PVD and processes

Aluminum anodizing and PVD treatments: the fields of application

Lightweight, strong, ductile, and fully recyclable: due to its characteristics, aluminum lends itself to interesting applications in various industries. From the industrial field to creative applications in Interior Design and Luxury, thanks to various processing techniques, it is possible to enhance the qualities of this metal, highlighting the most relevant properties for the application context to consider.

Through anodic oxidation and continuous PVD processes, it is possible to increase resistance to atmospheric agents, enhance surface reflection, and improve aesthetic appearance. Additionally, through various finishing techniques, the surface can be further adapted to the desired application with different effects (matte or glossy) and various color options.

The Ecological Transition Drives Aluminum Demand

The numerous finishing possibilities, combined with the intrinsic qualities of aluminum, make this metal the sustainable material par excellence. Aluminum is, in fact, infinitely recyclable: according to The Aluminum Association (which represents industry companies and workers in the United States), nearly 75% of the aluminum produced is still in use today.

Over the years, improvements in processing methods and techniques have also helped to further reduce the environmental impact of production. Additionally, anodic oxidation and continuous PVD treatment contribute to increasing the material’s resistance to atmospheric agents and improving its thermal performance.

In light of the transition toward sustainable economies and societies, these factors drive the demand for aluminum in an increasing number of applications, replacing heavier and less efficient metals.

Anodized Aluminum and PVD Treatment: Applications in Architecture

The resistance of anodized aluminum and the possibility to choose from different surface finishes and colors make this metal particularly suitable for architectural applications.

In this field, this material is capable of combining elegant and creative design with efficiency, lightness, and sustainability: characteristics that make aluminum the right choice for both indoor and outdoor applications, such as façade cladding, composite panels, and roofing.

By relying on the right partner, it is also possible to choose from a wide range of anodized surfaces depending on the application, in terms of both finishes – matte, satin, brushed, and glossy – and thickness – some outdoor applications require a highly resistant anodized layer. Electro-coloring also allows for choosing from different shades.

These options provide ample scope for imagination and allow for the development of unique projects. Additionally, being a metal with high heat resistance and non-flammable, aluminum is used in public buildings (such as airports, restaurants, hotels), where the need for attractive design must combine with important safety requirements.

Applications in Solar Energy for Cleaner Energy

The typical advantages of aluminum treated with continuous PVD technology are also driving demand for this material in the renewable energy sector, where it is used for the production of solar concentrators, solar thermal collectors, heliostats, district heating, and concentrated photovoltaic applications, achieving unprecedented efficiency.

In addition to high efficiency, a PVD aluminum panel also combines greater practicality. The highly reflective coating achievable through PVD treatment allows the mirrors used in solar concentrators to be made of aluminum instead of the traditional glass (increasing resistance to atmospheric agents and reducing the risk of breakage). This also allows for reducing the weight of the solar panel and enables applications in contexts where usage is not yet widespread. Absorbing maximum solar radiation is the goal of the PVD absorbing coating.

Used for solar thermal systems, it provides a viable solution for optimizing the energy resources of homes. A system that, using solar irradiation, converts solar energy into thermal energy to produce hot water and heat indoor spaces, significantly reducing carbon dioxide, sulfur oxides, and other pollutant emissions.

Lighting Applications

The high reflection values of these surfaces – reaching up to 98%, 15% more than an anodized surface – and the variety of finishes make aluminum treated with the PVD process particularly suitable for the Lighting sector. We are talking about applications aimed at both indoor environments, such as consumer or retail spaces, and outdoor environments, like street lighting. In all these cases, using aluminum treated with the continuous PVD process enables significant energy savings, and can increase lighting device efficiency by up to 20%.

In Horticulture and Agriculture

Besides reducing the environmental impact of production processes, another important challenge that countries will face in the coming years is food security. The increase in the world population, particularly in urban areas, forces policymakers to consider new horticulture and agriculture techniques to meet growing demand and reduce arable land.

In this field as well, innovative companies are shifting their focus toward using reflective aluminum surfaces treated with PVD technology. This shift is driven by the fact that these surfaces can be optimized both to increase the performance of LED or HPS (high-pressure sodium) lamps, enabling light distribution control and increasing uniformity, and for applications with UV sources to replace common pesticides.

Customized and Sustainable Packaging Thanks to Anodized Aluminum

The packaging sector also faces the sustainability challenge, particularly difficult for a sector long dominated by plastic and where packaging has become an increasingly identity-defining element.

Combining this sustainability need with product customization is no easy task. However, due to its numerous finishing and coloring options, anodized aluminum can open new opportunities in this sector as well. Its ductility allows for the creation of innovative designs that help convey the brand’s identity and values to consumers.

At the same time, the high resistance of the metal provides extra protection for the packaged goods against temperature fluctuations or potential damage along the supply chain.

Resistance, Recyclability, and Innovation: Other Applications

The combination of efficiency, sustainability, and creativity makes aluminum the ideal material for various design applications: from eyewear to tableware, lighting, electronic devices, handbags, watches, and stationery items.

In recent years, aluminum has also been considered for medical and diagnostic applications. In precision medicine, for instance, a diagnostic system based on anodized aluminum thin films is being developed, using aluminum’s high reflection to detect certain proteins in the patient’s blood.

While applications for patient diagnostics and personalized care are still in their infancy, aluminum is already used in other medical contexts. For example, highly reflective surfaces can be used to speed up sterilization of equipment, spaces, and medical devices.

With PVD technology, it is possible to optimize layer compositions for UV-C radiation and increase the effectiveness of UV systems through reflection. This allows reaching 91% of UV rays, enhancing its sanitizing power.

With the challenges related to sustainable transition and the need to contain production costs, interest in anodized aluminum is expected to grow. This growth is also due to the presence of innovative companies that combine an approach based on technological investment and customization to explore new areas where aluminum can add value.

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