The secret behind the success of aluminum signs
Aluminum signs have become a standard in the sign industry. Why have they become one of the top choices for outdoor signs? First let's quickly look at aluminum. Aluminum is the most abundant metal in the Earth's crust. It is also the third most abundant element. It makes up about 8% by weight of the Earth’s solid surface. The metal aluminum is not something that can be dug up like iron or gold, it is contained within ore. The primary source for aluminum metal is bauxite ore. Although aluminum salts were used by both the Greeks and Romans, it wasn't until the early 1800's that the metal aluminum was discovered. Aluminum has all of the elements to make it a superior choice when you need a sign for your business. Aluminum are lightweight and relatively inexpensive, but one of the major reasons that businesses choose is because they do not rust like other metal signs.
Why don't aluminum signs rust away?
One of the most versatile materials in the world, aluminum is also a naturally rust resistant metal. That is one reason it is the third most used metal in the world. Only iron and steel are more popular because of their strength when used in many constructions. However iron and steel will rust, as most metals will. When metals are exposed to moisture rust begins to form. This is true even of aluminum. Other metals form iron oxide which has an orange color to it and will create stains. The iron oxide also flakes off and leaves more metal exposed to moisture. Aluminum, on the other hand forms a thin, hard coating of aluminum oxide. The aluminum oxide sticks to the metal and protects it from further oxidation. The oxide coating is so thin that it is transparent, so the aluminum keeps its metallic appearance. As technology advanced they turned their attention to aluminum. It is used for a number of high-tech industries. But in the sign industry technology was kind enough to help us extend the life of aluminum signs.
How does technology extend the life of aluminum signs?
Aluminum on its own is an amazing metal. It is easy to obtain, light weight, and of course, rust resistant. How can that be improved on? Leave it to technology to find a way. These days everyone is trying to make things bigger, better, faster. And when it comes to aluminum, it worked! They took a versatile metal and made it even better. How did they do this? By adding one additional feature. The aluminum used in the sign industry is is coated with a baked on enamel finish. The enamel gives the aluminum a perfectly smooth, glossy finish. This adds to the strength of the aluminum as well as gives a surface that is perfect for creating a sign. The smooth surface allows the vinyl graphics and lettering to be so smooth they look painted on, while having a durability that matches that of the aluminum. Combining technology and nature gives us a material that needs only a little creativity to produce a sign that will help your business grow.
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