Licensed Architect - Winter 2015 - (Page 28)
LINETEC
Continuing Education
Architectural Coatings:
Field Performance and
the Application Process
Provided by Linetec
BY TAMMY SCHROEDER, SENIOR
MARKETING SPECIALIST
B
uilding materials and surfaces
are put through some of the
most rigorous, day-to-day
durability challenges. It helps
to know which finishes will
be the best choice for maintaining the
longest lifespan possible. This certainly
applies to exterior architectural aluminum.
The finishing technologies and processes
involved in this area of design and
construction are extremely important.
In the architectural industry, the two types
of factory-applied finishes for aluminum
are anodize and paint. Both processes can
deliver a long-lasting finish on building
Electricity
products. The finish choice is based
on a combination of personal taste and
performance criteria.
What Is Anodizing?
Anodizing is the process of
electrochemically controlling, accelerating
and enhancing oxidation of an aluminum
substrate. The anodizing process produces
an oxide film that is uniform, hard and
protects the rest of the aluminum substrate
from deterioration. The coating produced
is extremely durable, and the hardness of
the surface is comparable to a sapphire-
the second hardest substance on earth.
This characteristic makes anodize an
Chemicals
Aluminum
Aluminum Oxide Coating
In the architectural industry, the two types
of factory-applied finishes for aluminum are
anodize and paint. Both processes can deliver a
long-lasting finish on building products.
28 | Licensed Architect | Winter 2015
excellent choice for use in high-traffic areas
where resistance properties are important.
The typical anodizing employed in the
architectural industry is called "two-step
electrolytic." The actual anodizing and
coloring of the aluminum occur in separate
steps of the process.
Each step is critical to ensure a quality
product. The first step is racking the
material. Material is clamped or welded to
a rack so electrical contact can be made.
Contact is critical to ensure mil thickness
and tight color match.
After racking, the anodize process begins
with the material being cleaned in a
non-etching alkaline chemical cleaner to
remove all shop dirt, water, soluble oils,
etc., which may have accumulated on the
material.
Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Licensed Architect - Winter 2015
President’s Letter
Legal Issues The New Construction Industry Arbitration Rules
ADA Advice Accessible Showers: The Devil is in the Details
Conference Recap
ALA New Members
Continuing Education Architectural Coatings: Field Performance and the Application Process
Chapter News
Membership
Second Chances: Evaluating Repair Approaches for Historic and Contemporary Window Systems
Insurance Information “Go” “No-Go” Project Evaluation
Firm Management Want To Be More Profitable? Here’s How
Index to Advertisers
Licensed Architect - Winter 2015
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