Wood Finishing
The wood finish using the sublimation method on aluminum profiles is a decorative coating process that replicates the appearance of natural wood on aluminum profiles.
This method combines powder paint and a decorative film featuring a wood grain design, which is transferred to the aluminum through heat and pressure.
The result is a durable and resilient finish that closely resembles wood, while benefiting from aluminum’s advantages, including lightweight, corrosion resistance, and long-lasting durability.
Stages
1. Preparation of the Aluminum Profile:
- Cleaning: The aluminum profiles are cleaned to remove residues, grease, or impurities from the surface, ensuring proper adhesion for the subsequent coating.
- Base Coating (Powder Paint): A base layer of powder paint, typically in light colors such as beige or brown, is applied to serve as the background for the wood design.
- Initial Curing: After applying the powder paint, the profiles are cured in an oven to set this layer, which is crucial for receiving the sublimated design.
2. Application of the Sublimation Film:
- Once the base paint is cured, the aluminum profiles are wrapped with a decorative film that contains the wood grain design. This film is printed with special inks that will transfer to the aluminum during the sublimation process.
- The film must fit the profile perfectly to avoid any distortion in the design.
3. Sublimation (Design Transfer):
- The profiles, now wrapped with the decorative film, are placed in a sublimation oven at high temperatures (between 180°C and 200°C).
- Under the heat and pressure of the oven, the inks from the film transition from a solid state to a gaseous state (sublimate) and penetrate the base layer of powder paint, transferring the wood design to the profile.
- This process ensures that the grain and details of the wood design are deeply integrated into the surface of the profile, creating a natural and durable appearance.
4. Removal of the Film:
- Once the sublimation process is complete, the decorative film is removed, revealing the wood design now transferred to the surface of the aluminum.
- At this point, the profile’s surface features a finish that closely mimics the texture and appearance of wood.
5. Final Curing:
- The sublimated profiles undergo additional curing to ensure the durability of the finish and its resistance to abrasion, UV rays, moisture, and weathering.
- This step also helps to set the colors and design, guaranteeing a long lifespan.
6. Inspection and Quality Control:
- The profiles are inspected to ensure that the wood design has been transferred uniformly, without imperfections or distortions.
- Adhesion and weather resistance tests may be conducted to verify the quality of the finish.
Equipment and Capabilities
Veracruz
- Capacity 165,000 m²
Guanajuato
- Capacity 120,000 m²
Texcoco
- Capacity 150,000 m²
Advantages of Wood Finish by Sublimation:
- Natural Aesthetic: Provides a visually appealing finish that resembles wood, featuring natural grains and tones, while benefiting from the durability of aluminum.
- Resistance: Unlike wood, this finish is resistant to corrosion, UV fading, and moisture, making it ideal for outdoor applications.
- Minimal Maintenance: Requires no typical wood care such as varnishing or sanding, and its durability makes it suitable for outdoor environments.
- Variety of Designs: Can be customized in a wide range of wood tones and styles, such as oak, walnut, pine, etc.
This method is primarily used in the manufacturing of windows, doors, facades, and urban furniture where the goal is to combine the aesthetic appeal of wood with the strength of aluminum.