Coated mirror aluminum introduction
Coated mirror aluminum materials are popular in the market these years. We can see it applied in Lighting reflector decorations, solar heat-collecting reflective materials, interior and exterior building decorations, home appliance panels, electronic product casings, furniture and kitchens, and other fields.
Process technology：
- STEP 1: A mirror aluminum sheet is made of alloy aluminum plate through continuous rolling processing through mirror rollers so that the alloy aluminum plate or aluminum alloy plate surface shows the actual effect of mirror glass;
- STEP 2: Mirror aluminum coil adopts rolling technology to make the plate surface smooth;
- STEP 3: Grinding and polishing;
- STEP 4: DO coating process according to client requirement.
Mirror coated aluminum characteristics:
High Reflectivity: Mirror aluminum sheets can reflect a significant percentage of light, often over 90%, depending on the coating and finish.
Smooth Surface: The surface of these sheets is polished or coated to create a smooth finish, which is essential for effective light reflection.
Lightweight: Aluminum is a lightweight material, making mirror aluminum sheets easier to handle and install compared to glass mirrors.
The alloys can be used in mirror aluminum.
Mirror aluminum requires high demand for aluminum alloy to satisfy resistance and high-strength performance. Here are common alloys used in the production.
1000 Series aluminum
1060 and 1100 are most common in 1000 series aluminum. Among all aluminum sheet series, the pure aluminum sheet series has the highest aluminum content. The purity can reach more than 99.00%. The production process is relatively simple and the price is relatively cheap. It is the most commonly used series.
Chemical Composition Limits
Limits are in weight percent maximum unless shown as a range or stated otherwise.
| Alloy | Si | Fe | Cu | Mn | Mg | Cr | Zin | Ti | Other | Al |
| 1060 | 0.25 | 0.35 | 0.05 | 0.03 | 0.03 | / | 0.05 | 0.03 | / | 99.6 min |
| 1100 | 0.95 | 0.05-0.2 | 0.05 | / | / | 0.1 | / | 0.15 | 99 | |
5000 series aluminum
5000 series aluminum alloy can also be called aluminum-magnesium alloy. The representative alloys are 5005, 5052, and 5454. 5000 series aluminum alloy plate has the best mirror effect.
Chemical Composition Limits
Limits are in weight percent maximum unless shown as a range or stated otherwise.
| Alloy | Si | Fe | Cu | Mn | Mg | Cr | Zin | Ti | Other | Al |
| 5005 | 0.3 | 0.7 | 0.2 | 0.2 | 0.5-1.1 | 0.1 | 0.25 | / | 0.15 | Remain |
| 5052 | 0.25 | 0.4 | 0.1 | 0.1 | 2.2-2.8 | 0.15-0.35 | 0.1 | / | 0.15 | Remain |
| 5454 | 0.25 | 0.4 | 0.1 | 0.1 | 3.1-3.9 | 0.15-0.35 | 0.2 | 0.2 | 0.15 | Remain |
8000 series aluminum
8011 and 8021 aluminum mirror coils are classified to mirror aluminum foil. It should be laminated with other materials and then applied in the industry.
Chemical Composition Limits
Limits are in weight percent maximum unless shown as a range or stated otherwise.
| Alloy | Si | Fe | Cu | Mn | Mg | Cr | Zn | Ti | Other | Al |
| 8011 | 0.5-0.9 | 0.6-1.0 | 0.1 | 0.2 | 0.05 | 0.05 | 0.1 | .08 | 0.15 | Remain |
| 8021 | 0.05-0.15 | 1.2-1.7 | 0.05 | 0.005-0.01 | / | 0.5-1 | / | / | / | Remain |
Coated mirror aluminum types
Polishing mirror aluminum
You can get polishing mirror aluminum after base production. There are no paints on polishing mirror aluminum so reflectivity can achieve 90%. Besides, the electrostatic and low-viscosity protective film needs to be adopted to protect the mirror effect.
- Alloy：1060 H14/H22/H24
- Thickness：0.2 - 3.0 mm
- Reflectivity：90%
PE-coated mirror aluminum
Based on polished aluminum, PE-coated mirror aluminum asks to paint one side at least. Now PE paints are used more in the mirror aluminum coating process.
- Alloy：1060 H14/H22/H24
- Thickness：0.2 - 1.5 mm
- Reflectivity：85%
- Coating type: PE 12 my
- Common colors: Black, gold, rosy, and customized color.
Anodized mirror aluminum
Anodizing is an electrochemical process. The process creates an oxide film on the aluminum surface that will not crack or peel off.
It can retain the natural metallic luster of the aluminum itself, which is why anodized mirror aluminum is often used.
- Alloy：1070/5052
- Oxide film thickness:≥15 microns
- Reflectivity: 80%
Mirror film laminated aluminum.
A laminate layer is applied to the aluminum surface to achieve a mirror finish. This type is common in applications where high reflectivity is needed without extensive surface treatment.
Coated mirror aluminum applications
- Architecture and interior design: Mirror aluminum is widely used in building facades, ceilings, and decorative panels. Its reflective properties help improve energy efficiency and create visually appealing designs.
- Lighting: One of the most important applications of mirror-polished aluminum is in the lighting industry. It is used in reflectors and lamps to maximize the efficiency of light sources.
- Automotive Industry: In the automotive sector, mirror-coated aluminum is used for trim, decorative elements, and reflective components. It provides a stylish, modern look while being lightweight, helping to improve the vehicle's overall fuel efficiency.
- Solar energy Industry: Mirror aluminum material is used in solar panels and solar thermal collectors. Its high reflectivity improves the efficiency of solar energy systems.
- Electronics: In the electronics field, mirror aluminum is used for housings and reflectors of devices such as LCD screens and other electronic devices.
- Signage and Displays: The advertising and signage industries use mirror aluminum for high-impact displays and signs. It makes signs more eye-catching and attractive. Common products include aluminum edge strips and heat transfer sheets.
Coated mirror aluminum KEY POINTS in production and delivery
Key point 1: Paint
Since the focus of color-coated mirror panels is reflectivity, the paint used must meet product requirements. The surface must have a continuous, clean, and uniform paint surface without white or black spots. This requires manufacturers to repeatedly filter when selecting paint and producing.
Key point 2: Packing
Once the mirror aluminum surface is damaged during transportation, the entire board will be unusable. We generally use multi-layer protective film and kraft paper for packaging and require it to be handled with care during transportation.
