AlumiColor

[Tim Bateson]

I've seen these full color photos on anodized aluminum called AlumiColor. I'm assuming this is a chemical process? Does anyone have any working knowledge of this material?

[Martin Boekers]

I don't have working knowledge of it, seen it a few times. Colors weren't
photographic quality, but none the less wasn't a bad reproduction considering
its usage. It's appears to be a multi-step process, and probably expensive!

Here's the website for Matthews that produces it.

http://www.matthewsbronze.net/Alumicolor/AlumicolorProcess.html


Marty

[Dee Gallo]

Sounds like a color laser printer for metal plates, using electrical pulses to place pigment. Just my guess.

:) dee

[Larry Bratton]

It appears to me that matthews manufactures the substrate or at least has a proprietary deal on it as well as fabricating the signs,printed with a 4 color process. This gives more info.
http://www.matthewsbronze.net/Alumicolor/A65AlumicolorProductSpecs.pdf

[Martin Boekers]

it says they have to make films for each color so it sounds more like a screen process.

From what I gather they treat the alum to open "pores" to accept the ink.
I'm just guessing here but I imagine they screen it to a decal type
substrate which can wash away or dissolve in the annodizing process.

Again, I am assuming the inks are annodizing inks.

Nifty idea though, so many trying to put full color in their process.

Marty

[Tim Bateson]

Matthews is the vendor I'm working with. It just so happens a sample came in the mail today. Very impressive quality.
My customer is trying to decide between this color photo and a 3-D bronze image of their new building - this is the top part a bronze dedication plaque.

[Mike Null]

Tim

You can rely on Matthews to produce the highest quality products. Nobody is their equal.

[Tim Bateson]

Thanks Mike. Their prices seem reasonable as well.