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radii for selected coating types, alloys, and thicknesses are given in Aluminum

Standards and Data, Table 7.19 (11). These bend radii are generally larger
than those required for mill-finish material to avoid damaging the coating.
The recommended bend radii should be taken as a starting point for trial
bends for specific applications.
Generally, painting reduces minimum strengths from those of the bare
product because the paint is baked on at temperatures that tend to anneal the
aluminum. (See Section 3.1.2 for more on aluminum at elevated temperatures.)
Minimum mechanical properties of painted sheet must, therefore, be
obtained from the manufacturer.
The American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA) provides
voluntary specifications concerning painting:
� Pigmented Organic Coatings on Aluminum Extrusions and Panels
(AAMA 2603-98) (30)
� High Performance Organic Coatings on Aluminum Extrusions and Panels
(AAMA 2604-98) (31)
� Superior Performing Organic Coatings on Aluminum Extrusions and
Panels (AAMA 2605-98) (32)
These specifications provide requirements for: material pretreatment, color
uniformity, gloss, film hardness, film adhesion, impact resistance, abrasion
resistance, chemical resistance (to muriatic acid, mortar, nitric acid, detergent,
and window cleaner), corrosion resistance (to humidity and salt spray), and
weathering (color retention, chalk resistance, gloss retention, and erosion
resistance).
The order of quality, from lowest to highest, is 2603, 2604, and
2605. The 2603 spec is primarily for interior or residential applications, 2604
is used for low-rise buildings, and 2605 is used for high rises. Although the
2605 spec is labeled a 10-year-specification, 20-year warranties are available
when it�s used. Finishing costs compare at about $2/ ft2 for anodizing, $3/ ft2
for 2604 spec paint, and $4/ ft2 for 2605.
The less corrosion-resistant aluminum alloys are sometimes painted not for
aesthetics, but to provide protection from corrosion. Typical of this group are
the 2xxx series alloys and some of the 7xxx series group. In fact, these alloys
are sometimes clad with a more corrosion-resistant aluminum alloy as a coating.
(See the cladding paragraph below.) A general indication of the suitability
of an aluminum alloy in a particular service may be found in the Aluminum
Association�s publication Guidelines for the Use of Aluminum with Food and
Chemicals (18). There is no substitute, however, for testing in actual service
conditions before selecting an alloy or coating.
Painting is sometimes considered to be a method of isolating aluminum
from dissimilar materials. Guidance on painting for this purpose is found in
Aluminum Specification Section 6.6.
3.2.4 Mechanical Finishes
Mechanical methods, such as abrasion blasting and buffing, may enhance the
appearance of aluminum without coatings. These are sometimes called for as
economical ways to reduce reflectance initially, rather than waiting for natural
weathering to occur. Because abrasion blasting introduces compressive stress
to the blasted surface, it tends to curl thin material, and so is limited by
Aluminum Specification Section 6.7 to material thicker than in. [3 mm]. A 1�8
floor buffer with a stainless steel pad can be run over flat aluminum sheet to
produce an inexpensive finish and can be used on thinner material.

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