What is Anodized Aluminum?

Anodized aluminum is aluminum that has been treated to produce an extremely long-lasting finish. To make anodized aluminum, an electrochemical process is used in which the metal is immersed in a series of tanks, one of which grows the anodic layer from the metal itself.

This anodized layer will never chip, flake, or peel because it is created from the aluminum itself, rather than being painted on or applied, and it is far more durable than any other similar material on the market. Anodized aluminum is three times harder than raw aluminum and 60% lighter than competing metals such as stainless steel and copper.

What makes coil anodized aluminum unique?

We produce anodized aluminum panels at Julong Industries using a tightly controlled coil anodizing process that results in a higher-quality product at a lower processing cost.

Unwound raw aluminum is pulled through a series of tanks that clean, anodize, color, seal, and rewind the coil all in one continuous movement. At the end of the process, we have high-quality anodized coil aluminum that is durable, versatile and has consistent color matching to our client's specifications. The anodized aluminum has already been rolled and is ready for shipment.

The coil anodized aluminum process eliminates several steps from the more traditional batch aluminum anodizing process, which adds cost and inconsistency to the finish. An electrical contact point must be created in the batch anodized process for the electrical current to work and help grow the anodic layer. This is accomplished by attaching each piece to be anodized with a metal hook, or rack, which frequently leaves burn marks, also known as rack marks, on the material, which must be trimmed off, resulting in additional waste and cost.

Because each square inch of material in coil form spends the same amount of time in each step of the process, the color will be consistent. Unlike the coil anodizing process, the aluminum pieces or panels are individually dipped into each tank during batch processing, resulting in some parts of the metal spending more time in each part of the process and causing inconsistent color and anodized layer thickness. Furthermore, because each piece of metal must be individually mounted onto the racks before being dipped into the tanks, handling damage can occur, increasing the cost. Coil anodizing is a continuous process that requires little to no handling, lowering the risk of damage and saving money.

Coil anodized aluminum provides consistent color and finish, transforming standard aluminum into an incredibly versatile product with superior function.

What Are Some Advantages of Anodized Aluminum?

1. Durability

Aluminum is a tough material in and of itself, but after anodization, the surface becomes even tougher than the base aluminum. Anodized aluminum has a three times harder surface than standard aluminum and will not chip, flake, or peel, even when colored. The product will never rust, patina, or weather because the anodization process is controlled oxidation of the aluminum. Anodized aluminum is one of the most durable and versatile metals on the market.

2. Appearance

Anodized aluminum has a beautiful appearance that complements any item. Anodized aluminum is a bright new silver color when left natural, and it can be anodized in a matte or bright finish. You can also choose a custom texture such as stucco, brushed, or pebble tone to give your product a distinct look and feel.

3. Color Customization

Anodized aluminum can be finished to match nearly any brand color or Pantone swatch due to the open pore structure of the anodic layer before sealing. Because of the material's versatility, it can be made to mimic the appearance of other metals, giving you the appearance of gold, bronze, copper, stainless steel, brass, and other metals without the risk of weathering. If you prefer a weathered appearance, Julong offers a variety of weathered appearance finish options. Because of the nature of anodized aluminum, the color you select will not flake, chip, or peel and will remain true throughout the product's lifetime. And if you choose colors from Julong that are listed as UV stable, you can expect them to last.

4. Low weight

Anodized aluminum is a lightweight metal that weighs roughly 60% less than stainless steel, copper, or brass. This reduces the cost of shipping the material and can solve a variety of design issues. Anodized aluminum is a versatile material that can be used in a variety of applications, from architecture to consumer goods design.

5. Cost

Because anodized aluminum is significantly lighter than other metal products, it is much less expensive to ship to a job site or manufacturing facility. Anodized aluminum has a lower overall cost per square foot for use in projects than steel, zinc, bronze, brass, and copper due to its high strength-to-weight ratio, while still providing the same visual effect. Because aluminum is abundant and renewable, as well as the only metal that is 100% recyclable, combining that with the process used to create anodized aluminum is so environmentally friendly that its environmental footprint is much lower than that of other products. All of these factors add up to a versatile, long-lasting product that outlasts other materials on the market.

Where Can You Find Anodized Aluminum?

Anodized aluminum can be used in any application where another metal is already in use. We produce anodized aluminum for the following industries at Julong Industries:

1. Architecture

Anodized aluminum will never rust, patina, or weather, making it an appealing choice for beautiful, modern building exteriors and interiors. Anodized aluminum is an attractive, lightweight, and cost-effective option for interior finishes such as ceiling panels, store signage, and elevator panels because it can be made to order in any color, finish, or texture.

Anodized aluminum is three times stronger than the raw material and performs at any speed. Anodized aluminum provides the durability and weather resistance vehicles require, as well as the exceptional style they desire, in everything from commercial aircraft interiors to rail car panels to the exterior bright trim on sports cars.

2. Consumer Products

Consumers want products that are appealing and long-lasting, and that reflect their aesthetics and lifestyle. Anodized aluminum can provide any look, texture, or color that you desire. Anodized aluminum provides the versatility and quality that your customers expect, from kitchen backsplash panels to microwaves, coffee makers, and other consumer goods.

Anodized aluminum can be a beautiful part of your project or product, whether you're creating impressive buildings and structures, artwork, the latest line of luxury vehicles, or high-end appliances. The anodizing process is environmentally friendly and results in a finish with unrivaled and dynamic beauty, longevity, and durability.

Contact us to learn how Julong aluminum anodizing services can help you create without limits. Julong anodized aluminum is ideal for nearly any application due to its beauty and versatility — don't hold back, reflect your vision with coil anodized aluminum.