|
 Bonnell
Switches to Acid Etch Anodizing
Bonnell Aluminum, a Newnan, Ga.-based aluminum extrusion supplier
to the nonresidential building and construction market, has announced
it will convert all of its existing anodizing product lines to an
acidetched process. According to company officials, new class one
and two, clear, bronze, and black finish, acid etched anodic coatings
offer improved characteristics for finish consistency compared to
typical anodizing. The company will invest approximately $1.1 million
into the transition and officials say it will begin offering acid
etched anodic coatings April 1, 2009.
"Manufacturers and installers of curtainwall components, storefronts,
automatic entry doors, walkway covers, and other anodized building
and construction applications will immediately recognize the benefits
of this superior finish," said Ira Endres, Bonnell's director
of sales and marketing. "While meeting and exceeding all AAMA
611 specifications for anodizing, the acid etch anodic process is
far better in hiding extrusion surface imperfections than caustic
etch anodizing. It virtually eliminates the appearance of visual
streaks and die lines while providing a superior uniform matte finish."
Bonnell officials also report the new process is expected to be
more environmentally friendly and greener than the conventional
caustic etch process. The acid etch process requires less etching
time, which is expected to reduce waste sludge disposal by as much
as 90 percent. The process also enables the use of a higher percent
of recycled content in extrusion billet.
"2009 will be a year building significant opportunities for
architects, designers, and engineers," Endres says. "Not
only will Bonnell have the press range the commercial architectural
market has desired for many years, we will also be supplying anodized
finishes that are more environmentally friendly, in addition to
providing a consistently better surface appearance."
Not receiving your own FREE copy of the Architects' Guide to Glass
and Metal e-newsletter?
CLICK
HERE to subscribe today.
Not receiving your own FREE copy of the Architects' Guide to Glass
and Metal magazine?
CLICK HERE
to subscribe to Architects' Guide to Glass & Metal magazine.
|