looking for aluminum

[Brian Robison]

Hi Gang,
I'm looking for black laserable aluminum, .012" thick, with a brushed aluminum look underneath. I don't see it in Johnson's or JDS.

[Joe Pelonio]

I have never seen that.

If it has brushed aluminum underneath, the surface will also be brushed (show through). You might just get plain brushed aluminum and spray it with paint to engrave through. I've even brushed my own but that's a little tricky to get to look good and even.

[David Lavaneri]

Brian,

You'll find that most aluminum from engraving supply houses will be either .020 or .025 inch thickness.

Occasionally, I've seen .015 inch, but it's been sublimation aluminum.

Most (if not all) laserable aluminum I've seen engraves with a shiney image and not satin or brushed.

David "The Stunt Engraver" Lavaneri

[Mike Null]

Brian

this may be a do it yourself project. Check your local sheet metal distributor and find a good quality paint.

[Brian Robison]

I think I may just pass on this one. The sample I have looks more like a satin underneath than brushed. I was only going by the print. I didn't measure the thickness of the sample to see if it conforms to the print yet. I'll do that today.

[Mike Null]

It is possible that your sample was engraved using a burnishing process with a rotating diamond tool.

[Brian Robison]

It looks laser engraved to me. I can't feel any edge to the engraving.

[Dave Johnson29]

The sample I have looks more like a satin underneath than brushed.


Hi Brian,

Not sure where you will get 0.012" aluminum but you could try...

http://www.industrialmetalsupply.com/

We get all our aluminum from them.

To get the satin finish use Caustic soda (Lye) in about a 10% concentration in water, let the aluminum soak for about 3 to 10 minutes until it looks right. Rinse off with water. Use rubber gloves and a clear plastic face shield. The concentration is not so great that it will eat skin, but a splash will sting the cr.p out of your lips. Don't ask!! (my mantra! :))

[Joe Pelonio]

I have used Metal Supermarkets, which has 3 local stores. I see they have one in Nashville which is likely closest to you.

.016 and .02

http://www.metalsupermarkets.com/

[Chuck Thoits]

http://www.quickshipmetals.com/brass-brass-coil-sheeting.html might try these guys