Why do we anodise aluminium?
We have written about anodising our products many times. Now we want to explain the reasons why we do it. The benefits of this process are crucial for the durability and quality of our solutions. At ROSA, we have been using this process for years because we know that investing in durability and quality brings real benefits.
Why do we anodise aluminium? Here are the 10 most important reasons!
1. An integral part of the material
Unlike painting, anodising does not only create a surface layer – it becomes an integral part of the material, which ensures its longevity and resistance to wear. Thanks to this, anodised aluminium is resistant to abrasion, flaking and delamination.
2. Anti-corrosion protection
Anodising is a process that significantly enhances the natural protection of aluminium against corrosion. In the open air, aluminium naturally forms an oxide layer, but this process usually takes 1-2 years to provide full protection. Thanks to anodising, the protective coating is immediately reinforced, increasing corrosion resistance by up to 100-200 times and protecting structures from rain, snow, moisture and road salt.
3. UV resistance
Anodised aluminium has many advantages, and one of the most important in the case of outdoor lighting is its high resistance to ultraviolet radiation. The colours of anodised aluminium do not fade over time, because UV radiation does not damage the anodising layer. The test conducted in the aging chamber unequivocally confirmed this durability. We invite you to read about it in the article "Lifespan of ROSA brand products".
4. High resistance to mechanical damage
An equally important aspect is protection against mechanical damage. Thanks to anodising, the aluminium surface becomes more durable. Increased hardness of the anode translates into increased protection against mechanical impacts and abrasion of the coating, e.g. in the case of a stone chip on the road or sand from a sandblaster in winter. The hardness of the anodised aluminium coating is compared to the hardness of corundum, which reaches a value of about 9 on the Mohs scale.
5. Extended service life
The lifespan of no less than 50 years in terms of corrosion of ROSA brand anodised aluminium columns is confirmed by the Technical Approval issued by an independent expert of the Association of Polish Mechanical Engineers and Technicians. The period of fifty years is the maximum time for which the Approval can be obtained, after this time the products still retain their properties, which makes them one of the most long-lasting solutions on the market.
6. Possibility of permanent colouring
We are aware that a wide selection of anodising colours is the basis for designing a unique investment. That is why we offer as many as 10 anodising colours, according to our anodising colour palette. Importantly, unlike painting, colouring aluminium through anodising does not cause chipping and unevenness. Additionally, our palette includes interference colours that change their colour depending on the angle of light, ensuring even greater visual effectiveness of projects.
7. Aesthetic appearance
We often associate durability with a crude design. Anodised aluminium is proof that quality can go hand in hand with product aesthetics. Anodised coatings give the aluminium surface a unique satin finish that is elegant and timeless.
8. Minimising environmental impact
Anodising is an electrochemical process that minimises environmental impact compared to alternative anti-corrosion finishing methods. Thanks to its efficient use of resources, the process reduces waste and emissions. Additionally, the resulting wastewater can be recycled.
9. 100% recyclable
And speaking of recycling, we must not forget that after use, anodised aluminium can be recycled. And that’s 100%! Thanks to this, anodised aluminium is not only an aesthetic and durable metal, but also an ecological one.
10. Maintaining cleanliness
Anodising significantly facilitates keeping aluminium columns clean. The anodic coating provides a product surface that is much less susceptible to dirt than raw metal. The tightness of the coating, integrally connected with the base metal, protects the column from permanent dirt. Deposits accumulated on the surface can be easily removed using commonly available cleaning agents. Soapy water effectively eliminates most dirt, and even more difficult stains, such as markers, can be removed without difficulty. How to do it? We show it in our instructional video, in a dedicated article.
Ecological and economic benefits
All these advantages translate into ecological and economic benefits – low carbon footprint, lower resource consumption and long-term savings for the Investor. Anodised aluminium columns are an investment that does not generate additional costs in the future, thanks to the durable protection against corrosion and damage. Their colour remains intact for many years, without chipping or fading.
Have any questions?
Contact us! Our specialists will be happy to answer them. We also encourage you to read other articles in the Knowledge Zone, where you will find answers to the most frequently asked questions.