The key advantages of anodising aluminium

Anodised aluminium finishes are popular for a huge range of applications and offer a wide range of key advantages over powder coated alternatives. Read on to learn what makes anodised aluminium the perfect choice for the buildings of the future. 

Durability 

The technology and processes behind anodising have been established for 100 years, with advances and refinements along the way. That means the on-site behaviour is fully predictable, with a complete understanding of how durable and resilient anodised aluminium finishes truly are.

They are fade-free and resistant to UV, all types of corrosion, scratches and abrasion thanks to a combination of aluminium’s natural qualities and the enhancements offered by anodising. Independent inspections of in-situ anodised finishes has confirmed that the anodic protection remains undiminished after more than 40 years with only minimal maintenance required in that time.

Because of this, anodised aluminium finishes have been used for external building applications for decades. In particular, anodised finishes are highly durable in city and marine environments, due to their resistance to chlorides and sulphates.

Learn more about the durability of anodised aluminium finishes.

Pure aluminium 

The anodic layer is transparent and integrated in the surface of the metal so the natural metallic appearance and feel of the aluminium are fully preserved. The anodised finish will enhance and reinforce the natural beauty of aluminium to create a living surface constantly interacting with the natural or artificial light playing across its surface – in contrast to painted surfaces which have a flat, dull appearance. 

There is also no risk of adhesion failure with anodised finishes because they are an oxide layer integral to the metal itself. In contrast, coated finishes are an extra layer applied onto the metal and are therefore vulnerable to adhesion failures such as peeling, blistering, cracking, splitting, chipping or even filiform corrosion in the worst cases. This is especially true on cut edges or joints where coated finishes may not be applied evenly, unlike our anodised finishes which are consistent across all areas of the metal.

Learn more about the benefits of pure aluminium finishes.

Uniform surface finish for all metal shapes and textures

Since anodising is an immersion process rather than an applied finish, it provides a particularly uniform and regular finish on most metal shapes and textured surfaces such as perforated sheets, tread plates, linished or brushed metal, mesh material and stucco surfaces.

Anodising therefore avoids the risk of localised high coating thickness or orange peel effect, typically associated with organic coatings on such surfaces.  With spray paint processes and, especially with powder-coating, the non-visible surface is often not coated, and your overall finish is at risk.

Combine the uniformity we can provide with the widest range of colours and finishes in the world, and you have a recipe for creativity. Anodising allows you to make your dreams into reality. 

Learn more about our uniform finishes and colour range here.

A1 fire rating and sustainability of anodised aluminium finishes

One of the key advantages of aluminium over other materials is that it can be recycled repeatedly through simple re-melting with minimal loss on each cycle. In Europe, the vast majority of aluminium used in buildings is recycled at the end of the building's life. The recycling process requires only 5% of the energy required for the production of primary aluminium - a significant contribution to environmental sustainability.

Anodised finishes are pure aluminium, making them fully recyclable without the use of further chemical processes and emissions as you need with powder coated finishes. Anodised aluminium is therefore a sustainable choice for architects.

Anodising also ensures that the A1 fire rating of your building is not compromised. It is integral to the metal and cannot contribute to a fire at any stage, cannot combust and does not shed flaming droplets – leading to safer buildings.

Learn more about the A1 fire rating and sustainability of anodised aluminium.

Long-term Guarantees

Guarantees are often considered by specifiers or building owners to provide reassurance about the long-term performance of a surface finish. The proven durability, safety and proven track record of anodised aluminium over the course of decades mean we can provide a 25+ year guarantee on all of our products which covers the useful lifespan of your project and more.

This guarantee is offered with no caveats, loopholes or exceptions, so you can specify an anodised aluminium finish with confidence on your next project. 

Learn more about our 25+ year lifetime guarantee.

Want to learn more about our anodised aluminium finishes? Contact us today to get all the information you need, or request a free sample to see the quality for yourself.