Electrophoretic painting is a method of applying paint uniformly to aluminum using electricity. The aluminum, including anodized aluminum, is immersed in a water solution containing the paint, electricity is applied, and then it undergoes a baking process to form the paint film. Compared to normal anodized materials, the addition of electrophoretic painting greatly improves corrosion resistance, and the uniform paint film allows for a beautiful finish.
Surface Treatment Process
Degreasing:
To remove grease and oil adhering to the aluminum material surface during the extrusion process, the aluminum material is immersed in a tank containing an acidic chemical before surface treatment to clean the surface.
Etching:
Aluminum material reacts with oxygen in the air to form a very thin natural oxide film on the surface. To remove this natural oxide film, the aluminum material is immersed in an alkaline solution to etch the surface. The etching process enables the creation of a uniform and good anodic oxide film.
Desmutting:
After alkaline etching, residues called smut are generated on the surface of the aluminum material. To remove this smut, the surface is cleaned again with an acidic chemical.
Anodizing:
When a direct current is applied in an electrolytic solution with the aluminum material as the anode ⊕, a porous aluminum oxide film = anodic oxide film (anodite) is generated by combining with the generated oxygen.
Electrolytic Coloring:
When a direct current and alternating current are applied in an electrolytic solution in which a metal salt (nickel, etc.) is dissolved with the aluminum material as the cathode ⊖, a metal (compound) of Ni (nickel, etc.) is deposited in the micropores of the anodic oxide film, and the surface of the aluminum is colored. The color density can be controlled by the amount of metal to be deposited.
Sealing:
The surface of anodized aluminum after anodizing treatment is very active, easily adsorbs dirt, and has poor corrosion resistance. Therefore, a sealing treatment is performed to close the micropores of the anodized film. Sealing treatments include hydration sealing with hot water and metal salt sealing with nickel metal salt.
Electrophoretic Coating (Electro Deposition TEXGUARD):
When a direct current voltage is applied in a solution in which an electrodeposition paint is dissolved with the aluminum material as the anode ⊕, an acrylic resin is deposited on the surface of the anodic oxide film, and an electrodeposition coating film is generated. Depending on the type of electrodeposition paint, it is possible to change the design, such as low gloss, high gloss, ivory white, or autumn brown.
Baking:
The electrodeposition coating film immediately after electrodeposition coating contains moisture and is soft. Therefore, heat treatment is performed with hot air at 180°C to harden the coating film. The heat treatment makes the coating film strong and protects the surface of the aluminum material from acid rain and air pollutants for a long time.
Evolved Electrodeposition Technology “TEXGUARD”
“TEXGUARD®” with a highly weather-resistant acrylic paint applied to the top layer of the shaped material is adopted. High weather resistance is achieved by its unique molecular structure and deterioration inhibitor. This suppresses deterioration and corrosion of the surface of the shaped material due to ultraviolet rays, heat, rain, air pollutants, etc., and makes it possible to maintain a beautiful texture for a long period of time.
Features
- Color Retention – TEXGUARD helps protect aluminum in harsh environmental conditions and maintain color gloss for at least 40 years.
- Improved Hardness – TEXGUARD’s dense coating improves the hardness of aluminum and provides surface scratch resistance.
- Easy Cleaning -TEXGUARD’s antifouling performance makes surface cleaning easy.
LIXIL VINA is a manufacturing base for aluminum and exterior products using anodized aluminum materials that boast the top class of reliability in Vietnam. We have high-quality engineers, technical staff, and workers who are familiar with advanced technology. Therefore, we can deliver the highest quality products to our customers.For further information, please contact vinacontact@lixil.com.