Surface Treatment
"Alpha Anodising can improve the appearance and perfomance of the finished product by pre-treating before the actual anodising process using a range of mechanical and chemical techniques."
Mechanical:
Beadblasting
Beadblasting produces a textured 'matt' finish. The resulting appearance can be varied to give a very fine texture or a coarse texture with an 'industrial' look. When used in conjunction with the 'brightening' chemical pre treatment the alloy will achieve a subtle lustre.
Brushing
Brushing procduces a textured 'grained' finish. Again the resulting appearance can be varied to produce a lighter or coarser texture. Brushed finishes can be used in conjunction with beadblasting, etching and brightening in order to achieve a variety of resulting finishes. Please note that coarse brushed finishes do not provide the right surface for printing.
Polishing
Polishing produces a shiny finish. Not all alloys produce a good gloss finish when polished so if this is the finish you require, speak to Alpha for advice on the best alloy to use.
Chemical:
Etching
Produces a matt even finish.
Brightening
Produces a brighter more lustrous finish and can be used in conjunction with the mechanical textures in order to vary the appearance of the component. Not all alloys brighten well, so please speak to Alpha prior to selecting your alloy if you require your component to be brightened.
Alpha Anodising can advise you on the type of surface treatment most appropriate for your product based on its working environment and required final appearance - contact us now.
