Henkel offers a varied portfolio of metal pretreatment solutions customised for various aluminium applications, which could enhance aluminium properties, saves costs and time, and supports sustainability.
Aluminium is one of the most versatile, and abundant, materials in the world. It's used in everything from metal packaging to industrial components. And that usage will continue to increase as industrial manufacturers look for ways to lightweight their components.
Over 75% of the aluminium ever produced is still in use today, showing just how versatile and infinitely recyclable it is. According to European Aluminium, "recycling could reduce CO2 emissions by 39 million" metric tons per year by 2050. That's a reduction of 46% a year.
As it's 100% recyclable, it reduces energy costs by 90% compared to primary production.
No matter how many times it's recycled, it retains its properties. Metal pretreatments can further enhance its properties and prolong its life, making it even more eco-friendly and economical for businesses.
"The lightweight aspect of aluminium is driving a shift towards it across industries. The automotive industry, for example, has embraced aluminium because it's lighter compared to the same parts made out of steel, reducing the weight by 1/3. These properties make it much more attractive for electric cars, which need to be as lightweight as possible for better handling and battery efficiency.
For example, Tesla now uses aluminium in nine different car parts1 because of how lightweight, cost-effective and conductive it is. It's even a component in Tesla's new car batteries, replacing manganese and reducing the amount of cobalt used.
Aluminium's malleability also makes it easy to work with, which can reduce the time it takes to create a finished product, or even reduce the number of steel parts vs aluminium ones."
Pure aluminium protects itself by creating an oxide layer which will provide a barrier against the environment, preventing oxidation. That's also valid for some alloys, such as 6000 series aluminium.
Nevertheless, to protect and warrant the best performance under environmental conditions, metal pretreatment is the best option to protect against corrosion. These kind of aluminium metal pretreatments could be summarised as Anodising, Conversion Coating and other speciality treatments.
Metal pretreatments enhance the performance of the aluminium to ensure it lasts longer by protecting against corrosion. For example, it can guarantee the life of aluminium used in the building industry for 10–15 years, or even more. This is important for any goods that offer a long warranty.
As well as the architectural industry, metal pretreatments are often used in aeronautics, building and construction, industrial, and even mobile phones. Wherever you look, you'll find aluminium.
There can be several steps involved in adding light metal finishing, depending on the requirements of the final product. Each step is designed to enhance the metal's properties to make it more efficient, more durable, and to save money.
Removing contaminants like oil, for instance, can prolong the life of aluminium, as can treatments which are designed to make it more corrosion-resistant. Corrosion resistance can be added on a temporary or permanent basis, offering protection during transportation and warehousing as well as for long-term usage.
Anodising converts the natural oxide layer of the aluminium into a thin and smooth, industrially produced oxide layer, which protects the surface from further corrosion. This is an effective way to extend the life of aluminium. Anodic layers are primarily used for high corrosion demands, durability or performance, but can also be used to enhance aesthetic appearance. For example, in the perfume industry packaging, industrial or architectural sectors.
Conversion coating can be applied on almost any metal alloy. This helps to increase paint adhesion, leads to a smoother paint application, and improves corrosion resistance.
Aluminium painted surfaces offer a wide range of colours for use on end products. With the right metal pretreatment process, we can fulfil several architectural, OEM and industrial standards, which will ultimately warrant the life of the goods used for such industry, and save costs long term.
Properly treated aluminium can enhance aluminium properties, save businesses money, save time, and contribute to sustainability efforts. Henkel specialises in a broad portfolio of metal pretreatment options, tailored to a range of aluminium applications.
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