In the vast world of modern material applications, aluminum has become the darling of many industries due to its many excellent properties such as light weight, high strength, corrosion resistance, etc. Sprayed aluminum, as an important result of aluminum deep processing, is opening up more diverse possibilities for the application of aluminum with its unique charm.
Definition of spray-coated aluminum
Spray-coated aluminum refers to a product that uses a specific spraying process to evenly cover the surface of aluminum with a layer of organic or inorganic coating. It can not only significantly improve the decorative appearance of aluminum, giving it a rich variety of colors, gloss and texture, but also further enhance the protective performance of aluminum, effectively resisting the erosion of the aluminum substrate by moisture, oxygen, acid and alkali substances in the external environment, thereby extending the service life of aluminum.
Advantages and characteristics of spray-coated aluminum
Excellent decorativeness
The spraying process can achieve a rich selection of colors to meet different design styles and aesthetic needs. At the same time, by adjusting the coating formula and process, a variety of surface effects such as matte, gloss, and metallic texture can be created, which greatly enhances the appearance of aluminum.
Good corrosion resistance
The coating forms a solid barrier on the surface of the aluminum, effectively preventing the direct contact between the external corrosive medium and the aluminum substrate, and significantly improving the corrosion resistance of the aluminum. Spray-coated aluminum can maintain good performance, is not easy to rust and corrode, and reduces maintenance and replacement costs.
Enhanced wear resistance
Compared with unsprayed aluminum, the surface hardness of sprayed aluminum is improved, and it can better resist wear caused by scratches, collisions, etc. in daily use, maintaining the integrity and beauty of the surface.
Environmental protection and energy saving
Modern spraying technology pays more and more attention to environmental protection, and uses environmentally friendly coatings such as water-based paints and powder coatings to reduce the volatilization of organic solvents and reduce harm to the environment and human body.
Good processing performance
Aluminum itself has good processing performance. After spraying, aluminum can still be bent, stamped, cut and other subsequent processing, and the coating is not easy to fall off or crack, which is convenient for processing into various complex shapes according to different usage requirements.
Spraying aluminum treatment process
Aluminum pretreatment
First, clean the aluminum surface to remove impurities such as oil, dust, and scale to ensure the surface is clean. Then degreasing treatment is carried out to further remove the grease on the aluminum surface and improve the adhesion of the coating. Then chemical conversion treatment, such as anodizing, chromate treatment, etc., is carried out to form a conversion film on the aluminum surface to enhance the bonding between the coating and the aluminum substrate.
Spraying operation
Different spraying methods are used according to the type of coating selected. Common ones are air spraying, electrostatic spraying, powder spraying, etc. Then the coating is formed by heating and curing. The powder coating has a high utilization rate and the coating has good weather resistance and wear resistance.
Curing treatment
After spraying, the aluminum is sent to the curing furnace for heating and curing. Different coatings have different curing temperature and time requirements. Generally, the curing temperature of organic coatings is between 150-250℃ and the curing time is 10-30 minutes. Through the curing treatment, the resin and other components in the coating undergo cross-linking reaction to form a hard and dense protective film, thereby obtaining good performance.
Quality inspection
The aluminum materials after spraying are subjected to comprehensive quality inspection, including coating thickness inspection, adhesion inspection, hardness inspection, corrosion resistance inspection, etc. Only products that pass the inspection can enter the next process or be sold out of the factory.
Types of spray-coated aluminum
Fluorocarbon spray-coated aluminum
Fluorocarbon coatings are famous for their excellent weather resistance, corrosion resistance and self-cleaning properties. The coating of fluorocarbon spray-coated aluminum contains fluorocarbon resin, which can maintain bright colors and smooth surface for a long time in harsh natural environments, and is not easy to fade or powder.
Polyester spray-coated aluminum
Polyester coatings have good decorative and comprehensive performance, and the price is relatively affordable. The coating of polyester spray-coated aluminum is rich in color, good gloss, and has certain corrosion resistance and wear resistance.
Powder spray-coated aluminum
Powder coating is a solvent-free solid coating that is attached to the surface of aluminum by electrostatic spraying and other methods. The coating of powder-coated aluminum has high hardness, wear resistance and corrosion resistance, and the coating thickness is uniform and the corner coverage is good.
Water-based spray-coated aluminum
Water-based coatings use water as a diluent and have the advantages of environmental protection, non-toxicity and odorlessness. The coating of water-based spray-coated aluminum also has good adhesion and corrosion resistance. With the continuous advancement of water-based coating technology, its performance is gradually approaching or even surpassing traditional solvent-based coatings.
Application fields of spray-coated aluminum
Construction industry
In the decoration of building exterior walls, curtain walls and decorative panels made of spray-coated aluminum can not only bring beautiful appearance to the building, but also effectively protect the wall structure and improve the overall performance of the building. The use of spray-coated aluminum in building doors and windows not only improves the sealing and heat insulation of doors and windows, but also increases their beauty and durability.
Transportation
In automobile manufacturing, spray-coated aluminum is used for body frames, doors, wheels and other parts, which improves the corrosion resistance and appearance quality of parts while achieving lightweight.
In the aerospace field, spray-coated aluminum can be used to manufacture aircraft interior parts, luggage racks, etc. Its light weight, high strength and good decorativeness meet the special requirements of the aerospace industry.
In rail transportation, spray-coated aluminum is used in the manufacture of train carriages, which improves the beauty and durability of the carriages.
Spray-coated aluminum is often used in the shells, radiators and other parts of electronic equipment. The coating not only protects the aluminum from the heat and moisture generated by electronic components, but also improves the appearance and texture of the product and enhances the market competitiveness of the product.
Household items
In furniture manufacturing, spray-coated aluminum is used to make table and chair frames, cabinet door handles, lamp brackets, etc., adding a sense of fashion and modernity to furniture. In kitchen and bathroom supplies, such as sinks, faucets, towel racks, etc., the corrosion resistance of spray-coated aluminum enables it to be used for a long time in a humid environment. In addition, outdoor furniture such as parasol brackets, outdoor tables and chairs, etc., can resist the sun and rain and extend their service life by using spray-coated aluminum.
Industrial equipment
In industrial production, spray-coated aluminum is used to manufacture the housings, guardrails, operating platforms, etc. of various equipment. Its good corrosion resistance and wear resistance can adapt to various harsh conditions in the industrial environment, protect the internal structure of the equipment, and improve the reliability and service life of the equipment. For example, chemical equipment, power equipment, mechanical equipment, etc. are widely used in spray-coated aluminum.
As a high-performance and multifunctional material, spray-coated aluminum plays an important role in various fields of modern society. With the continuous advancement of science and technology and the improvement of people's quality of life, the technology and application of spray-coated aluminum will continue to innovate and expand. In the future, spray-coated aluminum will develop in a more environmentally friendly, high-performance and intelligent direction, making greater contributions to promoting the development of various industries and improving people's living environment. Whether in the magnificent appearance of buildings or in the exquisite details of daily necessities, spray-coated aluminum will continue to shine and write its own glorious chapter.
