Aluminum, which is frequently used in various sectors such as construction, electricity and transportation energy, ensures the operation of many vehicles we use in our daily life. Therefore, they are very important raw materials. Aluminum, which has a wide range of uses, is also very important in consumer products and packaging business. For this reason, its quality must be checked carefully.
Aluminum Quality
Aluminum quality is closely related to the operating conditions of the electrolysis process and the quality of the ore from which it is obtained. Aluminum, which is the raw material of extrusion and flat products, should come from ingots with a purity of 99.0–99.7%. The desired mixture is prepared by adding the necessary elements such as magnesium, copper, zinc, silicon to this material. It is only possible to provide the desired mechanical properties in all products made using aluminum by providing suitable alloy and heat treatment conditions.
Maximum 0.25% iron in aluminum extrusion products used for architecture; It is important for the decorative appearance of the profile after anodizing and for the quality of the anodizing process.
It is necessary to pay attention to the fact that the tolerances and dimensions of the profile have the values specified in the standards and the surface quality. Anodizing and electrostatic painting, which are the main processes applied to aluminum, should be checked for compliance with the relevant standards. Anodizing thickness and fixation quality in the anodizing process; In the painting process, the most important factors are the surface preparation before painting and the quality of the paint used, the thickness of the paint layer and the degree of adhesion.
In painted aluminum products, depending on weather conditions and the effect of the sun, polyester, PVDF, plastisol-based etc. one of the various paint alternatives should be preferred. The issues specified in the standards are valid for flat products used for architectural purposes. In addition to the desired temper and alloy suitability in casting products, the product should be free of gas porosity and cracks.
Turkish Standards Institute has prepared standards for aluminum products. It is the responsibility of people and businesses to choose products that comply with these standards.
Aluminum Standards
There are some preferred aluminum standards to define aluminum alloys. As with other metals, the leading standards for aluminum are European EN, US SAE and ASTM, Japanese JIS, international ISO and BRIC countries standards, China GB and YB, India IS, Brazil NBR and Russia GOST standards.
Quality in Powder Coating: QUALICOAT
QUALICOAT is an international quality label for paints and coatings applied to aluminum. In a certified plant every step, from pretreatment (cleaning and conversion coating) to curing, follows defined rules and is inspected regularly. For standard outdoor coatings an average film thickness of at least 60 microns is required, and the coating’s durability is measured with adhesion, impact, bending and salt spray tests. A-Aluminyum’s automatic electrostatic powder coating plant is QUALICOAT certified.
Dimensions and Mechanical Properties of Extruded Profiles
For a profile to be considered high quality, not only its appearance but also its dimensions and mechanical values must meet the standards. Dimensional and shape tolerances of extruded profiles are defined in EN 755-9, and in EN 12020-2 for precision architectural profiles. Mechanical properties such as tensile strength, yield strength and elongation are given by alloy and temper in EN 755-2, and chemical composition limits in EN 573-3.
What Is Checked in Quality Control?
- Dimensions: Wall thickness, width, angles and flatness are checked with calipers, gauges and measuring devices.
- Hardness: Hardness after ageing (e.g. Webster or Brinell) confirms the correct temper.
- Surface: Defects such as scratches, die lines, blisters and color differences are inspected visually.
- Coating thickness and adhesion: Film thickness is measured and a cross-cut test checks how well the coating adheres.
- Traceability: Recording production parameters makes it possible to find the source of any problem.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can you tell a high-quality aluminum profile?
Its dimensions should be within tolerance, its surface smooth and free of defects, and its hardness right for the alloy and temper. Coated profiles should have tested coating thickness and adhesion.
Which is more durable, anodizing or powder coating?
Both last a long time when applied correctly. Powder coating offers a very wide color range; anodizing keeps the metallic look and resists abrasion. The choice depends on the environment and the desired appearance.
What does ISO 9001 certification show?
ISO 9001 certifies a company’s quality management system. It shows that production is run with a planned, documented and continuously improved system.
