SAF two-step anodizing process adds rich tones to aluminum coil processing

Southern Aluminum Finishing Co., Atlanta, announces the addition of two-step bronze and black anodized capabilities to its aluminum coil operations, according to a Dec. 6 release. Two-step is an electrolytic process for achieving rich bronze or black color tones during anodizing that can either be done in batch or continuous coil processes.

SAF has used a two-step batch anodizing process since the 1980s and continues to offer it for extrusions, sheets and fabricated products. The advantages of batch anodizing are that it can be done after fabrication so the parts have no unfinished edges, it can be done in smaller runs, and it can result in thicker films.The advantages of coil anodizing are lower cost, more uniform coloring and no rack marks.

With two-step coloring, the anodized aluminum is immersed in a bath containing inorganic metal salts such as tin, cobalt or nickel. The amount of time a part is electrolyzed determines resulting color. two-step anodizing is used in a wide variety of markets, including construction, signage, medical devices, transportation, and other manufactured products.

"With the addition of two-step anodizing capability to our Nashville aluminum coil anodizing plant, our sheet customers will enjoy lower cost and nicer looking anodized sheets. Best of all, we'll be able to supply large volume customers who need anodized aluminum coil,"said Penn McClatchey,vice presidentmarketing, in the release. "SAF continues to be a market leader in offering a wide variety of finished and fabricated aluminum products at very competitive prices."