Different Types of Aluminum Finishes & How To Choose The Right One

Apr 14, 2023

Most companies that make aluminum products and most businesses that sell aluminum products know that their product needs a protective finish. But you might be surprised to learn just how much these firms have to learn about the available various finishes. That's why it makes sense to work with a credible, qualified, and professional firm – such as Light Metals Coloring – that can essentially serve as an extension of your business, especially when it comes to selecting the metal finishing process that makes the most sense for your part.


In this post, we'll provide an overview of the various types of aluminum finishes, discuss the benefits of high-quality aluminum finishes and help you understand what factors go into selecting the best finish for your part. Read on to learn more about aluminum finish options and how to decide the best one for your part:


Types of Aluminum Finishes

Let's start by discussing the different aluminum finishes. You might be surprised to learn just how many you have to choose from when it comes to your next part run after it leaves the extrusion die. Here's a look at some of the more popular finishing options:


Anodizing

Anodizing is one of the most popular finishes for aluminum. It's administered via an electrochemical process that stimulates the naturally occurring layer of aluminum oxide on the part's surface to grow thicker. Anodizing offers many benefits, including improved corrosion resistance and improved wear resistance. It's a process that also accepts color dyes so that the finish can be customized if there's a need for end parts to be a certain color.


At Light Metals Coloring, we specialize in different types of anodizing, including high-efficiency anodizing, high-efficiency bulk anodizing, high-precision hardcoat anodizing, and high-efficiency hardcoat anodizing. Talk to the experts at LMC to learn how we can provide a range of anodizing specifications catered to your needs.


Bright Dip

Bright dipping is a finishing option that bathes the end part in a chemical pre-finish – usually before anodizing takes place – to produce a high luster and smooth surface finish on aluminum products. It doesn't just make for a smoother end product, but can also significantly improve part aesthetics. Other advantages of bright dip aluminum surface finishes include their corrosion resistance, easy application to complex parts, and the removal of deposits on the part surface. While bright dipping is commonly found on aluminum products in the cosmetics industry, it's applicable for many parts throughout many industries.


Mechanical Finishing

Blasting, grinding, and polishing are mechanical finishing options that don't use any special chemicals. Any one of them can be used on some parts or concurrently.


Powder Coating

Powder coatings are applied via a spray gun, and then parts are baked to melt and cure the coating into an even-part finish. Though powder coatings aren't as durable or as resistant to corrosion as anodized aluminum, they often make up for it in enhanced aesthetics. Colors tend to be bright, long-lasting, and resistant to UV rays.


Benefits of Surface Finishes For Aluminum & Aluminum Alloys

Surface finishes for aluminum are important for several reasons, mainly due to the range of benefits that they offer versus parts that are not finished. These benefits include:

  • Improved aesthetics
  • Ability to customize coloring
  • Adding corrosion resistance
  • Enhancing durability
  • Resistance to UV rays


How To Choose The Best Aluminum Finish Option

With so many finishing options, how do you go about choosing the right one for your application? It really all boils down to what you're looking to gain from a surface finish. For instance, if you're looking to enhance corrosion resistance and part durability, you'll likely want to pursue anodizing. If you're looking for an improved aesthetic, powder coating or bright dipping might be the better option.


On a similar note, it's beneficial to work with a qualified metal finishing company that understands the part and your requirements and can recommend the best finishing option for it. That's where Light Metals Coloring can help, as we pride ourselves on providing support for your project every step of the way, including offering customized metal finishing solutions for parts that require it.


Aluminum Finishing Services by LMC

For more information on aluminum surface finishes and aluminum coating options, contact Light Metals Coloring today. As experts in all things metals finishing, we'll carefully assess your part and its intended end use to recommend the best finish for it. We work in industries ranging from cosmetics to aerospace to automotive to firearms and marine - and quality is at the forefront of everything that we do.

Contact us today for more information and to get started.


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When it comes to workplace safety, few companies can match our dedication and achievements at Light Metals Coloring . At LMC, we have made safety our number one priority and continue to work tirelessly to create a safe environment for our employees. In this blog post, we will explore our impressive safety record, our strong safety culture, and the comprehensive steps we take to ensure a secure workplace. Moreover, we will examine how our safety initiatives align with our sustainability goals, demonstrating that safety and sustainability go hand in hand. Impressive Safety Track Record: One of the standout aspects of our commitment to safety is our remarkable safety track record. Over the years, we have consistently maintained a low dart rate (Days Away, Restricted, or Transferred) compared to industry standards . As of today, we are proud to report a dart rate of zero. This statistic showcases our dedication to preventing accidents and ensuring that our employees can work in a secure environment. By implementing safety protocols, providing regular training, and fostering a culture of accountability, we have been able to reduce workplace incidents significantly. Our exceptional safety performance demonstrates our commitment to protecting our employees’ well-being. Strong Safety Culture: At LMC, safety is not just a slogan; it is deeply ingrained in our company’s values and operations. We foster a safety culture that involves everyone, from top-level management to front-line workers. Our employees are actively encouraged to identify and address potential hazards, making safety a shared responsibility. Open communication, reporting of near-miss incidents, and recognition of safety achievements create a supportive environment where employees feel valued for their efforts to maintain a safe workplace. Steps We Take to Ensure a Safe Workplace: We leave no stone unturned when it comes to creating a safe place to work. We have implemented a range of measures to mitigate risks and promote a secure environment. One of the primary steps we take is to provide rigorous training programs for all employees. These programs ensure that our employees are equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills to handle their tasks safely. From proper handling of chemicals to operating machinery, our employees receive thorough training tailored to their specific roles. Additionally, we conduct regular safety audits and inspections to identify potential hazards and ensure compliance with safety regulations . These proactive measures allow us to address any safety concerns promptly, preventing accidents before they occur. Through continuous investment in employee training and regular safety checks, we exhibit our commitment to maintaining a safe environment. Revolutionizing Workplace Safety: The automated racking and anodizing machine designed for use at LMC has revolutionized the way we handle heavy loads, eliminating the lifting of thousands of pounds each day. This groundbreaking technology has created a much safer workplace environment by reducing the risk of lifting-related and repetitive-motion injuries. By automating the anodizing process, the machine eliminates the need for manual lifting, which can put immense strain on the human body. Our employees no longer have to bear the physical burden of heavy loads, minimizing the risk of back injuries, strains, and other musculoskeletal issues. Notably, the introduction of automation does not result in job loss; instead, it creates more opportunities for workers. Our employees are now able to focus on higher-skilled tasks, such as monitoring the machine’s operation, quality control, and process optimization. By combining automation with skilled labor, we ensure a safer workplace while simultaneously enhancing job prospects and employee satisfaction. Connecting Safety to Sustainability: We recognize the natural link between safety and sustainability. By prioritizing safety, we not only protect our workforce but also contribute to long-term sustainability goals. A safe work environment reduces accidents, injuries, and related downtime, leading to increased productivity and operational efficiency. This, in turn, minimizes waste, energy consumption, and environmental impact, promoting a sustainable future. Our commitment to safety extends beyond the immediate well-being of our employees. It encompasses our dedication to being an environmentally responsible organization. Conclusion: At LMC, our constant dedication to safety sets us apart as an industry leader in workplace safety. Through our impressive safety track record, strong safety culture, and comprehensive safety measures, we have created a secure and safe environment for our employees. By connecting safety to sustainability, we exemplify how a company can prioritize the well-being of its workforce while contributing to a sustainable future. As we continue to raise the bar for safety standards, we hope to inspire other organizations to follow suit, making workplaces safer and more sustainable for all.
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