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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 signs are lightweight and relatively inexpensive, but
one of the major reasons that businesses choose aluminum signs 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.

Visit Our Aluminum Signs Page For More Information

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