Full Version: Anodized Aluminum

From: Mike (MIKEN) [#12]
 10 May 2006
To: Stunt Engraver (DGL) [#10] 11 May 2006

I have had some experience with black anodized in outdoor use and find it to be quite durable. I've had signs that I know are more than 6 years old and outside year round and still look good.

The Missouri Botanical Garden (one of the country's largest) uses exclusively anodized aluminum and I'm sad to say they bought their own laser engraving machine just about the time I was ready to take over their sign making.

From: Stunt Engraver (DGL) [#13]
 11 May 2006
To: Mike (MIKEN) [#12] 12 May 2006

Mike,

How dark does the black anodized finish stay, over time?

Maybe all finishes aren't created equal, but the signs I've made and see, as they come back for updating, are gray and eventually a lighter shade of gray.

From: Harvey only (HARVEY-ONLY) [#14]
 11 May 2006
To: Stunt Engraver (DGL) [#13] 11 May 2006

Chewbarka dips the tags after dying them. I would think that would increase their longevity quite a bit. Anything that prevents oxygen from entering, UV resistant or not, would certainly give an edge.

From: Dave Jones (DAVERJ) [#15]
 11 May 2006
To: Stunt Engraver (DGL) [#13] 11 May 2006

Not all anodized aluminum is created equal. There are special dyes used for exterior signs that are fade resistant. Plus the method of sealing and even the alloy of aluminum all are factors for exterior use.

From: Stunt Engraver (DGL) [#16]
 11 May 2006
To: Dave Jones (DAVERJ) [#15] 11 May 2006

Dave,

I've only had experience with the typical anodized sheet stock, sold through engraving supply houses, i.e. Gravograph.

From: Dave Jones (DAVERJ) [#17]
 11 May 2006
To: Stunt Engraver (DGL) [#16] 11 May 2006

I've been having aluminum custom anodized for about 20 years, for the enclosures on my electronic equipment. The better anodizing companies ask all sorts of questions about what alloy it is, indoor vs outdoor, flat vs glossy, normal or extra hard surface, etc... There are several variations in the process, and a selection of chemicals used for different applications. Only some of the dyes are considered fade resistant in sunlight.

From: Stunt Engraver (DGL) [#18]
 11 May 2006
To: Dave Jones (DAVERJ) [#17] 11 May 2006

Good info Dave.

Much more to it, than meets the eye.

Thanks,

From: sprinter [#19]
 11 May 2006
To: Stunt Engraver (DGL) [#18] 11 May 2006

I stopped buying standard anodized aluminum sheets several years ago. I now buy 4'x8' sheets of T6 6061 aluminum which the metal supply house cuts to size and then have it anodized with a harder finish and a UV dyes. It works out to be about the same price as standard anodized aluminum sheets.

EDITED: 11 May 2006 by SPRINTER

From: Stunt Engraver (DGL) [#20]
 11 May 2006
To: sprinter [#19] 12 May 2006

What are your main uses of the anodized material?

From: Mike (MIKEN) [#21]
 12 May 2006
To: Stunt Engraver (DGL) [#13] 12 May 2006

Sorry, I missed your question earlier. From what I can tell there is a very slight fading of the black finish but the sign remains dark gray with a pale gray or off white image. Quite legible and looking like they will hold up for years.

I have experience only with black in an outdoor application and that's what MOBOT Garden uses as well.

I did do a job for a suburb of St. Louis recently using gold Alumamark with a UV spray on after engraving. These signs were to be placed in gardens. I expect these to hold up for three or four years but told the buyer I would replace them if they faded.

EDITED: 12 May 2006 by MIKEN

From: sprinter [#22]
 12 May 2006
To: Stunt Engraver (DGL) [#20] 12 May 2006

One of my commercial clients requires anodized signs for all buildings, parking lots, fenced areas, electrical panels, all electrical, water, gas lines, etc. The VP of building maintenance is old school and doesn't like plastic. They even have the approved anodizers that uses their blends for the colors. Since they have over 300 buildings world wide, I'll do it anyway they want it :-) 

From: Stunt Engraver (DGL) [#23]
 12 May 2006
To: sprinter [#22] 12 May 2006

Absolutely! Give them what they want. :-) 

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