Brushed anodized aluminum sheet is a specially treated aluminum alloy material. The combination of brushing and anodizing results in a moderate gloss and uniform color on the aluminum sheet surface, suitable for applications requiring aesthetic appeal, such as architecture, home decoration, billboards, electronic products, and automotive trim.
The production of brushed anodized aluminum sheet combines mechanical brushing and anodizing technologies. The specific steps are as follows:
Degreasing Treatment:
Chemical cleaning removes oil, dust, and other impurities from the aluminum sheet surface, ensuring adhesion for subsequent processes.
Brushing process:
A belt brushing machine is used. The belt rotates at high speed, and the aluminum sheet comes into contact with the belt via a conveyor belt. Custom patterns such as straight lines, random lines, threads, spirals, and ripples can be created to meet different decorative needs. Water washing removes aluminum shavings and residues generated during the brushing process, preventing contamination of the anodizing bath solution.
Anodizing:
The electrolyte is typically a sulfuric acid or chromic acid solution. The aluminum sheet acts as the anode, and an oxide film is formed under direct current. The oxide film thickness can reach 5-20 μm, with high hardness (approaching gemstone grade) and strong corrosion resistance.
Coloring and sealing:
Electrolytic coloring or chemical dyeing imparts rich colors to anodized aluminum sheets, such as black, gold, and champagne. Sealing the pores of the oxide film improves stain resistance and weather resistance.
Specifications of brushed anodized aluminum sheet:
Alloy series:
5xxx Series (Aluminum-Magnesium Alloy): Such as 5052 and 5083, high elongation, suitable for wire drawing, widely used in aviation fuel tanks and marine structural components.
6xxx Series (Aluminum-Magnesium-Silicon Alloy): Such as 6061 and 6063, combining strength and corrosion resistance, commonly used in building curtain walls and automotive parts.
3xxx Series (Aluminum-Manganese Alloy): Such as 3003, excellent rust resistance, suitable for humid environments (such as air conditioners and refrigerators).
Temperature:
H32 Temperature: Moderate hardness (40-50HB), good bending performance, suitable for chassis and cabinets, sheet metal processing.
T6 Temperature: Solution treated and artificially aged, high strength, used in aerospace structural components.
Thickness Range:
Indoor applications: 1.0-1.5mm (e.g., walls, ceilings).
Outdoor applications: 2.5-3.0mm (e.g., curtain walls, podiums), requiring resistance to wind pressure and temperature variations.
Colors:
Basic Colors: Gold and black are the most common, but red, orange, blue, green, and purple are also available.
Metallic Colors: Titanium, champagne, rose gold, bronze, etc., simulating the texture of precious metals and enhancing product quality.
Advantages of anodized brushed aluminum sheet:
Weather resistance and corrosion resistance:
When the oxide film thickness is ≥10μm, it will not discolor or corrode for more than 10 years of outdoor use. Meets salt spray test standards (e.g., no corrosion after 96 hours), suitable for coastal areas.
Decorative appearance and touch:
Matte, brushed finish with a modern metallic feel; fingerprint-resistant and easy to clean. Customizable textures to meet individual design needs.
Environmental protection and safety:
No harmful substances are emitted during the production process, complying with RoHS standards. It does not burn at 600℃, produces no toxic gases, and meets fire safety requirements.
Processing performance:
It can be bent, stamped, and welded, allowing for direct processing into products and shortening the production cycle. It has strong adhesion to coatings, making it suitable as a substrate for LED circuit boards.
Typical application scenarios of brushed anodized aluminum sheet:
Architectural decoration:
Curtain walls and ceilings: Such as office buildings, skyscrapers, and shopping malls, utilizing its weather resistance and decorative properties.
Interior walls: Such as shopping malls and conference halls, enhancing the spatial texture through color and texture.
Electronic products:
Casings and panels: Such as laptops and smartphones, utilizing its heat dissipation and scratch resistance.
Home Furnishings:
Furniture and kitchens: Such as cabinet doors and refrigerator ducts, utilizing its easy-to-clean and corrosion-resistant properties.
Industrial sector:
Automotive parts: Such as wheel hubs and roof racks, utilizing its lightweight and weather-resistant properties.
Solar collectors: Utilizing its high reflectivity and corrosion resistance to improve heat collection efficiency.
The market size of brushed anodized aluminum sheets continues to grow, and global demand is expected to exceed 5 million tons in 2025, with brushed anodized aluminum sheets accounting for more than 30%.