Suisse Pliage — Materials

METAL CHARACTERISTICS

Properties and surface treatments of alloys used in sheet metal bending: aluminium, galvanised steel and stainless steel.

Section 01

ALUMINIUM

Aluminium is one of the most widely used metals in modern industry owing to its properties:

Lightweight

Machinability

Corrosion resistance

Non-toxic

Infinitely recyclable

Alloys used

Aluminium sheet	Alloy
Raw aluminium	1050 (A5)
Anodised aluminium	5005 (A-G06)
Pre-painted aluminium	3003/3005 H24
Chequer plate aluminium	5754 H111

Surface treatments

Aluminium is virtually unalterable, apart from a thin superficial oxide layer that gives it a dull appearance. Two treatments can improve its surface quality:

Anodising

Electrolytic treatment with a chemical deposit of approx. 15 microns. Harder, electrically insulating and aesthetically pleasing surface. Matt finish, metallic grey or bronze colour.

Powder coating

3 phases: chemical surface treatment → electrostatic powder application → oven curing. Guarantees adhesion, anti-corrosion performance and finish quality.

Maintenance of anodised aluminium

Wash with water and a wetting agent (Teepol or similar), followed by thorough rinsing with clean water and wiping with a soft cloth. For heavy soiling, use specialist cleaning and polishing products.

⚠ Strictly avoid: aggressive detergents, alkaline or acidic products (hydrochloric acid, sulphuric acid, nitric acid, vinegar, ammonia, potash, soda…), abrasive pads (steel wool, emery paper).

ALUMINIUM PRODUCT RANGE

Product	Description / Applications	Available thicknesses
Alinox sheet	Brushed stainless steel appearance, fingerprint-resistant. Fitted interiors, furniture, hospitals, lighting, lifts, decoration.	1 — 1.5 — 2 mm
Chequer plate	Anti-slip relief (dry, greasy, wet). Resistance to abrasion, impact and rolling loads. Decorative use.	1 — 1.5 — 2 mm
Raw sheet	Fitted interiors, furniture, hospitals, lighting, lifts, decorative finishes.	1 — 1.5 — 2 mm
Anodised sheet	Fitted interiors, furniture, hospitals, lighting, lifts, decorative finishes.	1.5 mm
Pre-painted sheet	Continuous factory painting. Flexible coating allows bending without cracking. Maintenance: water + mild detergent.	1 — 1.5 — 2 mm
Post-painted sheet	Powder coating of visible face after finishing. For parts outside the standard pre-painted range.	1 — 1.5 — 2 — 3 — 4 — 5 — 6 mm
Perforated sheet	Raw perforated aluminium (wide choice of references). Ventilation grilles, decoration, protection.	1 — 1.5 — 2 mm

Section 02

GALVANISED STEEL

Steel is essentially composed of an alloy of iron and carbon. Its main properties:

Strength

Formability

Machinability & welding

Non-toxic

Recyclable

Corrosion-sensitive

Steel sheet types available

Sheet type	Description & treatment	Protection required
Raw steel (black sheet)	As-rolled, non-degreased, non-pickled.	Paint / varnish mandatory
Hot-rolled, pickled and oiled	Acid bath pickling (removes mill scale) then oiling for temporary protection. Attractive aesthetic.	Paint / varnish mandatory
Galvanised steel	Zinc coating by hot-dip galvanising. Visually similar to zinc. Better corrosion resistance.	No additional protection needed
Pre-painted steel	Cold-rolled, zinc-coated and painted. Main thickness: 75/100. Maintenance: water + mild detergent.	No additional protection needed
Corten steel	Supplied without the rusted appearance. Oxidises via redox reaction on contact with air. Oxidation can be accelerated (hydrogen peroxide, salt water, etc.).	Natural self-protecting patina

Section 03

STAINLESS STEEL

Stainless steel 304L contains nickel and chromium, giving it high corrosion resistance. It is the material of choice for kitchen and outdoor applications, thanks to its mechanical properties and excellent workability (cold forming, welding).

Available finishes

Finish	Description & application
Raw stainless	Acid-pickled and oiled for corrosion protection.
Brushed stainless	Fine-grain mechanical brushing. Protective film removed after installation. Recommended for decorative applications.
Mirror-polished stainless	High-reflectivity mechanical polishing. True mirror effect.
Perforated stainless	Cold-rolled sheet, zinc-coated and painted. Main thickness: 75/100.

Stainless steel maintenance: washing with soap and water is generally sufficient. Avoid coarse abrasive pads (steel wool, emery paper). Always follow the grain direction when scrubbing.

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Suisse Pliage — Materials

METAL CHARACTERISTICS

Aluminium, galvanised steel and stainless steel.

Section 01

ALUMINIUM

Aluminium is one of the most widely used metals owing to its properties:

Lightweight		Machinability

Corrosion resistance		Non-toxic

Infinitely recyclable

Alloys used

Sheet	Alloy
Raw aluminium	1050 (A5)
Anodised aluminium	5005 (A-G06)
Pre-painted aluminium	3003/3005 H24
Chequer plate	5754 H111

Surface treatments

Two treatments improve surface quality:

Anodising

Electrolytic treatment ~15 microns. Hard, insulating surface. Matt metallic grey or bronze finish.

Powder coating

3 phases: chemical treatment → electrostatic powder → oven curing.

Anodised aluminium maintenance

Water + wetting agent, thorough rinse, soft cloth.

⚠ Strictly avoid: aggressive detergents, acids/alkalis, abrasive pads.

ALUMINIUM RANGE

Product	Thicknesses
Alinox sheet	1 — 1.5 — 2 mm
Chequer plate	1 — 1.5 — 2 mm
Raw sheet	1 — 1.5 — 2 mm
Anodised sheet	1.5 mm
Pre-painted sheet	1 — 1.5 — 2 mm
Post-painted sheet	1 to 6 mm
Perforated sheet	1 — 1.5 — 2 mm