Anodized
Anodizing provides the highest quality decorative effect for aluminium components, something recognised in the Beauty and Luxury product packaging market for many years. It is an electro-chemical process, rather than one where a coating is applied. During the process, items are submerged in a sequence of tanks. The principal effect of this is to re-orientate the surface molecules of the aluminium, so that the decorative effect of the surface is actually part of the aluminium. By the use of different alloys, matt, eggshell and gloss 'finishes' can be achieved, and colour can be introduced where the colour molecules become integrated with the surface of the aluminium itself. The finished surface of the aluminium not only has outstanding touch and appearance, but it also has very good scuff resistance. Anodized, embossed components are the summit of aluminium packaging, although the labour intensive process means that anodizing is not a low-cost option. |
