Anodized aluminum sheet is created through an electrolytic passivation process that enhances the natural oxide layer on aluminum, making it more durable and receptive to decorative finishes. It is used in a variety of applications, including roofing, cladding, and cookware.
Anodized aluminum sheet is a sheet metal product consisting of aluminum sheets exposed to an electrolytic passivation process that gives its surface a tough and durable protective finish. The protective layer formed by the anodizing process is actually little more than an enhancement of the natural oxide layer that naturally exists on the aluminum surface. This makes it an intrinsic part of the metal surface, thus giving the products their exceptional durability and strength. The sheets are available in a range of sizes and thicknesses and are used in a variety of applications such as roofing material, architectural cladding and a wide variety of decorative processes.
Aluminum is one of the most versatile metals in general use with various aluminum-based alloys found in items as diverse as space shuttle components, high-tech electronics, and low-cost cookware. Part of the inherent appeal of using aluminum instead of ferrous alloys is that it won’t rust. It does oxidize, however, but not in the destructive way that iron-based alloys do. In fact, the natural oxide layer present on aluminum forms the basis of an extremely long-lasting protective coating process known as anodizing. In addition to protecting the metal from corrosion and surface damage, the anodized layer also offers an extremely receptive base for decorative finishes such as painting and dyeing.
The exceptional durability and longevity of the finish on anodized aluminum sheet comes from the fact that the anodized layer is not an adhesive skin, but an integral part of the metal surface. This makes the finish much harder and more durable than conventionally applied paints, for example. That doesn’t mean anodized aluminum can’t be painted; the anodized layer is actually highly receptive to paints and dyes giving them its inherent toughness in the process. This makes anodized aluminum foil an ideal medium for many decorative processes where it generally outlasts conventional painted or dyed products by a good margin.
Common decorative products made from anodized aluminum sheets include engraved nameplates, name badges, and ornaments. Slabs are also frequently used as a roofing and cladding material, in both utilitarian and decorative architectural applications. Cookware, toys and appliance casings are also regularly produced using the foils. Anodized aluminum foil is available in a variety of widths, lengths and thicknesses, including a range of ultra-thin sheets.
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