What Is Mirror Aluminium？

What is Mirror Aluminium

Mirror Aluminium is a material with mirror-like optical effect by taking aluminium or aluminium alloy (such as 1-series pure aluminium, 3-series aluminium-manganese alloy, 5-series aluminium-magnesium alloy, etc.) as the substrate, and through grinding, polishing and surface treatment, the surface roughness of the material is extremely low (usually Ra≤0.1μm), and the reflectivity can be more than 90%. It combines the light weight and easy processing characteristics of aluminium with the high reflective properties of mirror.

Difference between Mirror Aluminium and Ordinary Aluminium

Appearance

Mirror aluminium: has a very high surface finish and flatness, can reflect light like a mirror, presenting a bright, clear mirror effect, visually more upscale and gorgeous.

Ordinary aluminium: the surface is relatively rough, low gloss, usually showing a matte or semi-matte state, the ability to reflect light is weaker, the appearance is more ordinary.

Production process

Mirror aluminium: the production process is more complicated. Generally on the basis of the aluminium substrate, after a number of fine grinding, polishing and other processes to remove surface imperfections and unevenness, so that the surface to achieve a mirror-like smoothness. Some will also undergo special chemical treatment or coating treatment to improve its corrosion and wear resistance.

Ordinary aluminium: the production process is relatively simple, usually after melting, casting, rolling and other basic processes, simple surface treatment, such as anodic oxidation, paint, etc., to improve its corrosion resistance and decorative, but will not carry out highly detailed grinding and polishing.

Performance characteristics

Mirror Aluminium: In addition to some of the basic properties of ordinary aluminium, such as light weight, corrosion resistance, etc., its outstanding performance lies in its excellent reflective properties. This makes it perform well in some application scenarios that require high reflectivity, such as lamp reflectors, solar reflective panels and so on. At the same time, it is relatively easy to clean due to its smooth surface, which is not easy to get dust and dirt.

Ordinary aluminium: It has good corrosion resistance, workability and electrical conductivity. However, it is not as good as mirror aluminium in terms of reflective properties, surface smoothness and ease of cleaning. However, the performance of ordinary aluminium can meet the needs of most conventional applications, such as building doors and windows, automotive parts, etc.

Areas of application

Mirror-finish aluminium:

It is often used in areas that require a highly decorative appearance or have special requirements for reflective properties. For example, high-grade curtain walls in architectural decoration, top corner lines and decorative strips in interior decoration; reflectors for lamps in the lighting field, which can effectively improve the light efficiency of lamps; shells for electronic products, such as mobile phones and tablet PCs, which can enhance the appearance of the product texture; and mirrors in the field of solar energy, which are used to improve the collection efficiency of solar energy.

Ordinary aluminium:

the scope of application is much wider, covering a wide range of fields such as construction, automotive, aerospace, electrical and electronic, daily necessities and so on. In construction, it is used for door and window frames, roof panels, balcony railings, etc.; in automobile manufacturing, it is used for body structural parts, engine parts, wheel hubs, etc.; in daily necessities, it is used for making pots and pans and other kitchenware as well as furniture fittings.

Is anodised aluminium mirror aluminium?

Anodic Aluminium Oxide:

It is to form a layer of aluminium oxide film on the surface of aluminium products by electrolysis. This process first puts the aluminium product as anode into a specific electrolyte, and after the electricity is energized, an oxidation reaction occurs on the aluminium surface, forming a hard, wear-resistant and corrosion-resistant oxide film. This oxide film can be controlled in terms of thickness and performance through the adjustment of electrolysis parameters and electrolyte composition.

Mirror Aluminium:

It is the surface of aluminium substrate that undergoes several fine grinding, polishing and other mechanical processing procedures to make the surface reach mirror-like smoothness. Some mirror aluminium products will also undergo anodic oxidation and other surface treatments after grinding and polishing to improve its corrosion resistance and wear resistance.

Appearance characteristics

Anodized Aluminium: The surface usually shows a uniform matte or semi-matte effect, with a rich variety of colours, which is because the oxide film can be dyed or electrolytically coloured to obtain a variety of colours through processes such as dyeing or electrolytic colouring. However, its surface will not have a strong reflection effect like a mirror.

Mirror Aluminium: It has a very high surface finish and gloss, and can reflect objects clearly like a mirror, presenting a bright, dazzling metallic luster.

Performance Characteristics

Anodized aluminium: has good corrosion resistance, wear resistance and insulation. The oxide film can effectively protect the aluminium substrate from the erosion of the external environment and prolong its service life. At the same time, it is harder than the aluminium substrate itself and can withstand a certain degree of friction and wear.

Mirror-finish aluminium: The main feature is its excellent reflective properties, reflecting light efficiently. In terms of corrosion and abrasion resistance, although ground and polished mirror-finish aluminium also has a certain degree of protection, its performance is inferior to that of anodised aluminium if no subsequent surface treatment is carried out. In order to improve the corrosion resistance and other properties of mirror-finish aluminium, treatments such as anodising or coating with a protective film are usually carried out on its surface.