Anodised Aluminium
Anodic coating thickness 0.3 and 0.5 mm metal 15 - 18 microns 1.0, 1.5, 2.0 and 3.0 mm metal 18 - 20 microns (most architectural window frame anodising is only 12 - 15 microns thick, the thicker coating provides more durability)
Resistance
O.U.V. test according to ASTM G53 (weather) accelerated test. Excellent U.V. resistance for black. After 500 hours: no discolouring. Estimated equivalent to 20 years outdoor exposure. Less U.V. resistance for other colours: After 250 hours: slight discolouring or fade. (Black print is virtually unaffected by UV with long term outdoor exposure, all colours will fade over time with the rate of fade dependant upon colour, location, orientation and degree of exposure. Experience has shown most obvious fade over initial 2 -3 years then a slowing to almost a plateau effect of fading.)
Abrasion
Taser Abraser according to ASTM 4060-84, wheels CS17. 1 Kg. load, wheels grounded after each 500 rotations on grinding disc S-11. After 1000 rotations: wear off 7,5 mg. (10 times better than a good epoxy coating) After 3000 rotations: wear off 15,5 mg. (a decrease of the anodised layer of only 7.7%) (The anodic layer, Aluminium Hydroxide, is just slightly softer than window glass)
Saltspray
According to ASTM 8117-85 duration 1000 hours: No affection.
Solvent Immersion
The image cannot be affected by any solvent. (The printed image is embedded into the anodic layer. Solvents do not affect anodised aluminium and therefore the printed image is protected.)
High Alkaline or Acid Environments
Printed aluminium should not be used in environments of high alkaline or acid concentrations as these environments attack the metal. While anodising does afford some protection, long term the metal and therefore the printed image is damaged. If concentrations exist to cause damage to aluminium chances are damage is also occurring to other substrates with potential adverse health risks to humans.
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