Two options - anodising or powder coating

A wide variety of elements are used in architecture: windows, window sills, blinds, garage doors, sheet metal, door panels, railings, door handles, trim, and more. The architectural firm JK Architektur and the window manufacturer Hebel & Sohn from Klosterkumbd installed the windows of these single-family homes using aluminum cladding. The two project examples shown here utilize two different surface finishing options.

The bronze tone on one side is achieved through anodising, while the anthracite tone on the other side is achieved through powder coating. A number of different criteria determine which process is used. To provide architects and building owners with expert guidance, we would like to list the specific advantages of each process here.

Anodising

Technology

1. Aluminum sheets and profiles up to 7 meters in length can be anodised.
2. Anodising creates an oxide layer that is firmly bonded to the base material.
3. Oxide layers can be colored.
4. Machining is easily possible.

Quality

1. Thin, hard, and scratch-resistant surfaces
2. UV-resistant
3. Easy to clean, durable, sustainable, and easily recyclable
4. Quality assured according to Qualanod standards

Appearance

1. Metallic luster is retained.
2. The surface structure and reflective properties can be customized through pickling, grinding, brushing, or polishing.
3. Exclusive, high-quality appearance.
4. A range of special finishes are available, such as ALANOX^® (stainless steel look).
5. Anodising is an authentic, aluminum-specific surface finish.
6. Therefore, anodising is ideally suited for combination with other natural materials such as wood, stone, steel, etc.

Powder Coating

Technology

1. Aluminum sheets and profiles up to 7m in length can be powder coated
2. A continuous polyester resin film is created by melting the powder coating onto the base material
3. This can cover weld seams and minor scratches
4. Powder-coated components can be machined

Quality

1. High efficiency of approximately 98% thanks to powder recovery
2. Solvent-free
3. High resistance to environmental influences and mechanical stress
4. Easy to clean, durable, and sustainable
5. Quality assured according to GSB and Qualicoat standards

Appearance

1. A vast array of colors, e.g., RAL and DB.
2. Many surface effects are possible, such as gloss levels, metallic finishes, and textures.
3. The RAL color palette is also applicable to other materials.
4. Aluminum surfaces can be coated to match other building materials. Therefore, it is very easy to finish all elements such as windows, blinds, shutters, doors, gates, railings, gutters, facade elements... in the same color and look.