Anodized Aluminum, a Historical Perspective

In the 1920’s aluminum turned the world of metals upside down with its benefits of light weight, strength, fabrication flexibility, and durability.

Since then, aluminum finishing technology has provided a steady stream of protection and coloring improvements. The first and most important of these was the development of the anodizing process, which converts the aluminum surface into an extremely hard, durable, corrosion resistant, long lasting aluminum oxide finish.

The aluminum anodizing process today includes specialized lines, including batch, continuous coil, continuous parts and even basket anodizing for small parts. This specialized processing technology has allowed the industry to remain competitive and at the same time give excellent quality. Recent breakthroughs in coloring techniques, gives a range of colors rivaling paint, but with the technical advantages and beauty of anodizing.

Anodizing also responds favorably to current governmental regulations because it is one of the most environmentally friendly industrial processes.

Whether you need coil or batch production, anodizing provides one of the best aluminum finishing options in the industry.

ANODIZED ALUMINUM

• • Protects satellites from the harsh environment of space.
  • Was used in the world’s tallest building – the scaffolding of the Sear Tower in Chicago, Illinois.
  • Is providing attractive, minimum-maintenance, highly durable exteriors, roofs, curtain walls, ceilings, floors, escalators, lobbies and staircases in skyscrapers and commercial buildings throughout the world.
  • Has revolutionized the construction of computer hardware, exhibit displays for trade shows, scientific instruments, and a constantly expanding array of home appliances, consumer products, and building materials.
  • Is environmentally safe, producing few, if any, harmful effects on land, air, or water.