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THE
PROCESS:
Aluminum anodizing is a two-step process. First, an oxide layer is
formed by electro-chemical means which creates a perfectly formed
honeycomb effect on the sheet’s surface pores. Exclusive technology opens
the pores of anodized aluminum, then ‘roughens the walls’ of these pores
to enable highly stable dyes to be printed into, not onto, the anodic
layer. Then, when thermo-chemically treated, the oxide layer seals and
becomes impervious, ‘locking in’ the dyes in. The final image possesses
remarkable clarity and durability. |
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Is Alumicolor™ guaranteed?
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Offered: 10-year guarantee
that the product will not chip, peel or flake. If it does, we will replace
it. We are not liable for any incidental or consequential damages
associated with use, removal or reinstallation. |
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How high is the
resolution of photographic printing?
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For all projects
133-line screen film is used that produces a resolution of about 400 dpi. |
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What range of colors
can you print?
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With specially formulated
CMYK inks, we can match any custom spot color if you provide a
sample. White or white based colors are an exception because, to date,
there is no compound available that allows anodized printing of white. We
let the bare aluminum show through where white is indicated. Our fine
grade of aluminum appears so white that this absence of color is rarely
noticeable. When reproducing white-based or light colors, a screen
value between 10% and 60% of the solid color will achieve the best
results.
Alumicolor™
process can be spot color or four-color photographic reproductions from
photographs, artwork, or any other sources of illustration. Print
options: 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5-spot color line art or halftone images.
Alumicolor™ also offers a four-color process (CMYK) with photographic
image reproduction capability. |
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What does "CMYK" mean? |
It means
four-color process--Cyan, Magenta, Yellow & Black--the same four colors
used for printing full-color in magazines etc. |
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What happens to the
color after an extended period of outdoor exposure?
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As long as the
anodic layer is not damaged, colors should stay true. Reds and yellows may
darken up to 3% because of constant UV exposure. To minimize slight
darkening, Manufacturer recommends a maintenance program in which a UV-protectant
metal polish is applied every two to three months to the product. |
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What are the minimum
and maximum sizes that can be produced? |
There is no minimum size.
The maximum sheet size is 48” x 36”. Sheets can be printed with full bleed
and then "tiled" to accommodate larger projects. |
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Are special shapes available? |
High-speed,
computer controlled waterjet is used to create cut outs for face plates,
control panels and shapes other than those with straight edges. |
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Can the sheets be used on curved surfaces?
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No. Alumicolor™
can only print on flat sheets. Any slight bend will crack the anodic layer
and expose the embedded ink which may cause it to fade over time.
Applications for interior use can be successfully curved to a diameter of
18 inches using 0.3 mm stock. |
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What are the
acceptable file formats?
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Most PC and Mac desk top
publishing formats are
 acceptable. Our preferred formats are: Print-ready
PDF, Quark Xpress, Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Photoshop. With
photographic reproductions, high-resolution jpeg and tiff files can be
used. All photo images need to be a minimum of 300 dpi at full/finish size
for high quality reproduction. Artwork needs to be saved in CMYK or
grayscale. No RGB elements. |
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MISCELLANEOUS:
Film — Film positives
are used to achieve the accurate reproduction required to produce
exceptional clarity. We use the best technology available – but results
depend on the quality of the files provided. Maximum film size is 48˝ x
36˝.
UV Resistance — Only
high-density solid colors are recommended for full sun exposure when
printed on an exterior grade sheet (1.00mm thickness only). Photos, tone
or pastel graphics require at least 30% shade cover to perform well
outdoors. This can be achieved in most locations by adjusting the viewing
aspect of the panel to suit the sun’s path. Manufacturer conducted UV
testing on Alumicolor™ products. Good results are 1,000 hours. Alumicolor™
had little or no fading after 1,500 hours.
 Backing Adhesive (optional) — High-bond, double-sided
lamination film can be applied to the rear of your plates for easy
installation to clean rigid surfaces.
Anodized Printed Layer — The anodic layer is more than twice the
recommended depth for type II anodizing. Due to a 1-2 micron variation in
the anodized layer from sheet to sheet, a slight variation in color will
occur making each panel unique.
Salt Spray — Manufacturer conducted CCT-4 salt spray testing, which
is a Society of Automotive Engineers testing procedure, that exposed
Alumicolor™ samples to repeated cycles of salt fog (5% sodium chloride
solution), 95% relative humidity and dry off at 60 degrees Celsius (140
F). Good results are 1,000+ hours. Alumicolor™ was not affected after
1,000 hours.
Chemical Resistance — Solvent Immersion – The image cannot be
affected by any solvent. (Caustic soda, which can be found in some
detergents such as wax strippers and lye soap, is corrosive to aluminum
and should be avoided in any form.) All multi-colored images have been
tested by 700 hours immersion in each of the following: kerosene,
gasoline, methyl ethyl ketone, ethyl acetate, ethyl alcohol, oil and
grease – with no effect.
Sequential Numbering and
Bar Coding: The Alumicolor™ process can accommodate your numbering or
coding needs.
U.S.A. — U.S.A. Military Specifications A8625 type
11-P4514C-P514D. Federal Standards P455B type 11.
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