Dubai-based Gulf Extrusions - one of the largest extrusion plants in the Gulf with a 25-year history of top quality extrusion - has introduced new technology which enables it to widen the colour range of anodised aluminium profiles to include a spectrum of different shades of blue and green.

'The new colours give architects a wide range of colour options to suit their design requirements while adding an aesthetic touch,' says a spokesman for the Jebel Ali-based extruder.
Known as Spectrocolour 2000, the process involves modification of the oxide layer and deposition of metal in the aluminium oxide pores. As in traditional electro-colouring, the different colours are obtained as a result of reflection and refraction of light. This principle ensures improved colour stability compared to colouring with organic dyes, according to the spokesman.

He says that Spectrocolour 2000 meets, and in some cases exceeds, the international UV (ultraviolet)-light quality standards. The high quality of the process of application also meets international standards when all the working parameters are met.

Profiles featuring Spectrocolour 2000 can be used on a wide range of applications, both outdoor (window profiles and panels) and indoor (panels, shower enclosures and door handles). The other applications include bicycle wheels and small parts, he says.

Spectrocolour 2000 is a two-step colouring process that is achieved through harmonised steps of anodizing and colouring, and can be run in conventional anodising lines without requiring additional tanks. The process can be used in a conventional line, by providing a special power supply for the colouring step and making a few electrical modifications.

The reproduction of the exact colour load-to-load as well as colour uniformity within each load can be easily achieved by regulating the various process parameters such as power supply, temperature, filtration and colouring chemicals, the spokesman says.

The company claims that Spectrocolour offers several advantages. It: