1. What is aluminum extrusion, fabrication, and anodization?
Aluminum Extrusion refers to a process of creating shapes with an aluminum billet or log by forcing it to flow through a shaped opening in a die. Aluminum can be extruded into standard shapes or specific designs depending on a customer’s preference.
Aluminum Fabrication refers to building aluminum components by cutting, mitering, notching, piercing, forming, bending, CNC machining, mechanical assembly and welding.
Aluminum Anodization is an electro-chemical process of coating aluminum with a thin layer of oxide to increase corrosion resistance and harden the surface. Aluminum also can be dyed with various anodizing colours, which in most cases, are resistant to sunlight.
2. What are the benefits of processing “All Under One Roof”?
Extruding, fabricating/machining, and anodizing aluminum profiles under one roof allows for minimized lead times, reduced production costs, and improved end product quality to our valued customers. It avoids finger pointing between subcontractors and the extruder if defects occur, reducing potential customer headaches.
*Dajcor’s ability to provide in-house anodizing, fabrication and mechanical finishing set Dajcor apart from the competition.
3. Is aluminum recyclable?
Yes, aluminum is 100% recyclable without losing its natural quality.
*Dajcor recycles all of its scrap aluminum and can provide components made of recycled aluminum exclusively if requested.
4. What are some of the other ‘Green Initiatives’ that Dajcor has undertaken?
Dajcor values its commitment to the environment. We collect and recycle scrap aluminum, to be re-melted into billet. Dajcor can extrude product with recycled billet, and we have a pollution treatment unit within our self-contained anodize facility to treat waste water before being released to the water system.
5. Can we help you with your environmental initiatives such as the LEED program?
Developed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED) is an internationally recognized green building certification system. This program proves third party that a building has been constructed using environmentally friendly strategies, such as energy savings, water efficiency, CO2 emissions reduction, and improved indoor environmental quality.
LEED program provides building owners and operators a concise framework for identifying and implementing practical and measurable green building design, construction, operations, and maintenance solutions.
*With The Dajcor Team’s in-depth knowledge and valuable experience in LEED program, we can assist you with your environmental initiatives.
6. What are the types of anodizing systems?
There are three types of aluminum anodization: Type 1 Chromic Acid Anodizing (CAA) and Type II & III Sulfuric Acid Anodizing (SAA).
Type I: Chromic Acid Anodizing (CAA)
Chromic Acid Anodizing represents the oldest anodizing process. It produces thinner films with a thickness of 0.5 μm to 18 μm that are softer, elastic, and to a degree self-healing. They are harder to dye, and that they could be applied as a pretreatment before painting.
Type II & III: Sulfuric Acid Anodizing (SAA)
Sulfuric Acid Anodizing is the most commonly used system. Type II anodizing refers to coatings of moderate thickness, 1.8μm to 25μm while Type III refers to coatings thicker than 25μm. Thick coatings require more process control, and are produced in a refrigerated tank near the freezing point of water with higher voltages than the thinner coatings. Hard anodizing can be made between 13 and 150 μm thick. Anodizing thickness increases wear resistance, corrosion resistance, ability to retain lubricants and PTFE coatings, and electrical and thermal insulation.
*Dajcor performs Type II aluminum anodizing.
7. How do I figure out what I need?
It is easy, just call our Toll Free number 1 (877) 556-9191 and ask for customer service. We’ll guide you through the process and answer all of your questions.
8. How long will it take to get my order?
Depending on the complexity of your part, once you have established the final design and tolerances a die can be ordered and delivered to our shop in about 2-3 weeks. After that you can be receiving parts in as little as two weeks.
9. Do we meet the ‘Ontario Content” requirements for the OPA’s Fit and Microfit Programs?
With extrusion, fabrication and anodizing capability all under one roof at our 190,000 sq ft. Chatham, Ontario facility, our aluminum solar component extrusions meet the ‘Ontario Content’ requirements for the Fit and Microfit programs.
10. How should aluminum extrusions be packaged?
ackaging aluminum extrusions depends on a number of variables: finish, transportation time/distance, space restrictions, unloading and storage capabilities. Packaging is often overlooked in the aluminum extrusion product development process, but can add considerable cost to the finished aluminum extruded product. The key to packaging anodized aluminum extrusion is to provide optimum protection while minimizing packaging materials and waste. The use of returnable racks/dunnage may be feasible, depending on location and consistency of volume. Please see link for ‘Aluminum Extrusion Packaging Methods’.
