Powder Coating
The painting of aluminum profiles is a coating process that involves applying a layer of powder paint to the surface of the aluminum, enhancing its appearance and providing protection against corrosion, UV rays, and wear. This process is especially popular in architectural and decorative applications, as it allows for the customization of profiles with a wide variety of colors and finishes.
Stages
- Cleaning and Surface Preparation:
- Aluminum profiles undergo a thorough process to remove impurities, oils, dust, and residues from the surface.
- This phase may include alkaline or acidic washes, as well as mechanical treatments such as brushing or sanding.
- Degreasing: Oils and greases are eliminated to ensure a clean surface for optimal paint adhesion.
- Pre-treatment (Anodizing):
- A chemical pre-treatment is performed, typically using zinc phosphate or chromate conversions (or more environmentally friendly processes without chromium), to enhance paint adhesion and increase corrosion resistance.
- This step may also include etching to create a uniform surface and improve the paint layer’s adhesion.
- Application of Powder Coating:
- In this phase, powder paint, composed of resins and pigments, is applied to the aluminum profiles through an electrostatic spraying process. The electrically charged paint adheres evenly to the aluminum surface, as the profiles are grounded to facilitate the complete adhesion of the powder particles.
- Oven Curing:
- Once the powder paint has been applied, the profiles are placed in an oven at high temperatures (typically between 180°C and 200°C).
- During the curing process, the powder paint melts and bonds to the aluminum surface, forming a uniform, smooth, and durable layer.
- The curing time and temperature are critical to ensure that the paint layer possesses the desired physical properties.
- Cooling and Solidification:
- After exiting the oven, the profiles are slowly cooled, allowing the paint to solidify and attain its final strength. .
- This step ensures that the finish is durable and free of imperfections.
- Inspection and Quality Control:
- The coated profiles undergo rigorous inspection to verify that the coating is uniform, the color is correct, and there are no surface defects.
- Additional tests may be performed to measure the thickness of the coating, its corrosion resistance, and adhesion.
Equipment and Capabilities
Powder Coating is a fundamental part of our production processes and is available at all our plants, which are equipped with advanced machinery to ensure high-quality results. Each facility is designed to optimize efficiency and maintain rigorous quality standards.
Veracruz
Capacity 500,000 m²
- Double cabin
Guanajuato
Capacity 500,000 m² (Vertical)
Capacity 150,000 m² (Carousel)
- Double cabin
Texcoco
Capacity 500,000 m²
- Double cabin
Importance of Painting Aluminum Profiles:
- Protection Against Corrosion: Painting protects profiles from oxidation and other environmental damage.
- Aesthetic Variety: Allows for a wide range of colors and finishes, from matte to glossy or textured.
- Weather Resistance: Provides resistance to UV rays, rain, humidity, and other climatic factors, which is essential for outdoor applications.
- Durability: The paint layer is resistant to scratches, impacts, and wear, ensuring a long lifespan for the profiles.
This process is widely used in the construction industry, for window frames, doors, facades, and other architectural elements that require an attractive and durable finish.