The authoritative public forum
  for Metal Finishing since 1989
  

  -----

Finishing Method for Bright (mirror surface of) Aluminum Sheets

I am a research staff of the aluminum semi-product stock list in Seoul, Korea.

I have just started to study aluminum surface treatment. Actually, I'm looking for mirror surface of aluminum sheets/coils with various reflectivity.

I'd like to be advised the proper finishing method for the following situation.

I heard there are bright aluminum sheets of very high reflectivity like 90-95-97% and normal high reflectivity like 80-84-86%. With normal high reflectivity aluminum sheets, in order to maintain brightness after etching, esp. for the very part of etching(letters like brand name), which finishing method has to be applied? I experienced bright anodizing alone is not enough for this purpose, esp. for the reflectivity of 80-84-86%. Electropolishing or chemical polishing can be solutions for this problem? Brytal processed or Erftwerk processed aluminum sheets are actually in circulation and they suit for my purpose? Other surface treatment like mechanical polishing is needed in combination with anodizing?

I'll wait for kind advice of finishing experts.

Thank you so much.

Eunyoung Lee
research staff - Seoul, Korea
2004