Alfisteel process
Impressive stainless steel finish on anodised aluminium
What is the Alfisteel process?
When searching for a low-priced alternative for expensive stainless steel surfaces, it is worthwhile having a look at the Alfisteel process. It is the ideal solution for replicating decorative stainless steel shadings of light to medium colour intensity. The Alfisteel process is an electrolytic two-step dyeing system on a nickel compound base which has been developed for anodised aluminium surfaces. The process is similar to the conventional tin dyeing technique and is achieved with the Alfisteel 680 product. For many years, the Alfisteel process has been used for instance for colouring metal kitchen fittings or components for railings.
Verified high quality
In-house analyses as well as various successfully run test series conducted by a renowned systems manufacturer have shown excellent light fastness and a high degree of corrosion protection of the dyed and sealed surfaces. The results speak for themselves:
- Humidity test DIN EN ISO 6270-2 CH
1000 h - Neutral salt spray test DIN EN ISO 9227 NSS
1000 h - Light fastness QUV test DIN EN 4892-3 (A slight darkening may become apparent after 950 h)
300 h
Advantages:
Reproducible stainless steel colours and uniform shading on anodised aluminium
Electrolytically dyed oxide layers, consequently a verifiably high level of colour stability
Consistent operations and process reliability thanks to stabilised dye solutions
Long bath life though low maintenance effort
Particularly decorative surfaces are possible in combination with mechanical pretreatment
Can be easily integrated into existing facilities
Plant equipment from tin colouring process can be used
Individual components can be analysed; simple process management
Simple mode of operation
Typical dyeing parameters:
100 - 130 g/l
12 - 15 g/l
7 - 10 points
Dyeing time
Temperature
Current
Alficolor 680
Sulphuric acid
Correction solution 681
0.5 – 3 minutes, depending on colour intensity
18 – 21°C
AC, 50 Hz, 14-20 V, 0.2-1.0 A/dm²
Typical range of colours