LINETEC has a
state-of-the-art anodizing facility, which provides the highest quality anodic
finishes. Two completely automated
anodizing lines, containing up to twenty-nine (29) process stations, accept
loads as large as 30’-6 long. We provide durable and attractive clear finishes,
as well as black, all the traditional bronze tones including champagne. A
sophisticated computer controlled hoist system guides the material through our
process eliminating any chance of manual variations in pre-cleaning, etching,
anodizing, coloring or sealing. This ensures a consistent and durable finish on
every load.
SIZE
LIMITATIONS
|
Standard Material Limits |
|
Length -
Standard Custom |
28’-6 30’-6 |
|
Height |
78” |
|
Width - Standard Custom |
13” 36” |
Our computer-automated
system controls and monitors your product through the entire anodizing
process. It tracks all aspects of the
process including tank sequencing, time, temperature, voltage, current, etc.
Our computer controlled hoist system ensures all material with the same job and
process specification is moved through the same solutions for the same amount
of time.
Four
4,000-pound cranes on each process line guide the material through our 29
process stations. Our two process lines give us the flexibility to process many
types of aluminum shapes, sizes, and alloys in extruded, fabricated sheet,
plate and cast forms.
Our
20,000-ampere D.C. anodizing rectifiers along with our 450-ton chillers can
handle loads up to 1,000 square feet at a time. This allows LINETEC
to run large jobs in relatively short times.
Our automated
coloring system, utilizing a state-of-the-art control system coupled with our
6,000 ampere AC coloring rectifiers with D.C. capabilities, allows us to
program color times to the second and color voltages to a tenth of a volt,
assuring color consistency second to none.
Racking for
anodizing presents a unique challenge because of the amount and consistency of
electrical current required. Our standard racking method for lineal extrusions
is “rack welding” which utilizes a “tack weld” to connect your products to be
anodized to the electrical bussing. This system not only holds your product
firmly in place, but also provides a continuous electrical contact that
minimizes the electrical resistance between all parts being anodized. This type of racking system produces the most
uniform anodizing and color consistency available while keeping all rack marks
within one inch of the end of the extrusion.
LINETEC
also has the flexibility to “clamp rack” for handling prefabricated,
cut-to-size, cast, formed or specialty parts.
The anodizing
process begins with the material being cleaned in a non-etching alkaline
chemical cleaner to remove all shop dirt, water, soluble oils, etc., which may
have accumulated on the material during handling and/or manufacturing. LINETEC’S
anodizing system will not remove non-water soluble oils, so please call for our
assistance with suggestions on non-water soluble oils.
After cleaning,
the material is ready for caustic etching. The caustic etch process will
produce a matte finish and also minimize minor surface imperfections
such as light die lines and minor travel marks. Caustic etching will not
eliminate ALL surface imperfections. A good
rule of thumb is if you can feel the imperfection with your fingernail prior to
anodizing, it will likely not be removed by caustic etching.
Next, the
material is desmutted and rinsed to remove residuals
left from the caustic etch. This is the
final preparation stage prior to anodizing.
The sulfuric
acid (Type II) anodizing process utilized by LINETEC produces the
protective and decorative oxide finish on aluminum. LINETEC anodizes per the
AAMA 611 specification, although other specifications may be followed as
required.
If the material
requires coloring, it is moved to an electrolytic two-step coloring tank. Tin metal is electrochemically introduced
into the anodic pores to produce bronze tones from light champagne to black.
SEALING After anodizing and coloring the
material is sealed in a mid temperature hydrothermal seal and then given a
final hot water rinse. This final, important step assures that the high quality
anodized finishes maintain their beauty for many years.