WHY IS ANODIZED ALUMINUM FRAME BETTER FOR YOUR TENT POLE?
Anodized aluminum is one of the two most common tent pole materials available today; steel being the other one. Most upper-mid to high-end tent and gazebo poles are made of anodized aluminum. Despite being more expensive than steel, the lightness, durability, and aesthetic appeal of an anodized aluminum frame make it worth the investment.
Anodized aluminum tent poles are exceptionally strong and light. Their strength to weight ratio is quite high, making them very flexible and highly desirable among event planners, campers, and party organizers alike.
And it is this anodizing nature of aluminum, which gives it incredible strength, ductility, and versatility.
SO, WHAT IS ANODIZING?
Anodizing is an electrochemical process. It converts surface of a metal into an anodic oxide that originates from the aluminum substrate called as aluminum oxide. The oxide is decorative, durable, and anti-corrosive.
Aluminum allows anodizing naturally, although nonferrous metals such as titanium and magnesium can also be anodized.
The oxide is not applied to the metal surface like paint but is part of the underlying aluminum substrate layer instead. This prevents it from chipping or peeling off. The oxide has a heavily ordered and porous structure, allowing processes such as sealing and coloring over it.
HOW IS ANODIZING DONE ON ALUMINUM?
Anodizing is basically a highly controlled oxidation reaction, which is a natural phenomenon.
Aluminum is immersed into a bath containing acid electrolyte and an electric current is passed through this medium. The cathode mounted inside anodizing tank acts as anode, releasing free oxygen ions that combine with aluminum atoms on the surface that is being anodized.
With this new protective covering, aluminum can now resist corrosion and offers enhanced resistance to everyday wear and tear.
Anodized finishes have made aluminum as the most preferred material for producing consumer, commercial, and industrial products. Some of these include tent poles, gazebo frames, appliances, furniture, sporting goods and boats, vehicle components, and structural and architectural components, etc.
THE BENEFITS OF ANODIZED ALUMINUM FRAME FOR TENTS AND GAZEBOS
- Durability
Unlike painting or polishing, anodizing is a reacted finish which is the result of an electrochemical process. This is why it provides unmatched adhesion, high bonding, and an extremely long and durable life.
- Color stability
Anodic coatings are stable against UV rays. They do not chip or peel off like ordinary paints, thereby maintaining their sheen for extended time periods.
- Low-maintenance
Damage from fabrication, handling, installation, frequent setup and dismantling, and surface cleaning is virtually non-existent on anodized aluminum. Any dirt or slime can be easily cleaned up with simple soap and water.
- Economically viable
An inexpensive initial finishing cost, low maintenance, and reduced operational costs add up to high long-term gains on anodized aluminum poles. Because of this, anodized aluminum tent poles offer significant economic advantages in the long run.
- Safety and Health
Anodizing, as a process, is not harmful to human health.
- Anodized surface is inert,
- It does not decompose,
- Anodized surface is non-toxic, and;
- It is resistant to the melting point of aluminum (1,221oF).
Moreover, since it reinforces the naturally occurring oxidation process, anodizing is non-hazardous and does not produce harmful by-products.
All Extreme Canopy tents and gazebo frames are made of anodized aluminum to ensure long-life and premium quality to our customers.
Want to see it for yourself? Buy our metallic, anodized X6 Velocity and X7 Tectonic Range outdoor event tents. These are available in 6 standard frame colors and 3 sizes of 10’x10’, 10’x15’, and 10’x20’ with heavy-duty anodized aluminum frame and 500D PVC coated polyester plain and 600D, PU coated printed fabrics.