One of the most well understood qualities of anodising aluminium is the long lasting and aesthetically satisfying metallic sheen that is produced from this finishing process.
Wagamama restaurants: Counter panels in natural anodised aluminium
But what about the durability of anodised surfaces. How abrasion resistant is the anodic film that covers the aluminium surface?
The process of anodising aluminium thickens up the oxide film that naturally forms on its surface.
The anodic film is therefore integral with the aluminium substrate rather than being applied on top of the surface, as with powder coating and wet spray treatments. Consequently, anodised finishes cannot chip, flake or peel.
To demonstrate its abrasion resistant qualities GA commissioned tests on various aluminium alloy extrusions.
The first test subjected flat bar samples to the action of P40 grade emery paper being mechanically pulled across its surface.
For comparison purposes both mill (untreated) and anodised surfaces were tested.
The test results revealed the anodised surface being 4 times more resistant to surface marking than the untreated sample.
With the second test an anodised stair nosing with a ribbed tread surface was subjected to 1,000,000 cycles by a bio-mechanical machine that replicates the movement and pressure of a human footfall.
The final report concluded no visible damage other than slight rubber sole marking.
There are other superior performance related qualities of anodised aluminium that will be covered in future articles.
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