Anodized Aluminum Printing (Open Pore)
DCS's Direct Jet solvent inkjet printers* allow you to print full-color, photo-quality images, logos and text directly onto anodized (open-pore) aluminum. Printing on anodized aluminum has never been so effective or fast. Applications for anodized printing include barcodes, signage, plaques, awards, labels and panels.
DuraJet™: Open-Pored Aluminum for Sub-Surface Color Printing in Aluminum
Use your Direct Jet printer in conjunction with DuraJet™ open-pored aluminum from Horizons Imaging Systems Group for revolutionary sub-surface color printing on anodized aluminum. This imaging system allows you to digitally create durable, full-color images on anodized aluminum and subsequently seal the image under the anodized layer, making it virtually impervious to abrasion, chemicals, moisture, humidity and salt spray. Anodized aluminum printing has been challenging in the past, but DuraJet™ makes the process long-lasting and simple.
(Click thumbnails to enlarge & view all photos)
DuraJet Benefits
- Full-color inkjet printing with the modern, high-quality look of anodized aluminum
- Impervious to abrasion, chemicals, moisture, humidity and graffiti
- Digital process: short run and variable data friendly
- Easy to use and reliable: digital process requires no screens
- Lower acquisition costs than comparable systems such as metal screen printing
DuraJet open-pored aluminum is engineered to absorb DCS's Multisolve™ IR4 Solvent inks. After printing, DuraJet is "sealed," protecting the image inside the metal itself. Unlike other open-pored aluminum, DuraJet is extremely stable and will not seal unless plates are put through the sealing process. That means that DuraJet has a long shelf life.
Applications
- Barcodes – Print durable variable-data plates in full color
- Signage & Wayfinding – Print full-color, high-value metal signage that is cleanable and durable
- Plaques & Awards – Create company awards, ISO certification plaques and patent reproductions
- Labels & Panels – Create full-color, durable industrial metal labels and panels
DuraJet is available in 10" x 12" (254mm x 305mm) and 12" x 20" (305mm x 508mm) sheets that are .020" thick (.51mm), in both satin and matte finishes for a versatile range of anodized printing. Custom thicknesses and sizes are available. See the full list of sizes, finishes and ordering information here.
* The DuraJet anodized aluminum process cannot be used in conjunction with our UV LED printers. Please use a solvent inkjet printer for this process.
DuraJet Durability Characteristics
| Application | Test Condition | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Outdoor Exposure | 1,000 hrs of accelerated UV/weather with Q-Sun XE-3/HS** | Slight dulling of image* |
| Abrasion Exposure | 7,000 cycles on a Taber Abraser, CS17 with 1Kg wheel load | Slight dulling of surface |
| Marine Exposure | 5% at 95°F for 700 hrs of salt fog exposure as per ASTM B117 | No Effect |
| Corrosive/Chemical Exposure | 24 hr immersion in MIL-STD-810G fluids | No Effect |
| High Temperature Exposure | 1 hour in 500°F air oven | Slight dulling of image |
Comparison to Other Aluminum Print Methods
DuraJet is engineered to give your business an edge by creating higher-quality, higher-value products at lower acquisition and usage costs than UV inkjet and screen printing on metal systems. With DuraJet you can profitably service short-run, full-color jobs previously inaccessible due to screen reclamation and set-up costs from with color changes and variable information.
** Test Ongoing
Horizons ISG does not warrant performance of its materials in any environment.