In the aluminum plate processing, surface scratches are a common issue that often results from improper operation. These scratches not only damage the surface integrity but also significantly affect the aesthetic appearance and market value of aluminum products. If scratches have already occurred, prompt and proper treatment is essential. Below is a detailed guide on how to address aluminum plate surface scratches and prevent their occurrence.
I. Effective Treatment Methods for Existing Scratches
Aluminum plate surface scratches are repairable, and the solutions mainly fall into two categories: physical and chemical treatments. For optimal results, these two methods are often used in combination to achieve a high-quality decorative finish.
1. Physical Treatment: Mechanical Polishing
This method is primarily applied to deep scratches that cannot be removed by chemical means alone. Common mechanical polishing techniques include:
- Sandblasting: Uses high-pressure abrasive particles to evenly abrade the aluminum surface, smoothing deep scratches while creating a uniform matte or textured finish.
- Brushing: Employs abrasive brushes to rub the surface in a consistent direction, eliminating deep scratches and forming a neat, linear texture that enhances the product’s visual appeal.
Mechanical polishing effectively restores the surface flatness of aluminum plates, making it suitable for industrial parts and decorative materials with obvious surface damage.
2. Chemical Treatment: Chemical Polishing
Ideal for shallow scratches, this method uses specialized chemical reagents to gently etch the aluminum surface. The sharp edges of scratches have a larger contact area with the reagent, leading to faster corrosion than the surrounding smooth surface. After chemical polishing:
- Shallow scratches are completely eliminated without damaging the base material.
- The aluminum surface becomes bright, smooth, and glossy, meeting high decorative requirements for applications like architectural decoration and consumer electronics.
II. Prevention Tips to Avoid Scratches in Processing
Preventing scratches during aluminum plate processing is more efficient than post-treatment. Incorporate the following measures into your production and handling processes:
- Die Maintenance: For alloy aluminum plates, ensure the working belts of extrusion dies are polished to a smooth finish. Check that the die’s relief cavities are sufficient and free of burrs or roughness that could cause scratches.
- Die Closure Control: During production, monitor the formation of mold joint lines. If any lines appear on the aluminum surface, stop production immediately to adjust or repair the die, preventing continuous scratch generation.
- Sawing Process: After each sawing operation, promptly clean up aluminum chips and debris from the workbench and cutting area to avoid secondary scratches caused by residual particles.
- CNC Machining: Regularly inspect and clean the fixtures used in CNC machining to remove residual aluminum slag or debris that may scratch the plate surface during clamping or processing.
- Conveyor & Turntable Management: Check unloading conveyors, turntables, and graphite strips for hard inclusions (such as metal shavings or sand particles). Ensure these components are clean to prevent direct contact between hard impurities and the aluminum plate.
- Gentle Handling: During loading, unloading, and transportation, handle alloy aluminum plates with care. Avoid dragging, flipping, or dropping the plates to minimize surface impact and friction.
- Proper Stacking: Arrange aluminum plates in an orderly manner during storage. Use protective films or separators between layers to prevent mutual friction and scratches.