1. The Importance of Surface Treatment in Modern Architecture
In the high-end extruded aluminum industry, surface treatment is more than just applying color; it is a complex engineering process designed to protect the aluminum core from harsh chemical and physical impacts. AMS Aluminum utilizes a Powder Coating line compliant with Qualicoat Class 2—one of the world’s most stringent standards—ensuring structural durability for decades.
2. Pre-treatment and Surface Chemistry
Before the coating process begins, AMS aluminum profiles undergo a rigorous cleaning process via an automated chemical tank system. This stage is decisive for paint adhesion.
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Degreasing and De-oxidizing: Completely removes protective oils from the billet and unstable natural oxide layers.
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Conversion Coating: AMS employs Chrome-free technology to create a specialized chemical film that increases surface contact area. This process ensures the surface achieves Level 0 (GT0) adhesion according to the ISO 2409 cross-cut test, meaning the edges of the cuts are completely smooth and no squares of the lattice are detached.
3. Powder Coating Technology and Film Thickness Control
Powder coating technology is based on the principle of electrostatic attraction between charged paint particles and the grounded aluminum profile.
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Film Thickness: Strictly maintained between 60μm and 80μm. If the coating is too thin (under $50\mu m$), coverage and protection are compromised; if too thick (over $100\mu m$), the layer becomes brittle and prone to peeling under mechanical stress.
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Curing Process: Profiles are moved into a curing oven with temperatures maintained between 180°C and 200°C. At this stage, the powder melts and undergoes cross-linking, forming a hard polymer resin film bonded tightly to the aluminum core.
4. Quality Control and Environmental Durability Standards
AMS powder-coated products must pass rigorous laboratory testing:
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Salt Spray Test: Must withstand over 1,000 hours according to ISO 9227 without blistering or filiform corrosion under the paint film.
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UV Resistance: By using Super Durable powder systems, the color deviation ($\Delta E$) remains virtually unchanged even after years of direct exposure to intense UV radiation in tropical climates like Vietnam.
