Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to our most common questions below. If you cannot find the information you need, please contact us and we will be happy to assist.

General

Astro Aluminium was founded in 1998, and the Group has grown steadily since then to include anodising, powder coating, and several of its own branded product lines.

Yes. Astro Aluminium, Astro Anodising, Astro Quip and Slide ‘n Space all operate under a quality management system compliant with ISO 9001:2015.

Yes. This is the core of our turnkey offering. We manage sourcing, fabrication, and surface finishing in-house, removing the need to coordinate multiple suppliers.

Aluminium Sourcing & Supply

We supply a wide range of extruded and rolled aluminium products, including round and square tube, round and square bar, rectangular tube, angle, channel, flat bar, slat sections, sheet, and tread plate. Products are available in mill finish or surface-finished form, including anodised finishes.

Yes. Where a specific section, profile, or finish is not available as standard stock, we can source it on your behalf or, where applicable, develop a custom extrusion to meet your requirements.

Please enquire directly, as minimum quantities may vary depending on the product, section, and finish required. Our team will advise based on your specific requirements.

We package aluminium products using professional equipment and established procedures appropriate to the product type and stage of manufacture.

Aluminium Fabrication

Yes. We assist with the full design and development of custom extrusion dies, from initial brief through to production, using in-house CAD software and an established track record in custom profile development.

Yes. Anodising and powder coating are available in-house following fabrication, allowing a project to move through the full manufacturing process under one roof without being shipped between separate service providers.

Aluminium Anodising

Anodising is an electro-chemical process that increases the thickness and density of the natural oxide layer on the surface of aluminium. Unlike paint or plating, the anodised layer is integrated into the surface of the metal rather than applied on top of it, which means it cannot peel, flake, or crack under normal conditions.

The process takes its name from the role the component plays in the electrolytic circuit: the part to be treated forms the anode, which is immersed in an acid electrolyte bath and subjected to an electrical current. This builds up the oxide layer to a controlled thickness, measured in microns.

The result is a surface that is harder and more durable than untreated aluminium, resistant to corrosion and UV exposure, and available in a wide range of colours through the application of dyes during the anodising process.

  • The anodised layer is part of the metal, not a coating applied on top of it
  • Significantly harder and more adherent than most paints or platings
  • Resistant to corrosion, UV exposure, and fading
  • Available in a wide range of colours and finishes
  • Increases component lifespan and range of use
  • Recommended as a pretreatment before powder coating for coastal and high-exposure applications

We can anodise work up to 3.3m in length across our semi-architectural and brightening division.

Bright anodising produces a reflective, high-gloss surface, while matt anodising produces a lower-sheen, diffused finish. Both are available across our standard colour range, with the exception of green, which is only available for components 500mm x 500mm in size.

Yes. Natural anodising is recommended for coastal applications due to its superior corrosion resistance and durability. We offer architectural anodising to thickness specifications of 15 or 25 microns.

Yes. Natural anodising is an effective pretreatment for powder-coated finishes and is widely recommended for applications requiring superior corrosion resistance. Where powder coating is required, this can be accommodated through Astro Powder Coating.

Aluminium Powder Coating

Powder coating is a dry finishing process in which a free-flowing powder is applied electrostatically to a metal surface and then cured under heat. Unlike conventional liquid paint, which relies on an evaporating solvent to set, powder coating forms a continuous film as it melts and flows during the curing process, producing a finish that is harder, more durable, and more consistent than paint.

We can powder coat lengths up to 4m, as well as components of various sizes.

Powder coating increases a part or component’s lifespan and range of use, making it a preferred finishing method across household appliances, architectural aluminium, automotive parts, and general industrial applications.

  • Harder and tougher than conventional liquid paint
  • Resistant to chipping, fading, scratching, and corrosion
  • Well suited to parts exposed to sunlight and environmental conditions
  • Easy to maintain over long periods
  • Available in a wide range of colours and finishes

Natural anodising is an effective pretreatment for powder-coated finishes and is widely recommended for applications requiring superior corrosion resistance, particularly in coastal environments. Where anodising is required before powder coating, this can be accommodated through Astro Anodising.

Powder coating produces a finish that is harder and tougher than conventional liquid paint, resistant to chipping, fading, scratching, and corrosion. It is well suited to parts exposed to sunlight and environmental conditions, and is easy to maintain over long periods.

Yes. Powder coating is resistant to UV exposure and environmental conditions, making it well suited to external applications. For coastal environments specifically, natural anodising as a pretreatment before powder coating is recommended for superior corrosion resistance.

Surface Preparation Methods

The most appropriate method depends on the material, size, and current surface condition of the component. Bead blasting is the most versatile option for aluminium and steel. Soda blasting is recommended for aluminium components requiring a gentler approach. Tumbling is recommended for small batch components requiring polishing and deburring. If you are unsure, please enquire directly and our team will advise.

Bead blasting and tumbling are both suitable before powder coating. Soda blasting is not typically used before powder coating. Correct preparation is essential to achieving a durable, well-bonded powder-coated finish.

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