protection and decoration of your joinery is assured, whether in the city or in harsh areas

Color variations that are increasingly well controlled

Various parameters can change the appearance of powder-coated aluminum joinery. First, the technical constraints in advance of its manufacture depending on the alloy and/or paint chosen. Additionally, optical phenomena of light decomposition not considered as irregularities that impact how the color appears to each person’s eyes.

ADAL and SNFA, who represent the players in the manufacturing chain of aluminum products, have established professional rules that set out minimum requirements regarding irregularities and defects visible upon acceptance of the work. This official document is the company’s guarantee against visible defects such as grains, impurities, popouts, torn metal, stains, scratches, differences in shine, etc.

Anodization

Anodization: a process exclusive to aluminum

Anodization is a surface treatment specific to aluminum profiles where an ultra-resistant artificial oxide layer is created within the metal, protecting it and giving it a stylish appearance. The thickness of the layer varies depending on the product’s final exposure.

A several-stage process

Anodization consists of producing a fine, ultra-resistant layer of aluminum on the surface of a profile that can affect its appearance. This is done through oxidation controlled by chemical or electrolytic coloring; the parts to be anodized are methodically treated by immersion in a succession of baths :
– Preparing the profile surface
– Producing oxide alongside an appearance and color, if desired (the color is called “natural” if no coloring is deposited in the pores of the protective layer),
– The stabilization of the oxide layer by an operation called “sealing”.

Composition of the anodization layer

The thicker the layer of anodization on the surface of a profile, the more resistant it is to outside elements. The final environment where the joinery is to be installed determines the density of the anodization layer and its chemical components and color type.
-For interior environments, we generally use a chemical coloring by means of organic colorants. This type of coloring offers a wide range of colors but is not suitable for use outdoors as the organic materials are not stable in sunlight.
– For sustainable applications outdoors, an electrolytic coloring with metal salts is recommended as it ensures the best resistance against UV rays. Industrial processes offer the same range of colors as those created for indoors (red, blue, green, gray, black, bronze, and gold).

A long-lasting metallic appearance

The anodization procedure adds value to the joinery without altering it. The product keeps its metallic appearance while gaining in robustness. For a more customized look, glossy, satin, brushed, polished or hybrid appearances are possible, creating a shiny and brushed appearance, uncolored satin, or shiny and colored. If it is well maintained, you will enjoy the beauty of anodized aluminum joinery for a long time to come. The Qualandod® seal is proof of our mastery of surface treatments and certifies the anodization of profiles used in architectural constructions

ADAL and SNFA, who represent the players in the manufacturing chain of aluminum products, have established professional rules that set out minimum requirements regarding visual defects on anodized aluminum surfaces.