Bonnell Aluminum Introduces Acid Etch Anodizing
New anodizing process regarded as more environmentally friendly with improved consistency characteristics
NEWNAN, Ga., Jan. 14 -- Committed to serving the growing demand of its customers and strategic markets with consistent and sustainable products, Bonnell Aluminum, North America's premier aluminum extrusion supplier to the nonresidential building and construction market, is announcing it is investing $1.1 million in the conversion of all of its existing anodizing product lines to the acid etch process. Acid etched anodic coatings will be available exclusively starting April 1, 2009.
Available in Class I and II, clear, bronze, and black finish, acid etched anodic coating has superior characteristics for finish consistency than typical anodizing, resulting in a more uniform finished product. "Manufacturers and installers of curtain walls components, storefronts, automatic entry doors, walkway covers, and other anodized building and construction applications will immediately recognize the benefits of this superior finish," commented Ira Endres, Bonnell's Director of Sales and Marketing. "While meeting and exceeding all AAMA 611 specifications for anodizing, the acid etch anodic process is far better in hiding extrusion surface imperfections than caustic etch anodizing. It virtually eliminates the appearance of visual streaks and die lines while providing a superior uniform matte finish."
More environmentally friendly and greener than a conventional caustic etch process, the acid etch process requires less etching time, which significantly reduces the amount of waste sludge disposal by as much as 90%. In addition, the process enables the use of a higher percent of recycled content in extrusion billet while still maintaining high uniformity of finish.
This capital investment project is the second of importance in recent months. In the 3rd quarter of 2008, Bonnell Aluminum announced a $25 million expansion project for its Carthage, Tennessee facility, with the addition of a 5,500 ton hydraulic extrusion press, handling systems and ancillary equipment, specifically engineered to extrude products requiring critical surfaces for high profile exposed architectural applications. The new press will be capable of producing aluminum extruded profiles up to 16 inches of width.
"2009 will be a year building significant opportunities for architects, designers, and engineers," added Endres. "Not only will Bonnell have the press range the commercial architectural market has desired for many years, we will also be supplying anodized finishes that are more environmentally friendly in addition to providing a consistently better surface appearance. Once again, Bonnell Aluminum is strengthening its position as the market leader by providing its customers with the full product line and services that set us apart from the competition."
About Bonnell Aluminum
Bonnell is a subsidiary of Richmond Va., based Tredegar Corporation (NYSE: TG) and is North America's premier aluminum extrusion supplier to architectural nonresidential construction markets. The company produces soft-alloy aluminum extrusions primarily for building and construction, distribution, transportation, machinery and equipment, electrical and consumer durables markets.
For additional information please visit www.bonlalum.com .
CONTACT: Guy J. Charpentier, Marketing Manager, Bonnell Aluminum, +1-770-254-7649
